Planting new trees is a key part of investing in “public spaces,” according to Reimagining the Civic Commons, which for years advocated for reinvigorating public spaces such as parks in Chicago and other Midwest cities and also stressing how developing…
Arts Alerts: Memorable murals, Nutcracker Ballet, Blues, ICC Philarmonic and A Christmas Carol Radio Play
ART Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Peoria Riverfront Museum recently unveiled “The Amethyst,” one of the world’s tallest geodes, now on display as part of its permanent collection. Big Picture Peoria has eight “augmented-reality-enabled” murals of renowned native Peorians on…
Straight talk: Carle Foundation gets three of our fine hospitals for $75M?
If we’re to believe WCBU-FM, and there’s no reason not to, Methodist, Proctor, and Pekin hospitals have been transferred by Unity Point Health of West Des Moines, Iowa, to Carle Foundation of Urbana for $75 million. The deal, which Unity…
The Lion’s Den: Wake up so you dig what woke really is
“I Never Sleep Cause Sleep Is The Cousin Of Death” – Nas (New York State of Mind) Upon winning a second term as governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis declared in his victory speech that “Florida is where ‘Woke’ goes to…
The Watch: Councils get down to business on diversity, budget approval
Watching local government operate almost normally in 2022 is a Christmas gift in itself. Peoria City Council On Sept. 27, councilors approved $386,000 for a storm sewer contract with J.C. Dillon Inc. Maintenance Director Rick Powers said this includes 190…
West Peoria news: Cubs Scouts on tour with Christmas carols
Cub Scout Pack 11 will be touring West Peoria singing Christmas carols from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 12th-14th (weather permitting). Listen those evenings and enjoy this tradition. Troop 11 has extra butter braids for sale. Call Mary Menke (309) 657-0309 or…
Beauty of a winter lion: Poetry of Byron DeHaan
As winter increases its mean freeze, there’s something warm and inviting about Byron DeHaan. The long-time director of public affairs at Caterpillar for decades helped instill a sense of corporate citizenship at the Fortune 500 company, and the 96-year-old resident…
Labor roundup: Workers’ Rights passes in midterm elections
Illinois’ Workers’ Rights Amendment to the state constitution passed, according to the Associated Press, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and other outlets verifying data on Nov. 15. The measure received 58.4% of all votes cast in the Nov. 8 midterm election,…
Midterm election scorecard tallies totals from Peoria County
Peoria-area voters weighed in on a host of national, state and local races and issues on Nov. 8. Here are details on key winners and their victory percentages from unofficial results from balloting in Peoria County, where the turnout was…
Peoria County voters choose to eliminate auditor
Peoria County voters on Nov. 8 overwhelmingly approved eliminating the County Auditor’s Office, but related court actions remain active: a renewed claim to stay all proceedings and restore the authority of the office, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to maintain…
Editorial: Will the beacon on our hill still be shining after our elections?
Vafa Fati-Zada and Gunther Guggenberger were in Peoria for a week or so in October after spending some time in Springfield. Fati-Zada, from Azerbaijan, and Guggenberger, from Austria, were then on their way to Chicago, then planned to continue north…
Inland Art: Marrying mediums, Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang creating happily ever after
Two talented photographers from China, husband and wife Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang, arrived in Peoria in March 2022. Finding Peoria a very livable city, they are building their artistic connections in the U.S. from here. This fall their…
Heat waves — in red & black | Danger zone: Will Greenland, West Antarctic ice sheets collapse?
Climate scientists lose sleep over tipping points, temperature thresholds when crossed initiate self-sustaining, irreversible, and massively-destructive changes in natural systems, such as glaciers and forests. Countless living things will face untimely and unnatural deaths if these systems collapse. New…
Serendipity | Be thankful today, without delay
People seem divided by possessions. From savers and keepers to “send it on, I’m done with it” to “it’s here somewhere, not sure where.” Genetics may play a role, but there are concessions regardless. I’m in the first group,…
Nature Rambles | Stage set for sassy scenery: Sassafras leaves harbinger for spectacular fall
Fall color has definitely been spectacular this year along the bluffs of the Illinois River. There is really never a year that has dreadful fall color. It is just some years stand out from others. This year, we…
Letter to the editor: Ester Joy King, Eric Sorenson skirt issues
I went to the “debate” between Esther Joy King and Eric Sorenson at Bradley on October 3. I regret doing that. I could have stayed home and watched mindless drivel on TV without wasting gas to attend a live event…
The Lion’s Den: Sweet sounds of Jazz stir heart, mind, soul
“Jazz is the big brother of Revolution. Revolution follows it around,” — Miles Davis Following the end of the Civil War, as Black music continued to evolve, transitioning from the spirituals, blues, and gospel music, a new, freer, unencumbered…
The Watch: Social equity pot dispensaries under review; rail line gets funds; booths, ballots ready for big day
Cannabis, trains and upcoming budgets dominate government agendas this fall. Peoria City Council On Aug. 23, councilors reviewed an ordinance about recreational cannabis businesses. Changes relate to social equity applicants, meaning those who have convictions for cannabis possession and…
West Peoria News: Fall back, look forward to November events
It is time to change your clocks to regular time on Nov. 7 from Daylight Savings time to regular time. Set your clocks back one hour. The consolidated elections for the City of West Peoria fall on April 4, 2023.…
Labor Roundup: Teachers thankful for unity in community
Peoria teachers’ unity and community support made the difference in a settlement between the union and the Peoria Public Schools, leaders say. Bargaining started in March, and after 19 stymied negotiating sessions, a mediator was brought in. The third meeting…
Election Commission staking out nuisances like voter intimidators, Big Liars
Local and federal law enforcement are on alert for disruptions in the Nov. 8 election in Peoria, where threats have included possible attempts to intimidate voters, plus a campaign of correspondence apparently intended to disrupt the election’s preparations and execution.…