Columns

There’s only one race, the human race Am I a racist? Should everybody question themselves and then, periodically, return to the same question because our brain is constantly being bombarded with subliminal racist messages and influences. Most of us are…

A Dandy Bird Aug. 20 was a great summer day. Thirty people piled into three vans after an early morning thunderstorm. Binoculars and field guides in hand, we set off to experience the beginning of fall migration. Travelling south, we…

Seasonal changes in weather and scenery are lovely advantages for living in the Midwest, believes this native Peorian. Sure there’s summer humidity and February dreariness, not to mention running air conditioning one day and the furnace two days later. Such…

This year’s 16th annual West Peoria Night Out Against Crime will be 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 10 at the Franciscan Recreation Center. Judge Jodie Hoos is a special invited guest. Events include: bicycle rodeo and drawing, cane demonstrations,…

(Editor’s Note: Peoria City Council Member Beth Akeson was under fire recently for some inflammatory Tweets she posted. She sent a message saying she would never support the Black Lives Matter movement because it is divisive, and she said all…

Eric Ewan directed an excellent production of “The Spitfire Grill” for Corn Stock. The musical is about the journey of a young woman just released from prison who decides to start her life anew in a rural Wisconsin town. It…

ARTS BEAT

MUSIC Sept. 2: The 28th annual Illinois Blues & Heritage Festival – Mavis Staples, Here Comes the Mummies, Laith Al-Saadi and more on three stages. On the Riverfront. 839-1220. Sept. 2: Cousin Eddie Live at the Five Spot, 5:30 p.m.…

The Future Is Coming to a School Near You Creativity has always been a core strength of our country, and in today’s ever-changing world creativity is more in demand than ever. Companies around the world list creativity and innovation as…

Labor Roundup

Clinton repeats anti-TPP stand, pledges to appoint trade prosecutor to pursue violators. Adding another specific to her economic platform, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Aug. 11 told a crowd in Warren, Mich., that she would appoint a “chief trade…

While recently attended a birthday party, my swallowing mechanism was put to the test. During the enjoyment of the festivities and the treats, a fellow came up to me and asked, “Hey aren’t you from Peoria Heights?”  Upon rapidly chewing…