BY ANGELA WECK As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, school children are taught that the early settlers from England were welcomed by the native inhabitants they encountered in the New World. Students learn that the Indians, misidentified by…
Articles
New community GED class about eliminating hurdles
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
A young, single mother who works at a local hospital was offered a total scholarship for CNA classes and a nursing job after graduation. She couldn’t accept the scholarship and start CNA classes because she doesn’t have a high school…
Stay at home orders pointless for the homeless
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
As cold weather returns and an annual estimate of homelessness looms next month, advocates for the homeless are preparing for winter –– amid a worsening pandemic. Meanwhile, the state’s health department in November issued new recommendations urging Illinoisans to stay…
No oxygen in lungs of the world
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
COVID-19 is roiling every corner of the globe, even in the most remote regions of the Amazon. Indigenous people there, in the United States and other countries are particularly hard hit by COVID. Inequality is a COVID super spreader. International…
Bipartisan coalition slams USDA order to cut Food Stamps to vulnerable seniors
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation joined in bipartisan opposition to an executive order by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue to end SNAP benefits for seniors and the disabled living in supportive living facilities. In Peoria, these SLF…
Central Illinois specialty farmers: They are “our lifeline” for food
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
For years, Jimmy Buckley watched government subsidies go to big corn and soybean farmers growing crops that become fuel and animal feed. Buckley grows organic fruits and vegetables for hundreds of people in central Illinois yet until this year, he…
News Analysis: Vote yes on the graduated income tax
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Misleading attacks on the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to enact a graduated income tax (“Fair Tax”) range from scare-tactic lies to exaggerations that defy logic. Some opponents say that a Fair Tax will lead to taxing retirement…
Wasim Ellahi: Everyone deserves excellent, compassionate medical care
by Clare Howard • • 8 Comments
His mantra: If someone asks for my help, that’s all I need; we provide help. Dr. Wasim Ellahi was recruited to come to Peoria more than 20 years ago, and when he died Oct. 5, he left a legacy of…
Sheriff Brian Asbell: Blame the system, not the bail funds
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
There are more than 80 community bail funds nationwide. These funds were started with the goal of ending pre-trial incarceration of people who don’t have the money to post bail and must remain in custody. However, people with money can…
Piano and Racism
by Community Word Staff • • 2 Comments
BY NATASHA GREENE One of the greatest loves in my life is my relationship with music. Music has been a constant companion throughout life as far back as I can remember. Once, while taking piano lessons from a retired 80-year-old…