Illinois River

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said the body of a Peoria man recovered from the Illinois River likely was in the water for at least eight hours.

Deceased fish have been flowing downstream, releasing an unpleasant odor near affected areas. Biologists for IDNR fisheries believe the incident is naturally occurring as a result of spawning stress and water chemistry changes brought on by recent rain.

The Illinois EPA and a nonprofit are discussing a multiyear planning process to make Illinois waterways and ports more environmentally friendly.

Organizers of this year’s Red, White & Boom fireworks show along the Illinois River on Independence Day expect the turnout to be spectacular.

Peoria Mayor Ali believes the 5,000-seat outdoor performance venue along the Illinois River will provide an economic impact and cultural benefit for the entire region. While the project is primarily funded by an $11 million donation to the city, Ali said it’s looking like the cost may go slightly above that amount.

Some rivers are success stories where wildlife is bouncing back from heavy pollution. But environmental groups say progress hasn’t happened across the board and backsliding remains possible.

Motorists in Greater Peoria will have one fewer roadway available for crossing the Illinois River for the next couple months, beginning next week.

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.

A coalition of mayors from communities along the Illinois River is working to protect the waterway and grow its economic opportunities.

With the popular Spirit of Peoria riverboat no longer among the city’s riverfront attractions, the idea of replacing it with a stop on a potential Illinois River cruise line has been mentioned as one option.