Opinion

Ondine Gross and Stacey Gross helped to create the Gay-Straight Alliance at Centennial High School 10 years ago. Tom reflects on the importance of the GSA and wishes his school had done more when he was younger to advocate and educate.

Local police said they were breaking up a gunfight. Eyewitness testimony differs. The authorities have been silent about the case. What actually happened in Savoy when two young black men were struck by bullets?

Tom analyzes Downtown Champaign and suggests taking a cue from Iowa City by turning a portion of the area into a pedestrain mall.

Tom breaks down Mike Thomas's missteps and says it's time to say goodbye to an AD who harbors losers.

Three former Illini women's basketball players have alleged wrongdoing against Matt Bollant and his staff, adding to the University's troubles. Should this surprise anyone, though?

Brian weighs in on SWAT teams in C-U, and the necessity of an MRAP as a solution to several issues.

This week's Pauly Report tackles the extremely passive coverage from local sports media regarding the Simon Cvijanovic allegations against the University of Illinois football program.

When your government insists on injuring you, you know you've got some bad laws on the books.

You tried to give away your old microwave. Some hobo came along and clipped off its electrical cord. You're screwed.

Tom eats some crow and explores the historic run that the Illini Baseball team is on.

While there are plenty of reasons to admire some of the writing our local daily puts out, an ugly trend keeps rearing its ugly head. What they published Friday about the toxicology report regarding Cristian Zamora was absolutely disgraceful.

Tom was pretty floored by the plan to upgrade Willard Airport. If all goes according to plan, C-U could be in for major travel changes — in a good way.

Everybody hates this law.  Probably because of how much it sucks.

The “It's On Us” campaign is not especially controversial. But it is meaningful, especially for survivors.

The IHSA chose Peoria over Champaign to host the state basketball tournament for the next five years. But why?

Seriously, who cares?

Tom commends Carle, Champaign County, and the Prairie Center for creating a program that will help heroin addicts receive proper treatment

In which a supposedly progressive, sustainable city insists that you feed the landfill.

Eric has five takeaways and an honorable mention as he discusses the election madness of the past week.

Legalization of marijuana is inevitable. Urbana is going to have two medical dispensaries. Champaign is lagging behind. Will Deb Feinen think about preparing to make Champaign some money off the drug? Or is it not family friendly enough?

There's a couple of simple reasons why Seth decided to vote for Don on Tuesday. They are indicative of the small cities in which we all reside.  

You live in a pro-life theocracy. Did you know that?

No, she shouldn't resign from the school board — that's too much. Just the presidency. 

The local authorities and media stereotyped the crowd and the incident that occurred Wednesday night at Canopy Club. That's counterintuitive to making this an inclusive place.

Eric provides his thoughts on the local election cycle and gives five reasons to pay attention.

In the final installment of our look how the judicial system affects lower-income citizens, the subject goes from taking an unfair deal to what happens after release from incarceration.

Part 2 takes a further trip down the rabbit-hole of incarceration before a guilty verdict is even rendered.

Tom takes State Senator Bill Brady to task for his idea to privatize state universities by using math that he learned about at a state university.

In the first part of a three part series, Christopher details what it would be like to be arrested as a lower-income citizen and the challenges faced when dealing with the law.

Tom was in Austin, TX for the “You're Welcome” party that was organized by Champaign locals. The Pauly Report clears the air on what exactly went down at Licha's Cantina.

This week, C.G. Estabrook challenges political science and opinions from U of I professor Ed Kolodziej regarding the US relationship with Iran.

Now that the Champaign Park Board has shot down Unit 4's request for Dodds Park a second time, who are the real winners? Ultimately, who loses? 

Tom questions a bipartisan effort to cut funding for education while Illinois tries to balance its budget.

City of Champaign Mayoral candidate Joe Petry provides ideas and insights gathered from community members, and how those ideas can become realized.

C.G. Estabrook discusses foreign policy decisions that have been discussed at (brief) length in C-U by elected officials.

After Telepathy's Brian Olek gave controversial interviews to buzz Magazine, Tom reflects on where he's coming from and if there's room for criticism within the C-U music scene.

Eric was at the public Park Board meeting about using Dodds Park as the new site for Central High School. He recaps the public forum that delivered mixed results.

Tom wonders why there's not a local spot to grab breakfast and a beer while watching the fastest growing sport in the United States. He also gives suggestions for why opening up early would be a success, and thinks about incorporating local businesses to help.

Whether or not a teacher bringing a priest into a public school for Ash Wednesday is legal or not, Seth owns up to his shortcomings and challenges those who pray to do it like Jesus asked them to. Also, a note on the nature of punishment, and forgiveness. 

Tom talks about the troubles of transportation in C-U and why Uber is a necessary piece of the puzzle.

More and more Unofficial St. Patrick's Day merchandise is being created with controversial Native American imagery. Tom speaks with PhD student and Saginaw Chippewa Kyle Mays about the implications of that merchandise in C-U.

Let's get with the times, everyone. The News-Gazette's Tom Kacich thinks Mayor Don Gerard is too “social” — but is it hurting anyone?

Governor Bruce Rauner spoke at the iHotel last Thursday. He touched on government spending and climbing out of the gigantic hole that Illinois is in. But did he offer any solutions?

A dramatic overture for better race relations, along with minced lamb, and a reminder that you generally aren't just as talented as you think you are. 

Eric examines Urbana's “war with Carle” and whether or not Mayor Prussing and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson are paying enough attention to taxpayers' concerns with SB2194.

If the community of Green Bay can own and manage an NFL franchise,  we can do the same with a multi-use facility designed for all kinds of sports teams. Also, someone open a Chicago-style joint in town, and leave the SPAM out of public schools, please? 

Alderman Dennis Roberts weighs in on digital signage coming to Urbana.

Take the weekend to consider just what sort of community you'd like to live in. And for all that is good in this world, have a meal at Layalina on Springfield and 1st. It's just the best.