Good morning, Peoria.

More than two dozen residents marched from Peoria City Hall to South Peoria on Saturday to call for a reduction in violence and increased youth support.

March organizers including Next Level Academies president Antonio Lipscomb and marcher Keri Hayes stressed that community accountability is needed—hoping the demonstration will lead to stronger local efforts to curb violence.

A Peoria organization that has provided resources and programs for five years is working to open the city’s first center for older adults—an effort that comes as Peoria is the only top Illinois city without such a facility.

The Graceland Center plans to raise $350,000 in the next three years to lease and later purchase the ideal building with a commercial kitchen and ample parking.

Gas prices in Peoria remain nearly unchanged today at $3.34 a gallon, up 0.6 cents from last week and 7.2 cents higher than a month ago while remaining 31.3 cents lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 148 stations.

The national average edged up to $3.11, and AAA Illinois reported a similar rate in the Peoria/Pekin metro area—state prices are slightly higher.

Today at 7 a.m., westbound traffic on Moss Avenue between Institute Place and Western Avenue will be directed onto new pavement—drivers are advised to take alternate routes on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive or Bradley Avenue.

Milling and overlay work will also begin on Detroit Avenue in Morton, with southbound traffic temporarily routed to the center lane for six weeks, weather permitting.

The McClugage Bridge will close tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as contractors use explosives to dismantle three concrete piers on the eastbound span of U.S. 150 from Adams Street to IL Route 116 — a security perimeter with drone oversight will help ensure safety.

Town Centre I in East Peoria has been vacant since 2021 and was renovated in 2023 — now the owner offers two 6,000-square-foot parcels for lease at $18 per square foot per year.

The city will announce new tenant plans later this year.

Summer 3-Day Art Camp Week 5

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $165 per week — Enjoy creative beach-themed art projects in a fun summer setting.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — EastSide Centre — Limited spots available — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity training focused on scoring and ball handling.

Kitchen Dwellers Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Peoria Riverfront Park — $79-$124 — Enjoy a night of bluegrass featuring the Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon.

Wade Bowen Live Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Crusens Farmington Road — $20 Tickets — Experience an exciting evening with Wade Bowen and support acts at this lively venue.

Velaris City of Starlight Canvas Class

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Create your own painting inspired by the enchanting city from A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Argentine Tango Practica

7-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria — $5 entry — Weekly tango practica welcoming dancers of all levels to practice and improve their skills.

Summer Art Camp Week 6: Shark Week Theme

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $165 — Dive into a fin-tastic Shark Week with creative art projects for kids.

Draped Floral Vase Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $48 for 8" vase — Create stunning fused glass flower vases in this hands-on class with expert guidance.

Sea Glass Succulents Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Ticket required — Create your own sea glass succulent with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided.

Christmas in July Painting Party

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a fun pottery painting event featuring discounts and festivities.