Greetings Peoria! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Black Cat Ball and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Illinois American Water issues statement regarding 'forever chemicals' in untreated Peoria area water (wmbdradio.com subscription) — Illinois American Water says 'forever chemicals' were found in raw groundwater at one Peoria well, but stresses that treated drinking water delivered to homes still meets all current safety standards. Customers in the Peoria Community Water System are being notified, and the utility plans a $60 million local investment as part of a broader PFAS treatment upgrade through 2029.
2. Don't Miss 'Beat The Funk', Saturday October 3rd at the Premier Event Center! (955glo.com) — A major fundraiser concert, Beat the Funk 2026, is coming to the Premier Event Center on Dries Lane in Peoria on Saturday, October 3, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Proceeds support Bradley University's Glen and Polly Barton Clinic, which offers free physical therapy and wellness services to people with neurological and mobility challenges across the Peoria community.
3. PPS $201M budget remains on schedule despite financial challenges (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria Public Schools leaders say they're on track to approve a $201 million budget this month despite missing two audits, losing their CFO, and having an understaffed finance office. One new board member questions whether cash balances are overstated, warning the district may not truly know its bank totals. An interim CFO is now tasked with stabilizing PPS finances.
4. Catholic Diocese of Peoria expects 50,000 people to attend Fulton Sheen beatification (nprillinois.org) — The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is preparing for Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Sept. 24 beatification Mass in St. Louis, while expecting major local interest. The diocese will launch new Sheen Awards in Peoria on Sept. 25 and is developing a Sheen Experience museum in his former downtown high school, promising artifacts and interactive exhibits that could draw visitors to the city.
5. Realtor.com names Rockford, Illinois, no. 1 housing market in U.S. (rrstar.com) — Peoria shows up as the most affordable Midwestern market in Realtor.com's latest list of the nation's hottest housing markets, with a median listing price of $185,000 and strong buyer interest. While Rockford tops the rankings overall, Peoria's combination of low prices and above-average listing views signals a competitive but still budget-friendly local market.
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Ok Peoria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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