Journal Star (Peoria)
Gloria Steinem dies at 92
Civil rights activist and journalist Gloria Steinem died Sept. 2, at age 92, according to her official Instagram page. Steinem “passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her,” the post read....
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PRESS UNDER PRESSURE
In his White House Correspondents’ Association dinner speech on July 24, President Donald Trump made his usual diatribes against the news media. He derided the “failing” New York Times and reiterated his complaint that CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins...
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Whistleblower warns of ‘chaotic’ mail ballot plan
A whistleblower is warning that the technology developed by the U.S. Postal Service to carry out President Donald Trump’s order exerting federal control over mail ballots could “derail the midterm elections,” saying it hasn’t been properly tested and...
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20 events to enjoy in Peoria this month
As summer ends and fall begins in central Illinois, the calendar is packed with special events and popular annual festivals. Here are 20 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of September. 1. Bark in the Park 2026 The Peoria Humane Society’s...
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CANTON SCHOOLS RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Jean Burnstine, right, Director of Educational Partnerships with Solution Tree, presents a display flag to Lincoln Elementary principal KiLee Lidwell-McFerren and the staff during a ceremony this month in the Canton school’s gymnasium. Lincoln and two...
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Don’t believe rumors that Moser’s is closing
PEORIA – Reports of a shoe store’s demise have been greatly exaggerated on the internet. Moser’s Shoes owner Steve Fawley wants people to know the store, founded in 1918, is still open. He had to make an announcement after seeing incorrect information...
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Glacier collapse may have triggered flood
The volume and speed of the wall of mud, boulders and debris that rushed more than 60 miles down a river through Nepal on Aug. 26 shocked even experienced researchers who study mountains, glaciers and waterways in the Himalayas. “The force of this...
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Dolly Parton shined in Springfield visits
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The legendary voice behind “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” who shared her success story from the rural mountains of East Tennessee to superstar riches, Dolly Parton, has died. She was 80 years old. Bryan Seaver,...
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LOVE, ALWAYS
In addition to a legendary music career that earned 11 Grammy Awards, Dolly Parton appeared in more than 20 films, including “9 to 5,” “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “Steel Magnolias.” Dolly Parton, the “Queen of Country” singing and...
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DUCKS GALORE
TOP: A group of young kids work at gathering plastic ducks after the 38th annual Center for Prevention of Abuse Duck Race fundraiser on Aug. 22, at EastSide Centre in East Peoria. ABOVE: A giant duck entertains the crowd during the race. UPPER RIGHT:...
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Local group founder informs and connects Illinoisans with weather
From sunny skies to dreary days, Carlos Wyant has kept Illinoisans informed on weather outlooks for nearly a decade now. The founder of Illinois Storm Community group and Illinois Weather Community page on Facebook, Wyant has long had an interest in...
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IVF journey sparked rise as influencer
PEORIA — Kayla Boyd is on a journey that has become a labor of love. Hers is a love story, really, shared with millions of people she’s never met. The Washington native is a salon owner. She is a wife. She is a sister and a daughter. And she is an...
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Bailey looks for unity among GOP at event
SPRINGFIELD – Where did all the money go? That’s what Republican nominee for Illinois governor Darren Bailey posed to a crowd of supporters at Republican’s Day at the Illinois State Fair. “The latest state budget spends nearly $56 billion, yet...
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Coming together
SPRINGFIELD – It was Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair, but the focus this year wasn’t on the governor. Outgoing U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, received thanks and standing ovations throughout the day on Aug. 19. “I’m sad that Dick...
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Trump plan could hit science funding
Most Americans don’t read the rules that govern the federal grants funding science. Those rules, called the Uniform Guidance, shape how cancer research is funded, graduate students are trained, clinical trials are sustained, universities stock their...
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Dunlap High School receives national recognition
Zach Roth Dunlap High School has been named one of Illinois’ top 50 high schools, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of the nation’s best educational institutions. Dunlap was ranked the 48th best high school in the state,...
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The pain of history
SPRINGFIELD – Kathryn Harris admitted it was an emotional moment for her, scooping soil and putting it into a 5gallon jar labeled “Scott Burton, Sangamon County, Illinois, August, 1908.” Burton and William Donnegan were both Black men lynched by white...
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Lattes & energy drinks
DUNLAP – A new coffee shop has officially opened its doors to the community. Dame Fine Coffee held its grand opening at 407 S. Fourth St. – just across from Dunlap High School – on Friday, Aug. 14. Its online menu features energy drinks, coffee and...
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Peoria mall sees multiple stores open in 2026
PEORIA – Northwoods Mall is home to a variety of businesses – from small, local shops to nationally known brands. Visitors will find dining, home décor, clothing and more. Over time, of course, the makeup of the mall evolves as tenants come and...
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Gunshot detection tech ignites controversy
When gunshots ring out on America’s streets, bystanders face an instant, high-stakes dilemma. h Do I call the cops? Were those even gunshots? Maybe it was just fireworks. h Every moment of hesitation risks a delay in medical treatment or gives a...
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‘Electric rates cannot go up’
PEORIA – The number of people seeking help with their energy bills, particularly senior citizens, has risen in the Peoria area this year, according to information shared at an energy roundtable hosted by U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen on Wednesday. Sorensen,...
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City Council approves controversial South Peoria housing project
PEORIA — A controversial long-term supportive housing project that faced opposition from neighbors in South Peoria will move forward after receiving strong support from the Peoria City Council. The council voted 8-2 on Tuesday night to approve the...
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Pritzker, Bailey differ over property tax relief
SHIRLEY — Illinois’ Republican nominee for governor Darren Bailey has a plan to lower property tax bills in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker, his Democratic opponent, does not think the plan would ever actually work in the state. Pritzker and Bailey both...
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Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products
Taylor Farms has recalled a variety of food products containing jalapeños linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak. The affected products were sold in 26 states at grocery stores including Kroger, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Hannaford...
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Military bases delay toxic PFAS cleanup
It’s been almost five years since Brandi and Brad Hyatt found out the well at their home next to an Army base in Washington is contaminated with “forever chemicals.” h They started using bottled water for everything from making coffee to rinsing off...
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‘RECIPE FOR DISASTER’
PEORIA — A controversial long-term supportive housing project proposed for South Peoria had its first official public hearing on Thursday at the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in which community members lamented the plans. The proposal,...
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Reports: U.S. missile supply badly depleted
The war on Iran has severely depleted key U.S. missile stockpiles and left the nation and its allies in a vulnerable position for potentially years to come, several experts and reports say. U.S. missile stockpiles were low before President Donald...
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7 Brew opening 62 drive-thrus in August
Hannah Hudnall and Saleen Martin 7 Brew announced plans to open 62 new coffee stands in more than two dozen states in August, including two new Illinois locations, according to USA TODAY. The drive-thru-only beverage chain also said customers at...
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Two gas stations seeking to sell alcohol face opposition
PEORIA – Two gas stations along Knoxville Avenue seeking site approval for alcohol sales were met with opposition when representatives went before the Peoria Liquor Commission on Monday, Aug. 3. The BP stations, situated at 2312 N. Knoxville Ave. and...
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Caterpillar stock price jumps after raising growth forecast
Caterpillar raised its annual revenue growth forecast after beating second-quarter profit estimates on Tuesday, benefiting from a buildout of AI data centers that has spurred demand for its power-generation and construction equipment. Shares of the...
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‘WE are STRONG’ Fans revel in new professional baseball league
SPRINGFIELD — Sean Plaskett and his 7-year-old daughter, Shawn, drove 1,700 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, to Springfield to be part of the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s inaugural game at Robin Roberts Stadium Aug. 1. Plaskett said his daughter’s...
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RUNNING IN THE RAIN
xThe Memphis-to-St. Jude runners get a hero’s welcome as they complete their journey Aug. 1 at the Peoria Civic Center in Downtown Peoria. More than 200 runners departed from the St. Jude campus for the St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run, a 465-mile...
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HONORING HERITAGE
Nationally known beer brand Pabst Brewing Co. once boasted a significant presence in Peoria Heights, employing more than 1,000 people at its height and purportedly serving more than a million beers at its bar, The 33 Room. The company’s local brewing...
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Attack sparks fears wars could merge
WASHINGTON – Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States insisted that leaders in Kyiv are not playing “a game of chess” with their recent drone strike on an Iranian ship and have no interest in leveraging their conflict with Russia into a wider, global...
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Caterpillar investing up to $10M in future workforce
EDWARDS – Caterpillar may have moved its global headquarters to Texas, but the company retains a significant presence in Illinois. The manufacturing giant on Wednesday announced its most recent investment in the state: allocating up to $10 million to...
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Peoria developers aim for revival of the Madison Theater
PEORIA — New restaurant and hotel developments coming to Main Street in Downtown Peoria have a larger goal in mind, according to its developers: The return of the Madison Theater. Developers Jeff Giebelhausen and Gerald Ritterbusch, who are...
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Oman presents Iran with Hormuz plan
DUBAI – Oman has presented Iran with a plan backed by Gulf states to manage the Strait of Hormuz, including collecting voluntary fees for using it, a Gulf source and a Western diplomat told Reuters on July 28. The plan could serve as a basis to end...
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Peoria proposes selling downtown parking lot
PEORIA — The city is planning on selling a downtown parking lot to a developer who is revamping a strip of properties along Main Street. City staff is presenting a plan to the Peoria City Council that would sell the surface parking lot at the corner...
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Chef reunites with a well-known bar
Soul food is back at Castle’s Patio Inn. So is the chef who brought the cuisine to the longtime neighborhood bar in 2021. Shaun Gist, who goes by Shaun Chef, returned to Castle’s kitchen in early May. “I’m happy I’m back here,” Gist said. “I’m happy...
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Politics, humor and death threats
Editor’s note: Story contains explicit language. PEORIA — Ruben Ramirez found himself in a situation that was no laughing matter late last summer in Chicago. But the Pekin High School graduate and rising stand-up comic turned the experience into a...
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U.S. strikes shipping point on the Red Sea
DUBAI – U.S. missiles struck targets across Iran, reaching as far as its Caspian coast, on July 24 after President Donald Trump vowed “major military punishment” for Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen for extending the war to a second major shipping...
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The Athletic predicts a big 2026-27 from Bears wide receiver Luther Burden
Mike Pendleton There is plenty of excitement around the Chicago Bears heading into the 2026 season, coming off Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach where they won 11 games, their first NFC North title since 2018, and picked up their first playoff...
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Peoria partnership creates ‘lasting benefits’ for Warehouse District
PEORIA – A new series of string lights are lighting up summer nights in the Warehouse District as part of a public-private collaboration with the city. The String Lights Project has been set up in the 800 block of Southwest Adams Street as part of a...
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Wigginton not guilty in DUI case
PEORIA— Peoria Heights mayor Matt Wigginton was found not guilty by a Peoria County jury in his DUI case. He declined to comment immediately after the trial concluded Monday, July 20. The jury took roughly 45 minutes to come to a not guilty verdict...
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LOVE & PRIDE
A model with Peoria Fashion Week Academy displays some Pride merchandise during a fashion show at the River City Pride Festival on July 18, on the Peoria riverfront. Fans are impressed by drag king Apollo Venom Summers’s performance during the River...
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Social media shaping kids’ career dreams
A second grader in Norway drew a YouTube logo when my colleagues and I asked what they wanted to be when they grow up. When we asked why, the child explained that YouTubers are famous and make lots of money. When we asked second graders in Wisconsin...
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‘Everybody loves pizza’
BARTONVILLE – To Jolene Howard, “pizza and theater go together hand in hand.” It’s why she recently took ownership of Tyroni’s Italian Cafe. The longtime local pizzeria is part of Howard’s larger vision of bringing dinner theater to Peoria. Also the...
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U.S. and Iran trade infrastructure attacks
DUBAI – The United States struck bridges and an airport in Iran on July 17 and Tehran responded by hitting a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, as the warring foes risked further escalation by expanding their targets to include infrastructure. In...
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‘Big Boy’ reunites city with history
SPRINGFIELD, IL – It’ll be a historic weekend in the capital city when the world’s largest operating steam locomotive rides through town. By now, you may have heard the “Big Boy” Union Pacific No. 4014 train is traveling from the Pacific to the...
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Trump reverses ICE traffic stop pause
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump overturned an order to suspend most immigration-related traffic stops one day after administration officials announced the pause following the deadly shootings of two people in Maine and Texas by federal agents, a...
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Veterans group battles state over fairgrounds home
SPRINGFIELD — The commander of the Combined Veterans Association of Illinois said he was “a little relieved” that the Illinois Department of Agriculture had postponed a plan to put the organization out of its headquarters on the Illinois State...
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‘BIG BOY’ TO ROLL INTO SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD – The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will soon make a stop in the capital city. Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” No. 4014 is journeying west from the east coast in collaboration with Norfolk Southern Railway, as the railroads...
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POLITICAL WORLD PAYS TRIBUTE TO GRAHAM
WASHINGTON − Tributes for Sen. Lindsey Graham poured in from his colleagues early July 12 after the South Carolina Republican’s office confirmed his sudden death the night before. Graham’s death marks the passing of a longtime conservative fixture of...
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‘Creates a void’
The future of the Heart of Illinois Fair had been in question since the city of Peoria purchased Exposition Gardens in September 2025. h And nothing has happened since then to change the outlook. h All of the board members resigned months ago. h The...
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Ceasefire falls apart as Iran buries slain leader
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to have fallen apart over continued strife over the Strait of Hormuz as Iranians buried their supreme leader, killed by U.S.-Israel forces at the outset of the war. There were no new...
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Ice center getting major renovations
Peoria Park District staff and board members elicited wide-ranging feedback from concerned citizens Tuesday night about a proposed plan to renovate the Owens Ice Center that would add modern amenities to the venerable facility. In a meeting held on...
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New plan could lead to 500 home renovations in Peoria
PEORIA — There is a goal in South Peoria to renovate 500 homes, sparking new homeownership and the creation of more affordable rentals in the 61605 ZIP code. Peoria Opportunities Foundation director Irina Riggenbach said Tuesday at a news conference...
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Trump pushes combining voting, defense measures
President Donald Trump is demanding that Republicans combine a series of voting reforms with a defense spending bill his administration is pushing Congress to pass, in a long shot bid to bring both measures to his desk before lawmakers leave on an...
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Drought, heat wave raise water concerns
Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave. It’s being felt this summer in Virginia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Jersey and...
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KIDS COOL OFF AT NEW EAST PEORIA SPLASH PAD
Logan Radosavlyev, 7, of Germantown Hills, left, leaps for a splash in the face as he and his brother Leo, 8, right, enjoy some time in the cool spray of the new Levee Park Splash Pad on July 1 in East Peoria. The attraction opened May 22 and is open...
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‘Keep it going’
PEORIA – A longtime local staple is being brought back to life. Ernie’s Dairy Dream welcomed the community back on Wednesday, July 1. Situated at 2600 SW Jefferson Ave., the storefront will operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The South Peoria...
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Rain may hinder Fourth of July celebrations
Peoria’s Red, White & Boom celebration along the riverfront for the Fourth of July would shift back a day to Sunday, if weather impacts the festivities on Saturday. On the event’s website, organizers say that in the event of inclement weather – or...
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Where to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday around Peoria
This year’s Fourth of July celebration is special because it marks the nation’s semi-quincentennial. At the national level, Salute to America 250 Task Force has coordinated a slate of festivities to celebrate the milestone through the end of...
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High heat, humidity leave millions sweltering
With the Fourth of July weekend near, the heat is on. A prolonged, dangerous heat wave continues intensifying across most of the central to eastern United States, with both smothering humidity and searing highs that could approach records in the...
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Festivals, fireworks and more: 16 fun things to do in Peoria in July
As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day in central Illinois, it’s also time to enjoy local festivals, check out a variety of concerts and more. Here are 16 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of July. 1. Monsters of Yacht in...
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PROTESTERS LINE WAR MEMORIAL IN PEORIA
ABOVE: Protesters march along War Memorial Drive during the All of US 250: Truth, Equality and Freedom protest on June 27 in Peoria. The 50501 Movement and other grassroots activist organizations hosted the nationwide event to protest the policies of...
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Repair work to close span of this major Peoria bridge
The westbound span of the McClugage Bridge will close on July 1 as a multi-year, $70 million project begins to refurbish that side of the bridge to complement its newer, eastbound counterpart. The Illinois Department of Transportation said that the...
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‘Truly inspirational’
PEORIA — It is a hard legacy they are building, forged from grief and courage and heartbreak, one carried by four sons for three fathers now gone. They honor them as best they can, from orange cupcakes to rooting for the Red Sox or talking about being...
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Iran reasserts right of control in Hormuz
DUBAI – Tehran reasserted its right on June 26 to control shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and warned Gulf states against siding with the Unites States, a day after an attack on a ship near Oman highlighted the fragility of a preliminary deal to end...
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Things to do this weekend
June is full of activities. Here are six events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend. Old Settlers Days in Metamora Old Settlers Days, running from June 24-27, is one of the oldest festivals in central Illinois. It is held in...
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Bradley’s first female president dies
Joanne Glasser, the first woman to serve as president of Bradley University, has died, the school announced June 23. h Bradley President Jim Shadid said in a statement that Glasser, who served as president from 2007-15, had an “unmistakable passion”...
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Wind-damaged ‘witness tree’ near Lincoln Home removed
SPRINGFIELD — A tree dating from the time Abraham Lincoln and his family lived at a home at Eighth and Jackson streets in Springfield was removed June 19, a little more than a week after storms irreparably damaged it. National Park Service...
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A SCREAMING GOOD TIME
The first round of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland “concluded successfully,” mediators said on June 22, after negotiations appeared strained over the Strait of Hormuz and persistent fighting in Lebanon. “The discussions...
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BISON ROAM IN DOWNTOWN PEORIA
Life-like bison stampede through a water feature during the Market After Hours event June 18 at the newly redesigned Bicentennial Park behind the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
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‘It’s like an extended garbage dump out there’
In 2024, Eric Hutchison, a retired Caterpillar engineer, began to notice something troubling along Peoria’s riverfront. He had been a frequent visitor to the Rock Island Greenway Trail that runs along the riverfront, particularly in the Detweiller...
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