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Hello Peoria! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: CJ Harvest grocery opening, Greg Gutfeld live show, and Mrs. Doubtfire musical + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Expanding access to fresh food: South Peoria’s CJ Harvest grocery is nearing opening after four years, with new permits approved and Pastor Chuck Brown saying it could open within two to three months — see what’s left before opening.
Late-night host hits stage: Fox News host Greg Gutfeld is bringing a live show to Peoria Civic Center on Oct. 17 on his 2026 tour, and tickets went on sale Feb. 27 — get all the details.
Peoria announces 7 a.m. start: The intersection of West Hayes Street and South Easton Avenue closed Feb. 25 for the city’s Combined Sewer Overflow Year 4 project and is expected to stay closed through April — see timing and location.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Small-plate vibes, solved: At El Mirador En El Rio, warm salteñas and mix-and-match empanadas meet a breezy riverfront vibe for quick bites or lingering nights. Think tapas energy without the fuss, just back-to-back little wins with flaky crusts, bold fillings, and share-friendly plates.
Less scroll, more trail: Bushwhacker keeps Peoria’s all-season kit in one place: bikes with tune-ups, tents and sleeping bags, kayaks and paddle boards, plus skis, snowboards, and actually-warm layers. Say yes to last-minute plans and head out without the pre-trip scramble, because your gear’s already rounded up.
Big-screen weeknight escape: Peoria Riverfront Museum Giant Screen Theater screens documentaries, throwback classics, and special events on a towering five-story canvas with immersive sound. Ideal for a midweek reset when you want movie night to feel a little extra, minus the crowds.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
✂ Junior League of Peoria Honorary Street Naming Unveiling Ceremony @ Intersection of University Street and Lake Avenue | Thursday (3/5) at 12:00 PM – Swing by University and Lake for the Junior League of Peoria’s 90th, where they’re unveiling “Junior League Way” on March 5, the date they joined the national association in 1936. Finally, a street sign that points to community work. Civic pride, curb appeal, and applause.
🏺 Children’s Clay Handbuilding @ Peoria Art Guild | Thursday (3/5) at 5:30 PM – If your kid’s been turning Play-Doh into ‘art’ on the coffee table, upgrade them to real clay at Peoria Art Guild downtown. Ages 8+, four weeks of handbuilding basics, glazing in the finale, kiln-fired pieces, materials included, no experience required, plus a breather for you.
🍀 Luck of the Irish Snack Night @ Heart of Illinois Special Rec | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Think St. Paddy’s warm-up, minus the shoulder to shoulder pub scene. It’s a low-key snack night with Irish-inspired bites, good company, and zero pressure to pretend green beer is gourmet. Come graze, chat, and call it quality time your future self will thank you for.
🎲 Bingo Night @ Barrack’s Hospitality Group Banquet Center & Catering | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Think you know your sitcoms? Bring your inner Dorothy Zbornak or Ron Swanson to Bingo with a TV twist, complete with food, raffle baskets, and a costume showdown, all benefiting Illinois CancerCare Foundation. Nostalgia, community, and a cause worth dressing up for.
🎂 River Kitty Cafe’s 2nd Birthday @ River Kitty Cafe | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – River Kitty Cafe is turning two, with 450-plus adoptions to brag about and zero attitude. Drop in for feline meet-cutes, new drink specials, merch discounts, and raffle baskets from local makers, then reserve your cuddle slot at riverkitty.com before the cats do.
🎸 The Nathan Taylor Band @ Peoria Public Library North | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Patio weather calls for a free community concert at North Branch, with The Nathan Taylor Band dealing out feel-good roots, delta blues, early New Orleans jazz, and originals that cheat time. Settle in with your neighbor, and pretend notifications were never invented. Free, all ages.
🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire @ Peoria Civic Center | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:30 PM – Mrs. Doubtfire is rolling into Peoria with the touring Broadway musical, serving big laughs, bigger heart, and a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia. Think quick changes, cheeky chaos, and yes, tickets are required. Grab seats, bring friends, and brace for a run-by fruiting.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Peoria report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 51°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 51%
A chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 51. East northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers and patchy fog before 9pm, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight, then patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 46. East southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 54%
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. West southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers between midnight and 3am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. South southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This 4,000+ sq ft Thousand Oaks stunner pairs a dramatic cathedral staircase with fresh 2026 paint and refinished hardwoods. Dual fireplaces anchor generous living and great rooms, the latter with wet bar and sliders to a tree-lined deck. A stainless kitchen, private den, an expansive primary suite with spa bath and dual walk-in closets, and a theater-ready basement shine.
Take a peek inside →
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