I have long wondered why God, who for decades has been routinely invited to watch over the General Assembly and guide its deliberations, has asked Mike Madigan to do that job for him. Now I know.

I felt a brief surge of hope about Congress a few weeks ago. It was returning from Easter recess, and Capitol Hill was filled with talk about immigration reform, a minimum-wage bill, a spending bill to keep the government operating, and maybe even funding for transportation infrastructure.

Suppose you’re a corporate chieftain who’s an adamant acolyte of Ayn Randian, free-enterprise fundamentalism, despising government regulation, compulsory taxation and government intervention in the purity of the holy marketplace.

LEARNING CURVES Did anyone else find it odd that Jeanne Allen of the Center for Education Reform didn’t spell out what she means when she says she wants parents to “take 20 years of lessons learned and move them into every community?” (“What parents need to know about schools,” May 22.

Some, like Rep. Elaine Nekritz, have gotten away with voting against Madigan’s rules. Nekritz explained to Madigan why she voted against them and he was impressed with her thoughtfulness. She’s since moved up the ladder to become one of the House’s most hard-working members who carries some major legislation.

Personalities, politics and power have been on parade since House Speaker Michael Madigan proposed that the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum be divorced from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and become a standalone state agency.

Illinois’ medical marijuana law was approved by lawmakers in August 2013, but the fouryear pilot program has yet to be implemented because regulations are still being approved.

The May 22 ruling came after at least three courts ruled that prosecutors need not respond to FOIA requests because they are branches of the judiciary by virtue of being created by the same article of the state constitution that created judges, who are exempt from FOIA.

The Investigating Innocence organization was formed in January 2013 by local private investigator Bill Clutter and University of Illinois Springfield students. The group connects criminal defense attorneys and private investigators to inmates who are trying to prove their innocence.

The plaintiffs each received a form letter from Illinois State Police stating that their application was rejected based on concerns from law enforcement that they pose a danger to themselves or others. The letters don’t state what agency raised concerns, nor do the letters contain any specifics on the nature of the concern.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs scandal is starting to hit closer to home. It was late 2013 when Dr. Sam Foote filed a complaint with the VA Office of Inspector General and met with newspaper reporters alleging that patients died waiting for treatment at the Phoenix VA.

These are perilous times for the working men and women of America. Recent elections have swept conservative political leaders into power in state governments across the nation and those elected officials have set their sights on the wages and benefits of workers in the public and private sectors.

Two years ago, I wrote about Stan Schutte, the central Illinois farmer whose heritage breed Tamworth pig won the national Cochon 555 competition against other regional winners in cities all around America with pork dishes created by Chicago chef Jason Vincent.

Surprisingly, the movie gets off on the right foot. We witness one of the worst first dates in the history of mankind. Jim (Sandler), a widower with three daughters, has been set up with Lauren (Barrymore), a recent divorcee with two boys, and his venue of choice for their initial meeting is a Hooters in Jersey.

As we wrap up the end of May music scene, things are hopping and happening all over the place. With June on the rise we’ve got the SOHO Music Fest downtown on June 6 and 7, The Romantics at the Four Seasons Sports Complex June 7 and DumbFest at Black...

Named after a blacktop south of town, New City Road plays country music of the hot and modern type, keeping the traditions alive while still rockin’.

Jason Todd, Battalion, Heavy Arms, Loses The Mighty, Your Phobia.

The International Carillon Festival returns to Washington Park June 4-8. Touted as one of the world’s most important and prestigious carillon events, this year’s carillonneurs are Robin Austin (USA), Geert D’hollander (Belgium), Frans Haagan (The...

Classic in the outdoor theater. $13. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440..

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Dairy of Anne Frank.

This downtown architectural walking tour begins in front of the Lincoln Herndon Law Office on south Old State Capitol Plaza at Sixth and Adams streets at 5:30 p.m. Join Anthony Rubano (pictured here on a previous tour), of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, who will discuss the architectural styles, materials and treatments on Adams St.