Peoria News Today | 2 Min | The Local Wire

Peoria: A 33-year-old man was arrested for arson in Streator, facing aggravated charges after setting multiple fires. The Peoria City Council votes on adding unarmed officers to Downtown and discusses redevelopment plans for a coffee shop and Keller Station.

Peoria's Bartonville uncovered a 50-year-old time capsule from its 200th anniversary celebration, offering a rare look at 1976, while Peoria’s Real Steel team raised funds for youth mental health through their Cruise for the Kids event. Peoria Police also proposed hiring six community service officers to enhance downtown safety and public trust.

Peoria's Juneteenth ceremony at Pekin’s Woodrow Cemetery honored Tazewell County Abolitionists with a new memorial and student art, while Jubilee Day celebrated Black heritage at the riverfront. Wildlife Prairie Park offers Father’s Day fishing with seven lakes, and Rader Family Farm in Normal hosts its 6th Annual Baby Animal Day.

Peoria officials announce the trial of Marcellus Ward and Willie B. Franklin for an armed bank robbery in Washington, while local leaders highlight the 2026 Peoria Juneteenth celebration and a Lyme disease survivor shares her experience in Galesburg.

Peoria avoided major tornado damage but faced severe storms with wind gusts and heavy rain, while Bloomington Fire Department mourns Captain James Schreiber. The 40th annual Red, White & BOOM! fireworks show prepares for a record crowd with new security and parking plans.

Peoria faces a severe weather alert with a Level 4 tornado risk as storms threaten Wednesday, while East Peoria Police Department moves into its new facility. A solar farm in Minonk now powers thousands of homes, and a shooting in Peoria East Bluff sparks calls for improved public safety measures.

Peoria faces a Level 3 severe weather risk with tornado warnings, high winds, and golf ball-sized hail as a storm system threatens the region. Bloomington advances its Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative, while Peoria sees gas prices drop nearly 20 cents.

Peoria: A vacant house fire in Peoria was ruled a criminal act with no injuries, while U.S.-Iran tensions shifted with a tentative agreement to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The Prairie Pride Coalition's Pride Picnic and Bloomington-Normal's "No Kings" rally highlighted local community events and civic engagement.

Peoria's Juneteenth Fest drew thousands to the Riverfront, while the Tremont Turks won their first IHSA state title. Severe storms left over a million Central Illinois customers without power, prompting Ameren to restore service as residents stay safe.

Peoria endured severe tornadoes and high winds on June 11, 2026, leaving thousands without power and damaging homes and farms across the city and Marshall County. A family in South Peoria and residents in Marshall County are recovering from storm damage, while the Illinois Special Olympics introduced unified cornhole in Peoria.

Peoria residents are dealing with a tornado that knocked out power for over 2,780 customers in Marshal County and a house explosion in Dunlap under investigation. Two suspects in a Washington, Illinois bank robbery were arrested using license plate cameras and cell phone records.

Peoria residents should prepare for severe weather including tornadoes and damaging winds expected Thursday, with the National Weather Service issuing alerts. A house fire near West Millman and South Webster Streets left three injured and two dogs dead, while over 7,000 power outages hit Chillicothe due to storms.

Peoria residents should prepare for severe weather including tornadoes and hail as the National Weather Service issues alerts for multiple storm rounds. A major motorcycle crash in Northwest Peoria left three hospitalized, while Javon C. Wilson faces charges for possessing a loaded gun in East Bluff.

Peoria residents should stay alert for severe weather this week, including possible tornadoes, as a high-risk storm system moves through Central Illinois. City officials in North Pekin rejected a data center plan at a former theater, while Peoria County farmers welcome much-needed rain after a dry May.

Peoria: A house fire in Peoria Heights damaged a home and forced an evacuation, while a stabbing in Bloomington led to a man's hospitalization and his girlfriend's arrest. The Illinois Air National Guard honored Maj. Gen. Daniel McDonough at the 182nd Airlift Wing, and a bus crash in Central Illinois injured five students and a parent.

Peoria: A single-vehicle rollover on U.S. Route 24 and a homicide in East St. Louis leave two hospitalized, while a school bus crash in rural Central Illinois injures five students and a parent. The city also celebrates its Bicentennial Park opening and sees local baseball teams advance to state quarterfinals.

Peoria officials announce new fire department grants and celebrate the renovated courthouse plaza, while law enforcement shares details on the Heartland Bank robbery in Washington, IL. The Route 66 Centennial Weekend kicks off in Bloomington with a light show and art deco mural unveiled in Normal.

Peoria police are investigating a robbery at Heartland Bank and a recycling truck fire in Bloomington linked to a lithium-ion battery, while a new development in Peoria Heights sparks debate over its economic impact. Central Illinois may also see the Northern Lights tonight due to solar activity, offering a rare celestial event.

Peoria's Downtown development led by Gerald Ritterbusch faces delays until November due to unexpected findings, while a first-degree murder charge follows a fatal stabbing in the city. The city also celebrates a successful two-way street transition on Adams and Jefferson streets ahead of the YANI Collective's Juneteenth Fest at the Peoria Riverfront.

Peoria officials announce a $70 million emergency food relief program as a former IHSA referee faces indictment for child abuse, while a West Bluff man is arrested for impersonating a sheriff’s deputy. Morton girls soccer makes state tournament history, and Peoria Speedway, a local racing icon, is up for sale.

Peoria's Local Wire faced technical issues preventing today's full report from being generated. Listeners are advised to check back tomorrow for the complete local news roundup.

Peoria firefighters responded to two fires in Washington, Illinois, including a nursing home fire that displaced residents and a separate apartment fire hospitalizing three people. The city also saw a garage fire, while animal rescues in Bloomington helped pets find homes and the library launched its summer reading program.

Peoria firefighters responded to a fire at a nursing home in Washington, Illinois, evacuating 40 residents without injuries, while a crash on Illinois Route 9 in Tazewell County closed the road. Three Peoria teens raised over $500 for type 1 diabetes research through their lemonade stand, and the Bloomington-Normal Kappa Alpha Psi chapter awarded $21,000 in scholarships.

Peoria's Local Wire update covers the Normal Town Council's potential kratom ban, the discovery of human remains in Kewanee's Northeast Park, and a new teen driving course in Peoria. The episode also highlights Peoria County's $1 million investment in Radnor Road revitalization.

Peoria's Cedar Street Bridge will close June 1 for two months of repairs, with detours in place, and the Illinois River is unsafe for swimming due to a recent sewer overflow. Mental Health Awareness Month highlights 9-8-8 crisis line resources, while Connect Transit's CEO Brady Lange works on the downtown Bloomington transfer center.