Daily
Peoria
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Midwest Food Bank in Peoria received a one-time $100,000 gift from the Gilmore Foundation to help fill a protein gap and will use the funds to buy ground beef from its longtime partner Alwan and Son’s Meat Company — the meat will be shared with 122 nonprofit groups across the county — as demand grows before the holidays. 25 News Now
- ➤ Road closures will be in effect starting at 7 a.m. and ending at noon on November 28 for the Santa Claus Parade organized by Peoria Area Community Events. The parade will begin at 9:15 a.m. at Hancock Street and N.E. Monroe Street — drivers are urged to use detours along marked alternate routes. City of Peoria
- ➤ Leaders of the Elite Re-Entry Program held a graduation on Wednesday at the Peoria County Jail where nine men earned certificates for completing a program that teaches self-growth, accountability, and positive change. Elite CEO Carl Cannon praised the group as one of the most impactful graduates—highlighting their breakthroughs—and officials noted that the program has helped reduce reoffense rates. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Comic Con will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on November 22 and 23—celebrity guests like Steve Burns, Khary Payton, and Billy West will join panel discussions, Q&A sessions, photo ops, and a costume contest, while advance tickets are available with children 10 and under admitted free with a paid adult. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Central Illinois Ballet will stage The Nutcracker from December 5 to 7 at the ICC Performing Arts Center — the production features a redesigned holiday classic performed by community members ranging from 2 to 85. WCBU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a smaller natural gas rate hike for Ameren Illinois customers on Wednesday — reducing the requested increase by 43% — to help ease rising energy costs, with the new rates set to take effect before the end of the year. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the cost to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 is lower this year due to a drop in turkey prices — Illinois averages $49.20 while the national average is $55.18. Some ingredients, including sweet potatoes and veggie trays, have increased in price, but overall expenses continue to fall since record highs in 2022. Pekin Daily Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting today, iPhone users in Illinois can add their driver's license or state ID to Apple Wallet as part of the Mobile ID program announced by the Secretary of State. Users scan their license and take a selfie for secure verification and may use the digital ID in-person, online and in apps (including TSA checkpoints) while still carrying their physical ID. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ A federal funding cut will reduce permanent housing support for about 250 of the 814 homeless people in four Central Illinois counties as funds shift toward transitional housing and additional services starting March 1st—local non-profits now must compete for safe renewal amounts that were once largely guaranteed. This change risks delaying permanent shelter for those already waiting and could lead to further instability in the community. 25 News Now
- ➤ Illinois businesses began using encrypted Mobile IDs last Wednesday to verify age and stop sales to minors. The state provided a free Mobile ID Check App that lets companies check licenses on iPhones & Apple Watches while meeting legal requirements. WMBD
- ➤ Illinois American Water said customers will get a water bill credit from a settlement over forever chemicals like PFAS—companies including 3M, Tyco, and DuPont are named in the case. The initial $17 million credit was approved by state regulators to help the company meet new PFAS standards. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria officials announced road closures and detours ahead of the Chocolate Turkey 5K Run/1-Mile Walk, which will run from 4 p.m. November 26 through 11:30 a.m. November 27 along Southwest Washington and Southwest Water streets—runners will follow a set route that includes Eaton Street, NE Washington, and Hamilton Boulevard. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Bradley guard Connor Hickman won a South Carolina Circuit Court injunction Tuesday that lets him play at the Paradise Jam this weekend for the College of Charleston while the NCAA reviews his medical hardship waiver. The Indiana native and two-time all MVC pick said he was not offered surgery at Cincinnati—he underwent an operation in February after playing in 13 games. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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Crushed Glass Trees Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create stunning crushed glass trees while enjoying a community art experience.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
All progress depends on the unreasonable person.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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