Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
Good morning, Peoria.
🏘️ Community
Today, as freezing temperatures approach, homelessness advocate Kshe Bernard from LULA warns that shelter options remain abysmal as a camping ban forces the unhoused into hiding.
Outreach teams are stretched thin while a new shelter village (The Bridge) in Bloomington offers a model for emergency care.
🎭 Culture
Peoria Players Theatre presents 'Young Frankenstein,' a musical comedy blending slapstick humor, tap numbers, and horror spoofing based on the cult classic film.
The show runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 at the theatre — director Steve Hausler explained the cast’s diverse roles in bringing the production to life.
📰 Economy
A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that growing data centers in Illinois could raise electricity costs & pollution if lawmakers do not enforce safeguards.
It projects system costs might rise by $24 to $37 billion by 2050 without required carbon free energy policies.
Officials at Peoria International Airport announced a record 812,396 passengers in 2025 and outlined plans for a $9.3 million taxiway rehabilitation starting in spring & a new air traffic control tower expected online by 2028.
The improvements aim to build on the airport’s growing capacity and service.
Illinois corn and soybean growers are eligible for one time Farm Bridge Assistance payments to help manage uncertain market conditions caused by global competition.
Funds will be distributed by Feb. 28.
A new study finds that post-pandemic travel costs have risen in several cities with Chicago prices increasing 10.6% and Peoria costs up 9.5% from 2019 to 2025—driving higher airfare, lodging, and meal costs.
Travelers may see even steeper surges in other major U.S. cities.
🌲 Environment
Peoria will see dry, fluffy snow on Saturday afternoon with a 52% chance of at least four inches and another round expected on Sunday, which may create hazardous lanes due to bitter cold.
The National Weather Service warns of wind chills far below zero.
A winter storm is forecast to hit Illinois with strong winds (up to 35 mph) and dangerously low temperatures through Jan.
26, potentially leading to power outages and unsafe travel conditions. Officials urge residents to prepare emergency kits with water, flashlights, and medication for safety.
🏈 Sports
Peoria readers named Bass Pro Shops as the top sporting goods and outdoors store for 2025 following Community's Choice voting.
Presleys Outdoors and RC Outfitters rounded out the top three picks in the contest.
East Peoria named alum Maris Barclay head volleyball coach (replacing longtime coach Katelyn Romeo) at a school board meeting on Monday.
She played for the Raiders and Illinois Central College and will work to boost the team to regional success.
🎉 Peoria Events
Submit an event →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sneezy Live Performance
9-11 p.m. — Kenny's Westside Pub — Enjoy music and stories from the artist Sneezy.
Heart and Soil Carved Planters Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Get creative by hand-building a charming planter with heart designs and even receive a plant to brighten your home.
🏠 Peoria Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Peoria Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Peoria Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Peoria.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.