Daily
Peoria
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Resilience Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention, will host a gala this Saturday at Embassy Suites in East Peoria to raise funds for veterans’ wellness programs including fitness, pain management and community events (over 100 veterans and local leaders are expected). 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria police kicked off their 2026 Walk & Talk series today at Schlarman House just after 5 p.m. to build trust with residents and discuss everyday concerns; the series covers nine stops with the next walk set for May 6 at 1100 West Thrush. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Walmart will remodel 10 supercenters in Illinois in 2026, upgrading store layouts, technology and services + expanding healthy food selections and online ordering while keeping locations open during work. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Ben Franklin and Final Frontier, relocated from Minnesota, are holding a soft opening today at 1501 Washington Road in Washington following a year of research and strong online feedback. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Walmart announced it will remodel 10 Illinois stores this year, including the East Peoria Supercenter, to update layouts, pharmacy services, and digital touchpoints for faster shopping while keeping stores open during renovations. Peoria Journal Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Members of four Peoria cultural institutions can swap memberships for free entry from Friday, Apr. 24 to Sunday, Apr. 26 + the event boosts access to the Zoo, Playhouse Children's Museum, Wildlife Prairie Park, and Riverfront Museum in Peoria. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A 2025 report found Illinois stalled in expanding preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds despite Gov. Pritzker’s Smart Start initiative adding over 5,000 seats earlier this year. Flat funding for the current fiscal year could further delay improvements as the state ranks lower in funding and 4-year enrollment. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City leaders in Peoria are offering free land to developers with quality housing plans, officials said at Wednesday night's event—aimed at boosting affordable housing. The land is mainly on the South Side, East Bluff, and Near North Valley, and developers must meet with city staff for neighborhood review. 25 News Now
- ➤ Illinois officials warned that speeding in work zones puts drivers and workers at risk; a Tuesday press conference stressed the need to slow down while statewide construction projects continue — including the ongoing McClugage Bridge project in Peoria through 2028. 25 News Now
- ➤ A study by the SOS revealed that factors like poor credit are causing auto insurance premiums to rise, with drivers paying over 2.7 times more than those with excellent credit. Senate Bill 1486 is pending to enforce fair pricing practices. Peoria Journal Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ OSF HealthCare and Peoria Police host Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. Prescriptions may be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at OSF Center for Health (Rt. 91) and at Peoria Police Headquarters (600 SW Adams Street) while liquids, needles, and illicit drugs are not accepted. WMBD
- ➤ OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois is set to open a pediatric specialty care center next spring at 800 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue (steps from the main hospital) where families can meet specialists for cardiology, neurology, pulmonology and urology with on-site X-ray and lab services to streamline care. WMBD
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Retailers including Shutterfly, Mixbook & Snapfish are offering discounts up to 70% on custom photo gifts as Mother’s Day approaches Sunday, May 10. Peoria shoppers should act soon to guarantee on-time delivery of personalized presents for moms. Pekin Daily Times
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Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Materials included — Create your own shimmering glass ocean wave piece in a fun, guided workshop.
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Busy Little Garden Canvas Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Bring a cheerful garden to life with bright blooms and fuzzy little bees in this beginner-friendly canvas class.
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into the art of pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing experience perfect for all skill levels.
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1st Friday May Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.
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5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer
8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.
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Rage With Clay
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.
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Fused Glass Cross Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.
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Flower Clay Hand Building Class for Mother's Day
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fee applies — Create everlasting clay flowers as a heartfelt gift for Mom this Mother's Day weekend.
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Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 class fee — Celebrate Mom by crafting a unique flower-shaped vase in this hands-on clay class.
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Taylor Swift Tribute Experience
7:30 PM — ICC CougarPlex — Check local listings for entry details — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift through captivating performances and great music.
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A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.
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