This is the story of three teenage boys. They are 15, 17 and 18 years old, and they all have severe autism spectrum disorder. Their experiences living with the condition are unique, but the young men share an eagerness to tell their stories through Supported Typing, a relatively new form of communication and therapy. 

Teenagers with autism speak out with 'real voices'

Medical students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria successfully advocated for two “all gender” bathrooms on campus. It’s just one of several efforts aimed at improving awareness and understanding of LGBTQ patients.

Medical School Makes Accomodations for All Genders

When Cleve Heidelberg woke up in his jail cell Monday morning, he didn’t know he’d be stepping outside hours later in civilian clothing. In fact, Heidelberg was notified just minutes before that he’d be released, for the first time in 47 years.

Cleve Heidelberg Released After 47 Years

When Loreece Haddad arrived to open her family restaurant at 8am Thurs., she was shocked to find the front window completely obliterated.

Haddad Family Sweeps Up Fragments of Shattered Storefront

Marchers peacefully protested outside the Peoria Police Department in response to the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Eddie Russell Junior. He was the suspect of an armed bank robbery and was shot and killed after a standoff with police, a few hours later.

Demonstrators March to Protest Shooting of Eddie Russell Jr.

Peoria Firehouse No. 4 is in shambles. Urinals leak down to the first floor. The stench of sewage wafts up to the engine bay. But the firefighters who live there say the conditions of their beloved "Four House" is the least of their worries.

Peoria Firefighters Worry Spending Cuts Threaten Public Safety

Peoria government and business leaders helped break ground on the highly-publicized Portillo’s Restaurant. The business is already stirring mixed reactions from the neighborhood.

Peoria Breaks Ground on Chicago-Style Eatery

In the past few decades, the sex industry has become easier to conceal, in part because of the internet. Back channels open pathways for anonymous transactions. One particular illicit enterprise is doing business in many communities, including Peoria, in broad daylight.

Open for Business: Illicit Massage Parlors Cropping Up in Peoria

A dessert that’s the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving tables depends on help from seasonal migrant workers. Many of whom travel from Texas and across the border to Morton, Ill. -- where nearly 90 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin is made.

Food for Thought: Pumpkin Pie Made Possible by Migrant Workers

Planned Parenthood was the first place to start offering hormone replacement therapy in Peoria, IL. When Garber transitioned, she had to drive three hours to Chicago for her appointments. Now Garber says, she’s seeing her own patients travel from neighboring states.

In Small Towns, Planned Parenthood Fills A Need For Transgender Health Services

Reporter by trade, storyteller by passion.

cassherrington