Local elections have low participation. Financial insecurity leaves some voters out
The reason that some in Peoria opt out of elections may actually be due to the barrier to voting access created by income inequality, something that voter registration drives alone can’t tackle.
Hemp fiber markets slow to start, but growers’ hopes persist
Sustainable markets for hemp fiber and hurd will take many years to develop, which in the long run may be for the better.
David Strother: The first Black voter in Illinois
After returning from service in the Union Army during the Civil War, David Strother moved his family from Peoria to El Paso, IL. It was in this small town where he became the first Black voter in Illinois following the certification of the 15th Amendment.
Major transformation of Western Avenue this spring
The "complete streets" project on Western Avenue begins this coming spring and spans a one-mile stretch of Western Avenue through Peoria’s Southside neighborhood.
OSF HealthCare making headway with COVID vaccinations
With vaccine distribution underway in the Peoria area “there’s a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.”
First days back: Joy, adjustment, and caution
It was the last Friday in August, but everything else about that particular Friday was a first at Illini Central.
Best prepared for the worst-case scenario
An officer in full tactical gear rushed heel-to-toe down the glossy hallway floor and approached the classroom with the butt of his rifle pressed to his shoulder.
Activists call for transparency from Peoria police in deaths of Black men
A peaceful protest drew around 100 participants to the Peoria Police headquarters yesterday to bring attention to policing incidents in recent years that resulted in the death of black residents of Peoria.
Dozens gather for vigil to end systemic racism
The crowd listened silently as Antoine Rabbit Smith Sr. of Rock Island, with his young son by his side, gave an emotional speech stressing his fears for his son’s future and his frustration following the killing of yet another black American while in police custody.
Woodford County a quiet leader of organic farming in Illinois
Within the context of Illinois agriculture, Woodford County stands out as a leader of organic production, but in the Midwest, Illinois is largely lagging.
Re-enactors construct Civil War winter camp
Worn out boots and playing cards, the discarded belongings of the 77th Illinois Infantry, litter the trail leading to a Civil War winter camp tucked away in the woods of Sommer Park.
Moving ceremony atop Soldiers Hill
Bouquets of red poppies hung in the hands of eight Midwest Central Young Marines standing at attention atop Soldiers Hill in Springdale Cemetery as Bruce Brown, in a measured and solemn voice, recited the lyrics of a beloved American folk song.
Essay: Get trees or get out
Industrial farming needs to adapt “Restoration Agriculture,” an old idea that is finding new scientific support.