News

Senator Ryan Spain?

Odds are State Sen. Darin LaHood will be elected to replace Aaron Shock as the 18th District U.S. Representative come September. The heavy Republican district strongly supports LaHood who carries impressive credentials and knows how to wage a political campaign.…

Putting human faces on our Congressional candidates

  Between now and Sept. 10, when the special election for the 18th Congressional seat will be decided, candidates Darin LaHood and Rob Mellon will be campaigning throughout the 19 downstate counties. In the low-turnout July 7 primary, LaHood won…

Honk for peace

BY JACK RYAN If you have driven through the new bottleneck intersection of West Main and University between noon and 1 p.m. on any Saturday, you’ve undoubtedly noticed people on the Starbucks corner holding signs protesting war. Usually, one sign…

Reflections from the Clergy

From sundown on Saturday, July 25 until the evening of July 26 Jews around the world observe our national day of mourning, Tisha B’av. This day commemorates the destructions of both the first and second Jewish commonwealths (in 586 BCE…

Water, Water, Everywhere (here anyway)

Seven weeks and counting. Who would have thought that the Illinois River would be above flood stage for so long in June and July? Normally, I make a weekly stop at a few of the birding hotspots to keep track…

Serendipity

  Friendships form in various ways, characterized by respect, affection and loyalty. Longevity isn’t promised but should be celebrated if it happens. Which is how it is with my dear friend, Marie (Joseph) Unes. We attended the same high school,…

West Peoria News

  It was a perfect Independence Day for the 45th Annual West Peoria Fourth of July Parade. Neighbors, friends and visitors gathered on the sidewalks making a mosaic of red, white and blue while waiting to enjoy the longest running…

Dark money in politics

The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria invites the public to attend a discussion of “Money in Politics” at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at Advanced Medical Transport, 1718 N. Sterling. Topics for discussion will include “dark money,” “PAC’s” vs…

“Lights, camera, action!” is how many think of a film director, but put yourself in Aaron Warr’s place and that image might change. His film, “College Debts,” will have its world premiere right here in River City 7 p.m. Aug.…