WTVP
7/16/2026 | Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Beluga and Beatrice | Mark's Furry Friends
- Title
- 7/16/2026 | Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Beluga and Beatrice | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Beluga and Beatrice.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo is a three-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. Beluga is a strong and smart Pit Bull. He is still growing at six-months-old. One-year-old Beatrice is full of love! She is a Labrador mix. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Fighting Back: Mexican Americans Demand Civil Rights in Galesburg #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- After WWII, Mexican American soldiers in Galesburg faced discrimination. This video details their fight for civil rights, community action, and the formation of LULAC. FULL DOC: https://bit.ly/4wwoqDP #MexicanAmerican #WWIIHistory #CivilRights #LULAC #Galesburg
- Title
- Living It Up: The Best Central Illinois Events for July 17-19
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 🎉 Looking for things to do in Central Illinois this weekend? Mark Welp has you covered with Living It Up for July 17-19!
This week features: 🎶 Peoria Municipal Band 🏳️🌈 River City Pride Festival 🍔 Bass and Bites 🍷 Art, Literature & Wine Festival 🚜 Livingston County Fair 🎨 Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival ⚾ Normal CornBelters baseball 🤘 Black Stone Cherry at the Castle Theatre 🎵 Make Music Normal Festival
From live music and festivals to fairs, food, art and family fun, there’s something for everyone across Central Illinois this weekend.
#CentralIllinois #ThingsToDo #PeoriaIL #BloomingtonNormal #WeekendEvents #RiverCityPride #MakeMusicNormal #LivingItUp #IllinoisEvents #FamilyFun
- Title
- Grandview Drive: Peoria's Most Beautiful Drive #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Discover Grandview Drive, a 'pleasure driveway' carved into bluffs long before Peoria Park District existed. Experience a magical journey from industrial riverfront through peaceful woods, culminating in breathtaking views. Even Theodore Roosevelt called it the world's most beautiful drive. FULL DOC: "Peoria's Playground: A History of the Peoria Park District" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App #GrandviewDrive #ScenicViews #HistoricPlaces #PeoriaIllinois #TravelGoals
- Title
- Peoria's Best Hoopers: Who Reigns Supreme? #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:26
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- From Mitch to Marcellus, Peoria consistently produces elite basketball talent. Who reigns supreme in this city's legendary hardwood history? FULL EPISODE: https://bit.ly/4wIPekG #PeoriaHoops #BasketballLegends #CityOfAthletes #NBA
- Title
- Ancient Flood Created Fertile Land for Today #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- In 13,500 BC, a colossal ice dam burst near Marseilles, unleashing a 140-foot-deep, 26-mile-wide torrent. This catastrophic flood carved out the Illinois River valley, leaving behind fertile sand for crops and vast gravel deposits. FULL DOC: https://bit.ly/4aOnBOx #IceAgeFlood #Geology #AncientHistory #LandscapeFormation #NaturalDisaster
- Title
- Freedom Riders Bus Attacked in 1961 Mississippi #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:48
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- A harrowing account of a bus arriving in Jackson, Mississippi during the Freedom Riders era, encountering a hostile crowd and buses engulfed in flames. The stark contrast between hate and kindness is palpable. #FreedomRiders #CivilRights #History #Mississippi #1961
- Title
- Real Estate Mogul's Secret: Turning Marshland to Gold! #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- She bought thousands of acres, even marshland for $10/acre. A simple soil test transformed worthless land into a $140/acre goldmine. She revolutionized banking as its first female director. FULL DOC: https://bit.ly/3R75Gf6 #LydiaBradley #RealEstate #BusinessWoman #Finance #History
- Title
- Beyond the Game: Reinventing Yourself After Success #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- When the cheers fade and the jerseys come off, life asks a deeper question: Who are you now? Discover how Mitch and Marcellus transformed their athletic discipline into thriving careers in law and community service, proving that growth is the real victory. FULL EPISODE: https://bit.ly/4wIPekG #PersonalGrowth #CareerChange #Resilience #SelfInvention #LifeAfterSports
- Title
- Historic Election: First Woman Elected to School Board #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:45
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- A remarkable achievement: Elected unopposed, she became the first woman on an Illinois school board, earning deep respect. A school was later named in her honor. FULL DOC: "Springdale Cemetery - Memories of a Lifetime" available on WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #PioneeringWomen #CommunityLeadership #PoliticalHistory #EducationAdvocacy
- Title
- Farming Legacy: Passing the Tractor Keys #shorts
- Runtime
- 2:50
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- From planting corn to watching his son sow soybeans, a father grapples with retirement. Is it time to let go, or is the farm his lifelong calling? A story of legacy, fairness, and the changing face of farming. FULL EPISODE: https://bit.ly/4wsQ30w #FarmLife #GenerationalFarming #Retirement #Legacy #Agriculture
- Title
- Mitch Gilfillan and Marcellus Sommerville: Giving Back
- Runtime
- 27:16
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mitch Gilfillan, former Division I basketball player, coach and attorney, and Marcellus Sommerville, Bradley basketball legend and CEO of the Peoria Friendship House, join Vibe 309 for a conversation about basketball, leadership and giving back. Plus, we visit the Steamboat Classic, Peoria’s iconic running event, to celebrate its impact on the community.
- Title
- Belle Claxton: Black Community Beach Desegregation Pioneer #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Belle Claxton championed the Black community's fight for clean, accessible beaches in 1919. Though the beaches remained segregated, her activism led to improved conditions. FULL DOC: "McLean County: The Early Days" availble at WTVP.org and free on the PBS app. #BelleClaxton #CivilRights #BlackHistory #CommunityActivism
- Title
- Librarian: Changing Lives, One Patron at a Time #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- From job applications to finding a safe haven, librarians empower patrons. See how this public space fosters connections, understanding, and stable futures. It's more than books; it's a community. FULL EPISODE: https://bit.ly/4bmXyhx #LibraryLife #CommunityImpact #JobSeekerSupport #Empowerment #SafeSpace
- Title
- Down River: The Adventures of Bud Grieves
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Growing up on the shores of the Illinois River, Lowell “Bud” Grieves loved his time on the water. Then, as a teenager, a wild idea materialized and he set sail for New Orleans. Join us for part one of his adventurous tale of the many different seasons of his life, including as Peoria’s Mayor.
- Title
- 7/9/2026 | Mr. Tux, Ron and Toto | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Mr. Tux, Ron and Toto.
Mr. Tux is a black and white, domestic longhair cat. He is six-years-old. Ron is considered a senior at nine-years-old, but he still has energy! He is a mixed breed dog. Toto the Terrier mix is a great lap dog. He is two-years-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 7/9/2026 | Itsy Bitsy, Bobby and Justice | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Itsy Bitsy, Bobby and Justice. Itsy Bitsy has a whole lot of fur. She is a three-year-old domestic longhair cat. Bobby is a one-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Justice was confiscated for neglect, but she is now ready for a good home. She is a three-year-old Labrador. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Living It Up: Top Things to Do in Central Illinois This Weekend (July 10-12)
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 🎉 Looking for fun in Central Illinois this weekend? Mark Welp has you covered with the latest edition of Living It Up for July 10-12!
This week: 🦒 Brunch with the Giraffes at Peoria Zoo, ⚾ Chicago Snowballs and CornBelters baseball, 🎶 David Phelps, Rend Collective, Clay Street Unit and Hairbangers Ball concerts, 🎡 the Knox County Fair, and 🌳 Pack the Park family fun in Normal.
Watch now for the top events happening across Central Illinois this weekend!
#centralillinois #WeekendGuide #Peoria #BloomingtonNormal #LivingItUp #ThingsToDo #IllinoisEvents #FamilyFun #Concerts #Baseball
- Title
- South Park's Transformation to Trewyn Park: A Community Story #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:57
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Children pooled nickels and dimes to fund their own park fountain, 'Out In The Rain.' This beloved 10-acre spot later grew with a pavilion and bandstand, eventually renamed Trewyn Park. FULL DOC: "Peoria's Playground: A History of the Peoria Park District" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App #SouthPark #CommunityLove #LocalHistory #ParkLife
- Title
- Widow Quadruples Estate: Unlocking Investment Secrets #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- When Tobias died unexpectedly, Lydia defied expectations. Instead of quiet widowhood, she quadrupled his estate, venturing into property development, land reclamation, and even becoming the first woman on a bank's board in Illinois. FULL DOC: "Springdale Cemetery - Memories of a Lifetime" available on WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #BusinessWoman #HistoricalFigure #FinancialGenius #PropertyDevelopment
- Title
- Bloomington's Railroad Boom: A Working Class Revolution #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Discover how the Chicago and Alton railroad shop transformed Bloomington, doubling its population and creating a thriving industrial middle class through high-paying, skilled trades. FULL DOC: "McLean County: The Early Days" availble at WTVP.org and free on the PBS app. #BloomingtonHistory #RailroadTown #IndustrialRevolution #AmericanHistory #SkilledTrades
- Title
- Fritz Triebel's Statue of Peace: Springdale's Masterpiece Unveiled #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:28
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Discover the Statue of Peace, a masterpiece by Fritz Triebel commissioned by Frederick Block. Joseph Pittardi's subtle marker hints at his true artistic genius. FULL DOC: "Springdale Cemetery - Memories of a Lifetime" available on WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #StatueOfPeace #SpringdaleArt #FritzTriebel #JosephPittardi #ArtHistory
- Title
- Harry Harrison: Peoria's Morning Mayor's Radio Journey #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Discover the story of Harry Harrison, Peoria's beloved 'Morning Mayor' on WPEO. His genuine connection, personal touch, and 44 years in New York radio cemented his legacy. A true friend on the airwaves. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #HarryHarrison #RadioLegend #MorningShow #PeoriaHistory #Broadcasting
- Title
- 7/2/2026 | Cruz, Piper and Mae Mae | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:44
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Cruz, Piper and Mae Mae.
Cruz is a large, domestic shorthair cat. He is two-years-old. Piper and Mae Mae are sisters. They are very well-behaved Labrador-Poodle mixes and are four-months-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 7/2/2026 | Boomer, Herbie and Journey | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Boomer, Herbie and Journey.
Boomer and Herbie came to TAPS after their owner passed away. They are 15-year-old domestic shorthair cats. Journey was neglected and abandoned when she came to TAPS. She is a four-year-old Great Pyrenees and is very calm. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Central Illinois Fourth of July Fireworks!
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Living It Up has your full list of towns and locations for Fourth of July fireworks in central Illinois. Watch to find a place near you for booms, bright colors and a brilliant spectacle! Happy birthday, America!
- Title
- Cemetery Picnics: A Victorian Escape in Peoria #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:27
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- In the 1800s, Peoria families sought green space. Springdale Cemetery offered a unique solution: a place for picnics and respite from the hot summer, away from urban bustle. FULL DOC: "Peoria's Playground: A History of the Peoria Park District" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App #PeoriaHistory #VictorianEra #CemeteryPicnics #LocalHistory
- Title
- Carver Center: Black Children's After School Activities #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:52
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- For many African American children, the Carver Center was the heart of after-school and weekend activities. Structured fun from checkers to tap dancing, all for $2.25. A true community hub. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #CarverCenter #ChildhoodMemories #Community #AfricanAmericanHistory
- Title
- Terrifying River Night: Boat Crashes Through Shoreline! #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 25 years experience couldn't stop the struggle. Nearing midnight, fog rolled in, a treacherous bend ahead hid a massive sandbar. A fresh coal load shifted, making the boat unsteerable, drifting towards the shore until a branch broke through a window. Chaos ensued. FULL DOC: "The Sinking of the Columbia" is available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #Riverboat #Navigation #MaritimeDisaster #TrueStory
- Title
- Peoria's Vice: Nightclubs, Red Light District & Betting #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:06
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Explore Peoria's history as a wide-open town, filled with clandestine horse betting, lively nightclubs like Faust, and the infamous Red Light District. A glimpse into the city's less-talked-about past. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #PeoriaHistory #Nightlife #RedLightDistrict #UrbanHistory #Vice
- Title
- Kent Kleinschmidt | A Shot of Ag | Ep. 640
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Kent Kleinschmidt of Emden, Illinois is technically retired, but he has a reputation for showing up. As a young married man, he started getting involved in local groups and leadership programs and now his influence spreads around the globe
- Title
- McLean County's 1900 Fire: Devastating Blaze, New Beginnings #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- A devastating fire ravaged downtown Bloomington on June 19th, 1900. In hours, 45 buildings were reduced to rubble, marking a dramatic end to an era and the dawn of a new century for McLean County. FULL DOC: "McLean County: The Early Days" availble at WTVP.org and free on the PBS app. FULL DOC: "McLean County: The Early Days" availble at WTVP.org and free on the PBS app. #BloomingtonFire #HistoricalDisaster #McLeanCounty #1900s #UrbanHistory
- Title
- Edith Barnard: Bringing Harriet Beecher Stowe to Life
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Christine Zak-Edmonds talks with Edith Barnard about portraying Harriet Beecher Stowe through living history. Barnard explores the author's life, the impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin and the beliefs and experiences that shaped Stowe's work, using performance to make a complicated chapter of American history more immediate.
- Title
- Segregated Theaters: A Look Back at Discrimination #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Restaurants refused service, theaters enforced balcony-only policies for Black patrons. Even within theaters, aisles dictated separation. An era of stark division. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #Segregation #CivilRights #AmericanHistory #Discrimination
- Title
- In the Arena Promo
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- WTVP is launching a new local show! In the Arena with Doug Cruitt reveals the backstory of your favorite companies and brands that you won’t find on their About Us page. You’ll hear the “why” of the business and what it took to go from idea to action to revenue to scale up. Through these conversations, host Doug Cruitt hopes to spark new generations of founders to think, “I could do that.”
- Title
- Columbia Steamboat: From Work Boat to River Legend #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Discover the fascinating transformation of the Columbia, once a log-hauling work boat named The Douglas Boardman. Learn how steamboats were reborn with new hulls and a signature tiered design. FULL DOC: "The Sinking of the Columbia" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #SteamboatHistory #Riverboats #MaritimeHistory #BoatRestoration
- Title
- 6/25/2026 | Woody, Bo Peep and Remi | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Woody, Bo Peep and Remi.
Woody and Bo Peep are siblings and practically identical. They are three-month-old domestic shorthair kittens. Remi is a small mixed breed dog. The one-year-old can be a little shy. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 6/25/2026 | Jessie, Big Boy and Flaco | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Jessie, Big Boy and Flaco.
Jessie has a very unique and cool look! She is a three-year-old domestic shorthair kitten. Big Boy is a big boy! He is a two-year-old Pitbull. Flaco is also big. He is a ten-year-old Bulldog. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Bradley's '57 Squad: Breaking Barriers in Basketball #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:35
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In 1954-55, Bradley University's team broke barriers as one of 16 major universities with Black players. While heroes on game days, they faced discrimination off the court, highlighting a complex social landscape. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #BradleyUniversity #NCAAHistory #CivilRights #CollegeBasketball #BlackHistory
- Title
- Central Illinois Weekend Guide: Festivals, Music & Fun (June 26–28)
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Living It Up is your go-to guide for fun in central Illinois this weekend, June 26–28!
From family festivals to live music and sports, there’s something for everyone. Celebrate at Old Settlers Days in Metamora, catch The Odd Couple at Cornstock Theatre, or watch hot air balloons soar at Pekin’s Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fest. Sports fans can cheer on the Peoria Prowlers and the CornBelters, while music lovers have plenty to enjoy—from the Peoria Pops Orchestra and Old Crow Medicine Show to Buckcherry rocking the riverfront.
Plus, don’t miss free concerts in Bloomington and Normal all weekend long!
👉 Subscribe for more local weekend guides
👉 Like & share to spread the word
#CentralIllinois #PeoriaEvents #WeekendGuide
- Title
- Peoria's First Black Teacher: Ron Haley's Inspiring Journey #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:28
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Ron Haley, the first African American high school teacher in the greater Peoria area, started at Spaulding and quickly became its principal. A historic legacy. "Growing in Wisdom and Grace" returns to WTVP on July 2 at 8:00 P.M. #RonHaley #SpauldingHigh #PeoriaHistory #Education
- Title
- Big John's Bar-B-Q: Peoria's Legendary African American Restaurant #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Experience the legendary Big John's Bar-B-Q in Peoria. Famous for its secret sauce, incredible beef sandwiches with extra slices, and the owner's warm hospitality. "Y'all get plenty to eat!" FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #BigJohnsBBQ #PeoriaEats #BBQLegend #BeefSandwich #SecretSauce
- Title
- Broke Artists, Rich Decoys: The Shocking 2017 Goose Auction! #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:36
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Once carved by the impoverished, vintage Canada goose decoys now fetch astounding prices. A stark contrast between humble beginnings and immense market value. These aren't just collectibles; they're stories of survival and artistry. #VintageDecoys #FolkArt #Collectibles #CanadaGeese #ArtMarket
- Title
- Going Electric: Is It Worth the Cost? #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Considering an electric vehicle? One owner shares their experience: an extra $10-12k upfront cost, but $4-5k saved annually on energy. Payback in 2-3 years! FULL EPISODE: bit.ly/4g4PTrc #ElectricVehicles #EVCosts #EnergySavings #SustainableLiving #CarTech
- Title
- Peoria's First Entrepreneur: John Hamlin #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- From log cabins to steamboats, John Hamlin pioneered Peoria's first trading post and pork packing business. He even shaped early Chicago's records as its first justice and alderman. FULL DOC: "Springdale Cemetery - Memories of a Lifetime" available on WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #PeoriaHistory #JohnHamlin #IllinoisFirsts #Entrepreneurship
- Title
- Austin Flamm | Flamm Orchards
- Runtime
- 26:52
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- It’s the most mouth-watering show you'll watch all week! Austin Flamm from Flamm Orchards brings strawberries to the studio and talks with Rob Sharkey about how Georgia can't compete with southern Illinois peaches.
- Title
- The FIRST Soft Serve Ice Cream in Peoria! #shorts
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A 13-year-old boy gets a taste of the future: soft serve custard ice cream, a revolutionary treat brought to Peoria for the first time by Mr. Piper. Featured in a 'pig's trough' sundae. FULL DOC: "Main Street Memories: 1950's" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App. #SoftServe #IceCreamHistory #PeoriaEats #FoodInnovation #Custard
- Title
- Preserving Peoria: Construction, Industry, and Community #shorts
- Runtime
- 0:24
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Limiting industry was key to maintaining Peoria's natural beauty. This foresight prevented excessive pollution, ensuring a well-rounded community for today. FULL DOC: "Peoria's Playground: A History of the Peoria Park District" available at WTVP.org and free on the PBS App #CommunityPlanning #EnvironmentalProtection #UrbanDevelopment #Peoria
- Title
- 6/18/2026 | Zucker, Teenage Dream and Firework | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:24
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Zucker, Teenage Dream and Firework.
Zucker was born at TAPS. This two-month-old is a domestic shorthair kitten. Teenage Dream and Firework are siblings. They are different colored mixed breeds. These beautiful babies are two-months-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 6/18/2026 | Tia, Mitzi and Lenox | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Tia, Mitzi and Lenox.
Tia and Mitzi are sisters and are a bonded pair. They are two-month-old, domestic shorthair kittens. Lenox is a very energetic Husky. This blue-eyed boy is two-years-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
