Good morning, Peoria.

Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria has updated its schedule to address food insecurity by extending food pantry hours on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (located at 105 North Richard Pryor Place) after last Friday's service reached 453 guests.

Peoria Riverfront Museum will host the 11th Great Neighbor Appreciation Cookout on July 23 from 5-7 p.m. The free event is part of Appreciation Week and celebrates America 250 with free food + family activities in downtown.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is launching its '60 Bigs in 60 Days' campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for over 100 kids ages 5 to 14 with a final event Thursday, July 30 at Analytical Brewing in Peoria from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Peoria Public Library main branch now hosts a traveling exhibit showcasing Bob Willoughby’s photographs from 17 iconic film sets including My Fair Lady and Rosemary’s Baby.

It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 107 NE Monroe St.

Peoria's gas prices are rising as the average for unleaded gas is now $4.00 a gallon (up six cents from last week), driven by global instability that has pushed oil prices higher.

Analysts expected a moderate increase compared to the earlier sharp hikes.

Bradley University has announced a $25 million plan to upgrade student dorms including a full transformation of Harper Hall to add suite style rooms and private bathrooms.

Construction begins this fall and finishes in fall 2028 near campus.

Peoria City and County officials have partnered with Regroup Mass Notification to offer residents faster emergency alerts by phone call, text, or email.

Residents can sign up today to receive updates about emerging emergencies.

OSF Healthcare announced Monday that Saint Francis Medical Center is the first hospital to install the Medtronic Stealth AXiS Surgical System, a device that uses AI+robotic planning to aid brain and spine surgeries while aiming to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5-$12 — Experience an inspiring night of poetry from diverse artists in a welcoming atmosphere.

Stoneware Glazing Class

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with hands-on stoneware glazing techniques to create stunning, functional ceramics.

Paws to Read Session 2

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Kids can read with friendly therapy dogs from the Peoria Humane Society to enhance their reading experience.

Ice Cream Social and Ceramic Bowl Painting

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 includes ice cream — Enjoy a creative afternoon painting your own bowl while savoring local ice cream.

Beginner 6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery and learn wheel throwing while creating functional art pieces.

3-Day Summer Camp: Week 6 - Summer Vibes

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $185 per week — Explore creative projects in glass fusing, ceramic painting, and more with the Summer Vibes theme.

Under the Sea Pottery Summer Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check event page for costs — Dive into ocean-themed pottery creations designed for young artists aged 7 and up.

2026 River and Rails Festival - Thursday

Festival Hours — Three Sisters Park — Tickets support local non-profit — Enjoy live music, carnival rides, and food vendors in a vibrant summer celebration.

Clay Hand-Built Garden House Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Build a charming miniature garden house using creative hand-building techniques.

Christmas in July Hand Building Event

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Get creative with festive clay projects in the sunshine and prepare for the holidays early.