Daily
Peoria
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gertie Nathan, grandmother of local basketball star Howard Nathan (a beloved figure in Peoria), turns 100 today as her family gathers to celebrate a legacy built on faith and enduring values. 25 News Now
- ➤ East Peoria’s Adult & Teen Challenge Super Thrift Store now asks for gently used items from smoke-free, pet-free homes since dirty or broken donations can divert funds from charity work — South Side Mission also values unused goods to sell affordably in the community. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pop Up Chicken Shop in the Warehouse District received site approval from the Peoria Liquor Commission Monday (3-0 vote) after several attempts since mid-2024; the owner must now submit a formal liquor license application to city officials. WMBD
- ➤ At CES Technology on Jan. 7, 2026, Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed explained the firm’s partnership with Nvidia and showcased a new AI assistant (Hey, Cat) that marks its move into modern tech while reiterating a commitment to investing in its workforce. Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Heritage Ensemble will hold its 26th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral Celebration on January 18 at Illinois Central College. Founder (Sharon Samuels Reed) discussed the mission that guides the group on this week's Out and About. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ PPS candidate Renee Andrews held a busy town hall Tuesday in the board room + she answered questions and outlined plans to expand early education, strengthen alternative and special programs, and review finances to support over 13,000 students. WCBU
- ➤ Peoria Public Library announced it will be a 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional sponsor covering 8 counties and 300 schools. Local students must enroll by Jan. 31, and the Regional Bee is set for Saturday, March 28 at the Gateway Building on the riverfront. WMBD
- ➤ Bradley University will launch a fully online MA in English (a 30-credit program) in fall 2026, offering working professionals and lifelong learners flexible coursework without fixed meeting times. Applications will open early this year. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria is asking residents to share input via surveys and an interactive map on its website for pedestrian infrastructure improvements — the feedback will help plan ADA compliance upgrades as the surveys run until Feb. 9. 25 News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The East Peoria City Council approved a special use permit Tuesday night for Accolade EP Rentals LLC to convert a former senior living facility at 500 Centennial Drive into 50 family-friendly apartments near Illinois Central College; first tenants are expected to move in by late summer or early fall. WMBD
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria high school girls basketball fans can vote for their season MVP as 16 nominees compete, with voting open until noon Jan. 15 online while stats are current through Jan. 6 and the winner will be revealed later that afternoon. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The St. Louis Cardinals will host their annual Caravan stop on Friday, Jan. 16 at Embassy Suites in East Peoria. Doors open at 5 p.m. with $3 tickets available; fans will meet players including Michael McGreevy, Thomas Saggese, Yohel Pozo and Andre Pallante with autographs for ages 15 and under. Pekin Daily Times
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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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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