Good morning, Peoria.

Friends in Chillicothe have raised over $3,300 through a GoFundMe to help a mother with funeral expenses after her 8-month-old died in a house fire on Wednesday at Pinewood Estates, and the campaign aims to reach $4,500 to support her family's recovery.

A five-megawatt community solar site is being built at the corner of Springfield and Eisele Roads in East Peoria.

The project is scheduled to finish in about six months, and local residents can subscribe for energy credits through Generate Power (which may lower utility bills by about 15%).

Illinois mental health programs nearly lost over $5 million in federal funding when five SAMHSA grants were set to end Jan.

13, but reports on Wednesday indicate some national cuts were reversed (following public pressure) and Gov. Pritzker called the move abject cruelty as local providers await further guidance.

MLK Day on Monday, Jan.

19 will mean closures for schools, banks, federal and state courts, and non-essential services while retailers like Target, Walmart and FedEx remain open; residents should check local providers for specific hours (local school districts may have additional guidelines).

Peoria Opportunities and Neighborhood House launched the Reclaim Peoria project today to buy and renovate up to seven houses in the 61605 area—using a grant from the county health department to support first-time homebuyers and strengthen the South Side community.

The IHSA is holding a special legislative meeting later this month to consider shifting football practice from Aug.

10 to Aug. 5 so players can complete the required 12 days of practice before the first game; member schools will vote on the proposal Feb. 12 if it passes.

Sarah Willis resigned from Bradley softball after three seasons due to family needs, as announced Jan.

15. Assistant Lauren Gambone was promoted to interim coach for the 2026 season.

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.

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.

Nesting Bowls Hand Building Class

1:15-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own functional nesting bowls in this hands-on ceramic workshop.