Good morning, Peoria.

Two Dollar General stores at 3419 N.

Prospect Road and 1100 Spring Bay Road in East Peoria are closed for remodeling and will reopen within the next week — expanding freezer sections and updating their layout for customers.

Bradley University unveiled a new mural, A Place To Imagine by Olivia Malone, at the campus entryway while ArtsPartners announced plans for an America 250 mural at Main and Sheridan — local artist proposals are due May 10 before a public unveiling later this summer or early fall.

The Wheels O’ Time Museum opens its 2026 season on May 1 with antique car rides, food trucks, and hands-on exhibits, followed by an event with Ray LaHood on May 2.

Free student field trips and National Train Day on May 9 round out the month’s interactive learning (innovative).

A 41-year-old East Peoria detective died of a heart attack at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center on Wednesday around 5:42 p.m. — he collapsed at home Saturday morning and his wife performed CPR until first responders arrived.

Resilience Healthcare closed its West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park and laid off 670 workers after a failed billing system sharply reduced revenue.

The company is asking Illinois for financial help as it works to fix the issues and plans to reopen the safety-net hospital later this year.

Detective Robert Vester, 41, died on Wednesday at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center after suffering a heart attack at his home Saturday morning; his wife gave CPR until first responders arrived and officers later gathered at the hospital.

Rising temperatures in Peoria signal the start of mosquito season now and will continue through September; health officials advise residents to use insect repellent + secure window screens to help reduce bites and lower disease risk.

Peoria offered free land for housing development at an event on Wednesday where developers heard from Bloomberg Harvard Fellow Jacob Xaiver.

Mayor Rita Ali said proposals for rental or single-family homes can be submitted for plots in East Bluff, South Peoria, or North Valley.

The Peoria Rivermen face elimination after a Game 3 loss to Knoxville's Ice Bears in the SPHL President's Cup playoffs & must win Friday night's Game Four in Knoxville to force a winner-take-all Game Five in Peoria on Sunday.

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.

Rage With Clay

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.

Fused Glass Cross Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.

Flower Clay Hand Building Class for Mother's Day

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fee applies — Create everlasting clay flowers as a heartfelt gift for Mom this Mother's Day weekend.

Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 class fee — Celebrate Mom by crafting a unique flower-shaped vase in this hands-on clay class.

Taylor Swift Tribute Experience

7:30 PM — ICC CougarPlex — Check local listings for entry details — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift through captivating performances and great music.

Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique flower-shaped vase in a fun, hands-on class with no experience necessary.

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.