The population of Peoria is similar to the population of Lawrence, Kan., but one community is shrinking while the other is growing. One community has a more diverse population but less intentional discussion of equity and inclusion. The other predominantly…
News
When Justice Becomes Injustice
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on When Justice Becomes Injustice
Lester Mason is the victim of what many now consider an ill-conceived and racist “three strikes and you’re out law” that almost exclusively targets Black men. He was released from prison the day before Thanksgiving after an incarceration of nearly…
Community leaders say trust the science, get vaccinated
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Community leaders say trust the science, get vaccinated
Trust is in short supply in America today. Our trust has been betrayed historically dating back to the founding of the country and betrayed recently by government policies that do not serve the best interest of all Americans. Now we…
Not socialized medicine: “just common sense”
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Not socialized medicine: “just common sense”
Brooke Sommerville gave birth to three children in Peoria. Then her husband, professional basketball player Marcellus Sommerville, was recruited to play professionally in France. The family moved to France, and Brooke didn’t know what to expect when she became pregnant…
UnityPoint Health increases minimum pay
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on UnityPoint Health increases minimum pay
The minimum hourly pay rate at UnityPoint Health is increasing to $15 an hour in January in a move that will impact 33% of the health system’s 30,000 employees. “Our feet are firmly rooted in our mission — to improve…
Holiday Bounty
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Holiday Bounty
Lucy, Susannah and Laura Poeppel picked this seasonal produce on their parents’ organic farm outside Chillicothe. Lucy said the beauty of the farm sometimes creates “a spiritual moment.” Visit their website at broadbranchfarm.com. Check this listing for other farms in…
Native Americans and Indigenous People: A Global Perspective
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Native Americans and Indigenous People: A Global Perspective
BY ANGELA WECK As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, school children are taught that the early settlers from England were welcomed by the native inhabitants they encountered in the New World. Students learn that the Indians, misidentified by…
New community GED class about eliminating hurdles
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on New community GED class about eliminating hurdles
A young, single mother who works at a local hospital was offered a total scholarship for CNA classes and a nursing job after graduation. She couldn’t accept the scholarship and start CNA classes because she doesn’t have a high school…
Stay at home orders pointless for the homeless
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on Stay at home orders pointless for the homeless
As cold weather returns and an annual estimate of homelessness looms next month, advocates for the homeless are preparing for winter –– amid a worsening pandemic. Meanwhile, the state’s health department in November issued new recommendations urging Illinoisans to stay…
No oxygen in lungs of the world
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on No oxygen in lungs of the world
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…