Good morning, Peoria.

Visitors in the Warehouse District can see twinkling lights along the corridor from Zion Coffee to Sugar today as part of the String Lights Project funded by the City + GPLC Community Sprint Grant.

The project is a collaboration between local developers and the Downtown Development Corporation.

Dream Center Peoria will give away about 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students for the upcoming school year on Saturday, July 25 in downtown Peoria.

The event will also offer school physicals + dental exams, haircuts and a resource expo featuring community organizations.

WTVP members gathered at its State St. studio on Wednesday morning over coffee and pastries to learn about the new ‘Stronger Together’ campaign that aims to raise $600,000 in sustainable memberships (Jenn Gordon said the initiative will boost local support amid digital competition).

Peoria Fire Department is set to give away over 1,100 backpacks filled with school supplies today at Trewyn Park from 4 to 7 p.m. Families can enjoy live music + inflatables, face painting and free food at this community event.

ART Inc. purchased the former UFS Furniture Outlet building on SW Adams for $850,000 with a $300,000 state grant and will renovate it in 18 months into a media production center with an event space and gallery to support local creators in Peoria and the Midwest.

Todd Baker was named CEO effective Wednesday at Advanced Medical Transport after Andrew Rand retired after 35 years; Rand will serve as President and CEO of the parent company through Dec.

31 + Baker will assume his new leadership role the following day.

The Peoria Public Works facility at 3505 N.

Dries Lane now accepts household and medium-format batteries (as required by the Illinois Portable and Medium-Format Battery Stewardship Act) while other drop-off points include fire stations, the courthouse, and the county Health and Human Services building.

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.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Creative 3-day camp where kids sculpt outer space wonders with clay and learn pottery basics.

Jingle and Throw: Holiday Wheel Throwing

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Unleash your creativity in a festive pottery class and take home your own holiday masterpiece.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Dive into the world of stained glass and create your own lemon or orange masterpiece in a fun, welcoming environment.

Organic Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while crafting a functional, nature-inspired dish in this hands-on clay workshop.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $3-$12 — Experience an inspiring open mic night featuring passionate poetry from diverse artists.

Jon B. & Jacquees Live

7 p.m. — CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing — Ticketed event — Get ready for a night of smooth R&B hits from Jon B. and Jacquees.

2026 Run, Walk, or Trot 2 Stop Blood Clots

9 AM — The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute — Registration opens March 1st — Participate in a community-focused 5K event to raise awareness for blood clots and clotting disorders.