Good morning, Peoria.

Most major retail stores in Peoria will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec.

25, including Walmart, Target, and Nordstrom, while a few like Sephora have varied hours; shoppers should check each store's details using its locator (individual chains set their own schedules).

Peoria Charter filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections after it could not meet a December 11 deadline for a COVID-19 loan balloon payment.

The company blamed rising interest rates (from 3.1% to 8.5%) and supply chain issues while still serving 400,000 annual passengers.

Dutch Bros opened its third cafe in Urbana on Dec.

15 at 809 W. Green St with weekend extended hours, and plans in Peoria and Bloomington are moving forward following city council approval and a recent press release.

A new Illinois law will take effect Jan.

1, banning employers from using AI to base hiring on race or ZIP codes and requiring disclosure when AI is used. Express Employment Professionals in Peoria Heights warns that small businesses may be affected—guidelines and penalties are still pending.

Peoria City Council designated the Glen Hollow Business District to add a 1% sales tax at Glen Hollow Shopping Center starting July 1 next year — the revenue will fund infrastructure and storefront improvements.

Bellevue’s portion of Harmon Highway will see a road project starting in a few weeks; Illinois Route 116 will close Jan.

2 for removal and replacement of a 1935 bridge over Kickapoo Creek and railroads, with work finishing by the end of 2026 (project valued at over $23 million).

Local weather experts advise homeowners and drivers to check car batteries, tire pressure, and heating equipment plus keep winter kits ready, plan routes, and test smoke alarms to stay safe in winter.

Former Illinois football coach Mike White, who led the Illini to a Big Ten title in 1983, died Sunday at 89; he later coached in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 1999.

Journal Star invites local sports fans to vote for boys athlete of the week, with nominees including Jerry Hahn, Briggs Bucy, Kayden Turner and Wyatt Medlin honored for standout performances from Washington and Peoria High.

The poll closes online at noon Friday.

The Journal Star has announced nominees for girls athlete of the week covering Dec.

8-13, including standout players from Peoria Notre Dame, Eureka, Morton and Metamora; voters may cast their ballots online until noon Friday.

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.

Bubble Bowl Clay Hand Building Class

12:30-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost details not provided — Create a unique bubble bowl using fun hand-building techniques in a welcoming environment.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM - 4 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not provided — A creative 2-Day camp where kids ages 6 and up learn hand building and wheel throwing techniques in ceramics.