Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What PFAS detection in Peoria’s water really means for your tap

You won't want to miss OPEN MIC NIGHT! on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Peoria! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What PFAS detection in Peoria's water really means for your tap
  • How Beat the Funk's big Peoria show will power local care
  • What Peoria parents should know about PPS's shaky $201 million budget

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!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 80 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 84, low: 66.
  • Friday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Peoria

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Peoria

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday September 16
  • OPEN MIC NIGHT! →
    Juke Box Comedy Club, 3527 W. Farmington Road, Peoria
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Peoria Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Making friends as adults can be hard, but it doesn't have to be!
    If you are a mom and looking for community, please join us this Thursday morning from 10-11am at Mt. Hawley Community Church in Peoria as we seek to… (Nextdoor Northmoor Hills)
  • There is a small black dog with a curly tail at 5318 N.
    Longwood Dr. in the driveway and headed towards N Ronald Drive in rolling acres. It looked like it has a pink or orange collar and I couldn't go… (Nextdoor Rolling Acres)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Baker Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $12-$22/Hr in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Peoria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Peoria here.

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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