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🌱 Patch AM: Could a new music law change how Peoria radio sounds?

Happening soon: Knoxville Ice Bears at Peoria Rivermen on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Greetings Peoria! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could a new music law change how Peoria radio sounds?
  • How a 4-foot-11 South Sider quietly shapes Peoria life
  • Meet the Peoria Santa buying $100,000 in toys for sick kids

Also on today's calendar: Game Awards Watch Party and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Peoriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Peoriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: A little snow in the p.m., with a high of 29 and low of 23 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy and chilly, temps: high: 30, low: 4. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Frigid with a little snow, with a high of 7 and low of -10 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Peoria artist, radio station weigh in on American Music Fairness Act (25newsnow.com) — Peoria radio stations and local musicians are bracing for possible changes if Congress passes the American Music Fairness Act, which would add new royalties for on-air music. WMBD’s parent company warns higher costs could reshape small-market radio, while Peoria artist Warith Muhammad says even small payments could significantly boost independent performers’ income.
   

2. 5 questions for Mary Hayes (thecommunityword.com) — Longtime South Side resident Mary Hayes shares how she’s stayed active in Peoria, from speaking up at Peoria Public Library strategy sessions to teaching crafts through the Peoria Park District and Carver Center. The 76-year-old discusses her work history, community involvement, and advice on lifelong learning, all rooted in decades of life around central Illinois.
   

3. Santa Bill fills 20 carts full of toys to give to kids in the Children's Hospital (centralillinoisproud.com) — A familiar holiday hero in Peoria, “Santa Bill” Turney is once again loading up carts at Walmart to bring joy to kids at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. After 29 years of giving, he’s aiming for $100,000 in toys this season, filling 20 carts with everything from dinosaurs to dolls to brighten young patients’ Christmas.
   

4. Peoria man charged with reckless homicide in fatal crash near LeRoy (wcbu.org) — A Peoria man has been charged with reckless homicide after a February crash near LeRoy that killed a 37-year-old local woman. McLean County prosecutors say he’s free on pretrial release, with a hearing set for February 2. The case may interest Peoria residents following regional traffic safety and court outcomes.
   

5. Central Illinois farmers on President Trump's $12 billion aid package amid trade tensions (25newsnow.com) — Peoria-area farmers and the Peoria County Farm Bureau are weighing how President Trump’s $12 billion farm aid package will actually play out in their operations. Local voices stress that payments tied to tariffs may help, but long-term success still depends on how individual farmers manage their acres and adapt to shifting trade conditions.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Community Christmas tree 2025 at Peoria Riverfront Museum.
    The largest Christmas tree in Illinois was set up Nov. 17, for the fourth year in a row. Around 3 p.m., crews set up the Christmas tree in front of… (Nextdoor Sunset Hills)
  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Wednesdays
    WEDNESDAY Boys and Girls Club 806 E. Kansas St., Peoria 309-685-6007 Food pantry open 2nd Wednesday of the month from 11am-1:30pm Heaven’s View… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • Congratulations to Family Core’s 125th anniversary ! They were honored with a Mayoral Proclamtiom at tonight’s city Council meeting.... (X: CityofPeoria_IL)
  • Yolanda Johnson, clinic supervisor at Carle Health Express Care Peoria on Barring Trace, stopped by WMBD to discuss respiratory viruses. Learn more... (X: CarlePeoria)
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Lewis Bakeries posted a job opening for Part Time Store Merchandiser-Peoria, IL 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: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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