Daily
Peoria
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Park District is hosting PNC’s Worldwide Day of Play at Glen Oak Park today. Families can see Sesame Street characters, enjoy inflatables, face painting and live entertainment as well as vendor resources and reduced admission at local attractions (zoo and PlayHouse Children's Museum). WMBD
- ➤ Last Friday, deputies joined Hickory Grove Elementary students + parents for a bike bus in Dunlap to kick off a fun school day as the community came together during the school year’s close. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fairways at GLC now serves Southern-inspired dishes (pimento smash burger, pork belly burnt ends and chef’s famous pecan pie) at the Golf Learning Center on 7815 N. Radnor Rd. in Peoria, operating Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Toytopia opens today at the Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring a 5,000 sqft exhibit with a life-size dollhouse, playable arcade cabinets + vintage toys that show how play shapes who we become, and runs through Sept. 7 as part of the America 250 series. WCBU
- ➤ Robert Ketchens presents his vibrant social realist exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center in Gallery 3R, on view through June 20. A reception + talk is scheduled on May 16 as part of the CAC Juneteenth Celebration. WCBU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Major employers such as Caterpillar, Carle Health, OSF Healthcare, Ameren, Advanced Technology Services and Farnsworth Group are offering high-paying positions with salaries ranging from hourly wages to over $220,000; The Journal Star will spotlight additional job openings soon. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council released a 20-page Big Table report on Thursday to outline steps for a five-year economic plan; the report includes public input from meetings held in several local communities and covers workforce, livability + entrepreneurial growth. WCBU
- ➤ Peoria County homeowners received 2026 tax rates showing a 6% rise, the fourth consecutive increase reflecting low supply and high demand for homes. Treasurer Branden Martin said payments are due June 9 and Sept. 9 + homeowners can challenge assessments at the Board of Review. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Canvas app used by local colleges was hacked on Thursday (3:30–9:30 p.m.) causing classroom disruptions; Bradley University maintained regular updates with students, faculty, and staff during the outage, and the service has since been restored while Illinois Central College's response remains pending. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Washington City Council approved a low bid of about $270,000 to replace a 700-foot water main on Bondurant Street near Washington Community High School this summer. Peoria-based PIPCO won the project over five competitors (an estimated cost originally nearly $400,000). WCBU
- ➤ A massive downtown conversion project nears completion as Jefferson Avenue turns two-way from Walnut to Fayette, linking the Civic Center with New Hope Apartments; work should finish by next Tuesday if weather permits, following Adams Street’s recent conversion with the overall project wrapping up by summer. 25 News Now
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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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Live Music: Robin Crowe at Five Spot
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $8-members, $12-nonmembers — Enjoy heartfelt roots-infused music from Robin Crowe and her band.
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Peoria City Home Opener against Des Moines Menace
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Shea Stadium — Enjoy thrilling soccer action as Peoria City faces off against perennial league power Des Moines Menace in their home opener.
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Ice Cream Social & Bowl Painting
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Create memories by painting your own ceramic bowl while enjoying delicious local ice cream.
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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
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
~ Salvador Dali
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