It’s summer and once again there are groups of young people roaming the streets in Peoria looking for stuff to get into! No, they’re not looking for trouble. They’re doing “good in the hood” and making a big difference. Southside Community United for Change (SCUC) has re-activated its summer Litter Patrol Program. Andrew Lucas from … Continue reading Southside Community United for Change Summer Litter Patrol by Denise Jackson 1st District Peoria City Council

This is my first state of the city address, and I’m proud to report that the State of the City of Peoria is Strong! Let me start with the numbers: Mayor Rita Ali The City’s Overall Revenues totaled $252.1 million in 2021, up 15% from 2020.Overall expenditures totaled $230.4 million in 2021, up 7% from … Continue reading Mayor Rita Ali 2022 State of the City Address – Peoria: A Center for Prosperity and Opportunity

Those my age have lived through some difficult social and political times. Our parents and some of us couldn’t eat in certain restaurants or drink from public water fountains. We’ve marched for the right to vote and to even have a seat at the front of the bus. We observed the Supreme Court say that … Continue reading Are Gun Laws Masked Under Christianity? By Cheryll Boswell

An Illinois Woman received the highest award for her courage, integrity, and work ethic. Diane J. Nash earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joseph Biden last week. She was one of 17 people to receive this award. Diane J. Nash Nash, 74, was an organizer for the Freedom Riders and the sit-ins for … Continue reading Civil Rights Icon Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom by Cassiette West-Williams

Nothing brightens our day like cards, texts, and phone calls from family and friends. These gestures of kindness are guaranteed feel-goods. Before the invention of these heartwarming expressions, there was something called “presence”. In the village days when you got sick, in trouble, or experienced loss, people just quietly showed up and their presence spoke … Continue reading The Warmth of Sankofa – The Ministry of Presence by Mae Catherine Godhigh

Basil, also known as Holy Basil, is a part of the mint family. A favorite of gardeners and cooks everywhere, basil boasts many health benefits, including reducing high blood sugar, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and the risks of some cancers. The herb also contains vital minerals and nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, beta carotene, lutein, … Continue reading Tasty Garden Goodness – Enjoying the Benefits of Basil -Try This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette By Candy Webb

I know it seems as if summer break just began, but it is not too early to start thinking about the next school year. The more thoughtful planning and relationship-building that occurs over the summer, the better the chances are your student will experience greater academic success! Use your school’s website as a resource to … Continue reading July: A Time for Preparation by Dr. Latasha Schraeder