Daily
Peoria
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pierre Anyansi, a Peoria-area network engineer, returned to his childhood home in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa struck in late Oct. Many residents still lack water, power and supplies, and his GoFundMe aims to help those who cannot rebuild their homes + recover. 25 News Now
- ➤ Readers voted today in the Community’s Choice contest to name the top bicycle shops; Russell’s Cycling & Fitness Center in Washington won with finalists Bushwhacker in Peoria & Little Ade’s Bicycles in Pekin also recognized. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria Midwest Food Bank received an $118,000 grant from Impact Central Illinois to fund a new refrigerated truck for its Grocery Rescue Initiative — set to boost food pickups from local stores and restaurants and improve pantry deliveries across the Tri-County area. 25 News Now
- ➤ Local amateur radio operators will participate in Winter Field Day on Saturday to test emergency preparedness by setting up indoor radios and outdoor antennas despite winter challenges (PAARC president Ben Knapp explained the event also guides newcomers). 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria Public Library partners with AARP to offer free bilingual tax help for simple returns and sole proprietors. Neighbors can call on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Jan. 30 to schedule appointments for services set between February and April (with over 30 volunteers available). 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Popcorn Shoppe owner Matt George nearly closed his business because slow winter sales forced early closing until his Facebook plea last Thursday brought renewed support. City officials say downtown revitalization efforts are helping small businesses attract more customers. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Vatican is expected to announce a beatification day later this year for Fulton Sheen, a celebrated Catholic leader known for hosting Live is Worth Living. Monsignor Jason Gray said the process - possibly in September - will bring local pride and economic benefits. WMBD
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students in Peoria are getting practical STEM experience as Brooklyn-based Genius Potential heads to three local schools today to lead workshops on building Bluetooth speakers. The program is a collaboration with TRIO Talent Search at Illinois Central College and community activist Marc Supreme. 25 News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Watch for parts of central and northeast Illinois as wind chills could cause frostbite in minutes tonight through Friday morning. Residents are urged to dress in layers — a vital step to protect vulnerable neighbors. Pekin Daily Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria High's senior Fenix Foy recorded 21 points and 21 rebounds on Tuesday as the Lions won 59-41 over Manual at home. His strong play lifted the team to a six-game winning streak ahead of their Big 12 matchup on Feb. 3. Pekin Daily Times
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Mystery Box Clay Night – Hand-Building Edition
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $30-$50 — Unleash your creativity with a surprise clay project in a fun and supportive environment.
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Spring Luminary Workshop
1:00 – 2:30 PM — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Create a personalized wine bottle luminary with decorative tattoos and twinkling lights.
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Couples Cozy Clay Mug Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — One ticket per couple — Celebrate love and creativity by crafting personalized mugs together this Valentine’s Day.
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Strawberry Trinket Dish Clay Hand Building Class
4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost for glazing optional — Craft your unique strawberry-shaped dish in this creative clay workshop.
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Bingo while you Paint
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 admission — Enjoy an evening of creativity with bingo and pottery painting for artistic fun and prizes.
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Valentine's Day Prints Pop-Up
12-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $25 deposit required — Create cherished keepsakes with your little ones' prints just in time for Valentine's Day.
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Nesting Bowls Hand Building Class
1:15-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own functional nesting bowls in this hands-on ceramic workshop.
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Fused Glass Heart Class
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Participants pay for materials — Create stunning heart-shaped glass art while enjoying an engaging and fun hands-on experience.
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High ON Love: Valentine's Art Night
7-9 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry + pottery costs — Unleash your creativity with a relaxed open-paint experience for adults this Valentine's season.
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Sneezy Live Performance
9-11 p.m. — Kenny's Westside Pub — Enjoy music and stories from the artist Sneezy.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The best time to negotiate something is when you don't need it.
~ Michael Benoit
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