Good morning, Peoria.

Distillery Labs in downtown Peoria enters its second year at 201 SW Adams St. and stays focused on helping local startups grow.

It will offer a four-week boot camp in the fall—focusing on health tech—and plans to launch Café Distilled to spotlight local food makers.

Teamsters have filed a lawsuit alleging Airgas deliberately released hazardous chemicals during a July 10 picket at its 2706 SW Adams Street facility in Peoria – the release formed a dense white cloud that injured picketers – and the suit claims the move was part of a nationwide strike that also saw similar incidents in New Jersey.

A 41-year-old man from North Atlantic Avenue died after being shot by Peoria officers (Ofc.

Veronica Orozco and Ofc. Da’Monte Williams) when he swung a bat at them near Northeast Glen Oak Avenue and Prospect Road yesterday (incident reported around 5:15 p.m.).

A Pekin woman pleaded guilty in Tazewell County court to felony solicitation of murder after discussions on phone, text, and social media revealed her plan to have her husband killed — she received a 16-year sentence.

The Teamsters filed lawsuits in Peoria and New Jersey alleging that Airgas released unidentified chemical agents on picketing workers last month — a move they say was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and harm workers.

Ignite Peoria returns to the Peoria Civic Center this Saturday as a free all-day arts event — featuring interactive booths, makers experiences and the All or Nothing Kustom Car and Bike Show — with over 80 vendors showcasing creative activities for all ages.

Central Illinois Police Training Director Brain Fengel said officer-involved shootings cause high stress for officers, their families and colleagues, and departments use special training and peer support to help them cope.

Research by the Police Executive Research Forum linked these stressful events to higher rates of retirement and resignation, underlining the need for ongoing mental health support.

Peoria's nonprofit Hoops Inc. helps young people cope with loss and violence through basketball while offering regular sessions and mentoring at the Clubs of River City—its programs help heal those affected by gun violence.

Local leaders who lost loved ones to gun violence inspire the initiative, which also plans a community bowling league for broader engagement.

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.

Anime & Manga Club

4-5 p.m. — Peoria Heights Public Library — Free entry — Discuss manga and enjoy your favorite anime shows after school.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity in this engaging pottery course designed for all skill levels.

Peoria Irish Fest

All day — Peoria Riverfront Park — $12 Single Day Tickets / $30 Weekend Passes — Celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, and whiskey tastings along the scenic riverfront.

Alpacas and Clay Connection

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40 per person — Create a clay masterpiece while enjoying time with adorable live alpacas.