Steve Shearer is well-known by folks who follow politics. He’s been a part of Aaron Schock’s political life almost from day one. At one time he was Schock’s chief of staff. Like Schock, Shearer has been questioned by the F.B.I.…
The other day I was finishing an email to some otherwise wonderful Christians who, in my opinion, were stepping way out of line in matters of age and racial discrimination of the subtle but searing sort that still infects our…
October 2015 was officially decreed Oak Awareness Month, or OAKtober, in Illinois. The initiative to recognize the plight of oak forests was spurred by The Chicago Region Trees Initiative and its partners throughout the state. It is part of a…
“An attitude of gratitude” is an expression I learned many years ago from an amazing group of women. I was a new Mom at the time, grateful for my son but somewhat overwhelmed by my responsibilities. Caring for a much-loved…
Upcoming meetings in West Peoria include the West Peoria Residents’ Association 6 p.m. Nov. 19 in City Hall; West Peoria Neighborhood Watch 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at City Hall. The public is welcome to both of these Residents’ Association meetings.…
I am pleased to report that ballet is alive and well here thanks to the efforts of the Central Illinois Ballet and its artistic director, Rebekah von Rathonyi. The company presented “Dracula, Dance on the Dark Side” conceived and choreographed…
MUSIC Nov. 3: Judas Priest, “Redeemer of Souls” tour. 7:30 p.m. Civic Center Arena. 673-3200. Nov. 3: Hard Bop Jazz Band. 7:30 p.m. ICC Lecture/Recital Hall, East Peoria. 694-5136. Nov. 5: JJ Grey & Mofro, with honeyhoney. 7 p.m. Limelight…
Inadequate offer forced East St. Louis teachers strike. Students in the East St. Louis, Ill., school district stayed home beginning in early October after its 400 union teachers rejected an inadequate settlement offer. Members of Illinois Federation of Teachers voted…
For many people struggling to lose weight, weight loss medications seem to be a simple way to “melt off” the pounds. Unfortunately, the evidence shows this is not the case. Current diet medications reduce appetite, but do not eliminate the…
Imagine sitting in your bathroom. Now imagine staying there. For more than a year. That’s how long some 30 percent of Illinois inmates are in solitary confinement, concedes the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Another 10 percent suffers such isolation…
