Daily
Peoria
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Police reported that a suspect robbed a Peoria garbage truck driver at gunpoint just before 6 a.m. Tuesday near S. Western and W. Lincoln Avenues — the driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital while officers continue to search for leads. WMBD
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria Symphony Orchestra will present its 127th season finale, Star Crossed Letters, on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center Prairie Home Alliance Theater. The program—featuring pianist Derek Wang performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2—is set to bring the emotional story of Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms to life as discussed by Maestro George Stelluto. WCBU
- ➤ Peoria will host several events this weekend, with Tenth Avenue North performing at TempleLive Peoria at 7 p.m. Friday, the More Than Pink Walk starting at 6:30 a.m. and Worldwide Day of Play running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nate Bargatze will perform comedy on Saturday at the Peoria Civic Center Arena (tickets start at $39.75) while some events offer free admission (kid’s activities are included at the fine art fair). Pekin Daily Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tom Neeley ended his 36-year service on the Morton School Board with his final meeting Tuesday after not running for re-election on April 1; board members praised his work and gifted him a crystal gavel. New members Wes Ohnesorge and Krystiana Purdy were sworn in Tuesday, and the board approved key updates including hiring new principals, pay increases, and plans for naming the Potterdome gym court (the district also set an agreement to fund a school resource officer at Morton High School). WCBU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ East Peoria’s streets superintendent Ric Semonski retired after 31 years as the city council unanimously approved his separation agreement awarding compensation for 783.88 hours—while also authorizing bids for a new splash pad and refurbishment of bells near Levee Park. Peoria Journal Star
- ➤ Former Councilman Chuck Grayeb ended nearly 25 years of service at Tuesday night’s final City Council meeting as he chose not to seek reelection and ran for mayor, finishing third in the primary. His colleagues praised his work—Grayeb emphasized his commitment to building the city’s economy and maintaining vibrant neighborhoods while offering advice to his successor, Alex Carmona. WMBD
- ➤ East Peoria city council approved new steps on May 7 to develop a section of the Levee District near Costco for more sidewalk dining and entertainment opportunities — the ordinance places new restrictions on business types and land uses, including a ban on auto-related and tobacco shops. City staff said the Center Street Crossing area will support additional local development projects. WCBU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria-area high school baseball teams will compete in the IHSA state tournament beginning May 19—Class 1A and 2A pairings were released on May 7 and pairings for Class 3A and 4A will be announced on May 14. Pekin Daily Times
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Blossom Teacup Hand Building Class
4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a unique floral-inspired mug for Mother's Day weekend.
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Family Hand Print Bowl Event
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Create a meaningful keepsake using your family's handprints in clay.
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Organic Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class
12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Craft a unique flower vase while enjoying quality time with loved ones this Mother's Day weekend.
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Summer Slices Ceramic Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 deposit plus additional cost based on item — Create your own watercolor style ceramic piece with guided techniques.
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Peoria Symphony Orchestra Grand Finale
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical love story of Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms.
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Flower Bowl Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Craft a beautiful flower-shaped bowl in a fun and creative clay class.
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Hug a Highland Cow Event
10:30 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per person — Experience the joy of hugging Highland Cows while enjoying tasty treats and pottery painting.
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Little Feat Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Prairie Home Alliance Theater — $88-$157 — Enjoy an evening of classic rock at the highly anticipated Little Feat concert.
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Tony Jackson Concert
7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Free for veterans — Experience a night of traditional country music with Tony Jackson's captivating vocal style.
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Clay Coaster Set and Holder Workshop
4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Fun experience for crafting clay coasters — Create a personalized set of coasters and holder in a hands-on class.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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