Choosing favorites, whether the categories or items are colors, candy, food, vacation destinations, songs, shoes, or almost any other of the multiple choices is not something I do well. I like a variety of things, places, activities, etc. and I…
West Peoria News | Adopt a public garbage can
Through the cleanup initiative started by the Public Safety Committee, West Peoria is looking to strategically place garbage cans/receptacles in the city. West Peoria would like citizen input and participation and is looking for volunteers from businesses and organizations to…
Labor Roundup | October 2021
Workers demanding more – and getting it. The halting-but-improving post-pandemic economy has a little good news for some people, according to the Labor Department, which reported wages increasing 4% this summer, and even major low-wage companies including Walmart, Chipotle and…
School for algebra, language arts and hope
The pandemic robbed hope from countless students across the country, but 26 young people in Peoria who had been struggling with remote learning got back on track during a special summer program. Then they got an added surprise with an…
Government’s “tragedy of errors” still saved the arts
The arts are vital to America, and many culture groups were hit hard during the pandemic, according to Brookings Institution which reported the sector lost $150 billion in revenue and 2.7 million jobs. Fortunately, Washington saw that helping such organizations…
Dissecting Afghanistan
The United States spent more than $74 billion on Afghanistan over the course of a 20-year war, the longest in American history. To many people, the withdrawal of U.S. troops felt messy, dishonorable, chaotic, emotional, disloyal, and terrifying. The Peoria…
Medical and economic bonanza
Construction of the $237 million OSF Cancer Institute represents the largest capital campaign in the 144-year history of the OSF mission, said Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility. Of the 38…
Straight Talk | Bad proposal by Peoria Park
The decision by Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill and her staff to recommend the demolition of the historic Glen Oak Amphitheater in order to construct toilets, a basketball court, playground, and shelter is puzzling, if not ridiculous. The…
Bill Knight | Trying to please everyone
Even as a Democrat (technically a democratic socialist), it’s difficult to dislike Darin LaHood, akin to scolding a gifted musician’s child for being tone-deaf. But it’s frustrating. The 18th District’s Republican Congressman seems to exalt bipartisanship and express concerns for…
Editorial | In our backyards: America’s favorite toxic weedkiller
This time of year, it’s a common sight to see homeowners carrying large jugs of Roundup and spraying driveways, sidewalk cracks and roadsides. It’s always astonishing to see people wearing shorts and sandals as they spray. They give no thought…
OpEd | Donovan Park Pavilion wrong location for this project
BY DAVID PITTMAN The proposed Donovan Pavilion in Donovan Park is a project in the wrong location, proposes an improper use of park land, creates permanent loss of open green space without replacement, and may have a negative financial impact…
The Watch | The heat remains on
On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…
Nature Rambles | Pink in the Prairie
August and early September is a time for pink to join the color palette of the Illinois Prairie. The yellows of several species of sunflower still dominate, but nature seems to know that an ocean of yellow would be overstated.…
Inland Art | Duffy Armstrong
The career path of an artist is unique. They’re self-taught, supplement their practice through residencies, workshops; study under a master, learn through a university; the options are plentiful. Timing of their commitment is another variable that provides definition to one’s…
Art Alerts | September 2021
The Fine Art Fair is Sept. 25-26 along the riverfront on NE Water St. It’s the 59th anniversary of the Peoria Art Guild’s nationally recognized exhibition of original art. The Bridge-To-Bridge River Drive art festival runs 10 a.m. to 4…
Art: What is it Good For? | Seeing in a New Light
This coming October 2021 will be our 7th year writing this column. Every month we have written straight forward articles about art and creativity. We have spent little time talking to our reader about how to become more creative and…
Reflections From The Clergy | The Path Through Anger
I’m angry. I know I am not alone. We are angry. Lots and lots of us are angry. We stayed home. We stayed away from people, including those we love. We wore masks. We worked from home. We took care…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | “Code Red for Humanity”: The 6th United Nations Climate Report
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assembles top climate scientists to report to policymakers, which is the purpose of their “grimdark” 6th report, IPCC6. IPCC scientists are known for rectitude and constrained predictions due to consensus decision…
Solar panels emerge from Peoria farm field
Illinois American Water Co. is converting an agriculture field off Galena Road to a nearly-10-acre solar field at 6111 N. Galena Road along the Illinois River. Karen Cotton, company spokeswoman, said the company is excited about this project that furthers…
Serendipity | Dedicated Baseball Fans
Baseball was introduced to me when I was a child. Not a formal introduction but a presence in our home. My Dad was a devoted fan, and my Mom tolerated the radio “noise” as she called it, in the background…
West Peoria News | Clean-Up Day
Beginning decades ago, the West Peoria Township started hosting Clean-Up Day. It started in the parking lot at the corner of Sterling and West Barker avenues and was organized strictly by volunteers. Work included renting large dumpsters, publicity, recruiting volunteers…
Labor Roundup | September 2021
NLRB officer: Amazon union election should be rescheduled. Amazon improperly pressured workers to vote against joining the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), and a new union election should be held, a National Labor Relations Board hearing officer recommended…