🌱 A New Robotics Hub + A Civic Center Record

Hello all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Milder; breezy in the p.m.. High: 61 Low: 53.
• Friday: A severe afternoon t-storm. High: 66 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Peoria today:

1. Peoria local Heavn Kruzan, 22, was recently indicted in the stabbing death of her boyfriend on Mar. 8. Kruzan was charged with a single count of first-degree murder in the death of 34-year-old Lamario Billups, and she faces at least 20 years in prison with a maximum sentence of 60 years. (Peoria Journal Star)
2. Pringle Robotics is building a new hub on Route 150 in Peoria County. The 47-acre property will host the company's corporate offices and be the central point for assembly. Pringle Robotics, which has around 9,000 robots around the world, hopes the area can attract more innovative firms to create a tech park. (Peoria Public Radio)
3. Bert Kreischer broke Civic Center's record for the highest-grossing comedy show held at the center. The sold-out show of Kreischer's "Tops Off World Tour" brought in more than 16,000 attendees last Saturday. This was Kreischer's second time performing at the arena. (CIProud.com)

Today and tomorrow in Peoria:

Thursday, March 30

• Tot Time: Spring At The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum (10:00 AM)
• Wind In The Willows At Corn Stock Theatre Center (7:30 PM)

Friday, March 31

• Open Art: Explore Ephemeral Art! At The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• A recent study by BeenVerified found Illinois was the No. 3 hotspot for catalytic converter thefts in 2022. Visit the link for more statistics on catalytic converter thefts in the Prairie State and across the United States. (BeenVerified)
• Get ready for MLB Opening Day with a local prospect making the big leagues. Jordan Walker officially made the St. Louis Cardinals opening day roster after previously playing for the Peoria Cardinals. The outfielder is the No. 1 prospect in the Cardinals farm system. (Peoria Chiefs via Instagram)
• Get in the Easter spirit with an event the whole family can enjoy. The Illinois Railway Museum is hosting the Bunny Trolley Hop this weekend. Visitors can partake in an egg hunt, see some zoo animals, and meet the Easter Bunny. (Illinois Railway Museum via Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll catch up with you soon with another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.