Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new visa fees could reshape OSF’s care for Peoria patients

And check out Central Illinois Flea Market on the Peoria Patch calendar

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Thursday December 25th Patch AM
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Hello Peoria! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new visa fees could reshape OSF’s care for Peoria patients
  • Who’s caring for Peoria’s pets while families celebrate Christmas?
  • How did Peoria County’s deer harvest stack up this season?

Also on today's calendar: Peoria Flea Market and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Peoriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Peoriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Fog in the a.m., then breezy, with a high of 48 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 54, low: 39.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 57 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. OSF could pay millions in fees for H-1B visa changes (25newsnow.com) — OSF HealthCare in Peoria may face up to $7 million a year in new H-1B visa application fees starting in 2026, potentially affecting its bottom line and recruitment. Leaders say they still rely on international clinicians to staff programs that serve Peoria and rural communities, and are exploring waivers and advocacy to ease the financial hit.
   

2. Animal shelters stay open and active throughout holidays (centralillinoisproud.com) — If you’re traveling for the holidays, pet care in East Peoria and Peoria is still fully staffed, from Camp Bow Wow’s busy boarding kennels to the Peoria Humane Society’s adoption and donation efforts. Local staff describe caring for animals through Christmas while encouraging responsible pet gifting and holiday giving to support animals in need.
   

3. Illinois Deer Harvest Slips Slightly in 2025 Firearm Season (outdoorhub.com) — Peoria County hunters harvested 901 deer in this year’s firearm season, about 50 more than last year, as Illinois’ overall deer take dipped slightly. The piece breaks down nearby county totals and notes that archery and late-winter seasons continue into mid-January, giving central Illinois hunters more chances to fill their tags.
   

4. Dr. Curtis' tips to beat the odds with New Year's resolutions (centralillinoisproud.com) — Peoria viewers heard OSF Medical Group’s Dr. Brian Curtis explain why most New Year’s resolutions fail and how to make yours stick. He urges residents to set specific, time-bound goals, accept occasional slip-ups, and practice self-acceptance while working toward healthier habits. His advice aims to keep more Peorians in the successful 20 percent.
   

5. Washington miracle family readies for sainthood spotlight (25newsnow.com) — Peoria’s Catholic roots are back in the spotlight as Archbishop Fulton Sheen, ordained in Peoria, moves closer to possible sainthood thanks to a Washington boy recognized as his miracle. A Washington family and local clergy describe their gratitude, faith, and hopes that any beatification celebration could be held in Peoria, highlighting the region’s unique connection to Sheen.
   

📸 Around Peoria

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Went to my first Christmas show last night and it was awesome.
    I took some videos to share with some of you who may have never been or couldn’t get out this year. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. Happy Holidays y… (Nextdoor Lincoln Park)
  • For less stress on Christmas morning, this year I've been thinking about roasting the beef on the 24th and warming it up on Christmas morning.
    Has anyone cooked roast beef a day early and then warmed it up? I searched a couple methods. Both said low heat 225 or 250 F. Both said let meat… (Nextdoor Lynnhurst)
  • Illinois Staffing posted a job opening for Corporate Custodial Technician in Peoria. Apply here.
  • Bradley University posted a job opening for Assistant Director of Student Engagement in Peoria. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Peoria here.

Ok Peoria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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