🌱 Library Picket Has Community Support + ISU Team In Esports Comp.

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of rain. High: 50 Low: 36.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Peoria who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Peoria today:

1. The library employees’ informational picket has citizen support. The Peoria Public Library's employees held a demonstration outside of the main branch on Tuesday. Demonstrators hoped the picket would inform the of the ongoing negotiations between employees and management regarding pay raises. Citizens showed their support, honking as they drove past. (CIProud.com)
2. The ISU Redbirds will compete in an international Esports tournament for the first time in team history. Seven Illinois State University varsity players will challenge professional gamers in the “Pro-Am West” tournament. Their team, Redbird Esports, was the only collegiate Overwatch team to claim a spot in the international tournament this year. (25NewsNow)
3. The city council is discussing proposals for cannabis dispensaries. On Tuesday night, council members discussed their preferences for cannabis dispensaries, narrowing their picks down to just a few. This means the council is one step closer to getting directions to city staff members who will draft a proposed ordinance to be voted on. (CIProud.com)

Today in Peoria:

• Tot Time: Numbers at The Peoria PlayHouse (10:00 AM)
• Stranger Than Fiction Book Club at Dunlap Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Foster Parent Support group at Foster Village Peoria (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Peoria Police Department is investigating a death. Police responded to what appeared to be a body floating in the river. Information regarding the identity, as well as the manner and cause of death, will be released by the Peoria County Coroner sometime this week. (Peoria Police Department via Facebook)
• The Illinois DCEO will distribute $50 million in grant money to assist businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sole proprietors in the creative sector that have suffered losses from the pandemic. Applications will open on Apr. 5. For eligibility guidelines and more information, go to Illinois.gov/B2B. (Arts Alliance Illinois via Instagram)
• Spring break is coming up, and it's time to make sure you're getting the most out of your Peoria Riverfront Museum membership with reciprocal programs. With your membership, you get free admission to 500 to 1,800+ museums worldwide. Take a trip and see something new this spring break, thanks to your existing membership! (Peoria Riverfront Museum via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 28)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.