By Herman Brockman OpEd Two Arctic apple varieties have been in the news recently because of their “approval” by the USDA and FDA. “Approval” is commonly used in the media, but the reality is that the USDA “deregulated” these Arctic…
Opinion
Racism and Inequality in America
by Clare Howard • • 1 Comment
Inequality is poisoning the American dream. As economic inequality grows, expanding geographic areas of this country lose hope. Hopelessness destroys democracy and poisons faith in the judicial system. Right now, faith in the American judicial system is paper thin: Trayvon…
Lift the ban on public housing for people with non-violent criminal convictions
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Hedy Elliott Gardner OpEd All across the country people struggle to find affordable housing. People who are low income or on a fixed income find it especially challenging. The demand is driving the cost up so high that there is…
Save the Monarchs
by Community Word Staff • • 1 Comment
By Bonnie Cox The monarch butterfly, state of Illinois insect, is in danger of extinction. Their population is down by 90 percent in the overwintering grounds of Mexico. Some believe the monarch will share the history of the passenger pigeon.…
My Freedom to Grow Food
by Community Word Staff • • 1 Comment
By Anne Patterson This spring, I will walk out my door and become even more vigilant about what is happening on my small bio-diverse farm. I’m a little nervous about this upcoming growing year. Normally, I am not. Why can’t…
Illinois women & access to abortion: Determined by federal law, personal bank account or someone else’s religion?
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
Gov. Bruce Rauner has not definitively confirmed or denied he is prochoice. His first state-of-the-state address focused on lots of choices but not choice to have an abortion. Rauner is a millionaire pragmatist. Money has meaning to him. The “burdensome”…
Garbage: A mirror reflecting who we are
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
There was a lot of enthusiasm several years ago about a music video produced by the Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria that tried to secure Peoria’s bid for 2013 All American City by organizing hundreds of 20- and 30-year…
Digital sign: Allowed in historic, residential district?
by Clare Howard • • 1 Comment
The short answer is yes. The long answer involves violation of trust. Frank Abdnour secured city approval and installed an electronic sign for his restaurant, The Spotted Cow, 718 W. Glen Ave. The sign is up, running and looks…
FOOD – To Celebrate the Holidays, Express Values and Demand Justice
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
If you were disappointed with the November election, vote again with your holiday meal. Regardless of whether meat or plant-based protein is the centerpiece of your holiday dinner, your choice can proclaim your values and fight injustice. When your holiday…
Why Unionize Home Health Care Workers? Illinois Lost Recently in the Supreme Court
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
If you don’t have elderly parents who rely on home health care, don’t have home care yourself or you’re not a union organizer, why should you care about unionizing home health care workers? Care because this issue is at the…