The Heartland Festival Orchestra earned the 2015 Community Relations of the Year award from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. “Committed to giving back to the community, the Heartland Festival Orchestra continues its tradition of partnering with deserving local nonprofit…
Farmer links dead calves and tainted silage to pesticide drift
After 40 years of farming in rural Princeton, Dan Schafer is between a rock and a hard place, grappling with a problem that could threaten his livelihood and the safety of the public food supply. He told his long-time…
Senator’s legislation would help Illinois access $60 million more in federal food stamp funding
State Sen. Daniel Biss arrived in Springfield in 2011 with an academic background in mathematics and a progressive bent. He plans to run for state comptroller and has studied pension reform, the state budget and leveraging social and environmental…
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…
Senator Ryan Spain?
Odds are State Sen. Darin LaHood will be elected to replace Aaron Shock as the 18th District U.S. Representative come September. The heavy Republican district strongly supports LaHood who carries impressive credentials and knows how to wage a political campaign.…
Putting human faces on our Congressional candidates
Between now and Sept. 10, when the special election for the 18th Congressional seat will be decided, candidates Darin LaHood and Rob Mellon will be campaigning throughout the 19 downstate counties. In the low-turnout July 7 primary, LaHood won…
Are corporations and conservatives eroding democracy?
Fight for 15 is anathema to corporations myopically driven by profit margin and to conservatives who think almost half of us are “takers” not producers, a belief stated by Mitt Romney with his famous “47 percent” comment. Now, Jeb…
Voice objections to River Trail Apartments At City Council Meeting
Why are Peoria city bonds being used to pay for a dead-end street that will destroy 1.1 acres of tallgrass prairie and hundreds of trees? These TIF funded bonds also pay for parking lots and bases for four, four-story proposed…
Honk for peace
BY JACK RYAN If you have driven through the new bottleneck intersection of West Main and University between noon and 1 p.m. on any Saturday, you’ve undoubtedly noticed people on the Starbucks corner holding signs protesting war. Usually, one sign…
Reflections from the Clergy
From sundown on Saturday, July 25 until the evening of July 26 Jews around the world observe our national day of mourning, Tisha B’av. This day commemorates the destructions of both the first and second Jewish commonwealths (in 586 BCE…
Water, Water, Everywhere (here anyway)
Seven weeks and counting. Who would have thought that the Illinois River would be above flood stage for so long in June and July? Normally, I make a weekly stop at a few of the birding hotspots to keep track…
Serendipity
Friendships form in various ways, characterized by respect, affection and loyalty. Longevity isn’t promised but should be celebrated if it happens. Which is how it is with my dear friend, Marie (Joseph) Unes. We attended the same high school,…
West Peoria News
It was a perfect Independence Day for the 45th Annual West Peoria Fourth of July Parade. Neighbors, friends and visitors gathered on the sidewalks making a mosaic of red, white and blue while waiting to enjoy the longest running…
Dark money in politics
The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria invites the public to attend a discussion of “Money in Politics” at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at Advanced Medical Transport, 1718 N. Sterling. Topics for discussion will include “dark money,” “PAC’s” vs…
“Lights, camera, action!” is how many think of a film director, but put yourself in Aaron Warr’s place and that image might change. His film, “College Debts,” will have its world premiere right here in River City 7 p.m. Aug.…
Arts Beat
Stage highlights for the next few weeks: MUSIC July 31: Nathan Taylor and Friends. 8 p.m. Rhythm Kitchen Music Café. 676-9668. Aug. 1: Blues Expression. 8 p.m. Rhythm Kitchen Music Café. 676-9668. Aug. 2: Peoria Municipal Band, with percussion soloist…
Placemaking Peoria
Artists are creators. They are always making things, dreaming new ideas, and looking at the world differently. The works of visual artists stand out when displayed on a wall or as sculpture in galleries, museums or First Friday venues. Performance…
Labor Roundup
UAW targeting automakers’ two-tier wages. Abolition of the two-tier wage system at the “Detroit 3” car companies, raising all workers to the top scale, seems to be the top bargaining goal of the United Auto Workers in opening talks with…
Neighborhood Notes
‘Night Out Against Crime’ Aug. 4. Peoria’s registered neighborhood associations are working on taking part in the Aug. 4 National Night Out Against crime in their areas. “The purpose of Night Out is to promote neighborhood safety by hosting a…