Daily
Peoria
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sixth graders at St. Philomena Catholic School organized a hunger awareness event on Wednesday night to highlight food insecurity in Peoria as guests were divided into groups and served different meals followed by student-led discussions. 25 News Now
- ➤ Farmers markets across the area will soon offer fresh produce, flowers, and crafts at varied times and locations, including Canton Main Street starting May 30 and the Metro Centre market running from today + through October. Other markets in Elmwood, Metamora, and East Peoria offer different hours for community shopping. Pekin Daily Times
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria firefighters rescued seven pets from a house fire on the 3900 block of N. Dayton Avenue Thursday night — containing the blaze in 15 minutes after residents evacuated safely — while an arson investigator examines the cause. WMBD
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Portillo's unveiled its limited-time Hot & Saucy Italian Beef Sandwich on May 1 in Peoria. The sandwich — made with house-made beef, Giardiniera Peppers and a new sauce on fresh Turano French bread — was available at select prices with a $5 perk for members until May 31. Pekin Daily Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, May 1st, high school seniors from a Caterpillar training program signed contracts with the company — 16 out of 24 students were chosen, and most will begin full-time manufacturing roles while some start college internships. 25 News Now
- ➤ Students from 15 area schools will be honored at the Rotary Club’s Sterling Merit Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 5 at the Peoria Civic Center, where more than 600 students, families and teachers will gather to celebrate outstanding academic achievements. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria City Council will seal the Centennial Time Capsule next Tuesday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall — the capsule, which includes artifacts linking the city's past with its future, will open in 2126. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors held a Friday event at the department's commercial kitchen to show how to safely prepare viral spicy bowls. Community members also learned the steps needed to start a food business legally. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jaeleigh Decker of the Pekin softball team was named Journal Star high school girls athlete of the week for April 20 to 25 after her 11th-inning homer led to a 3 to 2 win over East Peoria on April 20 (the award was presented by CEFCU). Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The Peoria Rivermen won Game One of the President’s Cup Thursday night at Carver Arena as rookie Tyler Ryder scored in overtime, supported by Mike Gelatt and goaltender Nick Latinovich's 19 saves — they will play Game Two Friday night at 7:15 p.m. at the same venue. WMBD
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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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EAA Flying Start Event
8:30-10:30 a.m. — Mount Hawley Aviation, LLC — Free entry — Discover how to get your pilot's license and take to the skies with a flight.
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Flower Pot Clay Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Create a custom flower pot and saucer in this fun, beginner-friendly hand-building class.
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Ladies Night: Gal Pals and Glazes
6 PM–12 AM — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Unwind with friends while painting pottery and enjoying good vibes and drinks.
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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.
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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