Daily
Peoria
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tessa Sutton’s family handed out books, toys, treats and phone chargers from the Sunshine Cart at OSF Children's Hospital on Thursday to honor the late Dunlap High School student who died in 2023 after battling cancer. The cart carries items for both kids and adults — a small way to bring joy and continue her legacy. WMBD
- ➤ Brian Walder, who has worked at WEEK-TV since 2017, will become chief meteorologist as Chuck Collins retires—after more than 50 years—in the role starting Oct. 15. Walder promised to provide the best forecast during severe weather to keep the community safe. Peoria Journal Star
- ➤ Tazwood Community Services opened a new office in Peoria at 7625 N. University Street and took over three state-funded programs from PCCEO — which lost its LIHEAP and Community Block Grant funds. The agency will begin scheduling phone appointments on September 24 and will accept LIHEAP applications for emergency needs on October 1 while regular applications start on November 1. WMBD
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council receives $210,000 in federal funding for three years to cover operational costs, boost private investments and create jobs. The Partnership Planning Grant funds a new five-year plan—including the Big Table Greater Peoria event in October—and local lawmakers praised the effort. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Methodist College marks 125 years of health care education by hosting a reception for alumni today at 5 p.m. and planning a fun run at 8 a.m. followed by a carnival on Saturday at its campus on N. Academic Drive — the institution started as a nurse training program and now trains future health care leaders. WCBU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hot temperatures and little rain have worsened drought conditions in central Illinois; a US Drought Monitor report shows all of Tazewell County is now in moderate drought while nearly 94% of Peoria and 82% of Woodford County are affected—most areas have received less than one-tenth of an inch of rain since mid-August. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria’s Rep. Bill Hauter said he opposes a proposed $1.50 delivery tax that would help cover a transit system deficit estimated at $750 million — he argued that reforming transit operations is a better choice than taxing families who rely on deliveries. WMBD
- ➤ Jimmy Kimmel was suspended indefinitely by ABC after he made controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s killer on Monday night — local law experts from Illinois State University and Bradley University said that ABC acted within its rights since most employment is at will. They noted that the suspension brings up concerns about the limits of executive power over private companies. 25 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 on Sept. 12 to launch the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative that expands shot access at pharmacies and clinics, countering federal rules which limit vaccines to those over 65 and with health problems. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra will lead the effort and issue plain language guidance to help families get vaccinated—ensuring local protection against preventable illness. Pekin Daily Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Four teams from the Peoria area are set to compete in the IESA softball state finals that kick off today at Champion Fields in Normal — Friday quarterfinals start with Peoria Christian versus Carthage at 11:30 a.m. and tickets cost $8, while Saturday games will have their finals next. This statewide event includes 24 teams across three classes and continues on Saturday with additional matchups. Pekin Daily Times
-
Jurassic Quest
7 PM - 1:29 AM — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and immersive activities for all ages.
-
Woofstock 2025
12-4 p.m. — Kickapoo Sportsman's Club — $20/ticket (Kids 12 and under free) — Enjoy a groovy outdoor concert with food trucks and live music while supporting animal rescue.
-
Faux Stained Glass Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.
-
Contemporary Art Center Evening
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore contemporary art in a vibrant community setting.
-
Peoria Symphony Orchestra: Titanic Score Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth of Titanic's iconic score performed live by an orchestra.
-
Legends of the Fall Canvas Painting Workshop
1:30-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Create your own whimsical autumn painting featuring a cozy gnome and glowing pumpkins.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
~ Mark Twain
About 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