They're smart and funny and engaging. Quirky, kind and respectful. They have adult conversations one minute, then laugh about pranking each other the next. They finish each other's sentences and, though they have different interests (golf, baking, theater, for instance), they share something in common: a passion for robotics.

Although adult-use marijuana was legalized in Illinois on Jan. 1, it is still possible to run afoul of the law when it comes to public use and improper possession in regard to amount and how the weed is packaged.

The River Forest home of Marty Paris, president and founder of Sedgwick Development, which is involved in the proposed development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, has come under fire by the village of River Forest, which will pursue the issue in circuit court.

River Forest's Plan Commission, spurred by state mandate, is working to bring more affordable housing to the village. How to do that in a built-up community dominated by single-family homes, whether to describe affordable housing as a burden or opportunity and raising the potential of more coach houses all came up Jan. 21 at a meeting of the volunteer commission.