Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria business leaders met on Thursday at the Civic Center for the Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Luncheon to plan future job placement and celebrate local achievements.

The event honored OSF Healthcare’s Cancer Institute President Dr. James McGee with the Tom Connor Service Award—while the Chamber was named the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Large Chamber of the Year.

An Arby's restaurant at 4205 N.

Sterling Ave. permanently closed, leaving fast food fans with fewer choices—Peoria still has three other locations on War Memorial Drive, Allen Road, and River Road in East Peoria.

CJ Harvest Supermarket is expected to open in coming months at the former Aldi — Save-A-Lot location on Western Avenue in the 61605 zip code to address a food desert.

It is one of 47 state businesses selected for the grant program — with each local firm receiving $245,000 as announced by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity.

Peoria’s Luthy Botanical Garden is hosting its annual Poinsettia Show where red and pink poinsettias brighten the conservatory until Dec.

30. The free event features plants from Mexico and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—with extended hours during Luthy Lights.

Illinois travelers planning Thanksgiving road trips are warned to avoid counties with steep gas prices as of November 21.

Cook, Alexander, and DuPage counties had prices of up to $3.50 per gallon—while Douglas County offered fuel for as low as $2.90.

Bradley University President James Shadid said his planned campus entryway will be built at the southwest corner of Main and University streets—a donor-funded gateway expected to spur development along the corridor to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Design plans are being finalized as demolition of a Continuing Education building is set to begin in December.

Illinois coroners have raised concerns over a right-to-die bill that would let terminally ill patients get prescriptions to end their lives while excluding coroners from investigating these deaths—Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood warned the bill risks inaccurate death records and loss of oversight, and he has contacted state representatives to request changes.

Journal Star has released the 13 nominees for the preseason wrestler of the year vote for the 2025-26 season—fans can cast their votes until noon on November 24.

The nomination list includes boys and girls wrestlers from various schools—this vote will not affect the final selection or the all-area team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three glass pieces — Create unique blown glass ornaments in a fun, hands-on workshop.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create a festive glass dish perfect for holiday treats and discover your artistic side.