Artists bask in the beauty of Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and create some inspired creations
Inland Art: Living it up like Emiquon Wildlife refugees
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
The Watch: Park District hears business about block parties at Proctor Center
Most of the commentary favored the block party and expressed concern about a proposal to move it north to Detweiller Park.
The Watch: Health Department recognizes excellence for lactation
Recognized businesses in the inaugural honors included Femme Health, OSF, Hy-Vee, and Maui Jim
Emily Gill: ‘Cultural decency’ of gender identities
Transgender Americans are facing unprecedented challenges by society. The Trump administration’s stance against the community has emboldened state legislatures to vent their exclusive impulses on policy. (But) Individuals with fluid gender identities have always existed and always will
Straight Talk: Civic Center gives our local sports heroes the boot
The plaques dedicated to Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Famers that honor the area’s history are gone … so there can be more ads? Surely, the great minds in our communities can do better
West Peoria News: Sharon Kennedy a fixture of local life
Beloved, stalwart official — mother, business owner, political mind, and loyal friend — Sharon Kennedy was committed to be involved in her community in any way she could; so go visit Rocky Glen Park for the Fall colors, participate in Trunk or Treat in her honor
Arts Alerts: Screens — what’s worth streaming
Local documentary ‘Over A Barrel’ — about Peoria’s ‘Whiskey boom’ — on YouTube; ‘East of Eden’ on Netflix now; loose Zuckerberg flick ‘Social Reckoning,’ is in theaters. Marvel’s android Avenger stars in ‘VisionQuest’ on Disney+. ‘Once Upon A Time in Harlem’ on Apple+. ‘Musk,’ trillionaire tell-all on HBO Max.
Called to question
Darin LaHood says mail-in voting won’t be disrupted and the president needs to work on affordability while Paul Nolley opposes Republican SAVE Act, wants to work on economy, immigration
Arts Alerts: Check out what’s going on in central Illinois
“Beat the Funk 2026” benefiting Bradley University’s Department of Physical Therapy is Oct. 3 at the Premier Event Center. Peoria Players performing Dracula, Corn Stock doing Glengarry Glen Ross; rock illusionist Leon Etienne working his magic at ICC; pluss check out local music scene