Daily
Peoria
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A new chapter of Braver Angels held its first meeting at Peoria Public Library + Lakeview Branch on Wednesday, drawing about 30 locals from varying political views. The group will meet monthly to help people build trust and learn skills for civil dialogue. 25 News Now
- ➤ More than 4,500 tickets at $100 each were sold Tuesday at WEEK studios for the 20th annual St. Jude Sell-a-thon — raising funds for children with cancer. The Dream Home Giveaway features a grand prize home in Edwards, and additional events are set for Feb. 18 and Mar. 18. 25 News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Central Illinois farmers are under financial pressure from low crop prices and rising production costs; federal assistance of $12 billion is set to arrive by Feb. 28 to ease these challenges. Farm Bureau officials say the payments will only offer temporary relief for ongoing issues. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Pritzker is weighing whether Illinois will join a federal voucher program that will provide scholarship funds for private school tuition, tutoring, books and fees starting in 2027 — state lawmakers remain divided as local advocates in Peoria call for more support for struggling students while critics fear reduced standards. 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools named Dr. Jerry Bell as its new superintendent, set to take over on July 1. Bell has created a deputy superintendent role for Renee Andrews of Richwoods High and will focus on rebuilding relationships and sharing academic data during his first 100 days. WMBD
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Snow Moon will rise over Illinois on Sunday, Feb. 1, reaching peak illumination at 4:09 p.m. CT. Residents may want to visit dark viewing spots (away from city lights) as clouds are forecasted. Pekin Daily Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Orangetheory Fitness is offering a $2 per day membership deal to help locals stick to 2026 fitness resolutions until January 31. The deal provides expert coaching & science-backed workouts for all fitness levels. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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Clay Together, Stay Together: Throwing for Two
6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 per couple — Experience a fun and creative night of sculpting with your partner while making personalized cups.
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
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