CHICAGO, Oct.

By Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune Jan. 20---- If Chicago's long mass transit soap opera has a hero, it's Julie Hamos, a woman with a unique idea of fun.

By RYAN KEITH, Associated Press writer SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod Blagojevich called the Legislature back to work Wednesday, but many lawmakers thumbed their noses at his plea for immediate action on a bailout plan for mass transit systems in the Chicago area.

By Jeffrey Meitrodt, Chicago Tribune Jan. 3--SPRINGFIELD -- Most lawmakers skipped Wednesday's special session called by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fund Chicago's ailing mass transit system, ignoring the governor's plea to "just get it done" without any more delays.

ONE THING remains clear concerning the current mess with state government. Everyone knows what they want and what the state needs - and no one really seems willing to provide the leadership to deliver.