• There’s a snap to Zach Polega’s step these days, a confidence and pride beyond that expected of a top-ranked Manteno High School senior. The confidence is well earned; he’s the first Manteno student to be accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point.

• Food is a huge budget buster. Today’s Life section features some tips for stretching that budget that you may not have already thought of and eating healthy too.

• The Chicago Hope Academy boys’ basketball team appears to have a bright future ahead of it. For Dwight Township High School, however, the future is now.