I have no “horse” in the race for Peoria mayor. However, when I see or hear something in the public arena that is just flat out false and incorrect, because of my experience as a former elected official for 22…
Bill Knight | Taxing times
These are taxing times; times we face not just a pubic-health crisis, but higher taxes – or lower levels of public services. Or both. Nationally, Republicans who backed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are responsible for federal taxes…
Editorial | Land-grant legacy of injustice
OpEd | History of Originalism, Part 3: Beware their words
BILL FEIPEL The “original” words of the Constitution and the structure of the national government that it created were compromised into final form by September 1787. The delegates contented themselves with a system that was democratic, but certainly not a…
The Watch | Thank public workers
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night may stay United States Postal Service couriers from swift completion of their appointed rounds … but COVID-19 puts a cramp in them and everyone else. I can vouch, having gotten the beast.…
Nature Rambles | An Ancient Song
Inland Art | Leslie Bellavance
Art: What is it Good For? | Supreme Good is Like Water
Reflections from an Existential Lens | Religion, Secularism, and the Meaning of Life, Part II
Some years ago a Christian friend asked me what “the religious experience” is. He had visited various churches and worship groups and was puzzled by what he found. Practice seemed disconnected from theology, and even the practice didn’t seem consistent.…
Reflections From The Clergy | Be That Helping Hand In Society
In order for society to function, we as a community need to work together in all facets of life. Having the ability to be that helping hand for one and all brings balance and stability to a community and its…
Peoria Area World Affairs Council: Upcoming schedule
The Peoria Area World Affairs Council, a not-for-profit affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America, hosts programming and educational outreach on global issues of national and international importance. Programs are open to the public. Upcoming presentations scheduled on Zoom…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | Paul Hawken’s Drawdown Fellows and the 80 Ways to Cut Your Carbon
My last three columns highlighted a federal, dividend-based carbon tax. This policy would often amplify complementary local, state and international policies. State governments, for example, can capitalize on a dividend-based carbon tax by expanding renewable energy production, electrifying transportation, increasing…
Labor Roundup | March 2021
President Biden on Feb. 3 demanded resignations from all 10 Trump appointees to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, a major victory for federal unions. Eight members resigned, and two were fired after refusing to step down. Trump’s appointees –– partisan…
Serendipity | Finding Inspiration
List making, note taking, journaling, card sending, and frequent reading of profound sayings or devotions are enjoyable for me. List making has become an absolute necessity. I can sing multiple verses of songs from the ’60s, but if I need…
Science Briefs | March 2021
Paper Coca-Cola Bottles: A Danish startup company is working on paper bottles to replace plastic bottles. The paper bottle will be completely recyclable and production avoids the carbon footprint of manufacturing plastic from fossil fuels. The company hopes its product…
Camp Dallas: From a life lost to lives saved
Post-COVID-19, public finances are grim — but …
Globally, the International Monetary Fund said spending to fight the coronavirus and its financial effects was bursting government budgets. With $11.7 trillion committed by fall, and more needed, cumulative public debt was close to 100% of global gross domestic product…
Avoid mythologizing Native American history
BY LIBBY TRONNES For all of you who have been missing local trivia nights, here are some puzzlers. How old was Pocahontas when John Smith arrived in Virginia? How many federally recognized tribes are there in the United States today?…
The Lion’s Den | Is this America?
Following the siege at the nation’s Capitol, many were left to ponder the question, is this America? For many, their race, ethnicity, culture and political beliefs determined the answer. America has always been a tale of two countries. There has…
Straight Talk | Bad judgment
A dispute between Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood and the Peoria Fire Department became a public debate, and it was entirely unnecessary. News releases from Harwood and the Fire Department described a garage fire at 1928 S. Stanley that claimed…
Bill Knight | Carl Cannon pushes himself
The longtime weightlifter, soldier, policeman, family man and mentor also pushes others – to bear life’s burdens and condition themselves to meet future challenges. In Full Cannon, published late last year, the 61-year-old Peoria who founded programs such as ELITE…