Good morning, Peoria.

A street in West Bluff was named after Dr. McCall on Friday to honor his work as one of Peoria’s first African American dentists who mentored many children; his relatives (including his wife Geraldine and sons Christopher and Steven) joined city leaders at the ceremony.

A donation celebrating the 100-year milestones of South Side Mission and EcoWater Systems installed water softening equipment and two reverse osmosis units at the mission on Laramie Street earlier this week — upgrading water quality for daily kitchen use and youth programs.

Officials said the added systems will help reduce repair costs and ensure safer water for meals and drinks.

Peoria police arrested a 15-year-old boy on Friday after four shots were fired near Manual High School that led to a temporary lockdown and property damage—he now faces multiple charges while a 15-year-old girl was grazed by a bullet in a separate incident earlier this week.

Illinois native Sharon Sachs stars as Madame Morrible in Wicked at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center as performances continue, and tickets for matinee and evening shows are available through August 31 + her long Broadway career adds extra local appeal.

Peoria’s Irish Festival is underway at the Riverfront with four stages of entertainment, five pubs, and more than 20 bands performing live.

The event began Friday at 4 p.m., runs today from noon until 10:30 p.m. — it will continue Sunday from 9 to 5.

Wicked’s Glinda is now performing at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria until August 31.

Actress Zoe Jensen shared behind-the-scenes details about her role and her pre-show rituals — such as playing music and using an oil diffuser — that bring magic and friendship to the local audience.

Thousands of new and returning Bradley University students are moving in today for a new school year while heavy traffic is expected around the campus.

Bradley Police have deployed over 20 officers and added a traffic lane on University—parking is restricted on several streets until set times and 450 volunteers are ready to help students unload.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that expands legal protections for news media reporting from SLAPP lawsuits while legal cases are paused for review—this measure shields Illinois journalists and reinforces free speech.

SB2285, signed on August 1st, now expands the definition of a bicycle to include electric bikes with top speeds below 30 mph—this law went into effect immediately to provide clearer safety and insurance guidelines.

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.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue River

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques and create a serene masterpiece while enjoying a calming atmosphere.

Teacup and Saucer Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your whimsical teacup and saucer with step-by-step guidance at this enchanting clay workshop.

Tic-Tac-Toe Ceramic Art Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash creativity in a fun hand-building class to design your own tic-tac-toe board and pieces.

Whisper and Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Peoria RiverFront Market — $3-$12 — Engage with diverse poets in a vibrant open mic atmosphere.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create your own unique ceramic pumpkin with various textures just in time for fall.

Pie Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 — Create a unique ceramic pie pan and choose your glaze before it’s fired for your next gathering.