Good morning, Peoria.

Community leaders & local businesses hosted the 'A Mother’s Wish' event Thursday evening downtown to bring Christmas magic to foster children & those with incarcerated parents.

Kids received winter coats, art supplies, toys, hygiene products, & presents for caregivers.

Ace Hardware offers holiday shopping help — its Ready in 15 service lets shoppers pick up last-minute essentials quickly at local stores, with flexible Affirm payments and exclusive Ace Rewards perks available until Dec.

24.

DJ Ed Caballero will lead the New Year's Eve Salsa event at the Contemporary Art Center, where he and his wife Beverly nurture a welcoming, multicultural dance community (as shared on the Out and About episode with Dr. Mae Gilliland).

Traffic has returned to normal on N.

MacArthur Highway and W. Moss Avenue as the reconstruction projects begin a winter shutdown — drivers are advised to exercise caution near the reopened intersection.

Experts warn that a shot of Malort may create a false warmth as it speeds up heat loss and increases risk of hypothermia and frostbite (raising concerns for safety in cold weather).

Peoria residents should stay hydrated, dress warmly, and avoid alcohol when temperatures fall below freezing.

The Bradley Braves played Indiana State on Thursday, Dec.

18 at 6 p.m. CT at Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Ind. Bradley entered the MVC opener with a 7 to 4 record and a four game win streak, and the game was available via ESPN Plus and WMBD radio.

The unseeded Illinois State Redbirds enter the FCS semifinals on Saturday, Dec.

20 at Villanova after two upset wins. Their roster features four players from Peoria-area high schools (including Kaevion Mack), marking the team's 10th playoff appearance.

Yesterday, the Peoria Rivermen helped 80 students and staff from Rankin School in Pekin attend their annual Education Day game at Carver Arena — the team arranged charter buses and covered two-thirds of the cost so no child was left behind.

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.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Kids explore ceramics through hands-on projects in a fun winter camp.

Winter Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — $35 — A creative escape for kids to explore pottery with hands-on guidance.