Daily
Peoria
Friday, May 23rd, 2025
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Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police will increase patrols throughout Memorial Day weekend to catch those driving distracted, speeding, under the influence or without a proper seat belt as part of the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign—authorities hope this effort helps prevent a repeat of the 19 road deaths recorded last holiday weekend. WMBD
- ➤ A 21-year-old man, Memphis Rue, charged with first degree murder in the April 24th double homicide of Dawson Reese and Chase Rhodes in South Pekin pleaded not guilty on Thursday — his mental fitness evaluation is pending and his next court date is set for July 28th. WMBD
- ➤ One person was injured after a shooting near the former Quest Charter Academy Middle School on Thursday—police reported 17 shots were fired in the Gift and Bootz area and an 18-year-old male was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. WMBD
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bradley University named Dr. Jeffrey Wanko as the new dean for its College of Education of Health Sciences. He will begin his role on July 15th and served as Associate Provost at Miami University in Ohio — replacing interim dean Dr. Kathy Shapley. WMBD
- ➤ A Peoria non-profit runs the Elite Game Changer Safe School at the Peoria Dream Center where middle schoolers from 12 Peoria Public Schools meet mentors to improve their grades, attendance, and behavior. The program started in 2006 and has raised GPAs from 1.0 to 2.5 or higher and boosted attendance from 40% to 94%—proving it gives at-risk students a chance at a brighter future. WMBD
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria County and the City of Peoria launched the new Recycle Coach app today to give residents recycling tips and collection schedules — officials say the app will simplify local waste management. Peoria County
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Peoria County Courthouse renovations will begin next week to upgrade paving, lighting, irrigation and landscaping with $6.76 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Some parking meters and sidewalks will be closed, and fencing and dumpsters will be installed—making memorials inaccessible while the courthouse entrance stays open. Peoria Journal Star
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria-area girls track athletes advanced to the state finals with Class 1A prelims on Thursday at 11 a.m. and Class 2A/3A prelims on Friday at 8 a.m.—the finals will be held on Saturday at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ IBCA rosters for the 2025 high school all-star basketball games were announced on Thursday, and the games will be held on Saturday, June 7 at Pontiac High School. The contests will start with the 1A/2A girls at 11 a.m. + 1A/2A boys at 1 p.m., followed by 3A/4A games for girls at 3 p.m. and for boys at 5 p.m. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Peoria-area boys track athletes qualified for the IHSA state finals, which will be held starting May 29 at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Stadium in Charleston—these qualifiers earned their spots during Wednesday's sectionals with more results coming from Thursday and Friday contests. Pekin Daily Times
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Mini Mushroom Fairy House Clay Class
12-1:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Create your own whimsical mini mushroom fairy house in this fun, all-ages clay hand-building workshop.
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Bubble Bowl Clay Hand Building Class
12-1:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost not specified — Create a unique bubble bowl in a fun, beginner-friendly clay class for all ages.
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Last Light Acrylic on Canvas
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Unleash your creativity by painting a succulent masterpiece with friends and step-by-step guidance.
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Fused Glass Mushrooms Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee required — Learn to craft whimsical fused glass mushroom lights in this hands-on creative workshop.
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Beautiful Bonsai Acrylic Painting Class
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while painting a stunning bonsai to take home.
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Stretch and Sculpt: Yoga and Planter Workshop
11:00 AM – 1:15 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a fusion of yoga and hand-building clay planters for a creative and relaxing experience.
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Golf in the Pathway Ministries Golf Outing
8 AM – 5 PM — Metamora Fields Golf Club — Tee times available — Enjoy a day filled with great golf amid scenic views.
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Teen Pottery Summer Camp
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — No experience needed — Explore pottery with hand-building and wheel throwing techniques during this creative summer camp for teens.
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Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Peoria Chiefs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Check out an exciting Minor League Baseball game featuring local teams in action.
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Teen Pottery Summer Camp
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost info not provided — Explore the world of clay with hand-building and wheel throwing activities for teens.
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Welcome to the Daily Peoria, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Peoria, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Peoria, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Peoria.
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