Good morning, Peoria.

Railroad companies & police departments marked Emergency Notification System Sign Awareness Day on Wednesday by explaining how the signs at crossings help report hazards; Isha Jackson of Illinois Operation Lifesaver said the signs have helped lower injuries and deaths over the past 10 years.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced over $27 million in grants to Central Illinois libraries, with Peoria Public Library receiving $192,355 to buy books, upgrade technology, and improve security.

The funding will support enhanced community learning and access for all.

Peoria officials and residents dedicated a street near Detweiller Marina on Tuesday to honor founder Thomas Detweiller + the city reclaimed part of Caroline Street, formerly for sale to O’Brien Steel, which has raised concerns that a building may block riverfront access+ local groups plan to monitor the situation.

Illinois organizers plan alternative celebrations on June 27 to counter a 'whitewashed' display for America’s 250th anniversary — multiple marches and rallies are scheduled statewide, including a gathering at Peoria Stadium at 2:30 p.m. The event offers a chance to reflect on true history and spark community dialogue.

Peoria City Council approved a tax incentive to help offset costs for a new Dutch Bros Coffee drive-through built by RSCC Group on the southeast corner of University Street and War Memorial Drive.

The agreement reimburses 50 percent of eligible expenses once the project begins generating tax revenue.

Peoria Riverfront Museum has added an original 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence to its permanent collection thanks to the generous support of Doug and Diane Oberhelman - it will be shown at the State of the Museum presentation beginning at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Giant Screen Theater.

Illinois EPA and Calstart met Tuesday in downtown Peoria to discuss a multiyear plan to lower carbon emissions from the state's waterways and ports, scheduled from Sept.

2025 to Dec. 2027 — future meetings include one in Quincy on June 30 and one in Savanna on July 29.

OSF Strive is expanding trauma-informed mental health care for Peoria County residents who have experienced or witnessed violence.

The program now accepts youth as young as six and will offer coordinated case management + outreach at local schools.

Date and Create: A Clay Hand Building Date Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Ticket price includes materials and a charcuterie plate — Enjoy a creative evening making clay projects together in a fun, hands-on setting.

Stained Glass Foundations: Beginner Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Create your own stained glass masterpiece in a fun, hands-on class suitable for all skill levels.

Desk and Porch Goose Night

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 general admission or $75 for a large porch goose — Paint your own trendy desk or porch goose with a variety of designs.

Beginner Wheel Throwing Course

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Get hands-on in this 6-week pottery class perfect for beginners crafting functional pieces like mugs and bowls.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost details unavailable — A fun 3-day camp where kids learn pottery wheel techniques and create their own clay pieces.

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers vs. Peoria Chiefs

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Dozer Park — Tickets start at $33 — Enjoy a night of minor league baseball action in Peoria.

Star-Spangled Gnome Workshop

4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create your own unique patriotic gnome from clay in this fun, hands-on workshop.

Clay Planter Hand-Building Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Fees applicable — Build your own beautiful and functional clay planter while learning hand-building techniques.

Peoria Jaycees' Firecracker 5000

7:30 a.m. — Visit Downtown Peoria — Registration fee required — Kick off your Fourth in Red, White, and Blue with a festive run through downtown.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Explore the art of stained glass and create a beautiful project to take home.