Opinion
Ridge Runner Chronicles: A New Blood-Sucker in the Neighborhood – April 10, 2025
We have a new blood-sucker in the neighborhood and it is not a human bloodsucker; it is, instead, a professional blood-sucker; yes, I am referring to a new tick that just showed up on our doorstep here in the Midwest. This tick, commonly referred to as the Asian longhorned tick, is unfortunately hitch-hiking its way…
Read MoreVoting Rights Groups Respond to Executive Order Aimed at Disenfranchising Millions
On Tuesday, March 25, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the national mail voter registration form to require documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport, to register to vote. This order also attempts to force states to enact documentary proof of citizenship requirements and to stop counting absentee and mail-in ballots received…
Read MoreRobin Writes: What would you take? – April 3, 2025
When a springtime storm rumbles toward the house at night, the first thing I do is look for my shoes. I am suddenly eight years old; my dad’s voice punches through the darkness. His shadow is outlined by the lightning that flashes through the window above my bed. “Get your shoes on,” he’d say. “We…
Read MoreRelationships are not made in rows but in circles
I just returned from Texas. It was three days of hanging around a neat bunch of guys, bookended by turkey hunts on each day. It’s true. While hunting was part of our trip, the real enjoyment came before, during, and after, mealtimes. We ate so good I thought I might have to book two seats…
Read MoreRidge Runner Chronicles: The Emergence of the “Prison Coach” – April 3, 2025
I was recently reading about Sam Bankman-Fried, the young crypto promoter who was sent to prison for fraud. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Bankman-Fried is gathering political resources to push for a pardon from President Trump; now that he is finally in an actual prison and not in home confinement, he…
Read MoreRidge Runner Chronicles: The Presidential Power That Has No Rudder – March 27, 2025
Article II, Section 2, Clause I of the US Constitution provides in part that “The President shall have…[the] Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” This is the provision that grants to the President the exclusive power to pardon. It is a bare-boned provision and…
Read MoreRobin Writes: Chaos about order – March 27, 2025
It’s Sunday afternoon. All is right with the world. The air is cold and clear, the sky is dotted with fluffy clouds and the birds are dining at the bird feeder.
Read MoreOutdoor Truths: Where two gobblers roost – March 27, 2025
I can take you where two gobblers roost. They are in the same place about five of seven days. We have been meeting and talking several mornings since the season opened. I can describe what they look like. They have walked within 35 yards of me. They have come from behind me, beside me, and…
Read MoreBuild Illinois Homes Tax Credit is the right call for the state
By ED HIGHTOWER Edwardsville In high-pressure moments, when everything is on the line, leaders must be able to make the right call. As March Madness takes hold this spring, Illinois lawmakers are encouraged to make the tough call regarding affordable housing.
Read MoreRobin Writes: Old people playground
Someone should build an Old People Playground. We’ve spent our lives pushing swings in all directions: watching breathlessly as our babies fell and rose, gained confidence, and sailed into the life. Now, left with the freedom of autonomy, it’s time for us. We’re eager to notice ourselves again, to re-experience young moments in old bodies.
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