Good morning, Peoria.

Portillo’s launched the limited-time Char’diniera Dog — celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in a partnership with Vienna Beef — featuring beef cooked with a smoky finish and flavors of giardiniera and provolone cheese.

It is available today in Peoria for $4.99 and served either Maxwell or Chicago style.

Family farm bankruptcies in Illinois jumped 55% in 2025, adding stress to an industry facing forecast debt of 624.7 billion in 2026 due to high land rents and low crop prices.

Lawmakers passed only minimal tax relief while local experts warn that more support is needed (farming crisis continues).

GasBuddy data showed that Peoria gasoline prices dropped 13.1 cents to $4.11 a gallon on Monday.

AAA Illinois reported local rates at $4.16, giving drivers modest relief amid fluctuating fuel costs.

Two incoming education leaders will appear at a meet-and-greet today from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peoria Gateway Building (Dr. Jamonica Rolle, incoming president, and Dr. Jerry Bell, incoming superintendent) as the NAACP Peoria Branch and Elite Community Outreach share their vision for local education.

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois received a three year (90K) grant from Girl Scouts of the USA to send 20 girls facing financial and social barriers to overnight camp at Camp Tapawingo this summer, with plans to double enrollment next year and partner with the Dream Center.

Peoria Public Schools Board will review a proposal to place a referendum on the Nov.

3 ballot doubling the county facilities sales tax during a special meeting tomorrow at noon. The move could add up to $10.6 million for school improvements as Superintendent Jerry Bell starts his new role.

During the heat wave, experts advise residents to set their AC to 78° for efficient cooling when home and 7° warmer when away (Energy Star guidelines) as temperatures may hit 110° in parts of Illinois.

IDNR biologists are monitoring a silver carp die-off in the Peoria pool following recent rains that caused spawning stress.

Deceased carp flowing downstream have released an unpleasant odor, but no native fish are affected and water conditions are expected to improve gradually.

Illinois will require universal lead testing for children starting tomorrow, July 1, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Program.

Children under six will be automatically screened and blood tests showing levels above 3.5 µg/dL will trigger a home inspection and an educational visit.

With excessive heat forecast this week, city buildings serve as cooling centers; the Peoria Police Department lobby — at 600 SW Adams Street — is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fire Department stations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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.

Stained Glass: Beginner Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Unleash your creativity in a hands-on stained glass workshop and take home your own beautiful creation.

Live at the Five Spot: Holis7ics

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $8 members, $12 nonmembers — Enjoy a high-energy performance from The Holis7ics blending rock, funk, and soul.