The Midwest Food Bank is expanding at a rapid pace. Larry Herman, the director of the Midwest Food Bank, and board member and grant writer Amy Herring talk with the Journal Star's Steve Tarter about the charitable organization's ceaseless battle against hunger and plans to expand its facilities to accommodate the ever-increasing demand.

Jim Combs, board president of the East Bluff Community Center, chats with the Journal Star's Steve Tarter in this edition of the Tarter Source podcast. Combs gives us an update on the center, located in the former St. Bernard's School at 512 E. Kansas Avenue, and discusses the state of Peoria's oft-maligned East Bluff neighborhood.

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One of Peoria's unique and most popular attractions, the "Spirit of Peoria" riverboat has been navigating the Illinois River and elsewhere for 30 years, and Alex Grieves has been at the helm for 24 of those years. Alex joins the Journal Star's Steve Tarter to chat about the iconic paddlewheeler, its impact on the Peoria area, and its future on the riverfront.

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Brent Baker is Steve Tarter's guest on this week's "Tarter Source" podcast. Baker works at the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council where he helps area young people find work or education opportunities while assisting local businesses provide internships. Baker is also president of Bike Peoria and talks about the upturn in cycling in central Illinois.

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One of Peoria's most familiar radio voices, Marc Alghini of 99.9 WWCT-FM, joins the Journal Star's Steve Tarter in a discussion about the state of modern radio, rock 'n roll and life on the air in this edition of the Tarter Source podcast.

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Peoria-based indie musician Jared Bartman chats with the Journal Star's Steve Tarter about modern music, the Peoria music scene and his group Moon Ruin's new album "Slow Down Ego" that he's funding through a Kickstarter campaign.

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Chris Merrett of the WIU IL Institute for Rural Affairs discusses the plight of small towns in America and his group's efforts to help them in this edition of Tarter Source.

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A special guest on "Tarter Source" this week is Larry King, known to millions as the man with the suspenders who says he's interviewed 60,000 people in a 60-year broadcast career.

Peoria Friendship House CEO Robert Montgomery has been living on the roof of the facility for six weeks as part of a fundraising drive for the community center on Peoria's Near Northside.

Historian, writer, blogger, podcaster, promoter, radio personality — Molly Crusen Bishop wears a lot of hats as one of Peoria's most passionate citizens. The native Peorian and mother of five is the manager of the historic GAR Hall in Downtown Peoria. She is also a prolific writer for local publications and websites and hosts her own video podcast.

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