Columns

Heat Waves — In Red and Black | To Tree or Not to Tree, Part 1: The 1 Trillion Tree Initiative

When the annual World Economic Forum draws the wealthy and powerful to Davos, Switzerland, things happen. The 2019 initiation of a 1 trillion tree planting scheme (https://www.1t.org/) – 1t for short – is an example. Does it mean that the…

Serendipity | Differences of Opinion

When my husband and I were engaged, we often wondered what topics or situations would cause arguments between us. We had read about typical ones: money, in-laws, where to spend Christmas dinner, putting the cap on the toothpaste, how many…

West Peoria News | Community Clean-up

A sincere thank you and appreciation to the West Peorians who volunteered on a hot and humid June 5 to pick up litter in our community. I saw many out doing this clean-up to keep West Peoria clean. For those…

The Lion’s Den | Food Desert

The In 2018, the Kroger grocery store chain closed two of its Peoria stores in two predominately low-income, African American neighborhoods. Unfortunately, there have been no suitable options to take the place of these stores. The closing of these stores,…

Straight Talk | Tami Lane to be recognized

Plans are underway to recognize the only Peoria person to receive a Hollywood Oscar, movie industry’s highest award. Tami Lane, a graduate of Woodruff High School and Bradley University, received the 2005 Academy Award for Best Makeup in the movie…

Bill Knight | Key energy and jobs proposals

Illinoisans could spend the summer contemplating the consequences for jobs, climate and the energy industry, feeling hope or disappointment. At press time, it seems as if Illinois lawmakers could put the state on track toward a future of caring for…

The Watch | Rock Island Greenway extension

The pandemic may be abating here. Fallout continues. Peoria Housing Authority met virtually April 5. Jackie Newman, CEO, reported the revamped PHA offices had a soft opening. Staff will assess needs and adjust restrictions as necessary to comply with COVID-19…

Real Talk | When you are chosen

Eagerly from Seattle, Wash., I watched her first announcement to run for mayor, reading the Peoria Journal Star, visiting her website — all the time wondering what I could do to ensure that her run was successful and that the…

Nature Rambles | Why Nature Preserves?

Illinois Nature Preserve

There are a few special places left in this world. If you are taking a hike in some of the natural areas that we are blessed to have in Central Illinois, you might observe a harbinger of just how special…

Art Alerts | June 2021

Peoria Riverfront Museum is host to the worldwide traveling debut of “T.REX: The Ultimate Predator” created by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Now through Sept. 6. The Peoria Art Guild will be hosting live demonstrations…