Daily
Peoria
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ George Jacob, a respected community leader and former council member who served from 2005–11, died Sunday at his home; friends and colleagues remembered his dedication to public service and local business, and he is survived by his wife and five children. WCBU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ In 2025, U-Haul ranked Illinois 49th on its growth index, with data indicating more people left than arrived — a trend showing residents headed to nearby states such as Indiana and Wisconsin. The report provides insight into local migration patterns. Pekin Daily Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois State Board of Education approved a $10.9B budget request on Wednesday that calls for a minimal increase in K-12 spending and shifts nearly $750M to the newly created Department of Early Childhood while boosting evidence-based funding and mandated reimbursements for school districts for the upcoming fiscal year. WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor JB Pritzker announced a $600,000 grant today for Chartwell Park improvements as part of a $36 million statewide program, with the Peoria Park District set to use the funds to boost local recreation. 25 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Peoria area mental health pros say stress from alarming news can be eased by setting boundaries and using calming activities (like exercise or music) to help manage overwhelming info. They advise parents to model healthy media use for children. 25 News Now
- ➤ Illinois American Water found that over 10% of 110 samples from homes with lead service lines, taken between July 1 and Dec. 31 last year, exceeded the 15 parts per billion action level. The utility is now enhancing testing, corrosion control, and lead line replacement. WMBD
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A well-known building in Peoria Heights is back on the market after its latest restaurant closed; village officials, including Mayor Matthew Wigginton, are open to a new restaurant—retail or grocery—and expect the property at 4319 N. Prospect Road to fill soon. WMBD
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria-area high school boys basketball fans can vote for the season's MVP from now until noon Thursday, Jan. 22, with 13 candidates listed from local schools like Brimfield and East Peoria; the winner will be revealed later that day. Pekin Daily Times
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Valentine's Day Prints Pop-Up
12-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $25 deposit required — Create cherished keepsakes with your little ones' prints just in time for Valentine's Day.
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
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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