Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A longtime Peoria journalist and WMBD-TV general manager, Shaun Newell, passed away peacefully. He was known for his work on local news — from WMBD Radio to WEEK-TV — and for his strong advocacy with the Center for the Prevention of Abuse. WMBD
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, September 28, downtown Peoria saw a chaotic scene when police trying to aid a gunshot victim were hindered by a crowd that delayed paramedic help by six minutes and led to six arrests—Mayor Ali announced an ordinance is planned for City Council on October 14 to bar such disruptions. City of Peoria
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Dave Koehler, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and CityLink general manager Kofi Kisseh said a new transit funding bill will help CityLink and over 50 downstate agencies avoid a fiscal cliff while recovering from a drop in riders after COVID-19. The bill, which lowers the local match to 25% and adds a $1.50 delivery tax, may be approved in the October veto session or in January—officials said it is vital for future service and safety improvements. WCBU
- ➤ COEP Water & Sewer announced it will switch to a new billing system that disables MyGovHub today. No credit card payments will be accepted in office from Oct 2 through Oct 13—while cash, check and E-Pay remain available and a new customer portal will launch after Oct 13 requiring paperless users to re-enroll. City of East Peoria
- ➤ Peoria City Council began planning the FY 26-27 budget Tuesday night with more than 301 million dollars in expenses, about 298 million in revenues, and 136 million in reserves. Finance Director Kyle Cratty said the plan supports projects like maintenance, public safety pensions, and combined sewer work — though he warned rising costs may widen the gap between income and spending. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria’s City Council unanimously approved a staff proposal to raise the total property tax levy in 2026 based on a roughly 6.5% increase in home assessed values—some homeowners could see higher bills even though tax rates stay flat. The council will hold a truth in taxation hearing soon to discuss the proposal further. Peoria Journal Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois High School Association released its latest playoff outlook—57 high school football teams remain undefeated across eight classes with rankings based on playoff points and enrollment ranges. Peoria-area teams are highlighted in the list and the guide will help track playoff expectations as the season progresses. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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