Daily
Peoria
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A street in West Bluff was named after Dr. McCall on Friday to honor his work as one of Peoria’s first African American dentists who mentored many children; his relatives (including his wife Geraldine and sons Christopher and Steven) joined city leaders at the ceremony. 25 News Now
- ➤ A donation celebrating the 100-year milestones of South Side Mission and EcoWater Systems installed water softening equipment and two reverse osmosis units at the mission on Laramie Street earlier this week — upgrading water quality for daily kitchen use and youth programs. Officials said the added systems will help reduce repair costs and ensure safer water for meals and drinks. WCBU
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Peoria police arrested a 15-year-old boy on Friday after four shots were fired near Manual High School that led to a temporary lockdown and property damage—he now faces multiple charges while a 15-year-old girl was grazed by a bullet in a separate incident earlier this week. WMBD
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois native Sharon Sachs stars as Madame Morrible in Wicked at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center as performances continue, and tickets for matinee and evening shows are available through August 31 + her long Broadway career adds extra local appeal. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria’s Irish Festival is underway at the Riverfront with four stages of entertainment, five pubs, and more than 20 bands performing live. The event began Friday at 4 p.m., runs today from noon until 10:30 p.m. — it will continue Sunday from 9 to 5. WMBD
- ➤ Wicked’s Glinda is now performing at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria until August 31. Actress Zoe Jensen shared behind-the-scenes details about her role and her pre-show rituals — such as playing music and using an oil diffuser — that bring magic and friendship to the local audience. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of new and returning Bradley University students are moving in today for a new school year while heavy traffic is expected around the campus. Bradley Police have deployed over 20 officers and added a traffic lane on University—parking is restricted on several streets until set times and 450 volunteers are ready to help students unload. WMBD
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that expands legal protections for news media reporting from SLAPP lawsuits while legal cases are paused for review—this measure shields Illinois journalists and reinforces free speech. WMBD
- ➤ SB2285, signed on August 1st, now expands the definition of a bicycle to include electric bikes with top speeds below 30 mph—this law went into effect immediately to provide clearer safety and insurance guidelines. WMBD
-
Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.
-
South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs
6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.
-
6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with hands-on pottery techniques in this engaging course for all skill levels.
-
Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival
Aug 29-30 — Peoria Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Celebrate blues music with notable artists like Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster at this 35-year tradition.
-
Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue River
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques and create a serene masterpiece while enjoying a calming atmosphere.
-
Teacup and Saucer Hand Building Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your whimsical teacup and saucer with step-by-step guidance at this enchanting clay workshop.
-
Tic-Tac-Toe Ceramic Art Class
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash creativity in a fun hand-building class to design your own tic-tac-toe board and pieces.
-
Mom and Me Very Hungry Caterpillar Workshop
10:00 – 11:30 AM — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Engage in a delightful storytime and art project inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
-
Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create your own unique ceramic pumpkin with various textures just in time for fall.
-
Pie Pan Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 — Create a unique ceramic pie pan and choose your glaze before it’s fired for your next gathering.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Peoria
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Peoria and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Peoria
A free Peoria community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailypeoria.com/sitemap