DeKALB | A small group met in the Holmes Student Center Wednesday as the Lifelong Learning Institute held an event titled “Views and News.”

Members discussed multiple topics of current events from the Chicago Tribune, radio and other local newspapers. Members cut out articles from papers, brought them in and shared their views on what has been going on in the past week.

Elizabeth Bass, lead speaker for the group, said members talk about anything they want.

She finds it interesting to discuss certain topics because of the members’ backgrounds. She added that some of the attendees are community members while others are retired teachers.

“We discuss anything that informs, interests or intrigues us,” Bass said. “People bring their background knowledge too.”

The event began with announcements, then headed right into discussion about the news.

Bass began the discussion when she read clips about former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and new Gov. Pat Quinn as well as Aretha Franklin’s hat from the inauguration ball and how the Smithsonian Institution wants to put it on display. Also discussed was the economy and President Barack Obama’s children becoming Ty Beanie Babies.

Members talked about topics and added their own opinions and personal stories to the discussion.

While discussing the restoration of national parks throughout the country, DeKalb resident

Thelma Coles thought it needs more attention.

“I think we need to play them up more, since they’re beautiful,” Coles said.

Cliff Eaton, resident of Sycamore, discussed the Super Bowl and the alleged lip-syncing of

Jennifer Hudson during the national anthem and Faith Hill during “God Bless America.” He compared Hudson to Whitney Houston when she sang the national anthem and said Hudson was just as good.

The discussion closed with members conversing and sharing clips they brought in from local newspapers.

The next ‘News and Views’ session is scheduled for next Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., in a room to be determined inside the Holmes Student Center.