Daily
Peoria
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dutch Bros opens its first Chicago suburbs cafe today at 1931 N. Mannheim Road in Melrose Park with free keychains for any drink purchase, operating 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Future Illinois sites include Rockford, New Lenox, Buffalo Grove, Oak Park and a Peoria project. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Dutch Bros opens its first Chicago suburbs cafe in Melrose Park today at 1931 N. Mannheim Road (with free keychains with drink purchases) and plans additional Illinois locations in Rockford, New Lenox, Buffalo Grove, plus a Peoria site under construction set to open in fall. Peoria Journal Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Owner Dan Conlin of the Jukebox Comedy Club closed the venue during COVID and applied for a $112,000 grant but received nothing after submitting all his documents. The club—despite a roof collapse and shaky finances—now serves ice cream shakes and draws loyal crowds from nearby areas. WCBU
- ➤ Brass Eagle, a new downtown tattoo parlor that opened a month ago, is operated by former Freedom Ink artists continuing Tim Beck’s legacy. Business is solid and Freedom Ink’s closing celebration — raising funds for Beck’s family with guest Oliver Peck — is set for May 15–17. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Public Schools increased student attendance by partnering with Cartwheel to expand mental health services (resulting in a 62% drop in absences) and will continue these efforts through the summer. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria Police Department held its annual memorial service on Wednesday at City Hall to honor 15 fallen officers, featuring a speech by Chief Eric Echevarria, the reading of names, and wreath laying. He will retire Friday following the solemn ceremony. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A St. Jude Midwest Leadership Board member said that even though the OSF HealthCare affiliation will end on June 30, every child will continue to receive treatment at no cost for three years. Planned fundraising events (including run, ride and drive) remain unchanged. WCBU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Curley 'Boo' Johnson's annual basketball camp in Washington runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7 and features 98 high school players serving as coaches for boys sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. + girls sessions from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; registration remains open at $200 per camper. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria-area IHSA girls track athletes earned state finals spots on May 13 at six sectionals, with top finishers and qualifiers set to compete at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Stadium in Charleston from May 21-23 (two Class 1A meets are scheduled for May 14). Pekin Daily Times
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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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Juicer Clay Hand Building Class
4:00–5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Creative clay crafting — Squeeze creativity into your kitchen with a hands-on clay juicer class.
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Kids’ Night Out: Mario Madness
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check the website for costs — Drop off the kids for a night of Mario movie fun and a creative paint party.
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Halloween in May Clay Hand-Building Party
5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Celebrate Halloween early by sculpting your own spooky creation in this fun clay party.
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
~ Carl Jung
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