Good morning, Peoria.

The Mother’s War on Violence Ministry hosted a fatherhood event Friday in Peoria where families learned practical tips from UIC Healthy Start coordinator Will Naugles.

Executive Director Yolanda Wallace, whose mission stems from personal tragedy, said the session focused on providing long-term support to strengthen families.

Peoria Public Library is expanding its digital archives by adding editions of the Journal Star from 1951 onward into an online, keyword searchable database (accessible with a library card) via a new contract with NewsBank.

The project improves local research and preserves community history.

Former council member George Jacob died on Sunday at 61; he served from 2005 to 2011 and was active with several local nonprofits, with visitation Thursday evening and Friday morning and a funeral Friday afternoon at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

On Sunday the Harlem Globetrotters performed at the Peoria Civic Center, wowing a near capacity crowd with trick shots and inspiring messages.

Performer Arysia 'Ace' Porter urged local kids to believe in themselves — a call to work hard for big dreams.

GasBuddy reported that on Monday Peoria gas prices averaged $2.79 a gallon after dropping 2.9 cents over the past week, with prices 16.4 cents lower than a month ago and 38.7 cents lower than last year.

These decreases mark a steady trend in local fuel costs.

JP Morgan Chase purchased a long-vacant property at the corner of East Washington and South Main in East Peoria’s historic Four Corners for $2.5 million & plans to open the area’s second full-service branch with two 24-hour ATMs mid-2026.

7 Brew Coffee is developing a nearby business space.

Illinois Secretary of State offices will be closed Monday, Jan.

19 for MLK Day, so drivers needing services should check local facility hours online. The SOS website recommends scheduling appointments in advance since services are limited on the holiday.

Illinois officials extended enrollment for Get Covered Illinois, giving residents until Jan.

31 to enroll in health coverage that starts Feb. 1. The move comes as expired federal subsidies cause higher premiums, prompting customers to compare plans.

Illinois chains are offering National Pizza Week deals from Sunday, Jan.

11 through Saturday, Jan. 17. Pizza Hut serves a $10 16-inch pizza plus Domino's, Casey's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Papa Murphy's have special offers available across Illinois including Peoria.

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will honor local sports legends and teams, including MLB pitcher Zach McAllister, NFL coach Pete Hoener, softball star Brigit (Cornish) Grunow, billiards player Judex James and bowler Gary Smith at a ceremony on March 21 at the Civic Center.

Coffee @ the Clubhouse

10 AM – 12 PM — Shore Acres Clubhouse — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and treats while taking in beautiful views with friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Couples Cozy Clay Mug Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — One ticket per couple — Celebrate love and creativity by crafting personalized mugs together this Valentine’s Day.

Strawberry Trinket Dish Clay Hand Building Class

4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost for glazing optional — Craft your unique strawberry-shaped dish in this creative clay workshop.

Bingo while you Paint

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 admission — Enjoy an evening of creativity with bingo and pottery painting for artistic fun and prizes.