In the rapidly unfolding federal corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, Illinoisans are getting a close-up view of how the longtime Democratic chieftain lorded over the insider world of Springfield politics.

Madigan and his lobbyist ally Michael McClain may be the center of the case. But in many ways, so is the opaque manner in which Springfield does business.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is reserving judgment on Lil Durk, calling him “someone who has worked to transform his life.”

After the rapper was charged in a murder-for-hire plot, the mayor avoided a direct answer when asked whether he would return a $150,000 campaign contribution connected to Durk.

Arlington Heights legislators involved in behind-the-scenes Bears stadium discussions have left open the door to providing some public assistance for redevelopment should the NFL franchise redirect its focus back to Arlington Park.

But they stopped short of backing the subsidy proposals the team has put on the table to date.

Being one of the spookiest states in the country is probably not a persuasive selling point most of the year.

But during the Halloween season, it makes Illinois one of the best destinations in the United States for October fright-seeing.