Daily
Peoria
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Early Thursday, dozens of Corvettes left Uftring including 38 from Peoria as they headed to Memphis for the 14th St. Jude Corvette Drive to raise funds for children’s research; organizers expect to exceed last year’s $548K effort. 25 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mackinaw Music International Wine and Craft Beer Festival will take place May 23 and 24 at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard—where visitors can enjoy live music, international wines, craft beers and local food amid rolling valley views. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics for a relaxed weekend. WCBU
- ➤ Peoria Municipal Band will kick off its 89th season with a free Memorial Day concert on May 25th at the Gateway Building, starting at 10:30 a.m. The summer series will include 24 free performances from May 31st at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheater through Aug. 9th. WMBD
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ DIGIM is launching its Week of Scholars initiative this June to award five scholarships ($500 to $750) to Peoria Public Schools seniors. Applicants (with a minimum GPA of 1.8) must apply today by midnight to be honored at the Juneteenth parade. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The East Peoria Police honored Officer Henry Kounse (the only officer to die in the line of duty) at a memorial ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the Festival Building and remembered Detective Bob Vester, who died last month, as Police Chief David Catton said the event guides younger officers. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria City Council established an interested parties registry for a proposed Main Street Tax Increment Financing District covering West Main from Monroe to University and will hold public hearings before council review later this year. Peoria Township electors voted 35—0 to recommend forming a committee to study a community senior center. WCBU
- ➤ Peoria County officials held the first town hall meeting on Monday in Peoria Heights to gather public feedback on the outdoor warning sirens — used for tornado or hazardous materials alerts — and they will host the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at West Peoria City Hall. WCBU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The IHSA has released postseason schedules and pairings for Peoria-area high school baseball teams. The tournament starts Monday, May 25 with games beginning at 4:30 p.m. across multiple regions (bracket scores will be updated on Saturday, May 30). Pekin Daily Times
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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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Mosaic Pollinator Watering Dish
1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost for the class not mentioned — Create a beautiful glass and pottery mosaic watering dish to attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
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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
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
~ Carl Jung
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