Category Archives: Local News
Top Democrats say they would consider small changes to Illinois' SAFE-T Act
Article Summary JB Pritzker and House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch signaled they're open to amending the SAFE-T Act after a violent crime on a Chicago "L" train reignited scrutiny of the law. Welch a...
Jan 14, 2026 House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, speaks to reporters outside his office on Oct. 15, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Peoria Heights building back on the market after restaurant closes
PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (25 News) - A well-known spot in Peoria Heights that's housed everything from family restaurants to a sports bar, and most recently several Mexican restaurants, is once again up f...
Jan 14, 2026 The building at 4319 N. Prospect Road in Peoria Heights is up for sale again. (25 News)
Peoria firefighters have new contract despite objections over residency requirements
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) - Peoria's City Council ratified a three-year contract with the firefighter's union Tuesday night, although two council members voted against the agreement because they believe ...
Jan 14, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
Peoria man sentenced for selling methamphetamine in 2024
PEORIA, Ill. - A Peoria man will spend a decade in federal prison for methamphetamine distribution. The U-S Department of Justice says 32-year-old Christopher Crawford was sentenced on January 7th to ...
Jan 13, 2026 (Will Stevenson/1470 & 100.3 WMBD)
Peoria County grand jury indicts man alleged to have had inappropriate conduct with minor relative
PEORIA, Ill. - A Peoria County grand jury has indicted a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor relative over a period of years. 33-year-old Brandon Kohtz of Germantown Hills was indicted on Tuesd...
Jan 13, 2026 courtroom gavel
Bartonville Fire names new chief after Cheatham steps down
BARTONVILLE, Ill. - There's a new leader at the Bartonville Fire Department. In a social media post, the department announced that Michael Cheatham is stepping down from the role as chief, after 20 ye...
Jan 13, 2026 (Bartonville Fire Department)
Kitchen fire damages South Peoria home
PEORIA, Ill. - One person was treated for smoke inhalation after a South Peoria house fire Tuesday afternoon. Peoria Fire says crews arrived in the area of Millman and Westmoreland just after noon, fi...
Jan 13, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
Labor, voting rights groups intervene in Illinois voter data lawsuit
Article Summary The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking access to the state's complete, unredacted voter registration database, including sensitive data such as dates of birth, driver's license numb...
Jan 13, 2026 A voting booth is pictured in Sangamon County. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)
Lawsuit puts Illinois on offensive against 'menacing' immigration raids
State claims federal agents used military-style tactics in attempt to coerce Illinois into changing its immigration policies Article Summary Illinois filed a 103-page lawsuit that seeks to severely li...
Jan 13, 2026 Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino gets into a truck after he was called to testify in a hearing in Chicago in October. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Community leader and former Peoria City Council member George Jacob passes away
PEORIA, Ill. - A former Peoria City Council member and community leader has passed away. George Jacob died on Sunday at the age of 61. Jacob served as a Peoria City Council member from 2005 to 2011. H...
Jan 12, 2026 (Peoria Journal Star Obituaries)
