Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How do Peoria schools’ demographics really look this year?

Also, don't miss Central Illinois Flea Market on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Greetings Peoria! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How do Peoria schools’ demographics really look this year?
  • Why a Peoria riverfront murder suspect wants out of jail now
  • Why one lawyer’s suspension could stall key Peoria County cases

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Periods of sun, with a high of 50 and low of 32 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and misty, temps: high: 50, low: 40.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 51 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Enrollment Analysis: Black students comprised 29.9% of Peoria County's districts student body in 2024-25 school year (peoriastandard.com) — New state data shows Black students make up nearly 30% of Peoria County’s 27,177 public school students, with Peoria School District 150 enrolling the vast majority. The report breaks down enrollment and demographics across 18 county districts and notes increased state K‑12 funding, giving families context on how local schools compare within Illinois.
   

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

2. Woman accused of killing friend in Peoria shooting asks for release (pjstar.com) — A 20-year-old woman charged in a fatal June shooting on the Peoria riverfront is asking a Peoria County judge to release her from jail before trial, arguing the gun fired accidentally. Her attorney cites evidence from the car, her lack of serious criminal history, and proposed monitoring conditions ahead of a February trial date.
   

3. Attorney suspended for sexual misconduct allegations (centralillinoisproud.com) — Court cases in Peoria County are facing delays after an attorney who handled several local matters agreed to an indefinite suspension of his law license over alleged misconduct. A sentencing hearing in Peoria County Circuit Court has already been postponed, and other state and federal cases here will likely be rescheduled while new lawyers review files and prepare to step in.
   

4. ‘We're all holding our breath': Peoria World Affairs Council breaks down U.S.-Venezuela tension (25newsnow.com) — Peoria’s World Affairs Council is helping residents make sense of rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions, including recent seizures of sanctioned oil tankers. Local expert Don Samford explains how economic pressure, sanctions evasion, and fears over American casualties shape Washington’s strategy and Venezuela’s response, while stressing that any escalation remains highly uncertain.
   

5. Peoria woman found not guilty of 2018 fatal stabbing in retrial (pjstar.com) — A Peoria woman previously convicted in a 2018 fatal stabbing has been found not guilty in a Peoria County retrial after an appeals court ruled she had ineffective counsel and an excessive sentence. Jurors acquitted her following a five-day trial that revisited the bank parking lot confrontation and questioned graphic police body-camera footage used in the original case.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Cinder, a cat who went missing in Peoria, IL, has been safely reunited with their family after 12 hours, 46 minutes. Message from Owner: "Cinder is… (Nextdoor North Edgebrook)
  • Reminder: Food Pantries Open Mondays
    ***** MONDAY Christ Alive! Community Church 9320 W. Route 150, Edwards (Kickapoo) 309-693-2393 Food pantry open 1st and 3rd Monday of each month… (Nextdoor Bournedale)
  • As 2025 winds down, we’re looking back at stories from Communications that put a spotlight on city operations. From June: The city's Finance... (X: CityofPeoria_IL)
  • As the year winds down, we’re taking a look back at stories from our Communications Division that put a spotlight on city operations. From May 2025:... (X: CityofPeoria_IL)
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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