Daily
Peoria
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed became Executive Chairman of the board this week as Jim Umpleby retired on April 2 at 3:25 p.m. CT. The central Illinois native, a company veteran since 1997, now leads the firm through tariff challenges & advances its AI strategy. Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Peoria native Liv Warfield will perform with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra on Friday, Apr. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert, a long-awaited collaboration, will feature newly arranged songs plus guest vocalists. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Andres (Andy) Diaz has been certified as the District Two winner and Sarah Howard as the District Three winner in the Peoria Public Schools board races, with Diaz receiving nearly 60% of the vote and Howard winning by an 81 vote margin after Tuesday’s count. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Keith Knepp will join Heartland Health Services as its chief medical officer in August, transitioning from his role as Carle Health's President Greater Peoria and advancing community-centered care (including efforts to boost access in the region) through a continued partnership between the organizations. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Carle Health will search for a new leader after president Keith Knepp leaves on July 1 to join Heartland Health Services as Chief Medical Officer. He will oversee clinical leadership for Peoria (Tazewell and Woodford Counties) in his new role. WMBD
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria Chiefs start their 2026 Midwest League season today with a three-game road series in Cedar Rapids and will return Tuesday for the home opener at Dozer Park — five Cardinals prospects join their 30-player roster as they chase big league dreams. WMBD
-
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs Peoria Rivermen
7:15-8:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Cost info not specified — Watch the Rail Yard Dawgs take on the Rivermen in an exciting hockey matchup.
-
Fused Glass Cross Creation Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create a stunning fused glass cross while enjoying a fun, beginner-friendly atmosphere.
-
Live at The Five Spot: Featuring Tambora
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Peoria RiverFront Market — Free entry — Experience an evening of vibrant music with Tambora at the Contemporary Art Center.
-
Stained Glass Foundations Workshop
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Create your own stained glass masterpiece in this fun, hands-on beginner workshop.
-
Paint with Baby Goats!
3-5 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 for seat reservation — Create pottery while interacting with adorable baby goats in a fun studio atmosphere.
-
Story Time Jamboree
10:00 – 10:45 AM — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of childhood with stories, songs, and silliness.
-
6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Learn the art of pottery from wheel throwing to glazing over six weeks.
-
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Bradley Braves Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Dozer Park — Ticket pricing on UNATION — Feel the thrill of college baseball as the Salukis take on the Braves.
-
Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue Ridge Falls
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist and create a serene mountain scene with expert guidance.
-
Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class
1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Clay Den — Registration fee applies — Create a whimsical mushroom fairy house in this enchanting clay hand-building class.
-
A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.
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
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
About Daily Peoria
Welcome to the Daily Peoria, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Peoria, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Peoria, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Peoria.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Peoria and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Peoria
A free Peoria community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailypeoria.com/sitemap