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🌱 Patch AM: How will New Hope’s sudden closure reshape Peoria’s homelessness crisis?

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Hi Peoria! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will New Hope’s sudden closure reshape Peoria’s homelessness crisis?
  • What investigators say ties this teen to a deadly Central Peoria shooting
  • How Jubilee Solar could lower power bills for Peoria County families

Also on today's calendar: Local Teen Author & Craft Fair and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Very cold with snow, 1-3", with a high of 12 and low of -7 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and frigid, temps: high: 7, low: -6.
  • Monday: Not as cold, with a high of 32 and low of 16 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Hope Apartments to close in February, reduced federal funding to blame (25newsnow.com) — Dozens of residents at New Hope Apartments in downtown Peoria must relocate by late February after major federal funding cuts forced the supportive housing facility to close. Local advocates warn some tenants could end up homeless and are urgently seeking volunteers and donations to help residents pack, monitor fire safety, and secure new housing. The City of Peoria has already spent $300,000 on fire watch security following a recent blaze.
   

2. Teenager charged as adult in fatal Central Peoria shooting from October (933thedrive.com) — An 18-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in an October shooting that killed 20-year-old Elisha Gilbert in Central Peoria and injured a woman. Prosecutors say phone evidence, a recovered handgun, and witness statements link the suspect, who was 17 at the time, to the crime and that he will be tried as an adult.
   

3. Illinois's first public school community solar project now online (solarpowerworldonline.com) — Peoria County just brought Illinois’s first public school-based community solar project online at Brimfield CUSD 309, cutting the district’s power bills by more than $22,000 a year. Local residents and businesses can subscribe to Jubilee Solar for energy savings, while the county adds to its 2,400-plus solar installations that already power thousands of Peoria County homes.
   

4. House Passes Defense Bill, Sorensen Highlights Wins for Rock Island Arsenal and IL-17 (aroundptown.com) — A new House-passed defense bill includes protections for the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria by preserving the C-130 fleet and Air National Guard missions. Rep. Eric Sorensen also secured investments for Rock Island Arsenal, childcare, and local jobs across IL-17, while criticizing provisions he says harm LGBTQ+ servicemembers and unions. The bill now moves to the Senate.
   

📸 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 ★

    Sunday December 14
  • Blue Cactus
    Peoria Public Library North Branch, 3001 West Grand Parkway, Peoria
    2:00 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!

🗓 Events Nearby

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • New: Peoria County State’s Attorney has determined that use of force was justified in an August shooting involving former Illini basketball player... (X: glenn_kinley)
  • This year, the Peoria Police Department is joining the Illinois State Police to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober with a ... (X: peoria_police)
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Merchandiser/Stocker - Hub in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger 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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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