In the resumption of a regular interview series, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali discusses the desire to see more activity return to downtown, as well as ongoing efforts aimed at business development, crime reduction and addressing the city’s housing needs.

Critics of a pending sale of property along the Illinois River in Peoria fear a potential loss of green space and access, but the parties involved in the sale said the transaction is necessary to preserve the entity tasked with oversight of the land.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. that includes Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties.

Peoria Park District representatives joined acclaimed Peoria artist Preston Jackson and other community members Friday at a dedication ceremony for his artwork entitled, “Never Extinct: A Pictorial History of Indigenous People.”

Following Pekin's change from weekly to every-other-week recycling pickup that began as planned March 2, the city intends to roll out steps in the coming weeks that aim to calm those who oppose the switch.

The Green Communities Trees Program will coordinate the planting of 1,025 trees across more than 40 counties in Illinois. Woodford County is looking for volunteers to plant 25 of its own.

Peoria County is working on the latest update to its internal Operational Sustainability Plan, and is offering an opportunity for the public to participate in the process.

Pekin gas stations have been given the opportunity to sell sell packaged liquor. The city council voted 5-1 this week to allow gas stations to apply for the requisite liquor license.

Illinois American Water is seeking a rate increase to pay for more than a half-billion dollars in planned infrastructure improvements. But a statewide consumer watchdog group calls the potential hike “outrageous” and vows to fight it.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for McLean, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton and Schuyler counties from 9 a.m. Saturday until midnight Sunday night.