Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local grocery chains have set special hours for New Year's Day on Thursday, Jan. 1. Aldi and Sam's Club will be closed while Hy-Vee, Kroger, Save a Lot, Schnuck's, + Target and Walmart will operate regular hours, and Costco offers reduced service on New Year’s Eve. Peoria Journal Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The John C. Flanagan House, built in 1837, offers a unique glimpse into early Peoria life. The historic property on the bluff (featuring a vintage lampograph and other period items) now hosts tours, weddings, and community events as volunteers preserve its legacy. 25 News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in the Peoria area were reported at $2.83 on December 29 from AAA data compiled by CheapInsurance.com — reflecting a 4-cent drop from last week and 34 cents lower than a year ago, while diesel fell 3 cents to $3.72. 25 News Now
- ➤ Deer Creek will expand Heartland Food Solutions LLC's popcorn production with a $1 million Community Development Block Grant announced by Governor J-B Pritzker on Tuesday. The grant will help the company purchase new equipment and support local jobs. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting Jan. 1, Illinois will allow workers to claim unemployment benefits if they leave their job due to a certified mental health disability—a three-year pilot program that includes review board evaluations and offers payments based on the worker’s condition. 25 News Now
- ➤ Starting January 2, CityLink will provide dedicated shuttle service from the downtown transit center to the airport, county jail, & Bellevue via Plank Road as road construction forces the closure of Illinois Route 116’s Airport Road until 2026. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu season continues with rising variant K cases at Carle Health Methodist Hospital, which reports about 10 daily cases + health experts urge residents to get vaccinated as the new year begins. 25 News Now
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Learn to blow glass and create unique ornaments in this fun, hands-on workshop.
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Fused Glass Snowmen Workshop
2-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee for snowman creation — Create personalized fused glass snowmen while enjoying festive snacks and drinks.
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Valentine's Day Prints Pop-Up
12-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $25 deposit towards custom artwork — Create personalized pottery pieces in time for Valentine’s Day.
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Coffee @ the Clubhouse
10 AM – 12 PM — Shore Acres Clubhouse — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and treats while taking in beautiful views with friends.
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Boop the Snoot: Winter Moose Canvas Class
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Paint an adorable moose in a guided class perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.
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Glass Blowing Ornament Workshop
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for 3 ornaments — Unleash your creativity with a fun glass blowing session and create your own unique treasures.
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Valentine's Day Keepsake Prints for Kids and Pets
12-1 p.m. — The Clay Den — Pricing varies based on number of prints — Create personalized clay prints of tiny hands and paws for cherished memories.
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Letter Holder Clay Hand Building Class
4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a beautiful and practical ceramic wall-hanging letter holder in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Mystery Box Clay Night – Hand-Building Edition
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $30-$50 — Unleash your creativity with a surprise clay project in a fun and supportive environment.
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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.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
~ Banksy
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