Columns

Inland Art | Duffy Armstrong

On My Mind

The career path of an artist is unique. They’re self-taught, supplement their practice through residencies, workshops; study under a master, learn through a university; the options are plentiful. Timing of their commitment is another variable that provides definition to one’s…

Art Alerts | September 2021

The Fine Art Fair is Sept. 25-26 along the riverfront on NE Water St. It’s the 59th anniversary of the Peoria Art Guild’s nationally recognized exhibition of original art. The Bridge-To-Bridge River Drive art festival runs 10 a.m. to 4…

Heat Waves — In Red and Black | “Code Red for Humanity”: The 6th United Nations Climate Report

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assembles top climate scientists to report to policymakers, which is the purpose of their “grimdark” 6th report, IPCC6. IPCC scientists are known for rectitude and constrained predictions due to consensus decision…

Serendipity | Dedicated Baseball Fans

Baseball was introduced to me when I was a child. Not a formal introduction but a presence in our home. My Dad was a devoted fan, and my Mom tolerated the radio “noise” as she called it, in the background…

West Peoria News | Clean-Up Day

Beginning decades ago, the West Peoria Township started hosting Clean-Up Day. It started in the parking lot at the corner of Sterling and West Barker avenues and was organized strictly by volunteers. Work included renting large dumpsters, publicity, recruiting volunteers…

The Lion’s Den | Words of the Day

Does everything in today’s world revolve around the issue of race? If this is the case, dialogue is the first step in understanding other viewpoints and creating sustainable, positive change. It then stands to reason that when we engage in…

Straight Talk | Where are the people?

It appears the long-term effects of the pandemic are creating problems beyond the retail and hospitality industries. Much has been written and spoken about labor shortages in restaurants and stores. However, there are difficulties for other businesses and events. Fans…

Bill Knight | Anti-protest laws

The troubling trend of anti-protest legislation is growing, but its recent successes in Republican statehouses isn’t new. There were earlier attempts, including one in Democratic-majority Illinois that failed. Barely. It’s all to chill involvement – “part of a larger trend…