🌱 'Botched Robbery' Led To Homicide + Bradley Among 'Best Colleges'

Hello, Peoria! In today's news:

• The city makes national headlines for its LGBTQ+-friendly housing market.
• Air quality remains in the "unhealthy" range.
• Parks on Tap returns.

But first, today's weather: Warmer with a strong t-storm. High: 94 Low: 68.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top 3 stories in Peoria today:

1. New details are emerging about the city’s 10th homicide of the year, reported Monday in the 3100 block of North Molleck Drive. Officials say the murder of 14-year-old Omarius Gates resulted from a “botched robbery where the assailant thought he was stealing a real gun.” Tramier Pate, 23, faces up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. (WMBD)

2. Peoria made national news this week as communities across the U.S. celebrate Pride Month. The city was dubbed “a haven for the LGBTQ+ community looking for affordable housing” in a new feature story on the CBS Evening News. (CBS)

3. Bradley University was named to Money’s “Best Colleges in America” list this week. Eureka College, Illinois State University and several other Central Illinois colleges were also included in the ranking. (WMBD)

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Today in Peoria: (Note that some events are being canceled due to poor air quality in Central Illinois.)

• Parks on Tap is held at Bicycle Safety Town. (4 p.m.)
• Head to Crafted DIY Studio for “Crafts & Cocktails.” (4:30 p.m.)
• It’s quiz night at the Fox Pub and Cafe. (7 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Air quality in Peoria remained in the “unhealthy” range Wednesday. (25NN)
• Peoria Heights officials are considering a collaboration with the Peoria Fire Department. (WCBU)
• Songs by local musician Paul Adams have accrued more than 120 million internet streams. (WCBU)

That's all for today, Peoria! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her writing has been recognized with awards from the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Peoria Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.