Good morning, Peoria.

A fire at a West Peoria home was reported at 11:30 a.m. near West Laura and North Cedar and firefighters put it out in about 20 minutes after heavy black smoke was seen coming from the basement as the person inside escaped—investigators are looking into the cause.

Chanel Hargrave-Murray, co-founder and organizer of Peoria Fashion Week, spoke with Dr. Mae Gilliland on Out and About to outline the event, which is scheduled for April 3—5 at the Four Points Sheraton in Downtown Peoria—highlighting the Ambrosia Nocturne Gala with a special performance by harpist Kari Novilla and opportunities for emerging designers and local youth.

Peoria County announced an extension of its Digital Equity Pilot program that gives low-income households free broadband service for one year—registration for the second group begins April 1 and service is expected to start by June 1 as the grant extends funding until July 2026.

The Peoria City Council approved donating a 20-year-old fire engine scheduled for retirement this spring to U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine—an effort led by a 10-year-old and her father.

Two council members opposed the move, citing worries about its political impact.

Peoria County’s second landfill is almost full and will stop taking free load and cash customers on April 19—residents with regular trash pickup service will not be affected.

An official said that those dropping off construction debris or large items must now use the sites at Indian Creek in Hopedale or Wigand Station in Chillicothe while plans for a new transfer station are underway.

Peoria’s City Council approved a nearly $205,000 grant from Heart of Illinois United Way for nonprofit LULA Peoria to keep the unhoused in hotels until the end of June — the grant comes with conditions that prevent its use for new hotel stays.

The council also allocated $70,000 in public funds to house 84 disabled people at New Hope Apartments as officials work to plan long-term solutions.

On Tuesday, Peoria’s City Council approved a $205K grant for LULA Peoria to cover food and housing for current residents—while the non-profit faces challenges when the funding, which comes with a no-new-residents condition, runs out in June.

Illinois Tollway warns residents about phishing texts that claim unpaid tolls and request payment; the agency said it never texts for account information.

It advised users to check their toll accounts on the official website — and to forward suspicious messages to [email protected] without clicking on links or attachments.

Yesterday at a Kiwanis meeting in Peoria, incumbent mayor Rita Ali and councilman John Kelly debated for 45 minutes as they made their final pitch before the April 1st election — Ali pointed to city improvements and programs for the homeless while Kelly called for spending cuts and free downtown parking.

Easter falls on Sunday, April 20 and many major stores in Peoria including Walmart, Home Depot, and Trader Joe’s will be open although hours may vary.

Lent ends on April 17 or April 19 depending on faith practices — the season includes prayer, fasting, and acts of service.

Bunny Gnome Clay Hand-Building Workshop

Participants will learn to sculpt and design their own bunny-themed gnomes in this creative clay workshop.

ACOTAR Pottery Painting Night

6-8 p.m. | Art at the Bodega | $10 deposit for pottery | Unleash creativity while painting ceramics inspired by the ACOTAR universe.

Hand-Build Your Own Textured Clay Mug Fundraiser for St. Jude Runs

This hands-on workshop allows participants to design and build their own textured mugs from clay, guided by an instructor, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Pick Your Project Open Studio Time

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Snack and drink options available — Unleash your creativity in a welcoming DIY art studio with various fun projects.

Exhibition: Capturing Light with Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller

11 AM - 5 PM | Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois | Free entry | Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of a photographer and a glass artist inspired by architectural designs.

Exhibition - Capturing Light: Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller

11 AM - 5 PM | Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois | Free entry | Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of photographer Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.

Exhibition: Capturing Light with Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.

Beachy Gnome Clay Class

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a whimsical beach gnome while learning hand-building clay techniques in a fun workshop.

That Arena Rock Show

7-9:30 p.m. — TempleLive at the Peoria Scottish Rite — Check ticket pricing — Experience the ultimate tribute to classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.

Swiss-German Springfest

12-8 p.m. — Avanti’s Event Center — Free admission — Celebrate spring with German food, music, and entertainment featuring Eddie Korosa and more.