Good morning, Peoria.

Today is Veterans Day and several restaurants in the Heart of Illinois offer veterans and active duty military free or discounted meals—deals range from complimentary entrees to reduced-price specials available for dine-in or carryout.

Audrey Kamm was hired by WTVP as its chief development officer—bringing nonprofit experience from St. Jude and the Midwest Food Bank—and she began her role Monday to lead fundraising and community efforts that will help the station face new funding challenges.

Peoria PBS station WTVP hired Audrey Kamm as chief development officer on Monday, adding her strong nonprofit experience to lead fundraising and community outreach efforts—this move supports the station as it faces challenges from reduced federal funding.

A fire damaged a building at Pioneer Square Shopping Center on Sunday night, affecting two businesses—Peoria Fire arrived just before 11:15 p.m. and quickly put out the electrical blaze with no reported injuries.

A new chemical manufacturing facility operated by Viridis Industrial Chemistry is nearing completion on Peoria’s south side (next to the former BioUrja facility) along the Illinois River.

If the plant’s end-of-year commission goes as planned, it will begin producing ethyl acetate from corn-based ethanol and add roughly 40 local jobs (CEO Patrick Killian said).

Rock band Three Days Grace will perform in Peoria on Nov.

3, 2026 at the Civic Center Arena as part of their world tour promoting the album Alienation. Pre-sale will start on Nov. 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. & tickets will be available on Nov. 14, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Bradley University Professor Megan Remmel said the 38-day government shutdown is hurting the economy as it costs $15 billion a week and delays essential payments like SNAP benefits and healthcare funding for local businesses and families—small businesses and agricultural sectors are also suffering. Although a Senate vote may reopen the government soon, uncertainty will prolong economic struggles.

Third-quarter home sales dipped slightly from last year with 1,543 homes sold even as inventory rose 22.3% from the previous quarter.

PAAR president Leslie Rothan said the market is softening as buyers focus on realistic offers — signaling a shift toward a more balanced market.

Tremont volleyball pulled off an upset Monday by beating Hartsburg-Emden in Concord to secure its first trip to the state finals.

The team will face Cissna Park at 10:30 a.m. Friday at CEFCU Arena (after winning the Concord Triopia Supersectional).

Washington High School’s volleyball team lost to Providence Catholic 25-21 and 25-18 in Monday’s Class 3A supersectional at Torry Gymnasium—ending their postseason run after wins over four higher-seeded teams.

Coach Paloma Simundic said the team fought hard, but Providence’s strong outside hitting kept them from reaching the state finals.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live

5-7:30 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience a magical afternoon with thrilling adventures from Gabby's Dollhouse.

Holly Wreath Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Workshop fee varies — Craft a charming holiday wreath from clay in this festive hand-building class.

Cardinal in Winter Painting Class

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create a personalized Cardinal in Winter acrylic painting while enjoying a fun-filled artistic atmosphere.

Make Your Own Christmas Village House Clay Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost TBA — Design and sculpt your unique ceramic holiday house in a festive clay workshop.

Ladies Sing Along Brunch

10 AM – 12 PM — Castaways — Starts at $28.52 — Enjoy a delightful brunch while singing your favorite songs in a lively atmosphere.

Wheel Thrown Lidded Jars Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Elevate your pottery skills by crafting unique, functional lidded jars over two specialized sessions.

Sparkle & Sip Soirée – Peoria's Festival of Trees 2025

9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. — Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie — $75 per ticket or $600 for a table of ten — Enjoy a lively brunch with bubbly, raffles, and live entertainment while supporting local families.

Clay Den 1-Year Anniversary Celebration

1-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and community with live music, special offers, and a holiday food drive.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check event webpage for details — Create a festive fused glass dish for holiday treats while enjoying a fun class atmosphere.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 a.m.-12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Registration required — A creative 2-day camp that introduces kids to ceramics with hands-on clay activities.