Daily
Peoria
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army opened its toy shop at Northwoods Mall today to help nearly 1,200 parents pick up donated gifts for over 3,000 children and food boxes for Christmas dinner, with personal shoppers guiding the process based on local wish lists. 25 News Now
- ➤ The 11th annual Rally for Lily toy drive took place Tuesday at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital and collected $45,000 for toys + $15,000 for a plaque honoring Lily Rosploch, who died of neuroblastoma 11 years ago. Volunteers and her family helped bring Christmas cheer to kids fighting cancer. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois grocery chains have announced that they will remain closed on Christmas Day and offer limited hours on Christmas Eve to help shoppers plan. The schedule applies to stores such as Aldi, Costco, and Target (among others). Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s legacy is honored in downtown Peoria with the Fulton J. Sheen Museum, featuring relics from his life. The diocese broke ground to create an immersive experience at the historic Spalding Institute, which will open in 2027 — further celebrating his impact on the community. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Central College renamed its welding lab after a $250,000 donation from Peoria-based Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc. A ceremony on Tuesday recognized the company’s support for student workforce training. WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria city leaders approved a 1% sales tax increase at Glen Hollow Shopping Center to fund improvements as part of a new business district, aiming to attract retailers and boost property values. Some council members are concerned about adding costs to shoppers, while Council member Allen expects growth. 25 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois officials extended the Get Covered Illinois open enrollment to Dec. 31 for health plans starting Jan. 1, 2026, with sign-ups available until Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1. The extension gives residents more time to choose coverage as federal subsidies expire & costs are expected to rise. WMBD
- ➤ OSF HealthCare’s Cancer Institute has endorsed new cervical cancer screening guidelines that let women use an at-home swab to collect samples. The new option aims to reduce barriers so more women stay up to date with their screenings. 25 News Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ More than a dozen local restaurants and bars will offer varied dining options on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. Diners can enjoy regular menus, free buffets, and live music events so they can skip cooking and celebrate the holiday out. Pekin Daily Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ IHSA approved expanding high school football playoffs to 48 teams per class for 2026; the new plan, set to start the regular season on Aug. 20 with revised win qualifications, aims to ease scheduling challenges — according to an official press release. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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