Daily
Peoria
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s will open on December 9 in Peoria—a new location set up in the former Firestone Tire building at 4200 N. Sterling on the Northwoods Mall property. This restaurant will give locals a closer option to dine without traveling to Normal or Springfield. WMBD
- ➤ Midwest Bioprocessing Center received unanimous approval from the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission to open a research lab at 2601 West Forrest Hill Ave in central Peoria — the lab will house 11 employees — and City Council will vote on final approval today. Peoria Journal Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Elementary School Association named Dunlap High School's speech teacher Shauna Segler Outstanding Speech Educator for 2025-26 for her work as a speech coach at Dunlap Middle School. Dunlap District 323 officials said the honor is a significant mark of her dedication — she is now a nominee for national recognition by the National Federation of State High School Associations. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After the government shutdown ended, AAA said more than four million Illinois residents will travel by car this Thanksgiving season, with record travel numbers expected. Peoria International Airport officials expect 130,000—150,000 local travelers as operations return to normal. 25 News Now
- ➤ Triple AAA reported that over 4 million people across Illinois will travel by car for Thanksgiving dinner, and the government shutdown ending has not slowed plans for the holiday. Local airport director Gene Olson said traffic will peak on Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving — affecting departures and returns in Peoria. 25 News Now
- ➤ The City of Peoria has launched a food drive called 'Thankful Hearts, Full Carts' to help local families before Thanksgiving. The public will drop off food items at the Peoria Police Department Headquarters, 600 SW Adams Street, on Friday, November 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and donations will be shared with Sophia’s Kitchen, East Bluff Community Center and Friendship House. City of Peoria
- ➤ A Peoria planning and zoning commission unanimously approved a proposal by GRO Community to convert a vacant building on SW Adams St into a halfway house for up to 12 formerly incarcerated men. The city council will vote on final approval today — the project bars men with sex offense backgrounds and aims to revitalize an area with many empty structures. Peoria Journal Star
- ➤ Peoria city leaders reviewed a plan to convert a former shelter on SW Adams into a halfway house for 12 parolees at Monday’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and will consider a lab proposal tonight at the City Council meeting—both requiring a special use permit. The lab proposal at West Richwoods would develop industrial compounds with 10 to 12 employees while the halfway house includes full-time staffing and on-site security. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eleven Peoria-area figures have been named to the IBCA Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with former Journal Star POYs Olivia Elger and Taylor McClintock among them. The inductees will be honored at a banquet on May 2 at CEFCU Arena—Illinois State University. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The Journal Star has opened a fans’ vote for the preseason boys basketball player of the year for 2025-26—featuring 10 nominees. The vote closes at noon Monday, November 24 and will not affect the official awards announced after the season. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp
10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will explore ceramics through hands-on projects like sculpting and wheel throwing.
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The Elite Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile Run
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — RC Outfitters — $33.20+ — Start your Thanksgiving with a spirited 3 Mile Run or a 1 Mile Walk, featuring chocolate treats and community fun.
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Black Friday Bodega Bash
9 AM – 2 PM — Art at the Bodega — $50 fill-the-bag — Enjoy holiday fun with swag bags, prizes, and festive treats.
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Evansville Thunderbolts vs Peoria Rivermen
7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Thunderbolts take on the Rivermen in this hockey showdown.
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Thanksgiving Wheel Throwing Class
2-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 for one piece, additional creations for $15 each — Craft festive pottery while enjoying a playful Thanksgiving-themed class.
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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