It’s a bit of a long shot, but Peru is going to try for a new source of funding – one that raised more than $100 million for a city in southern Illinois.

Boy Scouts from Troop 123 and Cub Scouts from Pack 3709, both of Peru, joined members of the Peru Veterans Memorial Group during a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Veterans Park in Peru. The annual ceremony coincides with Flag Day. The event provided a respectful and dignified disposal of worn American flags through a traditional burning ceremony. Over 10,000 flags were retired.

Residents of all ages gathered at Illinois Valley Regional Airport on June 13, for the 6th annual Touch a Truck event in Peru. The community event invited families to explore emergency vehicles and equipment, including the Peru Fire Department's aerial tower lift, and interact directly with first responders. Touch a Truck provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the emergency services that protect their community and ask questions about the vehicles and equipment used in rescue and response operations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19.

Volunteers participated in Hope Week, a community service initiative led by Ax Church, on projects throughout the Illinois Valley. The annual event brings together hundreds of volunteers to complete beautification projects, assist local organizations and serve communities across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam Counties.

NCI ARTworks will announce the winners of the juried art exhibition from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the NCI ARTworks Gallery in Peru.

The Spring Valley Municipal Band will launch its 2026 free summer concert series at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Spring Valley’s downtown mini-park.

The First Congregational Church of Peru will hold its annual vacation Bible school for children ages three and older from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23.

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are on the road for six games this week. The Shrimp enter the week 5-6 after going 2-3 last week.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 31-June 6. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The La Salle County Highway Department announced N. 35th Road in Dimmick Township will close for bridge repair on Monday, June 8.

Longtime physical therapist at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota Jared Wise was recognized for the compassionate care and encouragement he provides to patients recovering from injuries and surgeries.

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp went 3-3 in the first week of the season along with four of the other five teams in the Prospect League's Northwest Division.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 24-30. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

A single-family home in Ottawa that sold for $370,000 nears the top of the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County in the past week.

Illinois Valley Community College was recently presented with a $21,000 endowment to establish the IVCC VAC Scholarship by the La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission.

Athletes from Peru Parkside, Princeton Logan and Mendota Northbrook claimed medals at the IESA Class 3A state track and field meet.

Four pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout to lead the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp to a season-opening 3-0 victory over Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday in Clinton.

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp hope to contend for a postseason berth in 2026. This summer's roster includes several local players, 10 recent high school graduates and several Big Ten players.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 17-23. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

A Mendota woman was recognized for nearly four decades of service at OSF HealthCare as part of National Health Care Week.

A nurse at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota was recognized for providing compassionate care during a patient’s final moments.

At age 56, he’s the oldest patrol officer at the Peru Police Department. Now, Bill Sommer a sergeant with no plans to retire any time soon.

Workplace violence against nurses is rising – and hospitals are scrambling to respond, according to northern Illinois healthcare workers and hospital leadership.

Caught any fish lately at Baker Lake? Have you noticed the bluegills and sunfish are smaller than in years past? There are complex problems in the lake. The City of Peru means to fix them.

The University of Illinois Extension will hold a Grilling and Summertime Salads program series for residents to learn about ideas and practical tips for healthy summer meals.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 10-16. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

A single-family home in Earlville that sold for $485,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County during the past week

The 11th annual TBM Reunion and Air Show continued on Saturday with a Veterans parade and full air show full of vintage World War II aircrafts.

The 11th annual TBM Reunion and Air Show provided a night air show, fireworks, a large selection of World War II aircraft, a Veterans parade, Skydive Chicago jumpers, and much more at the Illinois Valley Airport in Peru. The TBM Avenger Reunion is an award-winning aviation event that frequently ranks as one of the best air shows in North America.

The La Salle-Peru High School Class of 2026 held its 128th annual commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Howard Fellows Stadium.

The La Salle County 4–H will hold a Little Roots Gardening Program for children to learn about plants, pollinators and nature from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Hy-Vee, 1651 Midtown Road, Peru.

The City of Peru will flush hydrants beginning Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 22. Flushing will occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for May 3-9. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Watch for asphalt crews later this spring at Shooting Park Road and Peoria Street in Peru.

New research and Illinois doctors point to obesity, diabetes and smoking as key drivers behind a troubling rise in heart disease among younger adults

Peru police are getting a new patrol officer and his last name will be familiar to city residents. Aidan DeGroot is the son of Sgt. Scott DeGroot and nephew of recently retired Sgt. Ed DeGroot.

Peru firefighters were dispatched at 2:10 p.m. to a fire that broke out at a home in the 1900 block of Main Street, near the junction of Market, Main and Schuyler streets.

Peru firefighters responded to a house fire Monday afternoon near the intersection of Market, Main and Schuyler streets in Peru.

The menu offers beef brisket, chicken & waffles, pulled pork and southern classics like fried okra.

How many TBM Avengers will fly into the May 15-16 show? City officials hope for 10 but think there will be 20,000 visitors -- along with a big revenue boost for the city.

Cities and counties have discussed moratoriums and restrictions on data centers or simply saying no. In Peru, city officials signaled they’re willing to listen.

Peru officials are grateful no one was hurt when an aged (and likely diseased) tree fell Sunday at Centennial Park. They want to make sure another doesn’t abruptly fall.

No one was hurt early Sunday evening when a tree fell abruptly at Centennial Park in Peru, but it damaged a brick outhouse and brought down a power line.

Six mayors from Spring Valley, Utica, Ottawa, Peru, La Salle and Oglesby spoke at the 2026 Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Luncheon on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Grand Bear Lodge at Starved Rock in Utica.

The projects across the 14th Congressional District, which would come under federal Community Project Funding initiative, range from protecting clean drinking water to strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities to public transit systems.

Mendota YMCA Director Steve Donnell said Wednesday that the branch is not closing, but moving towards separating from the Illinois Valley YMCA based in Peru.

The TBM Avenger and Salute to Veterans event returns to Peru on May 15-16.

If you’re a trucker hauling a messy or hazardous load, better make sure it’s secured. The City of Peru will now impose fines and costs for any transport that results in a cleanup.

He was the voice of the news for generations of listeners in the Illinois Valley. Now, Joe Hogan is retired from his last assignment to the City of Peru.