Over the past months, one of the main points of discussion surrounding the upcoming presidential election has been voter suppression. Or in a broader sense, actions that may be viewed as a threat to the democratic process of voting. There…
Bill Knight | “Falsehood flies”
The last time Central Illinois’ 18th Congressional District was represented by someone other than a Republican was in 1939 when James Meeks finished his third term. So it’s not crazy for the GOP to be confident, even arrogant, about the…
Straight Talk | How times have changed!
There was a time when I watched TV news and read the newspaper free of any political influence. All forms of media provided information objectively, I thought. Years ago, the Peoria Journal Transcript had a Republican column and a Democrat…
Editorial | More newsroom cuts at Journal Star
Poynter Institute for Media Studies has reported on yet another round of staff reductions in Gannett newsrooms and other departments nationwide. Gannett recently purchased the Peoria Journal Star. The paper currently has less than 10 percent of the newsroom employees…
OpEd | Who has the essential qualities for presidential leadership – Biden or Trump?
BY FRANK H. MACKAMAN The most frequently asked question during these quadrennial presidential election marathons has to be “Who will win?” But that is the wrong question. With troubles deepening here and abroad, the question should be: “Who will govern…
Letter to the Editor | Demand proper disposal of toxic coal ash
As a grandfather, I am concerned about the poisonous remains of the coal that has been burned in the coal-fired power plants of Illinois. It worries me that these toxic residuals are left next to rivers and aquifers that provide…
Letter to the Editor | Vote NO for Kilbride
More than in any other election in recent history, voters this fall will elect leaders whose decisions and actions will directly affect our lives. One may not realize the importance of another significant measure on our Nov. 3 ballot. Illinois…
Letter to the Editor | Vote YES for Kilbride
Please vote yes to retain Tom Kilbride as Illinois Supreme Court justice. Kilbride has a long, distinguished history of service on the court, protecting ordinary Illinois citizens. Kilbride has been endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans, even though big-donor Republicans…
OpEd | Economic history of the graduated income tax; YES, it’s fair!
BY BILL FEIPEL Omaha, Nebraska was hot that July in 1892. But not as hot as the tempers of the farmers who descended upon it to form their own Populist Party. The Farmers Alliances of the south and west joined…
The Watch | Election Commission Updates
While it seemed November would never come, it has. Your elected officials continue to juggle multiple crises — COVID-19, crazy weather, plummeting revenues — as they anticipate a post-election future. On Sept. 8, Peoria County Election Commission received an update…
Real Talk | Love through the destruction
With the abundance of social chaos and the political and economic demise from multiple pandemics, there is no surprise that disparity continues to surround our society. These are trying times, and there remains real pain. However, I am constantly reminded…
Nature Rambles | Why we do what we do
With all of the disarray and confusion that we seem to be experiencing each day, have you ever wondered “is it worth it?” COVID-19 has forced us to focus on what normally would be something quite esoteric. Did I wash…
Inland Art | Buzz Spector
The widely respected book artist and writer Buzz Spector began his career in Chicago in the mid ’70s. His text-based projects have included installation, papermaking, printmaking, drawing and collage. A connoisseur of cartography, Spector’s words and images get uniform scrutiny.…
Art: What is it Good For? | Community as Medicine
Two years ago “Abraham Blue,” the 50-foot mural of Abraham Lincoln on the Peoria County Courthouse, came into our community. Many recognize the historic importance, but few know the real reason I (Doug) created this image. “Abraham Blue” represents a…
Heat Waves — In Red and Black | Universities’ Roles in the Climate Crisis
Illinois universities help fuel the climate crisis. First, no Prairie State university has dumped fossil fuel investments. These money-losing, risky holdings serve primarily to legitimize a planet-destroying industry. Second, as large fossil fuel burners, universities are major carbon emitters. Illinois…
West Peoria News | Heddington Oaks sale would help county
A referendum to dissolve West Peoria Township will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. Having performed the due diligence of weighing the costs and benefits for the citizens of West Peoria, the Township board decided dissolving the Township was in…
Serendipity | Seasonal Transitions
Living in the Midwest provides residents with some of the most beautiful weather months, a few of the most challenging, weeks of dreariness, explosive heat that appears suddenly, and while we’re perspiring and paying high utility bills, we realize we’ll…
Labor Roundup | November 2020
Voter intimidation anticipated from “Army for Trump.” Unions are marshalling members at polling places and in court in anticipation of attempts to intimidate voters by the so-called “Army for Trump.” Headed, at least on its website, by Don Trump Jr.,…
Ray LaHood: I am voting for Joe Biden for President
Election Day Nov. 3 will soon be upon us. My first presidential election was November 1968. I voted for Richard Nixon mainly because he promised to heal the country after the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Also,…
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 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…
Straight Talk | The race for mayor
Lots of people have announced they’re running for mayor of Peoria, some others are undecided and that includes current City Hall leader Jim Ardis. WMBD-TV keeps announcing Ardis has declared. He hasn’t. Rita Ali, elected just a year ago to…