Good morning, Peoria.

Veterans returning from Washington, D.C. on the first Greater Peoria Honor Flight of 2026 received warm cheers at Peoria International Airport as families and volunteers waved flags and held signs (ensuring each veteran traveled with a guardian).

The Tri-County Urban League is keeping key programs like job training, GED help, childcare and healthcare active across central Illinois despite federal funding cuts; it will host its 25th Annual Black and White Gala this Saturday + leaders stress that community support is essential for sustaining these services.

Illinois farmers filled 4,488 agricultural jobs using the H-2A visa program last year as domestic labor dwindled, and a new DHS rule streamlined the application process effective Oct.

2, 2025. Local farm owners now report better productivity + greater workforce stability.

Peoria readers voted for the best child care centers in the 2025 Community’s Choice Awards, with You 'N Me Preschool at 809 Detweiller Drive taking the top spot.

Cadence Academy Preschool and Northminster Learning Center were also named finalists.

Peoria officials cut the ribbon on Churchview Garden Homes — a new affordable housing project on the south side with 47 units offering in-unit laundry and energy-efficient appliances — and said 400 people have joined the waitlist.

Mayor Rita Ali announced an event on April 22 to discuss future housing plans.

Live at The Five Spot: Featuring Tambora

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Peoria RiverFront Market — Free entry — Experience an evening of vibrant music with Tambora at the Contemporary Art Center.

Stained Glass Foundations Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Create your own stained glass masterpiece in this fun, hands-on beginner workshop.

Paint with Baby Goats!

3-5 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 for seat reservation — Create pottery while interacting with adorable baby goats in a fun studio atmosphere.

Story Time Jamboree

10:00 – 10:45 AM — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of childhood with stories, songs, and silliness.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Learn the art of pottery from wheel throwing to glazing over six weeks.

Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Bradley Braves Baseball

1-2 p.m. — Dozer Park — Ticket pricing on UNATION — Feel the thrill of college baseball as the Salukis take on the Braves.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue Ridge Falls

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist and create a serene mountain scene with expert guidance.

Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Clay Den — Registration fee applies — Create a whimsical mushroom fairy house in this enchanting clay hand-building class.

Morning Grace Canvas Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Capture the beauty of dawn with step-by-step painting instruction in a friendly environment.

Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Materials included — Create your own shimmering glass ocean wave piece in a fun, guided workshop.

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.