Columns

The Watch | The heat remains on

On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…

Nature Rambles | Pink in the Prairie

Prairie Blazingstar

August and early September is a time for pink to join the color palette of the Illinois Prairie. The yellows of several species of sunflower still dominate, but nature seems to know that an ocean of yellow would be overstated.…

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…