Friday, August 15th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Peoria.
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The annual Tee It Up for the Troops event returns to Mt. Hawley Country Club on Monday to benefit veterans and active duty military. Volunteers will host free activities — golf, breakfast, lunch, and a military ceremony — that support local charities for veterans. WMBD
- ➤ The Children's Home Association of Illinois opened its new Community Services Building in downtown Peoria—located between the Red Cross and OSF Healthcare First—to offer prenatal, infant, and teen therapy services. The building will also host community events to meet families' needs in the future. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria meteorologist Chuck Collins announced Wednesday that he will retire this fall after a 50-year career covering major events like the Washington tornado and Caterpillar labor disputes plus he plans to enjoy a slower pace and try radio. The Marquette Heights native said he is proud to pass the torch to a new generation of broadcasters. Pekin Daily Times
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday night, Peoria Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert on W. Antoinette where 12 rounds were fired—officers found a 30-year-old man shot in the leg while sitting outside his residence and took him to a hospital, and the investigation continues as no suspect was located. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois American Water told the Peoria City Council on Tuesday it is working to replace lead service lines after tests showed elevated lead in 14 of 103 samples—planning to replace over 850 services in 2025 and noting that it covers the cost from the main to the home. The company said it has replaced about 2,700 lead services over the past few years and urged residents to have their service lines checked if needed. WCBU
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are considering House Bill 4039, known as the HOPE Act, which would remove abstinence-only and sobriety requirements from Peoria emergency shelters to help nearly 150 people gain stable housing. The bill would also require jail and prison staff to provide the opioid overdose drug Naloxone upon detainee release—state lawmakers will return to session in the fall. WMBD
- ➤ Liberty Steel and Wire asked for a $2.65 million loan from Peoria County and the request is on hold until next year—its needed equipment now has an extended lead time. The company will reapply once it knows more about when it can purchase the equipment for its move. WCBU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria City/County Health Department said a Facebook post claiming Popeyes on Knoxville found a rat and mice in the grease is false, as no inspection revealed any rodent sightings. The restaurant closed on its own to address an equipment maintenance issue (with signs directing customers to nearby locations), and no safety problems were confirmed. Peoria Journal Star
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Peoria.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Rivermen signed returning center Mike McChesney and rookie center Arsenii Smekhnov to build their roster for the upcoming season—McChesney, known for his penalty-killing skills after an ankle injury, will lead while Smekhnov begins to learn the team’s style. Pekin Daily Times
-
Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Enchanted Falls
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques while creating your own serene masterpiece in a calming atmosphere.
-
Popcorn Dish Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check online for fees — Craft your personal popcorn dish using fun clay hand-building techniques.
-
Anime & Manga Club
4-5 p.m. — Peoria Heights Public Library — Free entry — Discuss manga and enjoy your favorite anime shows after school.
-
6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity in this engaging pottery course designed for all skill levels.
-
Peoria Irish Fest
All day — Peoria Riverfront Park — $12 Single Day Tickets / $30 Weekend Passes — Celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, and whiskey tastings along the scenic riverfront.
-
Alpacas and Clay Connection
12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40 per person — Create a clay masterpiece while enjoying time with adorable live alpacas.
-
Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.
-
South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.
-
Summer-ween Fused Glass Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45-$55 — Create your own fall-themed fused glass dish with a spooky twist while enjoying a fun workshop atmosphere.
-
To-Go Cup Hand Building Class
5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Craft your own eco-friendly ceramic to-go cup in this fun and creative hand-building workshop.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Peoria.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Peoria
Welcome to the Daily Peoria, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Peoria, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Peoria, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Peoria.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Peoria and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Peoria
A free Peoria community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailypeoria.com/sitemap