Daily
Peoria
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Catholic Diocese sold historic St. Bernard's Church + the former school building to Centerpoint Community Church, which plans to create a community hub in East Bluff. The church will hold its first service on Easter Sunday while the properties receive minor cosmetic updates. Peoria Journal Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Peoria-born radio pioneers Jim Jordan and Marian Driscoll shaped early broadcasting and vaudeville with their long-running show (their legacy is now celebrated at the local library). Their work laid a foundation that continues to influence the community’s cultural heritage. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Music Education Conference is underway today at the Peoria Civic Center, drawing over 12,000 music educators & nearly 1,700 student musicians for seminars, demo clinics, and concerts. The event will conclude on Saturday with a public Senior Honors concert at 3:30 p.m. WMBD
- ➤ The Peoria Public Schools board approved three-year contracts for new superintendent Jerry Bell (earning $255,000) and deputy superintendent Renee Andrews (earning $175,000) after a nationwide search; the move aims to strengthen the district’s leadership for local students. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois American Water asked the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve rate hikes in Peoria — meant to fund a $577 million upgrade of water and wastewater systems. If approved, bills for typical use will rise about $14 and $28 a month and the Citizens Utility Board will contest the move. 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria City Council approved a new halfway house at 1924 Southwest Adams St. on Tuesday night with a narrow 6-5 vote, planning to serve up to 12 parolees through mental health and workforce development programs — the nonprofit will invest between $250K and $1M and add round-the-clock security. Peoria Journal Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois is facing its worst flu season in over 15 years with more than 100 deaths and outbreaks reported (including in Peoria) as fewer vaccinations help the virus spread. Lawmakers passed House Bill 767 last December to revise vaccine standards and provide scientifically sound guidelines. WMBD
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school girls athletes from East Peoria, Eureka and Washington are nominated for the Journal Star Athlete of the Week title for Jan. 19-24. Votes are accepted online until noon Friday + your support will help decide which standout player is honored. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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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.
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Valentine's Storytime
6-7 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free — Celebrate love with delightful stories, songs, and treats for children and their grown-ups.
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Galentine’s Night
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 ticket — Celebrate friendship with pottery painting, champagne, and sweet treats.
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
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Peoria
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