John T. Shaw –

U.S. Ambassador Donald F. McHenry, center, addresses the United Nations Security Council on the U.S.-Iranian crisis on Dec. 1, 1979. McHenry told the council that Americans were "seething" with anger over the harsh treatment of 50 Americans held hostage. (Dave Pickoff/AP)

John T. Shaw: ‘Child of Illinois’ offers powerful lessons on statecraft and service

October 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

When it comes to diplomacy, former ambassador Donald McHenry says actions matter more than words.

The U.S. Capitol dome is seen through a window in the Cannon House Office Building rotunda on May 20, 2026, in Washington. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

John T. Shaw: How the Illinois congressional delegation can avoid endless brawling

October 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

There will be five new House members and a new U.S. senator from Illinois come January. This presents an opportunity for a fresh start.

Former Indiana U,S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, who was co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, in his office at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington on Nov. 24, 2006. (Pete Souza/baiduhai)

John T. Shaw: We need Congress to ponder the long term with a new future-focused group

October 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Half a century ago, many lawmakers viewed their responsibilities differently and created a forum to discuss rising trends and opportunities.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is applauded while speaking during the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters on Sept. 22, 2026, in New York. (Seth Wenig/AP)

John T. Shaw: Finland’s president offers a compelling plan for a new world order

October 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Finland's president believes the system created after World War II must be rebuilt and rebalanced so the Global South receives more benefits.

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski speaks during a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 11, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

John T. Shaw: US Rep. Nikki Budzinski believes centrist workhorses can prevail over far-left show horses

September 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Centrists may not claim to usher in new eras in American economic and political life, but they are working to solve problems.

New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt relaxes by the fireside at his home on Nov. 6, 1932, following the end of several arduous months of campaigning as the Democratic presidential candidate. Roosevelt would go on to give fireside chats to the nation after becoming president. (AP)

John T. Shaw: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower were models of statesmanship

August 31, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower each represented the best of his party’s governing philosophy and leadership tradition.

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering attends Highland Park's annual Day of Service in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 19, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

John T. Shaw: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering knows how to meet the moment

July 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Nancy Rotering is a pillar of Highland Park and met her statesmanship moment four years ago in the aftermath of the Fourth of July mass shooting.

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, talks to journalists as she arrives for the EU summit in Brussels on June 18, 2026. (Marius Burgelman/AP)

John T. Shaw: EU’s new ‘Iron Lady’ offers moral clarity in her unflinching support of Ukraine

June 29, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

If some Europeans are focused on placating the Trump administration, Kaja Kallas is more than willing to challenge it.

Cardinal Blase Cupich places ashes on the forehead of a worshipper during an outdoor Ash Wednesday Mass followed by a procession around Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Melrose Park on Feb. 18, 2026. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

John T. Shaw: Cardinal Blase Cupich provides spiritual statesmanship in a turbulent world

May 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The cardinal speaks passionately about the importance of prayer and the Gospels. He also believes there are critical moral considerations to many political issues.

Sen. Philip A. Hart, D-Mich., is in Washington on March 19, 1971. (AP)

John T. Shaw: Former US Sen. Philip Hart modeled leadership that Capitol Hill sorely needs

April 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Former U.S. Sen. Philip Hart's career is a case study in quiet and effective statesmanship. He combined goodness and greatness.

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