PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) --The Speaker of the House is in Peoria, for the annual Lincoln Day dinner. It's billed as the largest republican event in Illinois politics. Surrounded by Congressman Darin LaHood and 17th District congressional candidate Judge Joe McGraw, Mike Johnson addressed reporters before the event. He touched on the Trump verdict and the rise in donations following the guilty verdict. He also mentioned the Republican Party's priorities, including the border, economy and stamping out antisemitism ..read more

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- Manual High School graduates from the 80's to today are celebrating each other at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. It's the third annual Manual All Class Reunion. From playing catch, to catching up with old friends while enjoying some barbecue. Organizer Creston Coleman graduated from Manual in 1999. He hopes to see the All-Class Reunion grow bigger and better every year. "The history that Manual high school has is so important to so many people in this city. And it's the roots to so many people in this city. We just had a conversation today talking about our manual back there t ..read more

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- The Inaugural Miss Juneteenth Pageant is empowering young women and celebrating diversity. Young women competed for the crown at the George Washington Carver Center in Peoria. They answered interview questions and walked on stage wearing cultural clothes. There are two divisions, ages 15 to 18 for Miss Teen Juneteenth and 19 to 28 for Miss Juneteenth. The pageant is hosted by Bee Squared Films, The YANI Collective, and The Juneteenth Committee. "My hope, and I already know, that these young women, as audience and parents and family members will be inspired to, for one, l ..read more

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)– Wake up and take a look at some of our top stories of the last week in our Eye Opener. Fallen GIs honored across central Illinois for Memorial Day Across central Illinois, people commemorated Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies to both honor and celebrate the lives of those who gave their lives in service of their country. READ MORE HERE Unit 5 principal mourns shooting death of outstanding ‘educator and friend’ The principal of a Normal elementary school said a woman who was shot and killed early Wednesday was a “outstanding educator and a friend ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding residents of the many programs offered to members of the LGBTQ community across Illinois as they make their presence known at Pride events. The IDPH was at Springfield Pridefest back in May and plan to have staffers on-hand for other events including the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30 ..read more

MADISON, IL. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) -- NASCAR's 'gateway' to the west takes place the first weekend of June in 2024- it's the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, formerly known as Gateway Motorsports Park. This is the third time the Cup Series will be racing here as the second half of the season starts to unfold. Several past champions are still looking for their first wins of the year as they get desperate to lock up a playoff spot. (Ex. Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr.). Drivers will race around the 1.25-mile asphalt track which has a lot of challe ..read more

PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) -- Peoria County Animal Protection Services has a severe need for adopters as their Perry Avenue building is currently caring for almost 200 animals, according to a PCAPS news release. Space is limited, and PCAPS is temporarily waiving adoption fees in the hopes residents will consider adoption. In May, PCAPS took in over 600 animals, when the average is 400 ..read more

WASHINGTON (AP) — Embracing Donald Trump’s strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House. Almost no Republican official has stood up to suggest Trump should not be the party's presidential candidate for the November election — in fact, some have sought to hasten his nomination. Few others dared to defend the legitimacy of the New York state court that heard the hush money case against the former president or ..read more

ROME, Ill. (WMBD) -- A tournament that raises money for St. Jude, the Brad Wallin Memorial Baseball Tournament is celebrating 20 years of existence. It's played at seven locations around central Illinois, from Dunlap to Chillicothe. 353 teams from around the state are competing, with the ages ranging from 8 and under to 15 and under. Funds are raised through entry fees, merchandise, raffle tickets, and other sources. It has raised $1.6 million for St. Jude in the past 19 years ..read more

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- If your ducks still aren't in a row, you can sponsor a duck at a discounted rate starting on June 3. This is all for the Center for Prevention of Abuse's signature fundraiser, the Duck Race. Ducks will be $5 apiece and can be sponsored until Aug. 24, the day of the race. Carol Merna is the CEO for the center and said the funds allow them to take care of their clients who have suffered from abuse. "With every duck that's sold, that just ensures that we're able to continue our 100 percent free of charge and 100 percent confidential services, including safe shelter, counsel ..read more