Good morning, Peoria.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Peoria and Bloomington-Normal as hot and humid conditions will push heat index values to 100+ today through Friday, with city buildings available as cooling centers and safety tips urging residents to drink plenty of fluids.

Gov. Pritzker, campaigning in Illinois, highlighted new investments — he cut a ribbon June 22 in Gilman for a $250m soybean processing plant that created 40 new jobs, celebrated ADM’s $103m investment in Decatur, and noted Komatsu’s $28m headquarters unveiled in Peoria on June 10.

The westbound span of McClugage Bridge will close Wednesday, July 1 for a multi-year $70 million repair project that includes redecking and painting to match its eastbound side — drivers should plan for delays and alternate routes until work wraps up in 2028.

Emergency room wait times in the Peoria area range from 50 minutes at Hopedale to over 4 hours at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis, according to Hospital Stats data.

Hospitals are addressing delays by boosting patient communication & staffing efforts.

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.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — No entry fee — A creative pottery camp for kids to sculpt and throw magical creatures and objects.