Paul Gordon: Spirit of giving needs no politics
If only government could be run like local Christmas funds. It shouldn’t matter who gave to the fund or who benefited from it, no court actions necessary to make sure the benefits are released. It shouldn’t hinge on anybody’s budget, or get caught in the crossfire of two battling parties.
Peoria Academy Journalism Club: Reasons to string Christmas lights, with care this season
We spend $6 billion on Christmas decor annually. Beyond the financial cost, the environmental impact is severe. Lights consume 3.5 billion kWh in December alone
Imam Mahmood: Break the chains of despair
When we abandon hope, we surrender one of our greatest gifts of all; we are not defined by what happens to us, but by how we respond
WCBU looking OK, plans to sound better
Local fundraising helping public media stop some of the initial gaps created by losing federal funds pulled by the GOP; a one-time $36.5 million commitment to public media from a group of charitable donors has created some stability. New transmittor in the works
OP-ED: Rethinking advantages of Medicare Advantage
Traditional Medicare is funded by taxpayers and enrollees; Medicare Advantage providers are private companies whose benefits can be very misleading. Here are some things seniors should know during this year’s open enrollment season
Letters: Where has bipartisanship gone?
State of Illinois living up to Golden Rule by enhancing education by protecting our libraries, but there’s still a lot of work to do
Letters: To the Honorable Darin LaHood, history is watching
Trump adminstration’s atrocious approach to immigration needs moral compass; you could be an American hero
Review: Take necessary solace with ‘Solitude: The Necessity of Art’
Exhibit at Peoria Riverfront Museum kindles appreciation and an imminent sense of warmth with a wide variety of heartwarming pieces
Straight Talk: Sale to the city sad end to legacy of Expo Gardens
Buyer beware, and watch what they do with the property; a correct chronicle of sale of radio station WOAM and its sister FM stations to Spoon River Media; and let’s give thanks
Judge ‘dismisses’ lawsuit against ex-WTVP execs
But Cincinnati Insurance Company can amend complaint that ‘lacked specificity’ over claims filed in aftermath of what police called an embezzlement scheme in 2023
WCBU: Peoria Police launches online reporting system
Residents can file non-emergency incidents with Desk Officer Reporting System [DORS] designed to make filing a report simpler and more convenient
Official contacts
Get involved. Call your Congressman, write a Senator, email your Governor. Here’s how to get in touch with them.
PeoriaCounty200Plus wants your input on future of Peoria
Go to the Peoria County website to submit ideas on the future of unincorporated land use as the government puts together a Comprehensive Land Use Plan. “Public input — genuine input — on the future of Peoria County. What makes you excited? What concerns are there about the future?”
Peoria County ordered to pay ex-Auditor’s attorney $124K
Justin Penn of the Hinshaw and Culbertson law firm due additional fees and costs stemming from his representation of former County Auditor Jessica Thomas
West Peoria News: Stay safe on streets this holiday season
Resurfacing of Farmington Road is currently underway. This significant project focuses on the busy stretch of road between Kickapoo Creek and Main Street. Watch for road workers as you check out the festivities in our community
Arts Alerts: Check out what’s going on in central Illinois
Open Mic Night on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Jukebox. Chamber music and “Tribute to Frank Sinatra” at Bradley’s Dingeldine Music Center; Joe Metzka is “Live at the Five Spot” at Contemporary Art Center; Peoria Area Civic Chorale at Five Points Washington; “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Community Children’s Theatre presents “Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical” at Peoria Players; Eastlight presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at East Peoria High;
“The Nutcracker” will be performed by Central Illinois Ballet at ICC, and also by the Peoria Ballet Company at Peoria Civic Center.
Arts Alerts: Screens — check out what’s streaming, on TV and in theaters this December
“Cover-Up” is about investigative journalist Seymour M. Hersh, who won the Pulitzer for reporting on the My Lai massacre, and “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is on Netflix. “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock” is on Apple TV+. “Percy Jackson & The Olympiads in a Sea of Monsters” is featured on Disney+, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and Neil Diamond film “Song Sung Blue” in theaters
