More than 91% of employees at the Peoria Public Library are living “paycheck to paycheck,” according to a survey of staff this winter. What’s arguably worse for them — and maybe embarrassing for the City of Peoria and taxpayers –…
Inland Art: Modern Masters make their mark at Riverfront Museum
“This second exhibited selection of work from the collection of John and Jeff Heintzman brings together meditative, spiritual and playful qualities of the gesture, marks made and accentuated by the artist’s hand. These works not only perpetuate the impulse to…
Editorial: How much longer can this abusive relationship go on?
I have been threatening to break up with a bad girlfriend for years. She takes more than she gives, hurts people with impunity and has little empathy for those she maims or kills. Our years together have been thrilling. Once…
Reflections from a Hindu Perspective: Resilience lies in future of ancient traditions
Recently we visited the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in New Mexico near Albuquerque and perused the exhibition on the Ancient Puebloan culture and history. We learned about the massive destruction of the Native Americans by successive waves of colonizing nations…
History of Hoops: ‘Playgrounds to the Pros: Legends of Peoria Basketball’ gets behind scenes of River City roundball
Basketball fans know how the sport plays in Peoria. Finally, some of those stories from an extra-special time in the city’s lore will be captured in print when “Playgrounds to the Pros: Legends of Peoria Basketball” (3 Fields Books, University…
Nature Rambles: Bald Eagle Marathon means more nests in central Illinois
This year marks the 35th year that I have had the opportunity to be involved with annual winter Bald Eagle counts along the Illinois River. Surveys provide a snapshot of Bald Eagle numbers on a particular day across the state.…
Heat Waves — In Red & Black: PAYS to provide water like it’s a human right
Climate and Equity Jobs Act program helps fight the scarcity and inequality that economics creates Last month, I explored physical shortages of water and nature-based approaches to closing deficits in drinking water. A more common American problem is rapidly accelerating…
Lion’s Den: Negro Leagues Museum shows baseball diamonds are girls best friend
Over the Christmas holiday, my family and I had the chance to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo. It was an incredible experience. The museum contained photos, memorabilia, and newspaper clippings that highlighted the talent of…
Bill Knight: Defending Democracy, citizens, never stops; up next are local races
Citizenship never stops, really. It didn’t end with voting in November, and it requires participation between now and April 4. That’s when the consolidated local election — held in the spring of odd-numbered years — will pick local representatives to…
Arts Alerts: February kicks off with Laugh for a Cause at Mission BBQ, Heartland Festival Orchestra playing West Side “Stories”
ART • On Feb. 9 the Fine Arts Society of Peoria will present Chicago artist Juarez Hawkins at the Peoria Riverfront Museum to lecture on David C. Driskell, who’s credited with using his work, writing and teaching to promote the…
Peoria County claims attorney Justin Penn charging too much in Auditor court proceedings
Attorneys representing Peoria County in Auditor Jessica Thomas’ lawsuit filed a blistering objection to her lawyer’s Dec. 7 request for $42,087.50 in fees plus $766.64 in expenses, calling it an “exorbitant demand.” “The County never agreed to such exorbitant and…
Labor Roundup: Will UAW leadership affect CAT talks? Southwest workers blame airline; strike at HarperCollins
The United Auto Workers’ current agreement with Caterpillar is scheduled to expire March 1. Likely issues include not only compensation, but attendance policies — all as the UAW international leadership could be changing and related situations such as the union’s…
Straight Talk: Too good to be true? Disappointing development from developer KDB Group
Kim Blickenstaff rode into Peoria like the proverbial knight on a white horse with wads of money and a load of ideas for improving life in central Illinois. The highly successful businessman, who made a fortune in the healthcare industry,…
The Watch: City Council expands agenda, County Board gets busy with new membership
Local officials tidied the books to start 2023: you’ll see $750,000 in debts written off and $2.2 million in grants and bequests coming in. On Dec. 13, Peoria City Council expanded its annual legislative agenda to include public safety pension…
West Peoria News: Eagle Scout No. 75 earns his feathers for Troop 11
Boy Scout Troop 11 held an Eagle Court of Honor for Ethan Edley on Jan. 8. Ethan is the troop’s Eagle Scout No. 75 since 1943. It is an impressive number of Eagles because of all the commitment, effort, hard…
Overwhelming support: VAC helps veterans get benefits, but Peorians pay for non-residents
Peoria County has more than 9,000 military veterans, according to the Census, and hundreds seek help with issues ranging from disability benefits to housing. The county’s Veterans Assistance Commission advocates for them while maneuvering a new federal law providing…
Make multi-unit housing tobacco-free, says the ITFC
By JESSICA JOHNSON Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Coordinator for Hult Center for Healthy Living Have you ever been constantly bothered by the smoke from a neighbor’s cigarette? Chances are most people have experienced the uncomfortable effect of breathing in somebody else’s…
It’s hard out here for curmudgeons to boogie
A barren wasteland lay in between the way I see myself and the way I am seen by others. The perception and programming of people further clouds the actual reality of that distance. I am 55 years old and at…
Inland Art: 22VA highlights therapeutic benefits from creativity art for veterans
Upon entering the 22 VA Art Exhibit last November in the Downtown Branch of the Peoria Public Library, I immediately felt connected to a wide range of creative works. Walls were lined with paintings, photos, recycled art, quilts, writing, carvings,…
Heat Waves in Red & Black: Earth’s fate precariously placed at glacial pace
For many Floridians, melting polar glaciers means too much water, rising sea levels, and eventual relocation. For many Peruvians, melting Andes glaciers means torrential spring floods, summer water shortages, and rivers — major sources of drinking water — possibly running…