Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria Park District plans to invest $18—20 million in enhancing Owens Center by replacing its ice plant and upgrading locker rooms and parking, with work set to begin in March 2028.

A public forum will be held at Owens Center on July 7th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the improvements.

Peoria Park District will host its ‘Streets that Belong to Me’ event on July 3 at Glen Oak Park.

The safety focused summer event will feature Polynesian Luau-themed activities (including limbo competitions and shell painting) and free admission to encourage community fun and connection.

Father Chase Hilgenbrinck left professional soccer to serve as a priest and now mentors young men in central Illinois as the Diocese's recruitment director.

He guides local youth through retreats and soccer camps plus speaks at churches to encourage vocations.

Peoria-born NBA star Shaun Livingston & the Shaun and Reggie Livingston Foundation hosted the annual water safety program Tuesday at the Greater Peoria YMCA, where nearly 200 kids learned essential swimming skills.

The event aims to build confidence and prevent drowning hazards among local children.

Peoria residents enjoy an action-packed Fourth of July weekend with fireworks on July 3 and 4 at local parks, a community luau at Glen Oak Park on July 3, a tribute concert at CEFCU Center Stage, a parade in West Peoria, and a Volksfest in Dunlap on July 5.

Tres Rojas Winery in Washington won best of show on July 1 at the Illinois State Fair for its Dos Hombres wine and is set to celebrate 10 years on Saturday, July 18 with live music and discounted tastings + bottles for club members.

A Peoria County judge denied incoming school board member Andres Diaz’s petition to block a July 1 meeting at the PPS district building on Wisconsin Avenue, ruling his claim lacked procedural support; the board held the noon and 1 p.m. sessions as planned.

The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education delayed its vote on a half-cent sales tax increase for facility maintenance & elected Paris McConnell as its new board president at Wednesday’s meeting.

New board members were sworn in amid calls for clearer project plans.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood began consolidating childcare & preschool programs yesterday to simplify access to services for families.

Secretary Teresa Ramos leads over 500 staff as the agency takes charge of home visits, licensing, and early interventions for young children.

East Peoria native Nicole Roberts (a Bradley grad) took part in Relay for America's flag relay last weekend, running a 12.7-mile segment from rural Logan County to McLean County.

She signed up quickly after learning the route passed near her home and said local cheers made the effort memorable.

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.

David Phelps Concert

7-9 p.m. — Five Points Washington Event Center — Find tickets online — Experience an uplifting musical performance by David Phelps.

Ceramic Charcuterie Board Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized ceramic charcuterie board while exploring your artistic side.