Good morning, Peoria.

Former Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith—known as The Wizard of Oz—visited Peoria on Thursday night as the guest speaker at the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary fundraiser, the group’s biggest event each year.

He said his appearance showed his commitment to giving back while organizers expected to raise about $150,000 for local programs.

Taste of the Heights will return to Prospect Road's restaurant row on Thursday night from 5 to 9 p.m.—it will feature 21 food and drink vendors—and include a Kids Zone and live entertainment; tokens cost $1 each and cash is required.

EP!C opened a new Career Center in its existing building on West Townline Road to help people with disabilities gain job skills and find work.

The center is privately funded by community donations (with a major contribution from the Indo-American Society of Peoria) and offers accessible computers, career coaching, and job trials.

On Wednesday, Peoria Public Schools held a town hall at Peoria Central High School where parents discussed the qualities needed in the new superintendent who will replace Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat when her contract ends at the school year's close.

The district’s search firm, From the Heart Educational Services—hired by the board—will start applications in October and plan to announce a candidate by January or February.

Peoria City Council reviewed the proposed 2026-2027 city budget Tuesday night, which outlines $301 million in expenses and $298 million in revenues with a focus on repaying debt, funding capital projects, and covering pension costs.

City Manager Patrick Urich said the plan includes $48 million for sewer work and aims to pay off $21.8 million in debt in 2026 — major steps to address rising pension expenses for fire and police.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali was unanimously elected to serve as the Illinois Municipal League—IML Second Vice President at the Annual Business Meeting on September 20 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

She will serve a one-year term and use her IML Board experience to support communities statewide.

Peoria Civic Center earned over $8 million in adjusted gross income this year from record ticket sales and concessions, but officials said it will lose $7 million next year when a new ice plant forces the arena to close for 100—120 days.

Rising costs and fewer events also add to the challenges as the center plans its improvements.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias hosted a virtual town hall meeting in Peoria on Wednesday night to discuss reforms to auto insurance rates based solely on driving records—residents shared their struggles with high rates and were urged to call legislators and share their stories with lawmakers in Springfield.

A Tuesday night hearing at Peoria City Council heard two residents oppose a plan to form a business development district at GlenHollow shopping center that would add a 1% sales tax—City Manager Patrick Urich said the proposal will be reviewed again in October.

A local low-cost food market called Peoria Grown was denied WIC funding for seniors two weeks ago by the federal government, leaving many seniors unable to use their vouchers at Market 309.

Executive Director Julie Eliathamby said the denial was due to a rule requiring produce to be grown by the organization and urged lawmakers to change the eligibility criteria as the number of senior customers grows.

Peoria's City Council approved a special-use ordinance for a proposed apartment complex on Knoxville Ave—six or seven market-rate units by SRP Capital—even though local residents had opposed the project due to traffic and neighborhood concerns.

Peoria Symphony Orchestra: Titanic Score Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth of Titanic's iconic score performed live by an orchestra.

Simply Haunting Acrylic Painting Workshop

1:30-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies provided — Create a spooky autumn-themed acrylic painting in a fun, guided workshop.

Chonda Pierce Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Five Points Washington — VIP $70.43, Non-VIP $25 — Enjoy an evening of laughter and real talk with Chonda Pierce's signature humor.

Poison Apple Mug Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Create a spooky Poison Apple Mug in this fun Halloween clay class.

Clay Hand Built Halloween Votives

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Craft spooky votives and embrace the Halloween spirit with creative clay fun.

Oynx the Sloth and Friends at the Bodega

12:30-3:00 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45 — An EPIC adventure to create a sloth-themed mug while meeting various exotic animals including a real-life sloth.

Fused Glass Spider Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee not listed — Create a durable 6-inch spider dish perfect for Halloween décor.

Haunted Hill & a Glass to Fill

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Drink included — Create a spooky Halloween painting while enjoying a glass of wine.

Swifties Night – New Album Release

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 event fee — Create art inspired by Taylor Swift while enjoying her greatest hits in a fun, creative atmosphere.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your unique ceramic pumpkin with fun textures for the fall season.