Illinois political maps blamed for stalled reform and one-party control
The piece argues Illinois politics are crippled by a mapmaking system dominated by legislative leaders. It cites the Paul Simon Institute and the Illinois Reform Commission, noting gerrymandered, noncompetitive districts protect incumbents, sustain power, and worsen pension debt while voters and taxpayers lose influence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul Simon Institute For Public Policy
Illinois
Simon
Illinois Reform Commission
Pat Quinn
Nothing fair about Illinois map report edited to citizen action
The Simon Review critique by Curtis McMillan and Racheter argues Illinois politics are inefficient and parasitic and calls for citizen-led reform. It urges signing petitions to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2014 ballot, stressing people power to counter entrenched power and defend public interest. Feedback invites reader comments via the paper’s site or email.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Simon Review
Illinois
Craig Curtis
Brad McMillan
Bradley University
Don Racheter
Public Interest Institute
Iowa
Lincoln
Paul Simon
Meat and heart disease link urged in reader letter
A reader letter cites Dr. Stanley Hazen and studies from Oxford and Harvard linking meat consumption to heart disease and mortality. The writer argues for a meat-free diet to lower death risk, calling for a bloodless, low-cost stance and noting internet resources.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Stanley Hazen
Cleveland Clinic
Hazen
Oxford University
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Harvard University
Archives of Internal Medicine
Ban on pressure cookers sparks regulatory talk after tragedy
Post Boston Marathon concerns fuel calls for immediate pressure cooker ban. Aimed rules would require background checks and permits, limit jar purchases, and create a government task force. Critics question impact on crime and inflation while observers note historical echoes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michact
Duncan Murphysboro
Benghazi coverup debate lingers in Washington Post column
Kathleen Parker argues that the Benghazi attacks exposed not only possible security failures but a broader tendency to mislead. She cites testimony suggesting altered talking points, pressure to protect leadership narratives, and the ongoing insistence that personnel acted to prevent greater harm. Parker concludes the difference is about accountability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Benghazi
Libya
State Department
Obama
Christopher Stevens
Hillary Clinton
CIA
Clinton
U.N
Susan Rice
ABC
Jonathan Karl
White House
Jay Carney
Nuland
Letters to the editor policy and contact details
The Southern Illinoisan outlines letter guidelines limited to 250 words signed with a phone number for verification. It prohibits libelous content and personal attacks, notes editors may edit letters, and provides mailing and email addresses as well as editor contacts for Carbondale, Murphysboro, De Soto and Williamson County readers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
Murphysboro
de Soto
Williamson County
Voice of the Reader
The
Southern Illinoisan
P.O. Box
Thesouthern
Officials contact details across government offices
Gov Pat Quinn and James R Thompson Center listed with Springfield and Chicago offices. U S Senator Dick Durbin's Chicago and Washington contact lines provided. The snippet compiles political offices and phone numbers for state and federal representatives. The text serves as a directory-like listing of official contact information.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pat Quinn
Springfield
State House
Chicago
James R. Thompson
W. Randolph
Also Mentioned on This Page
George Ryan
U.S. Senate
Jack Ryan
Rod Blagojevich
House
Senate
Democratic Party
Gary
Metro
Thesouthern.com
Jessica
Will
Mr. Burton
Kathleen Parker
Washington Post Writers Group
Kathleenparker
Washpost
State OF the Nation
Gary Metro
Mark Fitton
Mark.fitton
U.S
Dick Durbin
Durbin
Mark Kirk
Kirk
John Shimkus
House.gov
Shimkus
William Enyart
Enyart
Gary Forby
Yahoo.com
David Luechtefeld
Sendavel
Midwest
Brandon Phelps
Gmail
John Bradley
Jerry F. Costello II
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