Good morning, Peoria.

Australia banned social media for children under 16 on Wednesday, and some Peoria residents said they support similar limits because they worry about kids facing online dangers.

Local voices suggested raising the age for social media use and increasing parental oversight.

A church at Blaine + Starr in South Peoria was lost to a fire early Thursday as fire crews evacuated occupants and fought the blaze defensively while demolition is underway.

Boyd Gaming unveiled its plan to build a new $160 million casino in East Peoria on Thursday, aiming to replace the Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino by using a water-based loophole.

The land-based operation will open by late 2028 & officials work to address a long-standing intergovernmental dispute over casino location.

More than 2,000 children previewed The Nutcracker at the Peoria Civic Center on Thursday while 100 dancers and guest professionals from New York City presented a festive rehearsal.

The full production will run Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A report by the National Employment Law Project shows that 19 states will raise their minimum wages on Jan.

1, 2026 to help workers manage rising costs, while Illinois workers continue with a $15 per hour rate set on Jan. 1, 2025. The changes aim to ease affordability challenges amid increasing living expenses.

140 Peoria Public School students from 14 schools competed in a three-day Regional Amazing Shake contest to build confidence and communication skills through quick challenges and local leader interviews.

8th grader Delilah Lawson won Thursday’s round and will join two fellow winners at the Global competition in Atlanta in March.

A new Illinois law (IB Bill 3385) will expand mental health services at public colleges starting in 2026.

Illinois Central College already used state funding to support student wellness, as officials say more students are seeking help.

Peoria Public Works Snowfighters began 24/7 operations Thursday morning to prepare for winter weather.

Forecasters predicted 2-4 inches of snow starting between 1-4 p.m. with crews pretreated hills + overpasses to prevent slick conditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Squishmallow Clay Creation Class

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Unleash creativity by crafting your own Squishmallow-inspired clay buddy in this fun hand-building class for kids.

Jingle and Throw: A Holiday Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create your own festive pottery masterpiece in a fun holiday-themed wheel throwing class.

Jake Jaeger Headlining Debut

8-9:30 p.m. — Jukebox Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Central Illinois’ rising star and friends post-holiday.