WTVP
From Hockey to Rock: Your Central Illinois Weekend Starts Here!
- Title
- From Hockey to Rock: Your Central Illinois Weekend Starts Here!
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- Get ready for another exciting weekend across Central Illinois! This week on Living It Up, we’re highlighting Peoria Rivermen hockey, Bradley Braves men’s and women’s basketball, Motionless in White live in Peoria, the Holiday Makers Market, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra’s Dazzling Stars performance featuring young piano prodigy Amelia Lee, ISU Lady Redbirds basketball, a rocking ZZ King tribute show at the Castle Theatre, and a special USO Tribute honoring America’s veterans.
Check out all the fun happening November 6-8! #LivingItUp #CentralIllinois #PeoriaEvents #WeekendGuide #ThingsToDo #BradleyBraves #PeoriaRivermen #MotionlessInWhite #BloomingtonIL #VeteransDay
- Title
- WTVP Local Legends 2026
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- WTVP honors Gerald M. Brookhart, Sister Judith Ann Duvall, Ronald A. Givens Sr. and Kert Huber, whose service and leadership have helped shape Central Illinois. Hosted by Jenn Gordon, Local Legends explores their lives, the people they’ve inspired and the opportunities they’ve created, preserving their stories for future generations.
- Title
- Sister Judith Ann Duvall: Leading by Following
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- For Sister Judith Ann Duvall, leadership begins with listening to God and answering a call to serve. Through her work with the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis and OSF HealthCare, she has guided leaders and helped carry the sisters’ mission forward. Her story reveals a lasting influence rooted in faith, compassion and care for others.
- Title
- Ron Givens: A Man with a Plan
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- A childhood conversation with his father helped Ron Givens imagine a future in the Marines, policing and business. He pursued those ambitions while building opportunities for his family and giving back to Peoria. Through his reflections and his son’s memories, discover a life guided by determination, connection and a belief in helping others move forward.
- Title
- Kert Huber: Building on a Strong Foundation
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- Where others see an aging building, Kert Huber sees possibility. From 401 Water to the Commerce Bank Building, his redevelopment work has helped preserve Peoria’s character while creating places to live and work. His story explores the family lessons, trusted relationships and affection for his community that continue to guide him.
- Title
- Gerald M. Brookhart: The Growing Impact of Small Things
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 3 hours ago
- Description
- From a few encouraging words to a celebration reaching generations of students, Gerald M. Brookhart has helped young people recognize their potential. Explore his career in education and the beginnings of Peoria’s Arts in Education Spring Celebration, revealing how small gestures can leave a lasting mark on a community.
- Title
- Weight Loss Treatment: Why an All-of-the-Above Approach Works #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:37
- Date posted
- 6 hours ago
- Description
- Most patients need support to lose weight. A comprehensive approach may combine surgery, medication, nutrition guidance, and exercise support.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/TvXWq6qldMI
#WeightLoss #ObesityCare #Nutrition #ExerciseScience
- Title
- Sebastian, Milo and Toby: A Cat and Two Puppy Brothers
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 21 hours ago
- Description
- Mark Welp introduces three adoptable pets at TAPS: Sebastian, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair who loves other cats, and Milo and Toby, energetic 3-month-old mixed-breed brothers. Get to know this feline friend and puppy pair as they wait for families of their own.
- Title
- Sprout, G-Man and Biggie: Small Paws, Big Personalities
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 21 hours ago
- Description
- Mark Welp introduces three more adoptable pets at TAPS. Sprout is a curious 11-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. G-Man, a 4-year-old domestic shorthair, is thriving after arriving in rough shape. Biggie, an older Yorkie mix, rounds out this trio of potential companions waiting for homes of their own.
- Title
- Oscar Dubuis: Peoria's Visionary Park Designer's Legacy #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- Learn about Oscar F. Dubuis, the visionary landscape architect hired in 1896. Dubuis, who interned under Frederick Law Olmsted, shaped Peoria's parks for over 23 years, leaving a lasting legacy. FULL DOC: https://bit.ly/GrandViewDrive #ParkDesign #UrbanPlanning #History #LandscapeArchitecture #Olmsted
- Title
- Why We Don’t Trust Birds: Beach Snacks Under Attack #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Birds are charming from a distance—until they swoop in for the snacks. One wary beachgoer explains why seagulls and cranky geese keep them on high alert.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/FZx92QUDC1g
#Birds #BirdsOfAFeather #CanadianGeese #FunnyConversation
- Title
- Khushi Shah: From Science Fair to Startup
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Khushi Shah became a CEO at 14 after a science fair project sparked an idea to reduce water waste. She joins host Doug Cruitt to discuss building Drizzl, balancing college with entrepreneurship, and navigating the pressure of growing expectations. It’s a conversation about curiosity, mentorship and the personal choices behind building a business.
- Title
- ICE Enforcement and Immigrant Rights in Central Illinois
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Following ICE operations in Central Illinois, Mark Welp talks with Immigration Project representatives Charlotte Alvarez and Erin Lamboi about immigration enforcement, constitutional rights and community concerns. They discuss the organization’s rapid response network, access to legal services and their arguments for immigration reform.
- Title
- GLP-1 Medications vs. Weight Loss Surgery: What Happens Next? #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Stopping GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight regain. In this discussion, bariatric surgery and medication are framed as complementary tools, with treatment plans tailored to each patient.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/TvXWq6qldMI
#GLP1 #WeightLoss #BariatricSurgery #ObesityMedicine
- Title
- Protecting the Mackinaw River’s Natural Treasures
- Runtime
- 6:24
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Explore Merwin Preserve with ParkLands Foundation Executive Director Craig Lutes and meet volunteers helping protect the Mackinaw River watershed. Discover how habitat restoration, invasive species removal and a commitment spanning generations preserve natural spaces for wildlife and people in Central Illinois.
- Title
- Restoring Nature, Rethinking Waste
- Runtime
- 27:07
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Mark Welp explores how the ParkLands Foundation protects the Mackinaw River watershed, visits a church turning lawn into native prairie and sees how Illinois State University gives clothing a second life. Plus, updates on data centers, rooftop solar, disposable vape waste and pumpkin composting.
- Title
- From Church Lawn to Living Prairie
- Runtime
- 5:21
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- First Presbyterian Church in Normal transformed more than two acres of vacant land into a native prairie. Members share how the project reduced mowing, brought an abundance of pollinators and wildlife, and reflected their commitment to caring for the land. See how a congregation’s idea blossomed into a thriving habitat.
- Title
- Giving Clothes a Second Life at Illinois State
- Runtime
- 3:22
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- At Illinois State University, sharing and repairing help reduce clothing waste. The Share Shop provides free secondhand clothing for students, while Fix It Friday offers repairs for students and community members. Learn how these sustainability programs extend the life of everyday items and address the environmental impact of disposable fashion.
- Title
- From Peace Corps Dreams to Stand-Up Comedy Confidence #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:50
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- After years of imagining what stand-up might be like, one push onto the stage led to a confidence high—and a night spent wide awake, replaying the moment.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/FZx92QUDC1g
#StandUpComedy #ComedyStory #StageConfidence #PersonalGrowth
- Title
- Veterans Benefits: Support for Service Members and Spouses #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:43
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Veterans who served one year or 30 may qualify for education, survivor, spousal, dependency, and pension benefits. Support can also help spouses caring for aging veterans.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/3010Af1f4-w
#VeteranBenefits #SurvivorBenefits #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport
- Title
- Hamburger Hill: Disheartening Sacrifice and Vietnam War Turning Point #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- 2 Purple Hearts, 1 Bronze Star—won, then abandoned. DeLoach recounts the immense sacrifice and disheartening loss of Hamburger Hill, a key moment that shifted public opinion on the Vietnam War. Victory turned to dust. WATCH NOW - Vietnam War: Personal Reflections https://bit.ly/WTVPVietnam #HamburgerHill #VietnamWar #MilitaryHistory #BronzeStar #PurpleHeart
- Title
- Weight Loss Success Stories: From Limited Mobility to 5Ks #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- Patients describe life-changing progress: playing hockey again, walking 5Ks with grandchildren, improving diabetes, and breathing without oxygen. The goal is lasting health and a better quality of life.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/TvXWq6qldMI
#HealthJourney #LifestyleChange #DiabetesCare #QualityOfLife
- Title
- Best Time to Vote on Election Day: Avoid Long Lines #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Skip the opening rush, after-work crowds, and lunch-hour spike. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon may be quieter times to vote on Election Day.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/w1Gd8KWTtwc
#ElectionDay #VotingTips #VoterInformation #CivicEngagement
- Title
- Veteran Mental Health: Finding PTSD Support Through VA Healthcare #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Veterans can access VA mental health care regardless of disability status. Support teams help connect them with the care they need, including PTSD support.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/3010Af1f4-w
#VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDSupport #VAHealthcare #VeteranResources
- Title
- Experience Americana: Route 66 Illinois History Tour! #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Discover the heart of America on a 300-mile stretch of historic Route 66. Experience authentic Americana and honor the past like never before.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/1kr8JbHRBMM
#Route66 #Americana #Travel #History
- Title
- Little Tux, 10-4 and Sherbert | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:55
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Little Tux, 10-4 and Sherbert.
Little Tux is a four-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. He is very playful! 10-4 is also a four-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. She is attentive and curious. Sherbert is a gorgeous domestic long hair cat. She is two-years-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Dick Oakford: Preserving Stories, Sharing Faith
- Runtime
- 25:16
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Author Dick Oakford discusses a family diary chronicling Aunt Jennie’s 1859 journey from Metamora to California. He shares how he adapted her words into a book, then reflects on faith, forgiveness and the friendships behind his book “Let’s Trade Prayers.”
- Title
- How to Stop Feeling Embarrassed and Do What You Want #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Curiosity, comedy, and a little fearlessness: sometimes the best move is to do what feels right and ask for forgiveness later.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/FZx92QUDC1g
#Curiosity #Comedy #Fearlessness #LifeAdvice
- Title
- Voting Machine Starts Smoking: What Happens Next? #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:37
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- A backup plan keeps voting moving: paper ballots go into a locked auxiliary bin until the machine is repaired or replaced.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/w1Gd8KWTtwc
#VotingSystems #ElectionSecurity #PaperBallots #CivicProcess
- Title
- Brandon Johnson: Turning a Safety Challenge Into a Startup
- Runtime
- 26:05
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Doug Cruitt meets Brandon Johnson, a Bradley University engineering graduate and co-founder of ShotHawk. Johnson discusses developing technology intended to respond to armed threats, learning from early setbacks, finding the right advice, pursuing investment, and taking his startup to the SXSW Pitch stage.
- Title
- Dr. Marty Burke: Making Molecules, Making a Difference
- Runtime
- 0:00
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Doug Cruitt talks with Dr. Marty Burke about the people and experiences that led him into chemistry, research, and entrepreneurship. From a patient’s unforgettable question to building molecules with robots, Burke explores how University of Illinois resources, collaboration, and persistence helped turn scientific ideas into companies.
- Title
- Veteran Benefits: You’ve Earned the Help You Deserve #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Pride can make it hard for veterans to ask for help. A reminder from one veteran to another: these benefits are earned, and support is available to help access them.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/3010Af1f4-w
#VeteranBenefits #VeteranSupport #MilitaryVeterans #BenefitsHelp
- Title
- Bigfoot Hunt Turns Into a Real-Life Emergency #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Skepticism turned to chaos when a local hunter fired into the woods, claiming to spot the creature. What began as a community joke ended with an ambulance and a mystery that still haunts the trail. Full Documentary: https://video.wtvp.org/video/haunted-heartland-9ckhw9/ #Bigfoot #Cryptids #UrbanLegends #Unexplained #StrangeEncounters
- Title
- Harmonize Peoria: A Welcoming Open Stage for Local Musicians #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Weekly open stages turn amateur musicians into confident performers. This supportive local community provides instruments and guidance for young artists to flourish, proving that music is for everyone. Discover a space where talent meets opportunity.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/dAgFUrJUZjw
#YouthMusic #CommunitySupport #LivePerformance #MusicEducation #PeoriaEvents
- Title
- The Witches Circle at Springdale Cemetery
- Runtime
- 5:56
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Hidden within Springdale Cemetery, the Cole family burial circle has inspired tales of shadowy figures, rituals and a so-called Devil’s Tree. Cemetery records reveal the people behind the legends, including Captain Almiran Cole. Discover how an unusual landscape became local folklore, and why preserving the family’s memory matters.
- Title
- The Cole Hollow Monster: A Legend That Lives On
- Runtime
- 5:39
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- A reported Bigfoot sighting brought crowds into the woods searching for what became known as the Cole Hollow Monster. A witness recalls the excitement, skepticism and accidental shooting that followed. Although the original claim was later recanted, the story endured. Explore why a compelling legend can outlast the facts behind it.
- Title
- Haunted Heartland
- Runtime
- 29:51
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Gather around the campfire with Storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis for four Central Illinois legends. From Illinois Wesleyan’s Lady in Red and Peoria State Hospital’s Old Bookbinder to Springdale Cemetery’s Witches Circle and the Cole Hollow Monster, Haunted Heartland explores the history behind the mystery and the real people whose lives inspired stories that still spark our imaginations.
- Title
- Old Bookbinder and the Truth Behind the Legend
- Runtime
- 6:44
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Legend says Old Bookbinder wept at his own funeral. But behind the ghost story is a patient whose life helps reveal a different side of Peoria State Hospital. Explore how Dr. George Zeller’s storytelling preserved a patient’s memory, and how his approach to care emphasized compassion, dignity and a sense of home.
- Title
- The Lady in Red at Illinois Wesleyan
- Runtime
- 5:44
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Who is the Lady in Red? At Illinois Wesleyan University, stories of a lingering presence in Kemp Hall connect generations of students. Through university archives and a student’s unusual radio station experience, explore the history behind the legend and how campus ghost stories create a sense of belonging.
- Title
- Helping Veterans Get the Benefits They’ve Earned
- Runtime
- 27:07
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Mark Welp talks with CJ Pulcher and Heather Carreathers of the Tazewell County Veterans Assistance Commission about connecting veterans with benefits and local support. They discuss disability claims, financial assistance, education, mental health resources and the barriers that keep some veterans from asking for help.
- Title
- Bigfoot Sightings: The Day Hundreds Rushed to See It #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- One rumor of Bigfoot turned a quiet Saturday morning into total chaos. Hundreds of cars lined the streets, neighbors turned into conspiracy theorists, and the entire town felt like a zoo. Proof that a single mystery can bring an entire community to a standstill. Full Documentary: https://video.wtvp.org/video/haunted-heartland-9ckhw9/ #Bigfoot #SmallTownStories #UrbanLegends #ChildhoodMemories
- Title
- From Art to Impact: Revitalizing Peoria's Community #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- After reading a challenging report about their city, two artists united to rewrite the narrative. With a bold vision and personal investment, they purchased an abandoned school to create sustainable change and uplift their Peoria community.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/6RT_ytlyrDo
#CommunityImpact #SocialChange #ArtisticVision #UrbanRenewal #PeoriaStories
- Title
- ACO, On-Call and Big Fluff | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to ACO, On-Call and Big Fluff.
All of our kittens this episode are four-months-old. ACO is a brown tabby with white markings. He could hang out with other cats or be a solo companion. On-Call looks just like ACO, except she is a girl. She is a bundle of energy. Big Fluff is a dark, domestic shorthair kitten. Just like her name says, she is extremely fluffy! Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Central Illinois Weekend Events | Zach Williams, Rivermen & Rocky Horror (Oct. 30-Nov. 1)
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Get ready for another packed weekend in Central Illinois! This week’s Living It Up features Peoria Rivermen and Bloomington Bison hockey, Zach Williams live at the Peoria Civic Center, Bob Ross birthday celebrations, Bradley volleyball, The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Galesburg, Wasteland at the Castle Theatre, Illinois State football, and To the Limit: The Ultimate Eagles Experience in Bloomington.
🏒 🎤 🎨 🎭 🏈 🎸
Subscribe for more Central Illinois events, entertainment, and weekend guides!
#centralillinois #PeoriaIL #BloomingtonIL #WeekendEvents #LivingItUp #ZachWilliams #PeoriaRivermen #BloomingtonBison #BobRoss #RockyHorror #ISURedbirds #BradleyUniversity #ThingsToDoInIllinois
- Title
- Witches Circle: The Cemetery’s Mysterious Prairie Gathering Place #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Hidden within ancient prairie grass lies the Witches Circle, a site rumored to be a portal for rituals and ley line energy. Whether it is folklore or a thinning of the veil, the air here pulses with an undeniable, otherworldly presence. Full Documentary: https://video.wtvp.org/video/haunted-heartland-9ckhw9/ #WitchesCircle #Paranormal #UrbanLegend #LeyLines #Mystery
- Title
- Lusk Castle: A French-Inspired Wedding Gift Mansion #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:25
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Discover Lusk Castle, a stunning wedding gift designed to mirror a French chateau. From its grand ballroom entry hall to its unique garage party space and imported French mirrors, this home was built for lavish entertaining. FULL DOC: https://bit.ly/GrandViewDrive #LuskCastle #Architecture #HistoricHomes #WeddingGift #Entertaining
- Title
- Adaptive Climbing: Helping Callan Reach New Heights #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:21
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Callan has used a wheelchair his whole life, but adaptive climbing allows him to defy boundaries and compete alongside his peers. Breaking barriers through accessible sport.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/dAgFUrJUZjw
#AdaptiveSports #InclusiveClimbing #DisabilityAwareness #InspiringStories
- Title
- Cole Hollow Monster: The Truth Behind Peoria’s Local Legend #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:39
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- The Cole Hollow Monster legend has lasted over 50 years, despite being retracted. Human nature craves the thrill of the unknown, turning natural forest sounds into haunting evidence. True history, like the life of Captain Cole, is often ignored for a better story. Full Documentary: https://video.wtvp.org/video/haunted-heartland-9ckhw9/ #UrbanLegends #Folklore #Psychology #Storytelling #History
- Title
- WESN Radio Ghost Story: The Static That Interrupted the Music #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Deep in the basement of Kemp Hall, WESN radio broadcasts face strange interruptions. Static cuts the music abruptly—until a legendary campus ghost is appeased. It is modern folklore living through oral tradition. Full Documentary: https://video.wtvp.org/video/haunted-heartland-9ckhw9/ #GhostStories #CampusLegends #ParanormalActivity #OralTradition #CollegeLife
- Title
- Flotsam: The Floating Circus on a Post-Apocalyptic River #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Flotsam is a traveling performance stage built entirely from recycled materials, hosting circus acts and puppetry for riverbank audiences. In a world of mutant fish, this nomadic theater group brings communities together through pure word of mouth.
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/dAgFUrJUZjw
#FloatingCircus #PerformanceArt #SustainableArt #NomadicLife
