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Good morning, Peoria! In today’s edition: PFAS ban in firefighter gear, Bradley men’s basketball rivalry, acupuncture and sound bath, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Departments face transition choices: Illinois’ new law will ban PFAS in firefighter gear to curb cancer risks. A sales ban starts in 2027, and Peoria’s fire chief expects pricier alternatives as current gear stays — see what’s changing and when.
Philadelphia pioneer’s enduring legacy: Built in 1837, the John C. Flanagan House is Peoria’s oldest home, offering a rare look at early city life, including a 1920s lampograph, and it remains open for tours — discover the house’s history.
Veteran officer poised to lead: Gov. JB Pritzker announced Col. Steve Rice as the new commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, succeeding retiring Maj. Gen. Dan McDonough. Rice will be promoted to brigadier general — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Longstanding store plans move: UFS Outlet, a nearly 60-year fixture on Southwest Adams Street near Downtown Peoria, will open a new location soon at the former Big Lots site. Owner Gerard Wiegand says the move is to better serve its 25 employees and offer a more convenient spot. Find out where it’s moving.
Science + stars, zero fuss: Peoria Riverfront Museum blends hands-on exhibits, a dome planetarium, and giant-screen films into an easy midweek reset. It’s an interactive fix for curious minds, kids and grownups alike, offering a quick burst of wonder, learning, and play… without the overplanning.
Burrito fix, sorted: When dinner needs a reliable hug in a tortilla, Los Cabos Cantina and Grill delivers variety: Burrito California with queso blanco, steak and cheese, chile verde, even a seafood burrito, plus easy add-ons like onions, peppers, or a queso smother. Low effort, high reward.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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🌲 Frosted Forest Tree Class @ Pumpkin Glass Gallery & Studio | Friday (1/9) at 2:00 PM – Get your sparkle fix at a beginner glass fusing class where you build a whimsical forest, no sap, all shine. $30 gets you in, pick sizes 4 to 8 inches with per-kit pricing, crank out ornaments or stand-alone trees, then grab your pieces next week.
🧘 Acupuncture & Sound Bath Healing @ Salt Sanctuary and Spa with Hope and Healing | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – This mellow reset at Hope and Healing pairs a crystal bowl sound bath with acupuncture in five standard points from Laughing Tao, so your nervous system gets the memo. You lie down, breathe, do nothing, and somehow feel productive, leaving with clarity and lower shoulders.
🏀 Bradley Men’s Basketball vs Northern Iowa @ Peoria Civic Center | Saturday (1/10) at 12:00 AM – Bradley is hosting Northern Iowa, and the arena’s going full tilt with pep-band noise, rivalry vibes, and plenty of red. Expect tight defense, loud locals, and a sweet mix of tradition and nacho cheese. Bring your voice, your crew, and polite Midwestern trash talk.
🧘 Held in Practice: Yoga Workshop @ Soulside Healing Arts | Saturday (1/10) at 10:30 AM – If your back has opinions, try this prop-rich yoga workshop that swaps acrobatics for bolsters, blocks, straps, walls, blankets, and chairs, with clear, optional, consensual touch. Led by Hannah Ramlo, expect slow, grounding connection, and a sliding scale from $20, advocate pass accepted.
🏺 Clay: Love Gnome @ Artful Journey Gallery | Saturday (1/10) at 11:00 AM – If your mantel needs a little heart-month charm, come make a clay love gnome with Judy, the Valentine you won’t regret. Beginners welcome, you build it, she fires it, glazes it, and brings it back to the classroom in 4 to 6 weeks for $40.
🎵 Still Shine @ Peoria Public Library North Branch | Sunday (1/11) at 2:00 PM – Music in the McKenzie is hosting Still Shine, blending acoustic roots, progressive bluegrass, and harmonies tighter than your neighbor’s HOA. It’s free and all ages. They’ve shared stages with Billy Strings, so bring your tapping foot and act like you discovered them.
✂ Scrap & Yap @ Crafted DIY Studio & Bar | Sunday (1/11) at 6:00 PM – Think you’ll actually mail cards next year? Bring holiday gift tags to scrap, sip, and yap with adults at a free, communal craft hang. Materials provided, the bar has cocktails, mocktails, tea, and cocoa, no tickets, RSVPs appreciated.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Peoria report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 61°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 90%
Patchy fog before 8am, then a chance of rain between 8am and noon, then rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 61. South southeast wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. South southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 10%
Mostly cloudy. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Later: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
Fresh updates include a 2024 bath remodel, new upstairs central air and water heater, and 2023 exterior paint. Outdoor living stands out with a 2025 yard fence and a lighted deck. Illinois River views spill into the sunrooms, primary bedroom, deck, and yard. A front row vantage for Peoria’s Fourth of July fireworks turns BBQs into an annual tradition. Entertaining flows easily, and quiet reflection finds a place too.
Lovingly maintained, this home pairs everyday comfort with a sense of occasion. Quality details show through, the upgrades are done, and the setting delivers a rare blend of spectacle and serenity.
Take a peek inside →
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