Good morning, Peoria.

Tri-County Urban League hosted its first golf classic on Monday at WeaverRidge Golf Club to raise funds for local youth programs and support a family-friendly carnival (organized with the Peoria Park District) after Juneteenth celebrations.

Peoria City Councilman Alex Carmona said a new Dutch Bros cafe will open at University Street and War Memorial Drive this fall.

The chain is expanding its Illinois presence as additional locations in New Lenox, Buffalo Grove, and Oak Park are planned for this summer.

Dutch Bros is launching a drive-thru at 7103 E.

State St. in Rockford this month and plans openings in New Lenox, Buffalo Grove, Oak Park + a fall site at University St. and War Memorial Drive in Peoria, adding to its six Illinois locations.

Three Revolutionary War vets will be honored with Patriot Plaza at Springdale Cemetery on Sunday, June 14th at 5 p.m. as part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration (Captain Zeally Moss, Private Levin Powell, and Private William Crow) and will feature speakers, music, and re-enactors (organized by local historic groups).

Peoria Journal Star reporter Dave Eminian won three first-place awards at the statewide journalism contest for his work in sports column + sports feature and obituary tribute.

The contest recognized quality reporting from 2025 work during the ceremony held on June 4 in East Peoria.

The Peoria NAACP will celebrate Juneteenth with its 3rd annual Ernestine Jackson Freedom Day Parade on Saturday, June 13 in downtown, with the event starting near the Peoria Civic Center parking lot at 1 p.m., featuring 70+ units led by City Council member Andre W.

Allen.

GasBuddy reported that Peoria gas prices dropped about 15 cents a gallon over the last week to $4.57 — a welcome dip though still over a dollar higher than last year — and experts warn that tight global supplies may cause prices to rise in the future.

ART Inc’s Save Our Sons is a six-week summer mentorship program in Peoria offering interactive Saturday sessions with leadership workshops — creative arts activities, team building and fitness programming — that empower boys and young men in grades 4 to 12; youth are encouraged to apply as space is limited.

Peoria County opened a new transfer station Monday that lets residents drop off one free load of residential trash and recyclables.

The center operates Monday-Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. and Saturday until 11:30 A.M. as it replaces the closed Landfill 2 until Landfill 3 opens.

Major General Dan McDonough retired after nearly 40 years with the Illinois Air National Guard and was honored in Peoria.

He is set to join the Greater Peoria Honor Flight organization as Director of Operations + will continue serving local veterans.

Former Peoria congressman Aaron Schock made headlines after a Politico report said he sought a gold mine deal in Venezuela to influence U.S. policy.

He returned from Valencia last month after a trip that renewed his focus on striking a softer approach.

The Peoria City Council will decide Tuesday night on a proposal to offer nearly $1 million in tax incentives to William Sullivan's project in the Warehouse District—if approved, this $5.5M redevelopment will add eight loft apartments, 12,275 sqft of retail space, and up to 45 jobs.

Live Concert: Redferrin

7-9:30 p.m. — Crusens Farmington Rd — $25-$50 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Redferrin and Shaylen at this lively music venue.

Under the Sea Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — No cost listed — Explore ocean magic through pottery with creative clay projects for kids aged 7 and up.

Live at the Five Spot: John Miller and the Romaniacs

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria — $8-members, $12-nonmembers — Experience the vibrant sounds of Gypsy jazz and enjoy a fun night of music with John Miller and the Romaniacs.

Stained Glass Foundations: Beginner Workshop

9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Dive into the world of stained glass and create your own masterpiece in this hands-on beginner workshop.

Stained Glass Foundations Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Dive into stained glass art with hands-on training and create a beautiful piece to take home.

Sit & Stitch: Evening Edition

6-7:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — No cost — Craft and connect over stitching and knitting with fellow enthusiasts.

Summer 3-Day Camp: Imaginary Worlds

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $185 per week — Engage in creative projects like Glass Fusing and Ceramic Painting themed around Imaginary Worlds.

Teen Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Registration required — Unleash creativity at a hands-on pottery camp for teens with fun projects and wheel throwing.

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.

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.

Kids’ Night Out: Kpop Demon Hunter

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Snacks included — An exciting evening of K-pop themed art, movies, and vibrant activities for kids aged 6 and up.