Peoria News Today | 2 Min | The Local Wire

Peoria authorities are investigating possible human remains found at a Kewanee park linked to a waste tank incident, while a 21-year-old man from South Peoria faces charges for shootings in separate incidents. The city council also approved a land swap with the school district to accelerate the Expo Gardens development, sparking community debate over zoning and housing impacts.

Peoria city council approved taking over the back entrance of Expo Gardens from Peoria Public Schools and renewed ShotSpotter technology with a $316,000 contract, while addressing park safety after a Memorial Day shooting. A Unit 5 School District parent filed a lawsuit over transgender bullying and name changes, and a new consortium aims to boost health care workforce training in Greater Peoria.

Peoria: A family was shot at Glen Oak Park with no injuries, and a Springfield teen died in a McLean County crash. Memorial Day events across Peoria and Washington included parades, ceremonies, and a 5K for veterans.

Peoria police are searching for 73-year-old Michael J. Murray, last seen near North University Street and West Glen Avenue, while Pekin closes Cranwill's Rootbeer Stand over health violations. Peoria Heights celebrates craft beer and community at the Bust’d Beer Bash, and the Miss & Mister Juneteenth Pageant honors cultural pride in the East Bluff.

Peoria experienced a deadly shooting outside the White House with a fatality and injury, as President Trump was present, and a family member in Joliet stopped a potential school shooting. The city also announced major intersection closures for eight weeks starting May 26 as part of the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project.

Peoria: A fatal crash on I-74 near Morton took Elbert Robinson's life, while authorities search for Ahkeem Lewis in Chicago. Peoria Heights honors former mayor Raymond Picl with a street sign, and Central Illinois braces for Memorial Day travel spikes.

Peoria's Local Wire update covers a fatal I-74 crash near Morton, the passing of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, and calls for safer driving ahead of Memorial Day. The episode also highlights funding needs for Illinois soil conservation districts and National EMS Week efforts to support volunteer first responders.

Peoria city workers are finalizing key sections of the downtown Streetscape project on North Main Street, while aging services agencies seek $10 million to expand home-delivered meals for seniors. Law enforcement is monitoring the detention of Scott Benway following a shooting and explosion, and a high-speed chase in Spring Bay Mill Point RV Park led to a medical emergency.

Peoria: Prosecutors label Scott Benway a threat after his arrest in the Washington, Illinois Mother’s Day explosion and shooting. The Peoria region also launches a healthcare workforce initiative with six local groups collaborating to support medical education and staffing.

Peoria's Local Wire update covers the Normal Town Council's approval of the Uptown Underpass project with a $34 million contract, the father-son mobile crisis team at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, and Delavan Mayor Adam White's opposition to a proposed data center.

Peoria law enforcement is investigating a shooting in Bloomington that left someone in critical condition and a series of arrests at the Peoria Civic Center involving aggravated battery and assault. The Swiss and German Springfest returned to Pekin, and Beachlers Tire celebrated its 75th anniversary in Peoria with community events.

Peoria's Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation at the Peoria Civic Center, while the Walk MS Peoria event raised over $55,000 for multiple sclerosis research. A new Illinois bill targets workplace violence against healthcare workers, and a high-speed chase in Cook County led to the arrest of four suspects.

Peoria's new police chief, Brad Dixon, is pushing for transparency and tech in policing while officers raise funds for the Special Olympics through the "Cop on a Rooftop" event. The city also celebrated 18 new firefighters graduating from the Peoria Fire Department and Beachlers Tire's 75th anniversary with a community celebration.

Peoria residents are urged to exercise caution as reckless riding by mini bikes, golf carts, and electric scooters raises safety concerns in Delavan. Meanwhile, the River City Reading Room opens in downtown Peoria, and Illinois Wesleyan University launches a quantum science program with a $3.5 million donation.

Peoria authorities are investigating the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy during a domestic violence incident on Mother’s Day, while state lawmakers propose property tax relief for seniors and renewable energy. A local mother, Tomeka Love, awaits justice as her son’s killer’s trial is delayed again, and Peoria’s Big Al’s Speakeasy prepares to reopen with enhanced security.

Peoria's latest news includes a confirmed arson fire in South Peoria, a new two-way Jefferson Street with bike lanes, and the City Council's approval of a liquor license for The King Zone Grocery and Grill. Health care updates reveal OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital is no longer affiliated with St. Jude, and a potential hantavirus case has prompted public health warnings.

Peoria law enforcement investigates a fatal shooting in Downtown Peoria and a hostage situation near Princeton that resulted in a juvenile’s death. The city also faces infrastructure changes with a $1.5 million airport project approved in Bloomington and Pekin’s data center project canceled.

Peoria's Local Wire update covers a violent officer-involved shooting in Washington with an explosion and fire, a fatal motorcycle crash on I-55 in Normal, and the popular Big Rig Petting Zoo in East Peoria. The episode also highlights Peoria’s Sweet TemptationZ Bakery and its owner Monique Sidwell’s community impact.

Peoria police are investigating two shootings, including a 17-year-old boy shot in the face and a man who killed his partner before being shot by officers. A house fire in South Peoria highlighted dangerous hoarder conditions, while community events like the More Than Pink Walk and Fine Art Fair brought people together.

Peoria law enforcement is investigating multiple shootings following a fatal officer-involved shooting in a domestic dispute and a teenager being critically injured in West Bluff. A former high school referee faces up to 60 years in prison for alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, while a new early learning school nears completion and the Bloomington Kiwanis Club hosts its annual Mother’s...

Peoria police are investigating sex crime allegations against former Peoria Public Schools employee Kevin A. Armstrong and a longtime Peoria referee, highlighting ongoing child abuse concerns. A cyber-attack disrupted Canvas at central Illinois universities, while rising gas prices strain local businesses like Barr Landscaping.

Peoria's Local Wire update covers a fatal house fire in East Peoria, a new agrivoltaics project by Pivot Energy and Tin Can Farms, and community concerns over data centers in Bloomington. The episode also highlights Beetlejuice musical and a sensory-friendly petting zoo event at Fondulac District Library.

Peoria's mayor, Matt Wigginton, faces DUI charges after body cam footage showed him arrested in Peoria Heights, while Illinois State University ends a four-week strike with a new union contract. The city also temporarily closed Normal Community High School due to a potential threat, and Congressman Darin LaHood secured funding for the Furrow Road Bridge.

Peoria police are investigating a violent hammer attack on a 74-year-old man that led to attempted murder charges, while city leaders and Congressman Eric Sorensen seek $1.6 million in federal funds for the Uptown Storm Water Improvement project to prevent flooding in Uptown Normal. Angie Codron, principal of Normal Community West High School, received a Golden Apple Foundation award and $10,000 f...

Peoria: Infant formula recall alerts, a California teen charged in a fatal e-motorcycle crash, and a South Peoria fire linked to hoarder conditions. The Local Wire also highlights Peoria’s Mother’s Day brunch for senior women.