Daily
Peoria
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gov. JB Pritzker joined community leaders when the renovated Golf Learning Center on Radnor Road opened Tuesday. The $6.5 million project features interactive driving range areas + a full-service bar designed to boost regional tourism and create local jobs. WCBU
- ➤ U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-2027 Best Places to Live rankings Tuesday for 250 cities nationwide, with 22 Illinois cities making the list. Buffalo Grove ranked highest while Peoria also appeared among the state entries based on affordability and quality of life. Peoria Journal Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Red Robin in East Peoria, at 314 W. Washington St., will close on May 24. Opened in 2013 as the only central Illinois storefront, it leaves local diners with options that are over an hour and a half away. Pekin Daily Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat will retire from Peoria Public Schools on June 30th after 11 years leading the district. Dr. Jerry Bell will take over on July 1st as the community reflects on her efforts to boost graduation rates and address teacher shortages. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Peoria gym Anytime Fitness is offering the 'Stronger Than a Stroke' program that gives stroke survivors one-on-one coaching tailored to rebuilding strength and mobility — a program inspired by owner Doug Pinter's personal emergency on a golf course. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bradley Athletics announced Tom Hammerton as its new General Manager of Basketball—bringing 13 years of leadership experience from OSF HealthCare Foundation—to lead business operations including NIL opportunities, fundraising, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships. WMBD
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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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Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Camp
9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost TBA — Discover the art of pottery by sculpting fantastical beasts and magical vessels.
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Fun with Slime Workshop
1-2 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Get messy and create your own slime in this hands-on class for kids aged 5 to 14.
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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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