Daily
Peoria
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria City Council approved nearly $500K in upgrades for Martin Luther King Jr. Park on the south side, which will add a picnic shelter, resurfaced walking paths, updated playground swings and improved basketball courts. Construction will begin this summer and finish by next year. 25 News Now
- ➤ Bradley University students held a fundraising event called 'Peoria Feeds Peoria' on Monday with Sophia’s Kitchen and Brienzo’s Pizza and Bar to fight local food insecurity. Their research showed one in seven locals struggles with access, and they are working to help more families. 25 News Now
- ➤ Peoria voters chose the top gymnastics studios for the 2025 Community’s Choice Awards through an early-morning online poll, with Jump Start Plus winning and finalists Hop, Skip + Flip Gymnastics and Jon Williams TUMBLING Academy following. The contest reflects local support for youth sports. Pekin Daily Times
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Peoria rose by 4.6 cents per gallon last week, averaging $4.23 at many stations + AAA recorded $4.27 on Monday. Analyst Patrick De Haan warns that rising oil costs from geopolitical tensions mean prices are likely to climb further this week. WMBD
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools Board approved nearly $1.85 million for a new literacy curriculum that will replace materials expiring in June. Forty-three teachers piloted programs and selected K-12 Curriculum Associates’ Magnetic Literacy for K-4, while fifth grade will use HMH Into Reading with funding combining Title I and district funds. WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi M. Hoos is set to swear in Feta — the office’s second facility dog — at 2:00 p.m. on April 29 in courtroom 210, and Feta will help comfort children at the Children’s Advocacy Center in West Peoria. Peoria County
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kim Barth led the Panthers to a 35-2 record and their first state title last month but has stepped down as head coach, leaving the team to find her replacement — she tallied a 247-63 record with six regional wins over 10 seasons. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Jackson Ahrens, an East Peoria senior, committed to play NCAA Division‐I baseball at Northern Illinois University next season after decommitting from Kirkwood College. He hit for the cycle in back‐to‐back games — showing his strong performance this season. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Journal Star invites local residents to vote for the high school girls athlete of the week for April 20-25, with standout nominees from Peoria Christian, Pekin and East Peoria. The online poll closes at noon Friday and lets locals pick their favorite performer. Pekin Daily Times
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into the art of pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing experience perfect for all skill levels.
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1st Friday May Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.
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5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer
8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.
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Rage With Clay
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.
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Fused Glass Cross Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.
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Flower Clay Hand Building Class for Mother's Day
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fee applies — Create everlasting clay flowers as a heartfelt gift for Mom this Mother's Day weekend.
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Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 class fee — Celebrate Mom by crafting a unique flower-shaped vase in this hands-on clay class.
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Taylor Swift Tribute Experience
7:30 PM — ICC CougarPlex — Check local listings for entry details — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift through captivating performances and great music.
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Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique flower-shaped vase in a fun, hands-on class with no experience necessary.
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Silly Goose Canvas Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Paint a charming springtime goose in this fun, beginner-friendly class.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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