Columnist
‘Disappointing’ majority will be handicap of this GOP
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on ‘Disappointing’ majority will be handicap of this GOP
On October 16, 1854, in Peoria, Abraham Lincoln argued against expanding slavery and touched on a citizen’s role, that when he governs himself that is self-government, “but when he governs himself and also governs another, that is more than self-government.…
The Lion’s Den: Here’s to new year full of good ole days for the future of us all
by Daniel McCloud • • Comments Off on The Lion’s Den: Here’s to new year full of good ole days for the future of us all
If you’re reading this, then you made it to the year of our Lord, 2023. Perhaps there is light snow on the ground and a solitary robin sitting on a frosty tree limb just outside your window. If you’re lucky,…
Nature Rambles: Surf Scoter catching waves on Illinois
by Mike Miller • • Comments Off on Nature Rambles: Surf Scoter catching waves on Illinois
At 123 years old, the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest running citizen science project in existence. Its roots date back to 1900, when ornithologist Frank Chapman suggested that people should go out at Christmas and count…
Straight Talk: Christmas Sing brings back joy to our past, present, future
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk: Christmas Sing brings back joy to our past, present, future
After an absence of three years, the annual Peoria Journal Christmas Sing returned Tuesday, Dec. 13, without the involvement of the local newspaper. Apparently, Ebenezer Scrooge, new owners of the Peoria Journal Star, had no interest in continuing what they…
Serendipity: The ‘good dishes’ serve up most memorable moments
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Serendipity: The ‘good dishes’ serve up most memorable moments
Remember when Christmas celebrations signaled time to bring out the “good dishes” because paper plates and napkins were not allowed? Paper products weren’t so popular in the 1950s and ’60s whatever the celebration, but particularly not for the Big Holidays.…
Inland Art: Riverfront Museum taps impressive collection to show excellent exhibits
by Nichole Gronvold-Roller • • Comments Off on Inland Art: Riverfront Museum taps impressive collection to show excellent exhibits
Before the origination of public art museums, exposure to distant cultures was limited to private collections and travel of elite society and nobility. The history and development of museums have a rugged lineage with the political controversy of questionable artifact…
Heat Waves in Red & Black: Melting Glaciers involve more than rising sea levels
by William Rau • • Comments Off on Heat Waves in Red & Black: Melting Glaciers involve more than rising sea levels
Last month I explored Greenland’s and West Antarctica’s accelerating ice loss. Both are approaching tipping points beyond which continuing ice loss becomes irreversible. Yet, these glaciers are so massive that it’s hard to imagine them withering away. For that task…
Nature Rambles: Our prairies need more Dawgs to look after them
by Mike Miller • • Comments Off on Nature Rambles: Our prairies need more Dawgs to look after them
The first time I can remember being exposed to the Illinois prairie was more than 40 years ago on a hike led by Hal Gardner at Jubilee College State Park. It was part of a “Prairie Day” event to build…
Straight talk: Carle Foundation gets three of our fine hospitals for $75M?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight talk: Carle Foundation gets three of our fine hospitals for $75M?
If we’re to believe WCBU-FM, and there’s no reason not to, Methodist, Proctor, and Pekin hospitals have been transferred by Unity Point Health of West Des Moines, Iowa, to Carle Foundation of Urbana for $75 million. The deal, which Unity…