Columns

The news, as most of us know it, can seem to be a study in redundancy, a repetitive procession of murders, wars, bombings, deaths, thefts, floods and fires, with a few tornadoes and earthquakes thrown in. But when you review what’s new in the world of science, invariably something jumps right out at you. ...
Read more »

And if by “labor problem,” you mean a “management-is-trying-to-screw-workers-around” problem, you’re right. WMBD 31 electrical workers recently put out an informational picket describing how WMBD 31 management — actually Nexstar — has them working without a contract. So, WMBD 31 joins WEEK/WHOI in the not-treating-their-workers-right camp. And then you have the Journal Star, which is...
Read more »

I was packed for a cruise to the Bahamas when I got the call: Daddy died of a massive heart attack. Details were sketchy, but his last minutes on earth were spent snow-blowing his driveway. This month marks one year since he left. I repacked my suitcase to accommodate the New Hampshire winter, but kept...
Read more »

Stores open, prices slashed, bonus dollars, later hours, payment plans, never better offers, and the hype continues from late summer through December. Before sales, after sales, lowest prices ever, and while we’re still celebrating one season, we’re shoved into the next. January, particularly in the Midwest, has a way of bringing the mayhem to a...
Read more »

Pat Lewis, former administrator for Springdale Cemetery, was excited about his decision to run for a seat on the Peoria County Board. He told me he had been urged to run against fellow Republican Brian Elsasser by both Republicans and Democrats. Elsasser was vulnerable for a couple of missteps including an ill-advised attempt to...
Read more »

As winter arrives this month, progressives are stepping up efforts to fight Capitol Hill’s chilling attack on Social Security, and areas such as Greater Peoria are especially vulnerable to a loss of government’s popular and successful program for older Americans, disabled people and survivors of working people. The Peoria area has a higher percentage of...
Read more »

My wife, Mary, and I were driving south of Peoria to visit the Emiquon Wetland Restoration and National Wildlife Refuge at Dickson Mounds near Lewistown. It was just before Thanksgiving, and I was looking forward to finding a bunch of migratory birds before things freeze up. And what should “appear” on National Public Radio,...
Read more »

It’s amazing. A couple of years ago, the Peoria County State’s Attorney had some cops arrested and changed with police brutality. The arrest was based on a YouTube video taken immediately after a nighttime race through Peoria’s streets. The convicted drug dealer suspect claimed he was horribly beaten by Peoria police who were trying...
Read more »

Dear Santa Claus, Yes, I know you’re a very busy man in December and probably wondering why a woman my age would be writing you a letter. Sentimentality for one reason and a genuine fondness for the season is another. You charmingly represent that which is good in society. You’re for all ages, just watch...
Read more »

Here it is the last column of the year and it seems like I just wrote the first one last month. It has been an eventful, exhausting and draining spiritually in so many ways. Both Jason and I have been in and out of the hospital with nothing very serious fortunately until last month...
Read more »