Opinion

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Nokomis Decatur police arrest shoplifting Mattoon DUI arrests Centralia

Commentary

COMMENTARY: Nokomis’ police corruption remains unresolved

The Nokomis City Council is keeping its police department, despite how short-staffed it is. For now. This was the consensus of the city council during last night's regular meeting. But it doesn't address the inherent corruption within the Nokomis Police Department. We're not just talking about two ethical violations within the past year. It is much deeper than that - much closer to 30 to 40 years of unethical behavior. Botched murder investigations. Cop-on-cop crime. Self-dealing. Excessive reliance on "confidential […]

todayJuly 14, 2026

Cyclospora parasite

Opinion

Parasite is spreading through America’s produce aisles

Summer cookouts often come with a side of salad. This year, that salad could come with an unwanted ingredient: a nasty stomach parasite that has sickened thousands of Americans and shows no signs of slowing down. Cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is spreading across more than half the country. As of mid-July, federal health officials had confirmed hundreds of cases stretching across 30 states, with the true number of infections certainly higher since many people […]

todayJuly 14, 2026

multi-talented dog

Columnists

QUINN MINUTE: Multi-talented

My dog gets excited when I say the word “dog park.” He knows he’ll see friends there. But yesterday was different. There was only one other mixed breed dog, working with his owner. “Your dog appears really alert,” I said. “Does he do tricks?” “Sure,” the guy said. “I am teaching him to be an impressionist.” The puppy sat down, and when the man said “Speak,” the dog emitted a long “baaaaa.” The man explained, “Right now he’s learning to […]

todayJuly 4, 2026

Reflecting Pool

Editorial

EDITORIAL: False charges in D.C. Reflecting Pool “vandalism”

Earlier this week, I read an article involving the grand jury injunction against a former Team USA Olympian. David Hearn was taken into custody last month for "allegedly vandalizing" the Reflecting Pool. I submitted a Letter to the Editor to The Washington Times on Thursday, which remains unpublished. I have taken it upon myself to publish what I wrote to take full ownership, since the Times apparently doesn't value opinions from all. The following is its text in its entirety. […]

todayJuly 4, 2026

torture museums Europe

Columnists

Torture museums in Europe

The endless security lines at the airport may seem torturous. However, they are child's play in comparison with what heretics and criminals would face in the Middle Ages. Medieval torture was in use both to extract confessions and to punish the convicted before execution. Torturers (who were often clergy) had a huge toolkit with which to practice their bleak black art. Nowadays, ridiculous torture exhibits are cleverly marketed all over Europe. They're equipped with scary and gory gear — but […]

todayJune 27, 2026

mental stress farming farm

Columnists

Weathering the mental stress in farming

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this is a good time to review ways to reduce mental stress and where to get help. Illinois Extension Educator Doug Gucker wrote this great article on managing stress. First, if you or someone you know is suffering a mental health crisis, please call or text: 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24-hour) If you are a veteran, call 988 and then press 1 at the prompt Mental health awareness is especially important […]

todayMay 20, 2026

Illinois government spending set of paper banknotes and small flag of usa

Columnists

MILLER: Illinois spending exceeding flat revenues

More than a year ago, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget was projecting a $3.2 billion deficit for what is now the current fiscal year. Part of the problem was that existing revenues were flat while spending was growing, according to the budget office.  This is a recurring problem in Illinois. The previous fiscal year’s projections were also astonishingly poor. The Chicago-based Civic Federation issued a report last week that delves a bit deeper into why it is a recurring problem. […]

todayMay 2, 2026

elderly people doing stretchings senior health

Columnists

Champion your health for Older Americans Month

Last week, I shared that May is Mental Health Month, but it is also Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their […]

todayApril 30, 2026 2

Chicago Bears

Columnists

MILLER: Can the Bears bill get across the goal line?

“We’re almost there” on a Bears stadium bill, Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) told some sports radio hosts on a Friday morning before the House returned to Springfield for three days of session last week. “We’re very close.” Asked if the rumor spread by sports business pundit Marc Ganis earlier that week was true about House Speaker Chris Welch holding up the Bears bill, Buckner, the House’s point person on the state megaprojects bill that includes the Arlington Heights Bears stadium […]

todayApril 27, 2026

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