Good morning, Peoria.

Neighborhood House held its first Easter Food Pantry event this week to provide local families with a traditional meal including ham, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, butter, and biscuits — over 80 people joined within 30 minutes with a goal to serve 125 by noon.

The event was made possible with a grant from the Rotary Club of Peoria and strong volunteer support.

WTVP-TV got all its CPB funding back for 2024 and 2025 after a long embezzlement scandal hurt the station's budget.

CEO Jenn Gordon said the restored support eased a heavy load—930,000 for 2024 and about 685,000 for 2025—and now the station can focus on growing its programs.

Bob Dylan's April 9 show at the Peoria Civic Center’s Prairie Home Alliance Theater sold out all 2,200 seats and became the highest-grossing musical act there.

Officials said his performance broke the previous record set by Harry Connick, Jr. — marking a new milestone for the venue.

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council CEO Chris Setti said uncertainty will linger as trade policies shift and he returned from a Mexico trade mission to build key business connections.

He warned that local suppliers and manufacturers may face higher costs on consumer goods if tariffs keep changing.

On Thursday, the ICC Board of Trustees met to discuss closing WoodView Commons, which houses 249 students, and said they were not involved in the January decision made by the Educational Foundation Student Residence LLC.

The trustees questioned the lack of clear documentation on building disrepair— and they warned that poor communication could hurt students without vehicles and lower enrollment.

At a special session Thursday, the ICC Board of Trustees raised concerns about the decision to close WoodView Commons—home to 249 students—and criticized the Educational Foundation Student Residence LLC for not providing proper documentation on the facility’s condition.

Trustees said the move could hurt students, especially those without vehicles, and more discussion is set for the board meeting on April 24.

Peoria city council approved a three-year waste collection contract with Green for Life, International that starts July 1 and gives weekly trash pickup, recycling every other week, and landscape pickup for 36 weeks—residents will pay $16.25 per month in the first year with planned 60-cent increases. The deal also helps the city work on a new landfill agreement that may cut a $4.5 million deficit in the garbage fund.

City Manager Patrick Urich said tariffs may drive inflation that will raise costs for infrastructure projects — prompting Finance Director Kyle Cratty to monitor hotel and restaurant tax receipts for early signs of trouble.

Urich said the city will soon issue a refined RFP for the PNC Bank Building purchase and most council seats will remain unchanged — although a District 2 vacancy persists as one council member ran for mayor.

The Peoria Rivermen won Game 1 of their playoff series with a wild overtime win on Thursday when Jordan Ernst scored the winning goal at 4:48.

The team now leads the series 1—0 and will play Game 2 on Friday in Quad City.

Fused Glass Retro Squares Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Unleash your creativity in a hands-on glass fusing workshop for all skill levels.

Pick Your Project Open Studio

11 AM-4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with DIY projects like pottery and glass art in a welcoming studio atmosphere.

Open Studio Creative Time

11 AM – 4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity with pottery, glass, and canvas art at a DIY studio atmosphere.

Personalized Beer Stein Crafting Class

4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Not specified — Craft your own unique beer stein in this personalized hand-building class.

Crushed Glass Butterfly Resin Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $40 for each piece — Create a stunning crushed glass butterfly art piece while enjoying snacks and drinks.

Wheel Throwing Pottery Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $15 per additional piece — Experience a fun pottery class perfect for all skill levels and take home your creations.

Cedar Rapids Kernels vs. Peoria Chiefs

2:05 – 6:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling Minor League Baseball game between the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Peoria Chiefs.

Fused Glass Plant Stakes Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Sucre Sweets and Socials — Ticket includes drinks and treats — Create colorful glass plant stakes in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Matisse-Inspired Floral Acrylic Painting Class

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Prices vary — Create a stunning Matisse-inspired masterpiece on a wood canvas with guided artistic assistance.

Highland Cow Planter Workshop

4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own charming clay planter with expert guidance and take home a plant to bring it to life.