ROYCE ELLIOTT PLACE The sun was shining brightly, almost like God’s spotlight on America’s cleanest comedian, Royce Elliott, as people gathered to honor the man who made so many laugh and smile. The occasion was the unveiling of the honorary…

Billionaires discover inequality

Earth hasn’t become Bizarro World, DC Comics’ cubical planet where a flawed copy of Superman talks in twisted negatives. When that super-powered villain says, “I love you!” he means he hates you. If Bizarro says, “I’m sad you succeeded,” he…

Medical marijuana works for me

The debate around medical marijuana should move away from the lack of scientific studies and focus on experience. I admit to formerly being a pot smoker. Some time back I quit smoking weed to focus on family and career. Unfortunately,…

A Roller-Coaster Year

By KYM LADD HARTZ Winter changing to spring was very smooth. Everything was perfect, unlike last spring when winter kept coming around when you least expected it and killing off new spring buds. No, this spring was as well as…

Over past 20 years, “Loaves and Fish” fed 300,000 Last year, I was talking with a couple about what went into their selection of whether and/or which church to call home. Their Christian faith is strong, so connecting with a…

A Legacy for Future Generations

A Legacy for Future Generations It was a summer day in 1990 that I piled into a car with several folks and drove up into Marshall County to explore some natural areas. We were off to meet someone who had…

On a typical frosty-cold January day, a friendly and enthusiastic group of loved ones gathered in anticipation of a wonderful event. Determined to stay for the long haul, while hoping for a short one, we were willing helpers extraordinaire. But…

Night Out Against Crime will be hosted by the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch, City of West Peoria, West Peoria Township, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, Peoria Park District/Franciscan Complex and the Travelers Protective Association from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept.…

The Great Work Begins Theatre Troupe moved to an intimate space downtown, Ear in the Envelope, 820 SW Adams St., to present Don Nigro’s ‘70s era play “Seascape with Sharks and Dancer.” It was well performed by Andrew Jon Rhodenbaugh…

ARTS BEAT

Stage highlights for the next few weeks: MUSIC Sept. 4-5: Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival featuring Jonny Lang, Taj Mahal, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Victor Wooten and the Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band and more. Gates open at 6…

Art As Experience Is there sound if there are no ears to hear it? Is there art if there are no eyes to see it? Art does not exist apart from human experience. It is not created in a vacuum.…

Labor Roundup

Labor groups endorse Iran deal. U.S. Labor Against War (USLAW), the grass-roots organization that led the organized labor to oppose George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, is campaigning for unionists and leaders to back the proposed agreement to curb…

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS BRIEFS

Coal’s Devastation Coal accounts for over 40 percent of Illinois’ electric power generation, according to the Institute for Energy Research. While Ameren posted profits of more than $586 million in 2014 (more than double the $289 million in 2013), the…

Why Are So Many People Obese? There is an obesity epidemic in this country. The percent of people who are overweight and obese has doubled since 1992. Now one-third of adults in the United States are obese. What has happened…

Peoria abortion clinic sold to Texas organization

New owner has legal appeal against Texas with U.S. Supreme Court After more than four decades providing first trimester abortions for women in central Illinois, National Health Care Services on North University Street has been sold to an organization based…