Good morning, Peoria.

A near-total lunar eclipse will begin on Thursday, Aug.

27 at 8:23 p.m. CT in Illinois (with about 93% of the moon covered) and peak at 11:12 p.m. Weather Channel forecasts partly cloudy skies for viewing.

Illinois job numbers improved as the state reported nearly 12,000 nonfarm jobs were added last month—pushing totals to a record 6.18M while unemployment fell to 4.9% in July.

Ameren is offering financial assistance programs like LIHEAP, SARP, and fee waivers to help eligible residents manage rising energy costs in Illinois — the programs target qualifying households based on income.

The Neighborhood House Association (which received $82K) and the Peoria County Regional Office of Education #48 (which got $66,580) will use nearly $150K in adult literacy grants to expand course offerings and train volunteer tutors in the city.

Chillicothe officials notified residents yesterday that tests of the water system found PFAS compounds exceeding safe levels.

The Illinois EPA requires water bills to include a notice and advises using a filter to lower exposure.

A ribbon cutting on Friday marked the opening of a new Solvera Health clinic at the Southside Community Center to address local healthcare needs in Peoria.

The clinic will begin offering walk-in care next week on the last Tuesdays and Fridays of each month.

Friday night, IHSA Week 1 football games delivered varying scores as Richwoods beat Peoria High 48 — 30 and Richmond-Burton overcame Peoria Notre Dame 42 — 0, while additional local games are scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.

Journal Star sports reporter Adam Duvall predicted IHSA 2026 football champions and semifinalists across eight classes.

His analysis highlights team outlooks, past title runs, and expected matchups — offering local high school sports fans a detailed look at the season's landscape.