Good morning, Peoria.

The community mourns Bishop Joseph Johnson, a beloved pastor and leader who died Wednesday night at his home at age 90.

He served nearly 60 years at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church — fostering children, donating homes and cars, and helping integrate the Peoria County Courthouse.

Peoria clergy have served as volunteer chaplains at emergency scenes to comfort victims and free up first responders—programs launched by the police, fire, and county coroner’s offices have helped families during tragic moments.

Former state senator and state representative Darren Bailey, running for governor, said that his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren died in a helicopter crash in Montana—his 10-year-old grandson survived.

Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and will push lawmakers to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations to boost K-12 and higher education funding — the union aims to correct Illinois’ funding shortfall.

Members will join a statewide lobbying day at the Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 29 — a key event to challenge current tax policies.

Community leaders celebrated 75 years of the Metropolitan Airport Authority at Peoria International Airport on Wednesday, marking its evolution since it took over from the Peoria Park District in 1950 — a milestone that Director of Airports Gene Olson said shows record performance and a key terminal expansion.

OSF HealthCare unveiled a Beacon of Life at Richard L.

Owens Hospice Home on Wednesday night to honor patients, families, and those who have passed since the facility opened in 2013. The light beam — donated by the spouse of a former patient — shone from dusk until 2 a.m. as a symbol of comfort and remembrance for those receiving compassionate care.

Illinois football will play Washington in a key Big Ten game on Saturday, October 25 at 2:30 p.m. Coach Bret Bielema hopes the bye week—boosting QB Luke Altmyer’s play—will help the Illini win and return to the playoff race.

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.

Frankenstein at Corn Stock Theatre

7:30 p.m. — Corn Stock Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance of the classic tale of Frankenstein.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Enjoy a competitive ice hockey matchup between local favorites.

Spilled Tea Bookmark Crafting

1-2:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Create whimsical bookmarks that express your love of reading with a fun spilled tea design.

Fused Glass Ornaments Workshop

1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Varies by ticket — Create a beautiful fused glass Christmas ornament while enjoying a festive atmosphere and refreshments.