The American Red Cross's 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria, which has been hosted for 19 years, achieved its goal with 300 donors participating. Jayce Eustice, the communications manager, emphasized the constant need for blood donations, especially during the busy holiday season. The event serves as a reminder for the community to contribute despite hectic schedules.

Dan Decker has been introduced as the new fire chief of Peoria Heights during an event at Village Hall. He will lead the transition of the fire department from an all-volunteer staff to a hybrid model. The Village Board, which unanimously confirmed Decker on November 7, had previously considered a contract with the Peoria Fire Department but decided against it. Decker, who has over 30 years of experience and previously served as East Peoria’s Assistant Fire Chief, aims to enhance the department within the available budget.

California's Proposition 12, mandating larger space requirements for farm animals, is set to impact pig farmers as it goes into effect on January 1. Illinois, with a significant pork industry, faces a potential increase in pork prices due to costly infrastructure upgrades required for compliance. Pig farmers express concerns over animal welfare and business viability, while animal rights advocates argue for the humane treatment of animals. The National Pork Producers Council seeks legislative solutions, and experts suggest a market adjustment period with minimal initial consumer impact.

California's Proposition 12, mandating larger space requirements for farm animals, is set to impact pig farmers like Cheryl Walsh in Illinois, potentially increasing pork prices in 2024. The law requires sows to have at least 24 square feet of space, a significant change from the current gestation stalls. Farmers argue that the stalls provide better care for the animals, while animal rights advocates like Wayne Pacelle claim they are inhumane. Compliance with the new standards could be costly, with estimates of $3,500 per sow for infrastructure upgrades. The National Pork Producers Council seeks legislative solutions, while Dr. Nick Paulson of the University of Illinois predicts a market adjustment period with potential short-term price drops for non-Prop 12 pork.

California's Proposition 12, mandating larger space requirements for farm animals, is set to impact pig farmers as it goes into effect on January 1. Illinois, with a significant pork industry, faces a potential increase in pork prices due to the costly infrastructure upgrades required for compliance. Pig farmers like Cheryl Walsh and Chad Leman express concerns over the welfare and management of animals under the new law, fearing business impacts and market uncertainty. Wayne Pacelle of Animal Welfare Action supports the law for ethical reasons. The National Pork Producers Council seeks legislative solutions, while Dr. Nick Paulson of the University of Illinois predicts a market adjustment period with minimal immediate consumer impact.

California's Proposition 12, mandating larger space requirements for farm animals, is set to impact pig farmers, potentially increasing pork prices in 2024. Illinois, with a significant pork industry, faces a nearly $14 billion economic challenge. Farmers like Cheryl Walsh and Chad Leman express concerns over the law's requirements and the high costs of compliance, fearing business closures and negative effects on the pork supply chain. Animal Welfare Action supports the law for ethical reasons, while the National Pork Producers Council seeks legislative solutions. Dr. Nick Paulson of the University of Illinois predicts a market adjustment period with minimal initial consumer impact.

Pork prices may rise in 2024 due to California's Proposition 12, which mandates larger space for farm animals and affects pig farmers like Cheryl Walsh in Illinois. The law requires sows to have 24 square feet of space, a significant increase from the current gestation stall size. Compliance with the new standards could be costly, with estimates of $3,500 per sow for infrastructure upgrades. Wayne Pacelle of Animal Welfare Action supports the law for ethical reasons, while farmers like Chad Leman express concerns over the impact on their operations and the broader agricultural industry. The National Pork Producers Council seeks legislative solutions, and Dr. Nick Paulson from the University of Illinois predicts a market adjustment period with potential short-term price drops for non-compliant pork.

A man was shot late Sunday night at the Parkwood Commons apartment complex in Peoria and sustained non life-threatening injuries. The victim was walking away from a unit when he was struck by gunfire. Despite a search, no suspect has been apprehended, and the incident remains under investigation. This shooting is part of a series of violent events in Peoria within a 24-hour period, including five other gunshot victims and a fatal stabbing.