Phelps challenges patronage lines with Springfield Republicans
In Southern Illinois Democrats clash with Gov. James Thompson's Republican administration over patronage and job distribution. State Rep elect David Phelps voices frustration at lack of park renovation details, fears Winchester’s patronage hold. Democrats seek cooperation while Republicans defend hiring standards amid 118th District shifts. Concurrently Simon and Gray oppose Reagan cuts, advocating a public works loan program to upgrade national infrastructure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tim Landis
Springfield
James Thompson
Southern Illinois
David Phelps
Eldorado
Winchester
Chicago
Phelps
Thompson
Shawnee Correctional Center
Vienna
U.S
Paul Simon
D-Ill
Ken Gray
D-West Frankfort
Simon
Reagan
Gray
David Stockman
The Exciting Eighties and a Decade of Doubt
An essay compares the 1980s to the 1920s, noting rebounding wealth, credit risks, and renewed nuclear awareness. It credits Reagan era optimism and rapid tech gains while warning that high ambition and global tensions keep the decade unsettled and ending uncertain.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
America
America, Inc
John Naisbitt
Midwest
Reagan
Hollywood
Tax Amnesty in Illinois Raises Cautious Alarm
Illinois tax amnesty lured a windfall for schools and programs but critics warn it creates harmful precedents. The sweep gathered over 145 million dollars from corporations while failing to solve funding gaps, potentially rewarding evasion and delaying structural fixes. The piece urges serious tax policy and notes post amnesty penalties and enrollment growth on the tax rolls, urging caution and accountability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mike Lawrence
Springfield
Canada
Divine
Illinois
General Assembly
James R. Thompson
Chicago
Department of Revenue
Revenue Agency
Ben Wilson killing exposes the newspeg in Chicago
The piece argues that media coverage hinges on a newspeg and uses Ben Wilson, a top prep basketball star, as the trigger. It contends Chicago editors often ignore inner city poverty unless a high profile figure drives reader interest, shaping what the public hears.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Chicago Tribune
Illinois
University of Illinois
Ben Wilson
Reagan
Wilson
Robert D. Reid
Southern Illinoisan
Also Mentioned on This Page
W. Stephen Burgess
Peter W. Selkowe Publisher
James P. Santori
Evan M. Davis
The
Office OF the
Stein
New Rocky Mtn. News