🌱Peoria Rising Strep Cases + Peoria's Large Job Increase In Illinois

Hello all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Peoria Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mainly cloudy and breezy. High: 27 Low: 17.
• Sunday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 40 Low: 21.

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Here are the top stories in Peoria today:

1. The number of invasive group A strep (iGAS) cases is on the rise across the US, with more cases reported in Peoria and Illinois in 2023 than in the past five years. Strep typically infects children aged five to fifteen and is transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or by sharing utensils or glasses. Symptoms include a sudden onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever. Doctors urge parents to seek medical attention if their child exhibits these symptoms. (Peoria Journal Star)
2. The Peoria area had the largest year-over-year percentage increase in nonfarm jobs in January in Illinois, gaining 6,900 jobs, up 4.2 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Bloomington-Normal had the lowest unemployment rate in the state, with a jobless rate of 3.7 percent in January, down from 4.3 percent in January of 2022. All fourteen metro areas in Illinois had lower unemployment rates in January compared to a year ago, with statewide unemployment dropping to 4.7 percent from 5.4 percent a year ago. (25 News Now)
3. Two Peoria County sheriff's deputies narrowly avoided being hit by gunshots fired by an unknown person in the 2800 block of West Ann Street after responding to an alert from the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system. The deputies were unharmed and did not return fire. Two weapons were recovered at the scene, one of which was stolen, and the incident is currently under investigation, with no suspects in custody. (Yahoo News)

Today and tomorrow in Peoria:

Saturday, March 18

• Young Artist Competition w/ Peoria Symphony Orchestra - Illinois Central College (10:00 AM)
• Laser Light Night - Peoria Riverfront Museum Dome Planetarium (6:00 PM)
• Demolition Derby - Peoria Civic Center (6:00 PM)

Sunday, March 19

• Peoria Gun & Knife Show - Exposition Gardens (9:00 AM)
• Planter Painting Party - Peoria Public Library North Branch (1:00 PM)
• Indigo Girls - Peoria Civic Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Come experience the exceptional sound quality of the Black Onyx Duet Steinway piano, an exclusive addition to the Peoria Riverfront Museum that is made with East Indian Rosewood and is the only one of its kind in Peoria! For more information, head to RiverfrontMuseum.org. (Peoria Riverfront Museum via Facebook)
• Spice up your Thursday with a shot at that Friday feeling and a chance to win the $11.6 million Lotto jackpot! Play online or in-store, or head to this post for more information. (Illinois Lottery via Instagram)
• The Northern Illinois Food Bank had a blast joining the celebration at @jewelosco's Naperville store grand reopening! Their food bank and partner, Loaves & Fishes Community Services, are thrilled about their dedication to serving the community with healthy and delicious food. (Northern Illinois Food Bank via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (March 21)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all soon for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.