Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria’s 50's Diner closed after serving customers for 34 years when a water main break last Friday and rising costs made keeping the family business open unsustainable.

The diner will host a final goodbye meet-up on Sunday at 10 a.m. + hold a garage sale offering memorabilia.

Peoria’s Distillery Labs celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday by hosting a party with live music, food trucks, and innovation demos — the hub used $12 million in state funding to renovate its space and support more than 200 local entrepreneurs.

Ronnie Simmons was found guilty of first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon for a fatal dice game shooting in Peoria's North Valley that killed Demetrious Davis and injured another on July 6th—he will be sentenced on October 1.

Ameren Illinois broke ground on the Peoria Solar Energy Center off Pottstown Road on Thursday morning.

The $20 million project (with 5,000 solar panels and a 1.5MW battery system) will create 50 construction jobs (powering 420 homes) and is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2026.

Peoria will install about 300 new smart meter heads downtown on August 4 as it upgrades its parking system and shifts all citywide meters from Passport to a new IPS Group payment platform that accepts coins — credit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay.

Parking enforcement will be waived from August 4 until August 11 to ease the transition.

Gov. Pritzker signed a bill on July 31 that will require Illinois public schools to offer free mental health screenings for students in grades 3-12 by the 2027 school year—this law provides cost-free tools and resource materials from the state board—and the state will work with psychiatric hospitals to help families via the BEACON portal.

Illinois officials warn residents that tick season lasts from April to September and can lead to bites that spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

To stay safe, people are advised to mow lawns, stick to center trails, and wear light-colored clothing (making ticks easier to see) while checking themselves, pets, and gear after outings (especially after walking in tall grass).

Bread Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create a handmade bread pan using fun clay techniques and personalize it with your choice of glaze.

Tissue Box Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own custom tissue box cover in this fun and hands-on clay class.

Wheel Thrown Chip and Dip Dish Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a stylish chip and dip bowl from scratch with no prior experience needed.

Jurassic Art Adventure

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 event fee per painter — Unleash creativity with dino-themed pottery at this family-friendly paint night.

Faux Stained Glass Workshop

3-6 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.

Paint with Highland Cows

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 entry — Enjoy a mini moo party with Highland Cows while creating your own pottery masterpiece.

Shut Up & Write! Peoria

6-7 p.m. — Dang Boba, Poke & Banh Mi — Free participation — Focus and write with fellow creatives in a supportive community environment.

Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Craft your own whimsical mushroom fairy house with step-by-step guidance and decorative flair.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Enchanted Falls

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques while creating your own serene masterpiece in a calming atmosphere.

Popcorn Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check online for fees — Craft your personal popcorn dish using fun clay hand-building techniques.