OpEd | Whistleblowers, sources and the constitution

BY TORI WHIDDEN Throughout the United States, government agencies are unconstitutionally enforcing restrictive policies that are negatively affecting the public’s access to information. First Amendment rights allow public employees to speak about work-related matters without the permission of their superiors.…

Nature Rambles | Chinquapin Oak

Chinquapin

As the leaves fall and the forest takes on a slumbering personality, we often don’t think much about the trees until they start leafing out again in the spring. However, winter is a great time to take a new look…

The Watch | PHA meetings

Several months ago, attorney John T. Brady read the local government observer reports in his League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria monthly newsletter. It reported PHA meetings had been moved or cancelled, often without notice. Agendas and basic information…

Inland Art | Imagism

What Came After

The catalog essays that support the exhibition “What Came After: Figurative Painting in Chicago 1978 – 1998” at the Elmhurst Art Museum, question whether the term “Imagism” is fitting for art predominately recognized as Chicago-born. They also question whether Imagism…

Arts Beat | December 2019

Dec. 6: “A Merry Little Christmas,” featuring the Peoria Pops Orchestra. 7 p.m. Five Points Washington. 444-8222. Dec. 6: Dexter O’Neal + Funk Yard 5:30 p.m. “Live at the Five Spot,” Contemporary Arts Center, 674-6822. Dec. 7: Bradley Chorale, Women’s…

Reflections From A Hindu Perspective | Art of debate

As our next presidential election looms closer, the sheer barbarism of the public arena vocalization filled me with great anguish. On the current political debate stages, behavior like blatant lying, interrupting the opponents, childish insults have become a norm for…

Serendipity | Holiday happiness

Music, memories, scents, sounds and other reminders help make Christmas the extravaganza it is today. We don’t all agree on how much of the details are charming because we view it from personal preferences. For some, it’s too much of…

West Peoria News | December updates

Township Supervisor Sharon Kennedy is looking for people interested in sharing what they know about the history of West Peoria. Kennedy can be reached at the township building, 2516 W. Rohmann, 9 a.m. until noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Call…

Labor Roundup | December 2019

National Labor Relations Board plans to ban RAs, TAs from unionizing, and activists such as Princeton University Research Assistant Hrishikesh Somayaji are protesting. “We simply need a union to be able to bargain for the rights that we deserve as…

Restoration: Coal Hollow Park

Coal Hollow

An environmental restoration is unfolding north of Chillicothe on the site of a former coal mine. Mike Contratto, center, works with park district employees and volunteers on a foot bridge at Coal Hollow Park. The bridge connects a new parking…

Artist uses light, space, sky and landscape

When Craig Adcock lectures at the Riverfront Museum Nov. 14, he’ll not only present artist James Turrell to a Peoria-area audience probably unfamiliar with him. The program, presented by the Peoria Fine Arts Society, also will in some ways revisit…

Straight Talk | Can’t believe it

For more than 35 years, my wife and I and our two sons lived in Wardcliffe and traveled multiple times each day on the two lanes of Forrest Hill from Lehman Road to University. Finally, due to speeding and congestion,…

The Watch | No news is bad news

Near tears, the mother of four said she was grateful to have shelter, but … She had no electricity or running water. She had trouble caring for her children. She hadn’t had a shower in weeks. She pleaded for help.…