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Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

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Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 22nd of April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Peoria was named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability, earning a score of 651 out of 1,000 because of its low cost of living, strong economy and fun local spots like the Civic Center and zoo—this marks the third year the city has been honored.  Peoria Journal Star
  • The City of Peoria will celebrate Arbor Day by planting ceremonial trees in partnership with the South-West Kiwanis Club, the Peoria Park District, and Public Works, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25 at RiverFront Festival Park—residents are invited to help mark the occasion.  City of Peoria
  • Peoria was named one of the nation’s 100 best places to live by Livability.com for the third consecutive year — the score of 651 reflects the city’s low cost of living, strong economy, and cultural attractions like the civic center, riverfront museum and zoo.  Pekin Daily Times
  • S.W. Water Street will be closed to through traffic from Liberty Street to Main Street for the BUILT Cruise-In on Sunday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.—drivers are advised to use S.W. Washington Street as a detour while access to the Peoria Riverfront Museum parking deck remains open.  City of Peoria

CULTURE NEWS

  • Bishop Louis Tylka said he felt the passing of Pope Francis—a leader who served for 12 years and died on Monday at 88—was a sad day for the diocese, recalling his meeting with him during his New Bishop formation in 2022 and the gift of a handmade rosary from El Paso. He noted that Francis’s legacy will be remembered for opening the church to all people.  WMBD
  • Peoria’s Diocese joined Catholics around the world in mourning after Pope Francis died Monday morning following a hospital stay for pneumonia. Bishop Louis Tylka and local leaders praised his decades of service to the church — while Vatican officials plan to move his remains on Wednesday and hold his funeral in the coming days.  Pekin Daily Times

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Peoria Public Schools received over $10,200 from a $1.3M funding package issued by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to support school libraries statewide. The grants, with a minimum of $850 per district, fund new books, digital media, and technology for K-12 students—benefiting nearly 2,500 school districts.  WMBD

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Peoria City Council will vote today on a local grocery tax to help replace about $5 million a year in lost funds when the state tax ends Jan. 1. City staff offered three proposals and warned that without new revenue, cuts could affect public safety and other services — including the fire and police departments.  Peoria Journal Star

SPORTS NEWS

  • Peoria Rivermen defenseman Zach Wilkie was named SPHL Defenseman of the Year on Monday after leading defensemen in assists and points during the season — marking his second win in three seasons.  Pekin Daily Times

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Matisse-Inspired Floral Acrylic Painting Class

    5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Prices vary — Create a stunning Matisse-inspired masterpiece on a wood canvas with guided artistic assistance.

    Thu, 4/24/25

    View event
  • Highland Cow Planter Workshop

    4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own charming clay planter with expert guidance and take home a plant to bring it to life.

    Fri, 4/25/25

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  • Spring Gnome Clay Hand Building Class

    4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Unleash creativity as you sculpt and glaze your own whimsical flower gnome to welcome spring.

    Sat, 4/26/25

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  • Mother’s Day Kids' Workshop

    12-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Pre-registration required — Let kids unleash their creativity with art projects for mom and grandma in a kids-only joyous setting.

    Sun, 4/27/25

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  • Pick Your Project Open Studio Time

    11 AM – 4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity with pottery, glass, and canvas projects in a friendly DIY space.

    Mon, 4/28/25

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  • Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop

    6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Create a shimmering glass ocean wave piece in this engaging workshop.

    Tue, 4/29/25

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  • 6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

    5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with a hands-on pottery class perfect for beginners and skilled potters alike.

    Thu, 5/1/25

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  • Training Officer Bootcamp

    1-3 p.m. — Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino — No cost — Enhance your training skills and network at this comprehensive bootcamp for training officers.

    Fri, 5/2/25

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  • Free Comic Book Day Workshop

    2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Create your own six panel comic with Do Art Productions!

    Sat, 5/3/25

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  • Philharmonic 100 Year Celebration

    2:30-5 p.m. — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a century of song and tradition with the Philharmonic Chorale.

    Sun, 5/4/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Daily Peoria is a community newsletter sharing current events in Peoria, Illinois. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Peoria community, and support local organizations. If you like Daily Peoria, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Peoria.

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