Speer
Speer, IL · Events
Journal Star
'Ongoing transition' leads to store closure at Peoria's Northwoods Mall
PEORIA – A Northwoods Mall shop has closed its doors following the opening of JD Sports at Westlake Shopping Center. Signage above Finish Line ’s now-shuttered storefront has been removed, and notes taped to glass panes apologize for any inconvenience and encourage customers to “COME ACROSS THE STREET TO JD SPORTS.” Both brands are part of JD Group , which opened the JD Sports storefront on Oct. 17 as “part of JD Group’s ongoing transition of standalone Finish Line locations to JD’s flagship brand,” a spokesperson for JD Group told the Journal Star. More: New business opens at Northwoods Mall food court in Peoria The goal, according to half year results for 2026/27 shared Sept. 23, is to “convert or close all remaining standalone Finish Line stores by the end of FY28.” As of August, 145 standalone spots remained. The report said Finish Line locations housed within Macy’s would be unaffected by the changes. JD Sports is situated between Burlington and Michaels at 2601 W. Lake Ave., Space B-7b, in Peoria’s Westlake Shopping Center. Its hours of operation are listed as 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. This article originally appeared
familydestinationsguide.com
The Seafood At This Hidden Gem Restaurant In Illinois Is Absolutely Out-Of-This-World
There are moments in life that divide everything into “before” and “after,” and eating at the Fish House in Peoria, Illinois is one of them. This hidden gem has been quietly serving some of the most extraordinary seafood in the entire Midwest, and it’s about time the rest of the world found out about it.
25newsnow.com
Peoria’s school board votes to cut ties with an Elite-run program, replace it with district-led alternative
PEORIA (25News Now) -The Elite era in Peoria’s Public School system will come to end next month, after Monday’s close, 4-3 vote to pursue a different option for at-risk young people. Nova Academy is the name, set to use the same building now used by Elite Community Outreach,...
decorhint.com
This Tiny Illinois Diner Is Hidden Inside An Old Gas Station But Piles The Plates High
A giant Phillips 66 shield hangs on a diner wall in central Illinois, and nobody is pumping gas. The license plates and old stoplights hanging nearby make the scene even more curious, like a garage that switched careers. Calling the decor themed would be a little off, since themed suggests...
WMBD/WYZZ
The uncertain future of Elite and its role in Peoria Public Schools
Peoria Public Schools voted 4-3 to replace the long-standing Elite Community Outreach Game Changers program with a new in-house initiative called NOVA Academy following a compliance audit by the Peoria County Regional Superintendent of Education.
Vinyl and Velvet
Toys R Us Reopens At A Peoria Mall After Closing In 2018, And The Mall Manager Says Everybody Missed It
For a lot of folks in Peoria, Illinois, the sign alone is enough to bring back a flood of memories. Toys R Us is open again at Northwoods Mall, and it opened its doors on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The store sits on the mall’s lower level, as the opening day report describes, and it […]
1049thewolf.com
Peoria’s 139th Santa Claus Parade set for Nov. 27 as organizers announce future transition
PEORIA, Ill. – One of Central Illinois’ longest-running holiday traditions is returning later this month, with a change in leadership planned for the coming years. Peoria Area Community Events (PACE) announced that the 139th annual Santa Claus Parade will take place Friday, November 27, beginning at 9:15 a.m. in downtown Peoria.
25newsnow.com
Parkview Estates resident to receive overdue repairs
PEORIA (25News Now) - After two months of waiting, things are finally changing for Parkview Estates resident Deidra Harper. On August 16, she returned home to discover her apartment’s roof had collapsed, damaging fixtures and spreading insulation everywhere. “I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it happened,” she remarked, “I...
25newsnow.com
25 Sports High School Wednesday- College scholarship signing day
PEORIA (25News Now) -Central Illinois prep stars announce their college sports choices. Get 25NewsStreaming on your smart TV — it’s free and easy. Watch live newscasts, recent newscasts, top news stories, updated forecasts, local sports highlights, and exclusive content. Search “WEEK 25 News” to install.
WMBD/WYZZ
College signings for Nov. 12, 2026
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — High school seniors signed with college sports programs at two big signing ceremonies on Thursday. Ten student-athletes were honored at a signing ceremony at Dunlap High School. Three were a part of Dunlap’s conference and regional championship baseball team which won 30 games last spring. Brett Alkire (California State-Bakersfield), Carter Lippens […]
regionalmedianews.com
wglt.org
WMBD/WYZZ
Northwoods Mall prepares for Black Friday rush
Northwoods Mall is preparing for the Black Friday shopping rush with extended hours and is considering various redevelopment plans, including filling vacancies left by former tenants like The Children's Place and exploring options for its former Sears and RoomPlace locations.
wcbu.org
Peoria nurse awarded for work with Greater Peoria Honor Flight
The American Ambulance Association [AAA] has awarded a Peoria nurse the 2026 Star of Life, a national award honoring the winner's work with the Greater Peoria Honor Flight [GPHF]. The Stars of Life program celebrates Emergency Medical Services members across the country who go above and beyond for their patients,...