Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria was ranked among the nation’s top 100 livable cities by Livability.com on April 14 — earning an 80th spot for its diverse job market, scenic river views and affordable living while joining five other Illinois cities.

Peoria’s Market 309 is expanding into a full grocery store in Trewyn Park on the south side this summer — about $200,000 in state funding will pay for renovations to improve accessibility and offer affordable produce, milk, eggs and juice to 80–90 local families.

City leaders + community members gathered near Peoria Stadium Tuesday to unveil Liv Warfield Way, a street named in honor of local singer Liv Warfield known for her music awards and community roots.

She will perform with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra on April 17th at the Civic Center.

Sixty Caterpillar volunteers logged 1,300 hours at Midwest Food Bank in Peoria during National Volunteer Month, helping move hundreds of pounds of food.

The Caterpillar Foundation donated funds (at $100 for every 10 hours volunteered) and matched gifts to support local nonprofits.

Residents in Peoria can catch the Lyrids meteor shower continuing until April 30 — its peak from April 21-22 may produce up to 20 meteors per hour.

Viewers should find dark, open spots for best viewing as clouds and showers are forecast during the peak night.

Trustees of the Northern Tazewell Fire Protection District met Monday night to discuss transferring calls after May 1.

With membership falling to eight from 40 and rising costs and aging equipment, officials say response times should not drop — they plan to shift assets to nearby Washington and East Peoria.

The Peoria Fire Department is offering free smoke alarm installations year-round with online requests scheduled within a month to bring working alarms to every home level — chief Nathaniel Rice said crews target East Bluff and the South Side; over 1,000 alarms have been installed so far.

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.

Busy Little Garden Canvas Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Bring a cheerful garden to life with bright blooms and fuzzy little bees in this beginner-friendly canvas class.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into the art of pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing experience perfect for all skill levels.

1st Friday May Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.

5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer

8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.

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.