Michael McLean

3 days ago | dailyherald.com | Emmet Penney |Michael McLean

Emmet Penney Michael McLean On Tuesday, March 18, a bill advanced out of committee in Springfield that would fully repeal the ban on construction of new nuclear plants in Illinois. It passed on a unanimous vote, 20-0, signaling significant support for the state’s largest source of electricity. The timing couldn't be better. Power demand is surging due to the electrification of heating and vehicles as well as the AI-boom.

Dec 25, 2024 | thetyee.ca | Michael McLean

[Editor’s note: ‘Upon a Midnight Clear’ is an essay collection edited by Vancouver author JJ Lee. The book features the work of regional authors sharing true stories of memorable holiday seasons. This essay, which appears in the book as ‘The Gift,’ tells us how the kindness of strangers can be life-changing.] I put myself through school while working full time as a security guard. I attended classes by day and did an eight-hour shift until midnight at the mall.

Sep 30, 2023 | thesheridanpress.com | Michael McLean

It was a freezing cold morning in the dead of winter. We were in the midst of one of the worst blizzards on record and it had no intention of letting us off easy. Our state was crippled with feet of snow and drifts as high as buildings. Those of us that could make it to work were half expecting to be told to go home for the day, but we quickly realized the gravity of the situation when patrons started coming in just looking for a warm place to shelter.

Jul 1, 2023 | thesheridanpress.com | Michael McLean

Sometimes the most meaningful interactions happen between strangers when we least expect it. Whether it’s a quick conversation seemingly out of the blue that sparks a long dormant dream or an insight shared about a book in hand that opens a whole new perspective to the reader. These interactions are a fundamental part of what defines our community.

Apr 22, 2023 | thesheridanpress.com | Michael McLean

It was the Greek philosopher Heraclitus who said “the only constant in life is change," and it seems like today nothing could be closer to the truth. When I look around me I see change across the board. I see change in America, I see change in our community and I see change in myself. There are big changes, little changes and changes so tiny no one will ever notice until one day many years from now someone stops to reflect.