Opinion pieces for Shaw Local
Verena fills in for her mother with stories of a busy week spent cleaning with her sisters, playing games with young nieces and nephews, hosting a family brunch, and sharing a deviled egg recipe.
With farmers capturing only a small share of the food dollar, even modest swings in commodity prices or increases in input costs can quickly strain farm finances.
Minooka resident Brayden Caraynoff-Huber discusses the need to ban the sale of kratom, a substance sold openly in gas stations and smoke shops, in municipalities.
Morris resident Mike Gallagher discusses the importance of Illinois wetlands, and how recent changes have reduced protections.
Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society writes about an upcoming time capsule and new exhibits.
When the World Bank seems more interested in engaging with right- and left-wing populism than in promoting good economics, it tells you a lot about the era in which we live.
We are surrounded by storytellers. All ages. Different agendas. We need to think hard about the story being told, especially stories that trigger us.
The first fatal accident ever reported in The Telegraph appeared in its 13th issue, on Wednesday, July 23, 1851. Charles Fisk, the editor and founder of The Telegraph, penned the article, titled “Mournful Occurrence.”
Last year the push was behind Senate Bill 98, which didn’t get a committee assignment before the deadline. This time around it’s Senate Bill 2991.
Since the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, government officials have said their greatest fear is self-radicalized individuals they call “lone wolves.”
The Bears let key defensive production walk this offseason. With the draft three weeks away, fixing a unit that wasn’t close to championship level is now the top priority, Marc Silverman writes
As Rochelle moves forward, residents and leaders alike are tasked with finding the right balance between progress and preservation, ensuring that growth benefits the entire community while maintaining the character that defines the city.
Column: "It’s understandable that a term like mindfulness might seem confusing – especially when we know how crowded, noisy and not always congenial the mind can be," writes Joan Budilovsky.
Caregiving can be physically demanding. However, even more challenging can be managing the emotions that go with caregiving, particularly for those whose loved ones have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
'I’m 69 and my kids have been out of public schools for over 20 years, but I am happy to fund the schools for future generations. Society is much better off with a good education system.'
Trump carried the 2024 vote by playing the Democrats on three issues that aggravate even moderate Americans.
You tell yourself that now is not the time to start the business, write the book, make the call, apply for the job, have the baby, buy the ticket, or take the leap. But fear is never short of arguments. It always knows how to sound wise.
Whether this version is the one that finally crosses the legislative finish line remains to be seen. If it does, one thing it won’t do is resolve a personal peeve: a lack of good information on receipts about sales taxes.
The trend in special elections across the country over the past several months has shown spiking Democratic turnout and tanking Republican turnout.
There are three major Illinois House bills related to firearms currently moving through the legislative process.
For this article I want to step back a bit and discuss how the use of the horse for power and transportation affected human culture and technology.
April 1 is April Fools’ Day, and for many, it provides a moment of humor. Most jokes are fast and harmless, while others are sophisticated efforts to pull one over on the masses.
AI is a branch of computer science that enables machines to simulate human intelligence, to include reasoning, problem-solving and creativity.
Lovina reflects on her family's move from Indiana to Michigan 22 years ago, sharing memories of early spring 2004 when they loaded hay, unloaded lumber, and nearly lost their barn to a grassfire in their first weeks as neighbors.
Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society remembers the Polo High Class of 1950 and baseball and teaching.
I think it’s pretty universal that people are cautious about trusting other people. So is mistrust a human nature thing? Is it instinct? Well, maybe. But perhaps mistrust is something we are taught at an early age.
The resistance itself is evidence of the larger problem: a government structure and political culture in which our public institutions are rivals instead of partners
Column: What's Happening in Batavia? A scam warning, tree trimming and parkway tree programs and what to do if your sewer backs up, writes Lori Botterman.
The political “instant replay” has no single author or starting date, but its overuse has produced few resolutions of the major problems confronting the country.
The restrictive Pentagon rules are part of a wide-ranging effort by Trump and his staff to undermine press scrutiny in the name of national security.
The Bulls and Blackhawks would stay put (and so would the stadium), they’d just be in a vastly improved area instead of surrounded by literally acres of parking lots.
For the last 24 years, Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring critical housing solutions to residents of Ogle County.
Almost six years to the day that Illinois went into lockdown at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus finally caught up with the Olivers. As expected, it wasn't worth the wait.
Why the people around you respond better to desire than demands – and what that means for your morning.
It’s good to convey pragmatism rather than approaching the challenges with a bulldozer and trusting someone else to sort out the rubble.
Jewish children in America these days are being told to remain inside, get home fast, or stay away from their temples altogether, lest they be screamed at, shot at, or become the target of some enraged hater behind the wheel.
It’s hard to make arguments against Illinois food feeding Illinois people and keeping those dollars churning close to home.
As billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker told me in a post-election interview, “a whole bunch of money does not a good candidate make.”
Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society takes another trip back to 1950 at Polo Community High School.
Lottie Holman O’Neill broke barriers as Illinois’ first female legislator, paving the way for women in state politics while building a four-decade career marked by strong convictions and historic influence.
As many of us grew up, we heard from the world around us that whatever we were doing, it wasn’t enough. We could always do more.
Despite spring's late arrival, Lovina finds reasons to be grateful – from home organizing to helping her son reclaim mobility.
The old adage, “You snooze, you lose,” still stands as wise advice, whether you’re talking about the last cookie in the jar or that job opening you’ve always dreamed about.
PASCHAL: Anyone who has watched cartoons as much as Gen X did as kids has been preparing their whole life for the inevitable sinking into quicksand.
To be fair, Harriss' spot in the minority party means she could put the ideal plan on the table and still not garner meaningful support.
CHESNEY: Some of my responsibilities as a state senator include standing up for my district and defending the values that make our communities strong. One responsibility that doesn't get talked about enough is preparing the next generation to carry those principles forward.
Column: Planning a party? Consider a venue that is not only fun but really sets a special occasion apart. That’s just what’s on offer with a private charter of a paddlewheel riverboat, writes Patricia MacMillan for the St. Charles Park District.
COLUMN: The story of B. F. Shaw reveals his remarkable role in Illinois’ opposition to slavery, the history of the Republican party, and Dixon’s relationship with Abraham Lincoln.
I’m not in the predictions game, but if 2026 turnout matches 2022, Bailey can only prevail by convincing a lot of folks to switch sides.
Yes, the Bears won 11 games last season, but asking for more isn’t being a hater, Marc Silverman writes