Good morning, Peoria.

South Side Mission in Peoria is offering heat relief next week as temperatures are set to hit the 90s.

Residents can pick up cold water, a sack lunch, and a fan Monday through Friday from 11:45 a.m. to noon while nearby thrift stores serve as air-conditioned cooling centers and donations are welcomed for the annual fan drive.

Sophia's Kitchen in Peoria served a record 709 hot meals on Thursday during its 1 to 3 p.m. service and is now asking for donations and volunteers to help meet growing needs plus the pet food pantry also saw high demand.

Fireworks shows for Fourth of July 2026 are planned across central Illinois, including Red White and Boom in downtown Peoria at 9:30 p.m. along the riverfront.

Other events at dusk will take place in Fairview, Galesburg, Chillicothe, and more, offering festive options.

Early Friday evening, a fire broke out at the Grand Regency assisted living facility on North Western Avenue and was quickly controlled by its automatic sprinkler system; water damage forced two residents to relocate, with damage estimated (approximately $10,000 to $15,000).

Peoria Riverfront Museum celebrated a $1 million donation (from Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski) and unveiled an 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence at yesterday's State of the Museum presentation.

The historic document will be featured with future programming on Abraham Lincoln and America's 250th anniversary.

Peoria has been named one of the top 10 small cities for starting a career after college, ranking 7th after a study released June 17 — the analysis evaluated job opportunities, economic gains, and living standards.

Farm Bureau Manager Charlie Hensley said recent heavy rains made local crops vary in color and health — some corn appears yellow while weeds like Waterhemp grow quickly.

Local farmers hope for hot, dry weather to help protect yields at harvest.

The City of Peoria and the Peoria Park District added new body-worn cameras + mobile surveillance units to bolster security ahead of Independence Day weekend events at Glen Oak Park and Red, White and Boom.

Officials say public safety remains the top priority as agencies coordinate efforts.

Lawmakers in Illinois plan to revisit a stalled bill this fall veto session that would let residents use small plug-in solar panels on balconies to help lower electric bills + safety concerns over backfeeding and certification requirements remain under review at the state Capitol.

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.

Beginner 6-Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery with this hands-on class perfect for beginners and skill refinement.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will unleash their creativity by sculpting magical creatures and learning pottery techniques.