People seeking peace and quiet in a prim, newly-minted subdivision on the western periphery of Champaign may be getting more than they bargained for. For years, the city of Champaign has stacked subdivisions on its …
Posts by Jake Thomas:
Tim Johnson Wins Re-Election… and Here is Where He Stands
Tim Johnson handily won a return to his seat in the next Congress. His seat always seems safe despite the fact that legions of Americans are expending more and more energy on suppressing gag reflexes …
Tim Johnson and Financial Services
Two weeks ago, as stocks tumbled and a sense of malaise set in nation-wide, Congress scrambled to get together a plan aimed at avoiding a complete economic meltdown. The gentleman from Illinois’ 15th district delivered …
Earmarks For Champaign-Urbana, Too
During last week’s presidential debate, Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain managed to snare his Democratic counterpart into a long and testy exchange regarding the practice of congressional earmarks, in which McCain blasted their impact on …
Not the Republican You Might Think
As energy prices continue to put the screw down on America, its politicians continue to fling about questionable statements concerning energy policy and push even more dubious legislation. Where does Rep. Tim Johnson stand? Johnson …
Introducing The Johnson Watch
Who is Timothy V. Johnson? He represents you in Congress. Although just one voice among 435, the man has leverage in deciding where your tax money goes, how (and if) the environment is protected, what …
The Growth of Champaign Part 2
In the southeast corner of Champaign, the black soil plowed for generations into small wave-like rows is being cleared to make way for housing and office space. A number of prim, attractive and similar looking …
The Growth of Champaign Part 1
During the 1990s, the invisible hand of the free market gave Champaign the finger. Buildings were abandoned as businesses fled to more profitable areas on the city’s periphery. Downtown became a ghost town. Blight and …
Two Girls Play Mike ‘N Molly’s Tomorrow
Read the “sounds like” section on any bands myspace.com profile and you’ll likely get some self-aggrandizing gibberish, something nearly unintelligible, or the drivel of a band member who has no idea what their band sounds …
Bang 76 Ready to Launch Tonight at Mike N’ Molly’s
On Friday, Mike and Molly’s will become part local venue and part Revolutionary War re-enactment when local metal outfit Bang 76 strikes a chord heard halfway around downtown. The four-piece band rocks out in garb …