The words “Peoria will be a national arts destination” are heard around town in more and more meetings and gatherings. It’s a grand concept first declared by John Morris, CEO and president of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, but what exactly…
MUSIC Dec. 1: The Way Down Wanderers present “Wandering Home for The Holidays,” with Amoramora and Still Shine. 8 p.m. Monarch Music Hall. 966-0826. Dec. 1: Kenny G. 8 p.m. Peoria Civic Center Theater. 673-3200. Dec. 1: Bradley String Chamber…
Sentimentality isn’t necessarily a component of holiday plans. Perhaps my current bout with heightened emotions has something to do with my age. Since turning 70 some seven months ago, I’ve chalked up nearly every unusual response as an age related…
A greeting from the West Peoria Beautification committee: “Garland and lights have been hung on the Welcome Wall, Township and City Hall with care knowing that the holiday season would soon be here. Snowmen are keeping a watchful look out…
The U.S. Agriculture Department planned to speed up poultry plant production four years ago after lobbying by big poultry processors, endangering 250,000 workers and potentially putting sick chickens on consumers’ plates. But labor protested, and the USDA backed down. In…
After 47 years in prison for a murder conviction that was vacated, Cleve Heidelberg lived just 306 days as a free man in Peoria before he died of heart failure, but his ultimate triumph remains his challenge to society to…
Darryl Townsend felt a strange sense of alarm as he walked into the Peoria County Courthouse, through security, past armed guards. He was there for his GED test, but it was not test anxiety he was experiencing. It was knowledge…
Sixty-seven years ago this month, the NAACP’s Crisis Magazine published a harsh denunciation of world-renowned African-American entertainer and activist Paul Robeson, and a new book rekindles memories of Robeson’s travails – including the 1947 Peoria incident that some say was…
If you are reading this column on or before Nov. 6, please vote. Election Day is Nov. 6. This Election Day offers an opportunity to chose a Governor of Illinois. Incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner is being challenged by Chicagoan J.B.…
“Never underestimate desperate people. You never know how far they will go to get what they want.” — Anonymous Does that quote apply to the CEO Council? After learning of the personal attacks on Mayor Jim Ardis and councilwoman Denise…
The label “Americana” means music that blends folk, gospel, country, R&B and gospel, but it’s no uniform, sound-a-like genre. Artists carve out distinctive sounds mixing acoustic and electric, creating an eclectic delight. Edward David Anderson’s record released in October is…
Paul Flynn, business manager of IBEW Local 34, lamented recently about a columnist in the Journal Star who ridiculed the transfer of the Hotel Pere Marquette from the local ownership of Gary Matthews and partners to INDURE Build-to-Core Fund, National…
Issues that should disturb us include Russian interference in our sacred elections, Putin’s admission of support for Trump as President and the Russian spy Maria Butina’s work with the NRA. I long for presidents who governed our foreign policies when…
The Senate’s recent confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court likely means curtains for reproductive rights, environmental protection, union membership, voting rights, public education, medical coverage, even LGBTQ rights, as cases involving these issues work their way through…
BY DALE GOODNER Margaret Chase Smith probably never expected that her “Declaration of Conscience” would become listed as No. 41 in American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches of the 20th century. The Republican Senator from Maine delivered that speech on June…
As a society, we have been embroiled in a battle over equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community for years now. We have fought for legal recognition of marriage and gender status, healthcare coverage and equal services and simple non-discrimination protections.…
It’s not everyday that I get stumped when I’m out in nature, but every once in a while, I see something that I have no idea what it is. A few weeks ago, Peoria Park District staff and volunteers were…
Before Bill Conger became curator of exhibitions and collections at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, his critical capability was honed at the University Galleries at Illinois State University. He worked with Barry Blinderman for more than a decade, a highly productive…
I could use this space bemoaning why I vehemently oppose Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme court. It is clear to most of us that he got the benefit of the doubt simply because he is a white man. Being…
Knowledge and ability to turn back the clock could make results both interesting and heartwarming on many levels. November and December usher in festivities and celebrations and, for many, an abundant sense of nostalgia. Add the well-known picture of the…
Music Nov. 1: ORGŌNE, with special guests Ridgeracer. 8 p.m. Kenny’s West Side Pub. 676-1693. Nov. 2: Hoobastank, with Secondhand Serenade. 8 p.m. Monarch Music Hall. 966-0826. Nov. 2: Cousin Eddie “Live at the Five Spot.” 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Art…
We are at the stage of life where as a couple we are halfway into retirement. One of us is already there, the other has a way to go. So we spend a lot of time discussing this topic. How…
