COVID-19 is roiling every corner of the globe, even in the most remote regions of the Amazon. Indigenous people there, in the United States and other countries are particularly hard hit by COVID. Inequality is a COVID super spreader. International…
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Bipartisan coalition slams USDA order to cut Food Stamps to vulnerable seniors
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Bipartisan coalition slams USDA order to cut Food Stamps to vulnerable seniors
Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation joined in bipartisan opposition to an executive order by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue to end SNAP benefits for seniors and the disabled living in supportive living facilities. In Peoria, these SLF…
Central Illinois specialty farmers: They are “our lifeline” for food
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Central Illinois specialty farmers: They are “our lifeline” for food
For years, Jimmy Buckley watched government subsidies go to big corn and soybean farmers growing crops that become fuel and animal feed. Buckley grows organic fruits and vegetables for hundreds of people in central Illinois yet until this year, he…
News Analysis: Vote yes on the graduated income tax
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on News Analysis: Vote yes on the graduated income tax
Misleading attacks on the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to enact a graduated income tax (“Fair Tax”) range from scare-tactic lies to exaggerations that defy logic. Some opponents say that a Fair Tax will lead to taxing retirement…
Wasim Ellahi: Everyone deserves excellent, compassionate medical care
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Wasim Ellahi: Everyone deserves excellent, compassionate medical care
His mantra: If someone asks for my help, that’s all I need; we provide help. Dr. Wasim Ellahi was recruited to come to Peoria more than 20 years ago, and when he died Oct. 5, he left a legacy of…
Sheriff Brian Asbell: Blame the system, not the bail funds
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Sheriff Brian Asbell: Blame the system, not the bail funds
There are more than 80 community bail funds nationwide. These funds were started with the goal of ending pre-trial incarceration of people who don’t have the money to post bail and must remain in custody. However, people with money can…
Piano and Racism
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Piano and Racism
BY NATASHA GREENE One of the greatest loves in my life is my relationship with music. Music has been a constant companion throughout life as far back as I can remember. Once, while taking piano lessons from a retired 80-year-old…
Fred Winterroth: He’s spent half his life advocating for the proposed Hanna City Trail and now it’s within reach
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Fred Winterroth: He’s spent half his life advocating for the proposed Hanna City Trail and now it’s within reach
Hanna City Village President Fred Winterroth sees enormous regional benefit from converting 25 miles of abandoned Union Pacific rail line to a hiking-biking trail. The narrow strip of land runs through Bellevue, Hanna City, Farmington and Middle Grove. Now 65,…
Western Avenue Upgrade to regenerate 61605
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Western Avenue Upgrade to regenerate 61605
When urban planner Chuck Marohn talks about the best economic stimulus for urban communities, he advises focusing dollars on older sections of town, not the sprawling suburbs that cost more to maintain than they generate in tax revenue. Marohn proves…
PAWAC: Israel-Palestine path forward
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on PAWAC: Israel-Palestine path forward
It’s time to abandon the notion of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and instead embrace the goal of Jewish-Palestinian equality, Peter Beinart said during a Peoria Area World Affairs Council talk via Zoom conferencing. Beinart, editor-at-large for Jewish…