Every March I celebrate that winter is nearly over. My optimism is boundless. Sure, I realize it can still snow or ice can play havoc with plans. But even with unpleasant possibilities, Spring is right around a corner or two…
Columns
Labor Roundup | ‘Egregious attendance policy’ rankles railers; UPS cuts wages
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Thousands of BNSF Railway workers in Galesburg and central Illinois, and throughout the country are fighting the freight carrier’s attempt to implement an attendance policy that would result in many workers receiving less paid time off. Last month, the Transportation…
Bill Knight | Say these names for 2021
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Last year, Peoria County had the highest number of homicides since 2019, approaching the dismal statistic logged by Cook County. The 34 murder victims mean a murder rate of 18.9/100,000 people, compared to Cook County’s 21/100,000 stemming from its 1,087…
The Lion’s Den | What if Malcolm, Martin survived?
by Daniel McCloud • • 0 Comments
For those familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is a series of comics dedicated to “What If?” This comics series has recently been rebooted as an animated series on the Disney+ Channel. The concept of the “What If?” series…
Real Talk | Power of fear feeds on a fragile democracy
by Sherry Cannon • • 2 Comments
You’ve heard the saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same?” This saying came to my mind as I watched the Democratic Congressional members commemorate Jan. 6, 2021’s insurrection at the United States Capitol. After the Civil…
Straight Talk | Journal Star’s Saturday strategy a reason newspapers fading out
by Roger Monroe • • 0 Comments
It came as a surprise when the once great Peoria Journal Star newspaper announced it was eliminating home and business delivery of its Saturday edition. Time was when the Saturday paper was the most popular of the week, though it’s…
The Watch | Charter Oak tabled; Sheriff Asbell will not stand for election in ’22
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council discussed disconnection of property — which was annexed to the city in 1993 with the Charter Oak development — at its Dec. 14 meeting. Michael Fleming, attorney for property owners, requested undeveloped parcels without access to roads…
Nature Rambles | Bird counts can tally more than just what’s flying around
by Mike Miller • • 0 Comments
December and early January was Christmas Bird Count time in Central Illinois. The Peoria Audubon Society coordinates three counts in the region. One in Peoria, one near Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, and another in Chillicothe. The Christmas Bird Count (CBC)…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | Can Illinois teach the Duck to fly?
by William Rau • • 1 Comment
Yes, and fast — but a reprise first. California’s “duck curve” in January’s column exposes the misfit between nukes and renewables. The duck curve shows how increasing solar output would replace midday fossil generation until solar output bumped into (in…
Inland Art | Picture a tropical paradox — South Beach style
by Robert Rowe • • 0 Comments
Anastasia Samoylova has made quite a splash in the international photography scene since leaving Peoria and relocating to Miami Beach. A book of her eerily serene yet troubling photographs titled FloodZone (Steidl, 2019) depicts a beautiful but unsettling vision of…