Good morning, Peoria.

The annual Tee It Up for the Troops event returns to Mt. Hawley Country Club on Monday to benefit veterans and active duty military.

Volunteers will host free activities — golf, breakfast, lunch, and a military ceremony — that support local charities for veterans.

The Children's Home Association of Illinois opened its new Community Services Building in downtown Peoria—located between the Red Cross and OSF Healthcare First—to offer prenatal, infant, and teen therapy services.

The building will also host community events to meet families' needs in the future.

Peoria meteorologist Chuck Collins announced Wednesday that he will retire this fall after a 50-year career covering major events like the Washington tornado and Caterpillar labor disputes plus he plans to enjoy a slower pace and try radio.

The Marquette Heights native said he is proud to pass the torch to a new generation of broadcasters.

On Tuesday night, Peoria Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert on W.

Antoinette where 12 rounds were fired—officers found a 30-year-old man shot in the leg while sitting outside his residence and took him to a hospital, and the investigation continues as no suspect was located.

Illinois American Water told the Peoria City Council on Tuesday it is working to replace lead service lines after tests showed elevated lead in 14 of 103 samples—planning to replace over 850 services in 2025 and noting that it covers the cost from the main to the home.

The company said it has replaced about 2,700 lead services over the past few years and urged residents to have their service lines checked if needed.

Illinois lawmakers are considering House Bill 4039, known as the HOPE Act, which would remove abstinence-only and sobriety requirements from Peoria emergency shelters to help nearly 150 people gain stable housing.

The bill would also require jail and prison staff to provide the opioid overdose drug Naloxone upon detainee release—state lawmakers will return to session in the fall.

Liberty Steel and Wire asked for a $2.65 million loan from Peoria County and the request is on hold until next year—its needed equipment now has an extended lead time.

The company will reapply once it knows more about when it can purchase the equipment for its move.

The Peoria City/County Health Department said a Facebook post claiming Popeyes on Knoxville found a rat and mice in the grease is false, as no inspection revealed any rodent sightings.

The restaurant closed on its own to address an equipment maintenance issue (with signs directing customers to nearby locations), and no safety problems were confirmed.

Peoria Rivermen signed returning center Mike McChesney and rookie center Arsenii Smekhnov to build their roster for the upcoming season—McChesney, known for his penalty-killing skills after an ankle injury, will lead while Smekhnov begins to learn the team’s style.

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.

Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.

South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

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

Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival

Aug 29-30 — Peoria Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Celebrate blues music with notable artists like Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster at this 35-year tradition.