Good morning, Peoria.

The Humane Society holds its 29th annual Bark in the Park at Tower Park in Peoria Heights today with a Mutt Show at 11:30—a parade at 12:30 and kids’ walks along with raffle baskets, a cake walk and a cash raffle drawing.

The event is the society’s biggest fundraiser and supports life-saving care for animals and pet adoption.

Walmart reopened its renovated store in Pekin, unveiling a community mural that reflects local pride—marking its 40th anniversary with updated departments, interactive displays, and donations to local nonprofits.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum opens today the exhibit 'Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission' that highlights oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard’s search for the Titanic wreck off Newfoundland—tickets are $16 for children and $20 for adults, and the exhibit runs until Jan.

7.

The Peoria nonprofit EPIC opened a new career center on Thursday at its Townline Road building—offering assistive computer tools like bright keyboards and advanced software to help job seekers with disabilities.

The center provides personalized assessments through its PAES lab, career coaching, and workshops to expand employment options.

Peoria City Council held a hearing Tuesday night on a proposal to add a 1% sales tax at the Glen Hollow shopping center to fund building improvements, marketing, and more.

Two residents spoke against the tax, and City Manager Patrick Urich said the plan will return to council in October.

Congress and the White House must pass a budget by Oct.

1 to prevent a government shutdown. Lawmakers Darin LaHood and Eric Sorensen blamed the opposing party—warning that essential federal workers may work without pay and that public services like park visitor support and food inspections could suffer.

Peoria Grown is a local non-profit that helps low-income families get healthy food.

The group launched Market 309 five years ago in Trewyn Park and says lawmakers must change funding rules after it was denied WIC’s Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program eligibility — a decision affecting local seniors.

Illinois high school football Week 5 scores from Friday night showed Normal West beating Peoria High 14 to 8 — other local games featured varied results among teams from nearby communities.

The scores were released as part of the regular IHSA matchups.

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.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5-$12 — Experience a vibrant evening of poetry and community with diverse artists performing live.