Category Archives: Local News
Illinois lawmakers pass landmark AI accountability bill
Article Summary Illinois House lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that would regulate how the largest artificial intelligence companies report on the capabilities of their models. The bill, which passe...
May 28, 2026 Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, speaks on the House floor May 27. His bill would make Illinois the third state to regulate frontier AI models. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jenna Schweikert)
Durbin warns of deep divisions in farewell address to Illinois lawmakers
Article Summary U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin delivered a farewell address to the Illinois General Assembly, reflecting on his decades in public office and warning that today's political divisions pose a seri...
May 28, 2026 U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin delivers a farewell address to Illinois lawmakers on May 27, 2026. He reflected on his decades in public office and warning that today’s political divisions threaten democratic norms. (Capitol News Illinois photos by Jerry Nowicki)
Peoria County prepares to open Bicentennial Park
PEORIA, Ill. -- ArtsPartners of Central Illinois and Peoria County are hosting a First Fridays Amplified pop-up lunchtime celebration on Friday, June 5th, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m at Bicentennial Park. A ri...
May 28, 2026 The new Bicentennial Park in the courtyard of the Peoria County Courthouse features a family of Bison in a new water feature. (Choose Greater Peoria Facebook page)
Peoria and Peoria County energy costs expected to increase this summer
By Stace Keane PEORIA, Ill. - Get ready for a higher power bill this summer. Peoria City and County officials say electricity rates are rising across the board. Ameren customers will see the biggest i...
May 28, 2026 sbotas / Depositphotos.com
Mayor's Youth Program kicks off in Peoria on Friday
By Stace Keane PEORIA, Ill. - The City of Peoria's annual summer enrichment initiative for Peoria Public Schools students, the Mayor's Youth Program, will kick off at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at the ...
May 28, 2026 (City of Peoria)
Peoria Heights hosts "Hot In The Heights" at Tower Park
PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - What better way to officially kick off summer in the Heights than with some cold drinks? The Peoria Heights Chamber is hosting "Hot In The Heights" Thursday night at Tower Park....
May 28, 2026 Hot In The Heights is back on Thursday, May 28th at Tower Park. (Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce Facebook)
Cedar Street Bridge to close next week for the next few months
PEORIA, Ill. - One of the Peoria area's bridges will be shut down for most of the summer. IDOT announced Wednesday that the Cedar Street Bridge will be closed on June 1st, between Washington Street in...
May 27, 2026 Midwest Communications
Reducing gas tax, prepping for future shortfalls among late budget sticking points
Article Summary Final budget details are still being negotiated behind closed doors with the scheduled adjournment of the legislative session just days away. Progressive lawmakers are still calling on...
May 27, 2026 Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, discusses the budget at a news conference at the Statehouse on May 27, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Ben Szalinski)
Man arrested in connection to Memorial Day shooting at Glen Oak Park
PEORIA, Ill. - An arrest has been made in connection to a family being shot at Monday night at Glen Oak Park. Peoria Police says 20-year-old Harlem Porter was arrested in connection to the incident. H...
May 27, 2026 (Peoria County Sheriff's Office)
Local fundraising arm of St. Jude opens new office in Peoria
PEORIA, Ill. -- The local group that handles fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALSAC, or American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, has officially moved into a new Peoria offi...
May 27, 2026 (St. Jude)
