Reboot Illinois

A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process

In the final two weeks of the 2013 spring legislative session, lawmakers are weighing two bills that address what is arguably the greatest financial crisis in state history.

Justin Barbin

Photographer and Street Style Enthusiast

The red carpet rolled out at Studio Paris nightclub in Chicago for Jenny McCarthy and a sold-out crowd, as the model, actress, talk show host, and author hosted the Sixth Annual Rescue Our Angels fundraiser for Generation Rescue.

David Ernesto Munar

President and CEO, AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Despite being a resource for people without coverage, it has the potential to disrupt existing doctor/patient relationships, something all of us -- and especially people with chronic, complex health conditions like HIV and other co-occurring diagnoses - want to avoid.

JD Schramm

Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business

No conversation, no matter how meaningful and powerful, can bring back the millions we've already lost to suicide. The loved ones of these victims also have a thirst for conversation and our efforts to engage with them may very well prevent the next loss to suicide if we can all continue to break the silence and share our journeys.

Debra Pickett

Former columnist, 'Chicago Sun-Times;' author, 'Reporting Lives'

The parents and community members fighting the school closings clearly are the "good guys" in this dismal scenario. But their heroic energy and indomitable courage are being expended for the sake of maintaining a status quo that is, frankly, unconscionable.

Dennis Van Roekel

President of the National Education Association

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to shutter 50 (yes, 50) schools won't be good for Chicago's children, especially children of color.

Robert Koehler

Syndicated writer

Like suicide, sexual assault is skyrocketing in the military. Why? Could it be that the problem is deeply structural? Could it be that it's related to the domination culture the military embodies.

Ann Brenoff

Senior Writer, The Huffington Post

How does it feel if you beat someone who doesn't know you had the help of a computer to find your words -- words you don't even know the meaning of? How does that possibly feel good? Do you high-five yourself in the mirror after? Just you and your nasty little secret?

Nico Lang

Blogger; correspondent, WBEZ

Two-thirds of our most hated celebrities are women, and females count for seven of the top 10 slots. What makes Gwyneth Paltrow 20 times more hateable than Chris Brown?

David Orr

Cook County Clerk, reform politician

We should not place unnecessary barriers between a voter and her ballot. Unfortunately in recent years, state governments across our country have renewed the push to enact barriers.

Kelly Rigg

Executive Director, GCCA

If you've ever had the feeling that your lifestyle changes amount to tiny drops in a very large proverbial bucket, I invite you to consider taking one of these 'Top 5 actions' to fight climate change.

Greg Archer

Author, journalist, TV host, and professional mood-swinger

The power of one person can affect the many. And if you're doubting it, just turn your attention to Cali Linstrom, the 17-year-old high school student who, this week, addressed Abercrombie & Fitch executives in person in the aftermath of last week's significant protest.

David Protess

President, Chicago Innocence Project

Truth be told, slurs are common around the water cooler, reflecting a dehumanizing view of criminal defendants that comes from years of locking them up, one person of color at a time.

Henry Henderson

Natural Resources Defense Council Midwest Program Director

With almost no laws in place to protect the public from the known -- and very scary -- dangers associated with the controversial oil and gas extraction technology, communities across Illinois are in harm's way.

M. Todd Henderson

Professor of Law, University of Chicago

Colleges should devote more time to teaching economics and elementary finance to their students. Armed with some basics, these well-meaning students would be able to make a much bigger impact on our world.

Caryn Brooks

Assistant Professor, Northwestern University

The fight for wrestling includes the fight to keep the Olympic spirit alive in the unlikeliest of places, such as the gym where Jacob Curby practiced and competed as a teen at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois.

Darryl Roberts

Director, 'America the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments'

Cali Linstrom, NEDA and I went to A&F HQ to discuss ways that we may be able to work together to speak out about "anti-bullying and discrimination." The executives said they liked some of the suggestions and even though they couldn't revamp their company overnight, they'd let us know which steps they were willing to take.