Facing two felonies, 68-year-old Thorn Smith appeared at a brief court hearing in Peoria on Oct. 8
The Watch: Election Commission receiving thousands of early ballots
Drop boxes will be emptied on election day, but the ballots will not be counted until after the data can be entered.
The Watch: Detweiller Marina land sale taking center stage for City Council, Park Board
Citizen comments at the Peoria City Council and Peoria Park Board meetings were dominated by residents speaking out in support of preserving the Detweiller Marina.
Bill Knight: Pretend promises and clarifying cliches
Plenty of promises made, but unkept — DOGE checks, tariff checks, $5,000 checks, anyone? And take Keokuk, Iowa, for example. The $15 billion “investment” in the Mesabi Metallics steel mill our president touted has hardly panned out
Paul Gordon: Listening, carefully does us all good
All of us have the tendency to hear what we want to hear, even if it’s bad. But, yes, please vote — as our president says — like Donald J. Trump is on ballot; and to the Illinoisans who don’t like state, maybe you should leave
Letters: Vote YES on human rights advisory
November ballot referendum will let lawmakers know how state stands on Human Rights Advocacy Protection. Current law prohibits state public pension funds from investing in companies that participate in or support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel. End the state’s blacklist of boycotting companies
Arts Alerts: Check out what’s going on in central Illinois
Bradley University is presenting “Eyewitness to History: Inside the Presidency,” featuring White House photographer Pete Souza; Nikki Glaser’s “The Stunning” tour is coming to the Civic Center; Argentine Tango Practica at the Contemporary Art Center; Peoria Symphony presents “Dazzling Stars” at the Grace Presbyterian; Matthew Curry will be Live at the Five Spot; Central Illinois Jazz at Trailside; Philharmonic Chorale marks its 101st Winter Concert at ICC, which also will have Jim Brickman presenting “A Christmas Celebration”
Bradley is staging “Henry IV, Part One” at Hartmann Center and Peoria Players presents “Hello, Dolly!”
‘No Kings’ rallies to get out the vote
Organizers stressed “nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count. Our democracy depends on every eligible voter having the freedom to participate without intimidation, interference, or barriers.”
Inland Art: Living it up like Emiquon Wildlife refugees
Artists bask in the beauty of Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and create some inspired creations
Nature Rambles: Sky has fallen
October also brings some of the most vivid wildflowers into bloom. Gentians reflect this beauty in precarious environment. The frenzied fall activity raises an old question: Are the insects here because of the flowers, or are the flowers here because of the insects?
Richard Pryor arriving at Riverfront Museum
Planned to remain on display for several months, the exhibit will include a wax study borrowed from Peoria’s African American Hall of Fame Museum, plus the unveiling of a special piece of art by Felandus Thames commissioned by the museum
Peoria Reads: Booked for a 25th
Peoria Public Library welcomes you to read ‘Warrior Girl Unleashed’ and experience the authenticity of Angeline Boulley
Social Media: Watch what you consume
It’s too easy to purchase beyond our needs, but be wary of where overconsumption leads
Peoria County considering proposed wind farm
Four Creeks has proposed $1.5 billion project for Peoria to build 113 600-foot-tall turbines in northwest townships
Woodford County Board up for challenge
Data centers, Flock cameras, ‘non-sanctuary county’ immigration policy are key points at issue in longtime GOP stronghold
5 questions for Marty Wombacher
The Watch: Government, housing
Peoria City Council mulls project proposals, Housing Authority takes heat over existing dwellings; plus Election, Springdale Cemetery updates.
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings