Daily
Peoria
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 25News looked back on 2025—highlighting Chuck Collins’ retirement after 50 years, the Peoria Fire Department’s 150-year celebration, and local events honoring veterans and students—to capture a year when communities came together. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ty Paluska, owner of Intuition Coffee + Juice, said record coffee prices and lingering supply chain hikes will keep costs high until spring. Tariffs have been removed but recent increases of up to 20+% for Brazilian coffee continue to impact local business. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools revealed two finalists for the superintendent role as current leader Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat retires at the end of the school year. Dr. Renee Andrews and Dr. Jerry Bell will each host a town hall meeting on January 6 and January 7. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools named two candidates for superintendent, Dr. Renee Andrews and Dr. Jerry Bell, who will hold town halls on January 6 and 7 as the board prepares for Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat's retirement at the end of the school year. 25 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois’ maternal mortality report from 2021-22 showed 94 pregnancy-related deaths, with 91% deemed preventable—Black women were more than twice as likely to die as white women, with discrimination noted in 74% of cases, prompting Gov. Pritzker to sign a bill for anti-bias training for providers. WMBD
- ➤ Local health officials report that aggressive flu variant K is causing rising flu cases in ERs since after Christmas, with about 10 cases daily, as Dr. William Fletchall (ER director at Carle Health Methodist) warned that older adults and young children face higher risks; he advised vaccination for best protection. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria dietician Nicole O’Neill of OSF Healthcare urges residents to set specific New Year’s resolutions by planning small, measurable health goals (like drinking more water and getting more sleep) to tackle stress and hormonal imbalances (a key fitness barrier). 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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Peoria
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