Daily
Peoria
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 20, Caterpillar hosted over 550 interns at its Edwards facility and CEO Joe Creed advised them to ask questions and improve work processes amid growth and AI advances; about 350 interns will work in the Peoria area this summer. Pekin Daily Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ East Peoria leaders voted Tuesday to ban smoking and vaping at Levee Park adjacent to City Hall to keep it family-friendly. The park, opened in September after a decade of planning, will host the new East Peoria Farmer’s Market starting Friday, June 5 from 4-7 p.m. WCBU
- ➤ Many Illinois services, including banks (closed on Memorial Day), post offices, and schools will be closed on May 25 as the holiday is observed nationwide; residents are advised to adjust their plans to run errands ahead of the closures. Peoria Journal Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Experts warn that grill fires are more likely around Memorial Day weekend, advising local residents to check gas tanks for leaks, remove grease, and position grills away from buildings for safe backyard grilling & celebrations. Pekin Daily Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tom Hammerton, a lifelong Peorian and retired OSF HealthCare chief development officer, was named general manager for Bradley University's men's and women's basketball programs on May 20. He will focus on boosting revenue, athlete opportunities, and competitiveness for Bradley. WCBU
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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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Gnome Clay Hand Building Class
4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials and guidance — Bring your imagination to craft your unique gnome from clay.
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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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