Good morning, Peoria.

Construction has begun behind the Children’s Home Association main building at 2130 N.

Knoxville Ave as two transitional homes for 24 foster youth are being built. The project will offer round the clock supervision & life skills training and is expected to finish in spring 2027.

Peoria Park District held its final 'Streets Belong to Me' event on Thursday at Trewyn Park to promote safe park use and community oversight — organizers gave away 2,000 backpacks while kids played and families gathered to curb youth violence.

Twelve strands of string lights now brighten the 800 block of SW Adams Street in the Warehouse District — part of a public and private placemaking effort.

The project, funded by the city and community grants, aims to boost local retail vibrancy for residents and visitors in Peoria.

On Aug. 8, the League of Women Voters will host the Voting Rights Day of Action program at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch, partnering with local groups to educate about voters' rights and registration.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (drinks and snacks provided).

ART Inc., an arts nonprofit, plans to transform the old Ashley Furniture store (1819 SW Adams St) into a content and film production studio for creative work.

The project, funded partially by a $2.5 million capital grant secured with State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, will launch fundraising efforts on Nov. 12.

Bradley University is hosting an Arts and Technology summer camp for high schoolers on campus this week, where students can take classes and explore college interests.

The camp ends today with a public showcase and a special announcement at an expo lunch.

Peoria’s 182nd Airlift Wing recorded a record 188 new recruits in fiscal year 2025, and officials said recruitment is continuing into 2026 as they build community links — offering strong benefits like 100% covered in-state education, healthcare and sign-on bonuses.

Peoria Civic Center is halfway through an $18 million renovation that began earlier this year to upgrade its aging ice plant system and other areas.

The project, featuring a new eco-friendly cooling system + nine miles of piping, is set to be finished in time for an October concert.

Peoria County has submitted interest to the state to turn the former E.D.

Edwards coal plant near Hollis into a nuclear power plant. County officials say the project could bring construction & permanent jobs and lower energy costs as they await further review.

Governor Pritzker lifted the decades-old ban on new nuclear plants and state agencies asked communities to host projects, receiving nine interest letters including from Peoria County this spring.

Local leaders are eyeing potential energy jobs + improved power reliability as the state works to add 2 gigawatts of capacity.

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.