Daily
Peoria
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria’s Riverfront Market returns for its 23rd season today from 8 a.m. to noon on Water Street. The farmers and art market hosts 118 vendors (growing to 125) and runs every Saturday through Sept. 26 except the Fourth of July weekend when it moves to the Civic Center parking lot. WMBD
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The Peoria Civic Center was evacuated on Thursday after a construction crew struck a gas line (firefighters found gas in the basement) and utility crews shut off gas and electricity as safety precautions. Employees returned once the area was ventilated. 25 News Now
- ➤ Residents at an apartment complex faced a hazmat alert Friday morning after a man mixed chlorine and muriatic acid in a 20-gallon container that led to lung burns and hospitalization; firefighters and hazmat teams overpacked the area + are ventilating and will retest air quality. WMBD
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local veterans remind residents that Memorial Day is meant to honor fallen soldiers instead of being a day for cookouts. They urge reflection by inviting community members to a ceremony at Glendale Cemetery in Washington (10:30 a.m.) following the parade. 25 News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Greater Peoria have dropped slightly to $4.84 per gallon but remain above last year’s average ahead of Memorial Day weekend — with Peoria County at $4.94 and other counties near $4.98, analysts expect tight global oil supplies to push prices higher. WCBU
- ➤ Ameren Illinois announced a rate increase for summer pricing beginning June 1 (electricity will cost about 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from 8.769) as the company cites shortages during high demand. Consumer advocates expressed concern over rising bills. Pekin Daily Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new education consortium has been announced by local healthcare companies and institutions to fill healthcare jobs in central Illinois. The group, which includes Bradley University + Carle Health among others, plans to launch high school Healthcare Clubs and mobile classrooms to spark interest in medical careers. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police are promoting the Click It or Ticket campaign for Memorial Day weekend to encourage designated drivers and rideshares that help reduce road fatalities. Extra troopers will check for safety violations to keep Peoria drivers safe on holiday roads. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Peoria senior living facility, Sharon Health Care Elms (on N Rochelle), was fined $25,000 by the Illinois Department of Public Health after a resident choked and died on October 15, with the violation stemming from inadequate supervision and dietary management. 25 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Peoria City Soccer returns home Saturday night after a 3-1 win over FC Ambush in St. Louis (the season opener) and will host Des Moines Menace at Shea Stadium. Coach Mike Paye and local players are aiming for a strong playoff run with a mix of homegrown and international talent. WMBD
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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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Fused Glass Cactus Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Studio credit policy applies — Create a unique fused glass cactus in this beginner-friendly workshop.
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Toast Plates and Toaster Clay Hand Building Class
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create adorable toast-themed clay pieces in this fun workshop.
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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
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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