Good morning, Peoria.

PeoriaCorps will hold the graduation ceremony for its 11th cohort on Friday, May 2 at 1 p.m.—the public is invited to attend the event at Twin Towers Mall, Room 420 at 456 Fulton St where five AmeriCorps members who completed OSHA 10, CPR First Aid, and forklift safety training will be honored.

Peoria Fire responded Friday morning to a fire above Panaderia Ortiz Bakery and Pizza on Monroe that was controlled in 15 minutes as residents were safely evacuated while the apartment suffered fire and smoke damage and investigators began looking into the cause, with damages estimated at $100,000+.

Peoria Police responded to a home invasion on April 25th at about 3:25 a.m. at a home on the 5300 block of N.

Woodview Avenue where two adult men provided details upon arrival.

Tazewell County prosecutors charged 21-year-old Memphis Rue with two counts of First Degree Murder after an early Thursday shooting in South Pekin left Dawson Reese and Chase Rhodes dead—an autopsy confirmed both died from gunshot wounds and a petition was filed to detain Rue until trial.

Peoria Civic Center had its best financial month in its 43-year history in March when it hosted 162,000 guests at concerts, hockey games and Broadway shows.

It has welcomed over 400,000 guests this year and will host big events in April and May—such as a Bob Dillon show and Brooks and Dunn performance—adding to its record-breaking streak.

High school students from across Illinois are showing their skills in more than 140 trades at the Peoria Civic Center during the SkillsUSA Championships, competing in areas like welding, cosmetology, design, and firefighting.

Nearly 2,000 students from 80 high schools are taking part in the competition — employers are scouting for new talent as the event runs through today.

During a visit at the Midwest Food Bank, Congressman Eric Sorensen said he worked with Dick Durbin and called him a great leader who talked with people from all over the state.

He added that he values his teamwork with Darin LaHood and hopes to keep him in the House—amid rumors that LaHood might run for Senate after Durbin said he would not run again.

State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria introduced Senate Bill 1607 to create an Illinois Freedom Trail Commission that will continue research into the Underground Railroad—building on work from a task force that mapped local contributions.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously on April 9— and supporters expect county leaders and Governor Pritzker to take further steps soon.

Mother’s Day Kids' Workshop

12-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Pre-registration required — Let kids unleash their creativity with art projects for mom and grandma in a kids-only joyous setting.

Pick Your Project Open Studio Time

11 AM – 4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity with pottery, glass, and canvas projects in a friendly DIY space.

Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Create a shimmering glass ocean wave piece in this engaging workshop.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with a hands-on pottery class perfect for beginners and skilled potters alike.

Training Officer Bootcamp

1-3 p.m. — Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino — No cost — Enhance your training skills and network at this comprehensive bootcamp for training officers.

Free Comic Book Day Workshop

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Create your own six panel comic with Do Art Productions!

Philharmonic 100 Year Celebration

2:30-5 p.m. — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a century of song and tradition with the Philharmonic Chorale.

Planter Clay Hand Building Class

4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized clay planter while learning hand-building techniques and enjoy a complimentary plant.

Blossom Teacup Hand Building Class

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a unique floral-inspired mug for Mother's Day weekend.

Family Hand Print Bowl Event

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Create a meaningful keepsake using your family's handprints in clay.