Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
Good morning, Peoria.
🏘️ Community
Nine-year-old Makenzie Chapman and her family shopped at Northwoods Mall on Tuesday to buy gifts and enjoy pretzels and meals at the food court while admiring holiday decorations like the large Christmas tree.
The mall was open until 5 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Peoria Playhouse offers families fun post-Christmas activities with hands-on exhibits for kids and maker workshops on Fridays.
The three-floor children’s museum is open year-round and plans to expand in 2026 while charging $10.50 general admission with discounts for eligible visitors.
💼 Business
OSF HealthCare will pay up to $7 million in additional H-1B visa fees beginning Sept.
21 as new visa costs for international candidates rise to $100,000; the fee increase may impact local residency, nursing, and diagnostic programs that support community healthcare—prompting leaders to consider waiver processes.
🏛️ Government
Central Illinois lawmakers have passed a bipartisan law that lets parents request special education student records — parents can choose which staff members receive the details.
The law takes effect January 1, aiming to simplify access for special ed families.
📰 Real Estate
Accolade EP Rentals got approval to convert the former senior facility in East Peoria into 50 apartments.
The plan will repurpose 100 units into studios to three bedroom homes with rents of about $700 — $1600 and address utility and pedestrian safety issues.
🎉 Peoria Events
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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.
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.
Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three pieces — Learn to blow glass and create unique ornaments in this fun, hands-on workshop.
Fused Glass Snowmen Workshop
2-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee for snowman creation — Create personalized fused glass snowmen while enjoying festive snacks and drinks.
Valentine's Day Prints Pop-Up
12-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $25 deposit towards custom artwork — Create personalized pottery pieces in time for Valentine’s Day.
Coffee @ the Clubhouse
10 AM – 12 PM — Shore Acres Clubhouse — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and treats while taking in beautiful views with friends.
🏠 Peoria Real Estate
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💼 Peoria Job Board
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📣 Peoria Announcements
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