Saturday, July 26th, 2025

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Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A group of kids from Peoria is hosting the Kickin’ Cancer in the Knolls Lemonade Stand today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hollyridge Circle and Bigelow Street to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; they had raised over $37,000 by July 24 and now hope to reach $50,000 to help pay for treatments. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith said on an investor call that work on a new replacement for the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino in East Peoria may begin next year as final designs and regulatory approvals are pursued—Peoria city leaders are calling for the project to be moved across the river per a 1991 agreement. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria International Airport set a record in June with 78,892 passengers, surpassing the prior high of 72,774 from May and marking a 20% increase over last June. The airport’s growth comes from added flights to Denver by United Airlines+ a 22.5% jump in overall seat capacity. Peoria Journal Star
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Police arrested 22 year old Jyvonnie Williams Friday morning for first degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting on the South Side on August 30th, 2023—officers reported that six victims were shot and a 16 year old, Antonio Walker, died from a gunshot wound in October. WMBD
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria International Airport broke its June monthly passenger record with 78,892 travelers, a 20% increase from June 2024 that beat the previous May record. The airport said the record and recent high counts set the pace for ending 2025 with its highest-ever passenger volume + improved capacity across all carriers. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria’s General Wayne A. Downing International Airport set new monthly passenger records by closing June with 78,892 travelers—a 20 percent rise from last June. Airline seat capacity grew 22.5 percent year-over-year as United, American, and Allegiant increased flights to support stronger service in the region. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich said the city is discussing plans to add an amphitheater to its $25 million to $30 million riverfront overhaul project. The venue, which was dropped from Washington, will be considered by the Peoria City Council in September — it is planned for the grassy area north of the Murray Baker Bridge near Peoria RiverPlex. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Drivers on Interstate 74 near Peoria will notice that the 55 mph zone extends one mile further as the Illinois Department of Transportation moved the speed limit sign from the curve near Pinecrest Drive—where crash data showed more accidents on wet pavement—to give drivers more time to slow down. Officials say they are considering additional improvements to reduce accidents. Pekin Daily Times
SHOP NEWS
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