Good morning, Peoria.

Local law enforcement is awarding 1,000 golden baseballs to kids who show acts of kindness, letting them redeem one at Dozer Park for free home game tickets in August or September as the Golden Baseball initiative returns after a hiatus.

The Parish of St. Ann restored its historic church with copper domes that will oxidize to green in about 30 years—a $90,000 project funded by legacy local gifts—and plans to host community events on the south side.

On Tuesday, the Peoria Public Library’s Lincoln Branch held its annual bike giveaway for kids during its summer reading challenge from June 1 to July 11, offering over 65 bikes and scooters with helmets.

The event has run for more than 20 years and motivated hundreds to read this summer.

Disney’s The Lion King will return to the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Civic Center during the 2027-28 season— the large-scale production features 200 puppets and extensive setup logistics.

Priority ticket access is offered through the 2026-27 season membership available online now.

Peoria County 4-H participants gathered at Cedar Hills Baptist Church on Wednesday for judging, marking the end of months of work.

The public may view the exhibits at Stark County Fairgrounds until Friday.

The Illinois State Board of Education issued a 409-page AI guidance document for schools on July 9, explaining how educators can use artificial intelligence responsibly.

The guidelines—drafted with help from popular AI tools—address growing concerns about misuse and aim to protect student privacy and learning.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted across Illinois and lowered air quality; Chicago is currently in the unhealthy range (AQI 101) while Peoria remains moderate with an AQI of 56, and forecasts show conditions will improve by Friday.

City Council member Denise Jackson will host a public forum on July 29 at 6 p.m. at the Gateway Building to discuss district redevelopment, transportation, and grocery store plans.

Redistricting expanded the district's boundaries, and local leaders like Pastor Chuck Brown will provide input.

Illinois health officials warned residents to watch for symptoms of cyclospora, a parasite that can cause diarrhea, loss of appetite, and stomach cramps.

Treatment includes fluids and antibiotics, and no local cases have been reported so far.

The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage after its supply dropped nearly 25% in June due to fewer donations from summer travel and busy schedules.

They urged donors (especially those with O-positive and B-negative blood) to help hospitals care for patients.

A mosquito pool collected in Washington on July 10 tested positive for West Nile Virus, marking the second detection in Tazewell County this year.

The health department urged residents to remove standing water and use DEET for protection.

A Carle Health pediatrician advised parents in Peoria to keep kids safe during dangerous heat by ensuring they stay hydrated + take regular breaks.

She recommended early morning play and water-based activities as Central Illinois faces a heat wave this week.

Bradley University Athletics is teaming with Learfield’s Bradley Sports Properties to search for a jersey-patch sponsor for all 15 varsity programs following NCAA approval; the sponsorship will offer year-round visibility for the teams.

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.

Mini Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Create a whimsical mini mushroom fairy house in this all-ages clay hand-building workshop.