Daily
Peoria
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria food pantry at Sophia’s Kitchen is feeding more people amid the government shutdown, with daily meals rising from 400 to 500 to about 600 and its food pantry serving around 150. Manager Courtney Dozard said more help will be needed once SNAP benefits run out—volunteers and donations will support the growing demand. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Alumni returned to Bradley University for Homecoming when events began Friday night at 7:00 p.m. with the Lighting of the 'B' and fireworks in Olin Quad—today, activities continue with scrimmages, a Hall of Fame luncheon, campus tours and a social hour at Jimmy’s Bar and Grill. WMBD
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Despite drought and tariffs, the Peoria County Farm Bureau reported that harvest yields in central Illinois are normal—corn remains near 250 bushels per acre and soybeans near 880—while some farmers may use bridge payments to manage lower prices. Manager Charlie Hensley said long-term market stability will depend on expanding trade as current challenges persist. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At its meeting Tuesday, Washington Community High School’s board approved bringing bus transportation for special education students in-house to save money by ending its agreement with Washington Student Transportation Services at the end of the school year. The board also finalized a $2.6 million change order for the Torry Gym project, approved a lacrosse cooperative agreement for 2026 and 2027, and was recognized as a 2025 School of Distinction for its art, design and media programs (steps that underline the school’s drive for cost savings and excellence). WCBU
- ➤ The Illinois State Board of Education flagged Peoria and Peoria Heights school districts as very high priority—scoring 8 compared to the state average of 5.7—because students face risks like food insecurity and poverty. Local educators say schools are working on new programs amid ongoing challenges from staffing shortages and funding gaps. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting at 7 a.m. Monday Oct. 20, drivers on N. University Street at the W. Pioneer Parkway intersection will face shifted lanes and no right turns from W. Pioneer Parkway—striping work on Tuesday and Wednesday will add to the changes, so using alternate routes is advised. City of Peoria
- ➤ Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, the southbound lane of Fulton Street between S.W. Jefferson Avenue and the City Hall parking lot entrance will be closed for sidewalk work as part of the Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue One-Way to Two-Way Conversion Project; access to City Hall and the Twin Towers Parking Deck will be maintained via S.W. Monroe Street. City of Peoria
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans begins November 1 and runs until January 15, and officials warn that many residents could face higher premiums as enhanced federal tax credits expire amid a budget stalemate. Insurance director Ann Gillespie urged people to speak with navigators when shopping on the new state-based Get Covered Illinois platform — which also offers special enrollment periods for pregnancy and tax filing. WMBD
- ➤ Bradley University opened the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function to soon provide free physical therapy and services for chronic neurological disorders thanks to a $1 million donation, and faculty and students from the health programs will staff the clinic—offering hands-on training—so community members can get care regardless of insurance. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria-area high school football Week 8 featured key matchups as Morton scored high against Dunlap and East Peoria hosted Metamora to chase playoff spots—moves that impacted local playoff races with only two regular season weeks remaining. Princeville High School also remained one of 25 national finalists for a $1 million stadium upgrade after receiving a $25,000 award from T-Mobile. Pekin Daily Times
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Moonlight Mischief Canvas Painting
6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Wine purchase available — Enjoy a fun-filled evening painting a spooky cat under the harvest moon.
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Zootober: Halloween Fright Fest at Peoria Zoo
6-9 p.m. — Peoria Zoo — $12 per person — Experience Halloween thrills with family-friendly activities and spooky fun after dark.
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Boo-tiful Builds: Halloween Clay Workshop
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35.00 – $40.00 — Create spooky Halloween-themed clay projects in a fun hand-building class.
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Frankenstein at Corn Stock Theatre
7:30 p.m. — Corn Stock Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance of the classic tale of Frankenstein.
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Halloween Wheel Throwing Party
6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Spin spooky magic on the pottery wheel and create your own Halloween-themed masterpiece.
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Thanksgiving Turkey Clay Hand-Building Class
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 – $90.00 — Celebrate the season by sculpting your own clay turkey masterpiece for a unique holiday keepsake.
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High Profile Athletes & Midwest Bucks 2026 7v7 Tryouts
5:30-7 p.m. — Peoria Stadium — Free entry — Showcase your skills in a competitive 7v7 football tryout event.
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Foster Family Information Session
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Central Illinois Friends Community Center — Free entry — Discover the process of becoming a licensed foster family and support youth in need.
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Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class
4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Get into the fall spirit while hand-building your own unique ceramic pumpkin.
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Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen
7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Enjoy a competitive ice hockey matchup between local favorites.
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
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
~ James Clear
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