Daily
Peoria
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Denise Moore retired as CEO of Black Business Alliance and Minority Business Development Center on March 4 — she founded both nonprofits decades ago and will be replaced by Luisa Gomez, former Community Banking Development vice president, while staying on call as a consultant. Peoria Journal Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria’s sole seasoning company, 5 Angels Seasonings & More LLC, expanded from the Popcorn Shoppe to regional retailers including Lindy’s, Ace Hardware, and Hy-Vee with retired chef Bob Baker’s heart-friendly 'Heavenly Touch' seasoning; he will pursue more shelf space and debut new flavors at the Sturgis rally later in 2026. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Illinois lawmakers introduced a bill to remove the two-year foreign language requirement so students can choose electives like Career and Technical Education — they say the change could help address teacher shortages and shifting workforce demands. The bill has been referred to a House committee. WCBU
- ➤ Bradley University announced it will add five women’s club sports with hockey launching this fall and flag football in spring 2027. The expansion (backed by a $1M gift from Nick and Nancy Owens) aims to enrich campus life and advance women’s athletics. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Heights banned the sale of kratom immediately after a unanimous village board vote, and smoke shops have until next week to remove products — Mayor Matt Wigginton said he will work with lawmakers to push for a statewide ban to protect local families. 25 News Now
- ➤ Ameren Illinois said a broken cross arm in a substation left about 1,500 customers without power today, with more than 1,000 outages in Pekin+ crews are working on repairs but have not provided a restore time. 25 News Now
- ➤ Denise Moore will retire as CEO of the Minority Business Development Center at the end of June to spend more time with her family; the board has selected Luisa Gomez—a former community banking executive—to lead the organization. 25 News Now
- ➤ A bill sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler will advance in the House review to stop drug makers from limiting where clinics fill discounted 340B prescriptions. The measure targets improving access to medications for low-income and uninsured patients. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. announced a recall of over 37 million pounds of Chinese food sold nationwide, including at Kroger and Trader Joe’s, for potential glass contamination from carrots; Peoria shoppers who find suspect labels (P-18356, P-18356B, or P-47971) should discard the items. Peoria Journal Star
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Great Wolf Lodge continues to attract families with its indoor water park kept at 84°F, themed suites, on-site dining and arcade games that deliver stress-free vacation fun. Guests in Peoria planning family outings can book accommodations that offer year-round enjoyment for all ages. Pekin Daily Times
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Charcuterie Board Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Design and craft your own unique ceramic charcuterie board in a fun, beginner-friendly class.
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Wall Planter Clay Hand Building Class
1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized wall pocket planter in this fun, beginner-friendly class!
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Cross Clay Hand Building Workshop
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a beautiful clay cross in a relaxed setting suitable for all skill levels.
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Fused Glass Snowflakes Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation, piece prices range from $33 to $64 — Create a shimmering glass snowflake for your winter décor.
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Friday the 13th Spooky Pottery Painting
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 ticket reserves your seat — Unleash your creativity with spooky pottery painting this Friday the 13th.
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2026 Blarney Blitz
8 AM – 2 PM — Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery — Entry fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive themed race in downtown Peoria.
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Organic Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Craft a unique organic-shaped dish perfect for entertaining.
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Ladies' Night: Gal Pals and Glazes
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Unwind with friends while sipping drinks and painting pottery in a relaxing atmosphere.
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Salsa Night at Contemporary Art Center
9:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5 for members, $8 for non-members — Dance the night away with Salsa, Cha Cha, and more in a lively setting.
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Beginner Stained Glass Workshop
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Create your own stunning stained glass art in a fun, hands-on workshop.
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 only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.
~ Naval Ravikant
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