Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights campaign entered its second month and raised about 40% of its $2 million target (roughly $800,000) to fund rental and utility assistance. The campaign runs through January and aims to support local residents while exploring community partnerships. WMBD
- ➤ After a third fire on Dec. 4 broke the alarm system at New Hope Apartments, city officials and Phoenix Community Development set up a 24-hour fire watch (supported by a private firm and the Red Cross) so residents were not displaced; repairs are expected to take six to eight weeks. Peoria Journal Star
- ➤ A full list of donors for the Central Illinois Christmas Fund was released on Dec. 4, showing $29,886 in contributions that helped support local families during the holiday season + checks were mailed to PO Box 5054. Peoria Journal Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s opens its first Peoria restaurant Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at 4200 N. Sterling Ave near Northwoods Mall. The event features giveaways including a Lucky 20 drawing for free chicken fingers, a gift for the first customer, and a $1,000 check to the Humane Society. Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pretendly, a local family business that transforms children's drawings into gifts and accessories, will showcase its art and lead hands-on workshops today at Distillery Labs’ First Friday. The event offers product sales + tours of the innovation space amid a family-friendly atmosphere. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two new career programs are coming to Greater Peoria as Midwest Technical Institute launches a seven-month electrician course at its East Peoria campus — enrolling 19 with plans to hit 60 by March — and Bradley University partners with DePaul University to guarantee law school admission for five qualifying students. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria-area girls basketball team from Washington will play Breese Central at the historic Hoosier Gym (famed for its role in the film Hoosiers) on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., pitting teams that posted a combined 66-5 record last season. Pekin Daily Times
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Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Fundraiser
1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — 10% of ticket sales support Toys for Tots — Create a unique clay mug while giving back this holiday season.
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Santa’s Little Makers Clay Day Camp
12-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fees apply — Kids create three unique clay gifts while experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season.
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Family Fun Ornament Painting Party
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per ornament — Paint holiday ornaments and create lasting family memories in a festive atmosphere.
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three ornaments — Create beautiful glass ornaments in this fun and hands-on workshop.
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Tiny Tidings Acrylic Painting Class
1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Drinks available for purchase — Create a charming winter scene featuring a moose in a red scarf while sipping warm drinks.
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Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Create your own colorful blown glass orbs in a fun and guided workshop.
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Santa Hat Votive Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a charming Santa hat votive from clay while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
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Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party
6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 registration fee — Experience a festive wheel throwing class and create your own holiday masterpiece.
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Fused Glass Christmas Ornament Workshop
1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create beautiful fused glass ornaments perfect for holiday decor or heartfelt gifts.
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Tic-Tac-Toe Board Hand Building Class for Kids
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own ceramic tic-tac-toe board and pieces in a fun, hands-on clay experience.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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