Good morning, Peoria.

Demolition of the former Labor Temple began on Monday at the corner of Spalding and Jefferson to clear the way for a new 19,000 sq ft men’s shelter that will serve 82 men with separate rooms, improved security, upgraded walkways, and more programs.

The $18 million facility—supported by over $11 million raised—will see construction begin this summer while the current shelter remains open.

Firefighters responded to a large fire early Monday morning in Spring Bay at the apartments in the 1200 block of Upper Spring Bay Road, where several residents were taken to hospital.

Departments from Germantown Hills, Washington, and East Peoria helped fight the blaze—some crews remained on scene as of 9 a.m.

Illinois chains are offering April Fools’ Day deals today—Burger King gives Royal Perks members free onion rings with a $1 purchase and 7-Eleven unveils a Mystery Donut while Dunkin’ and Dairy Queen plan rewards—and several stores will feature more special offers this week.

On March 29 at approximately 12:25 a.m., Peoria Police responded to a report of a person shot on the 3400 block of W.

Fallen Oak Lane and transported a 26-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to a local hospital; later, officers located a vehicle on E. Hines Place, chased three fleeing subjects, and arrested one suspect, 26-year-old Andrew L. Webster—charges include aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, obstructing an officer, and resisting police while the investigation continues.

GasBuddy’s survey showed that average gas prices in Peoria increased slightly to $3.28 on Monday—1.7 cents higher than last month and 48.6 cents lower than a year ago.

GasBuddy said prices will likely rise further through mid-to-late April due to ongoing refinery issues and tariff uncertainty.

Exhibition - Capturing Light: Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller

11 AM - 5 PM | Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois | Free entry | Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of photographer Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.

Exhibition: Capturing Light with Bennett Johnson and Jim Scheller

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore dynamic reflections and shadows through the lens of Bennett Johnson and the glass artistry of Jim Scheller.

Beachy Gnome Clay Class

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create a whimsical beach gnome while learning hand-building clay techniques in a fun workshop.

That Arena Rock Show

7-9:30 p.m. — TempleLive at the Peoria Scottish Rite — Check ticket pricing — Experience the ultimate tribute to classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.

Swiss-German Springfest

12-8 p.m. — Avanti’s Event Center — Free admission — Celebrate spring with German food, music, and entertainment featuring Eddie Korosa and more.

Pick Your Project Open Studio

10 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity at this DIY art studio with a variety of projects to choose from.

Clay Wreath Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Craft a personalized ceramic wreath using creative slab-building techniques.

Fused Glass Retro Squares Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee applies — Unleash your creativity in a hands-on glass fusing workshop for all skill levels.

Pick Your Project Open Studio

11 AM-4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with DIY projects like pottery and glass art in a welcoming studio atmosphere.

Open Studio Creative Time

11 AM – 4 PM — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies by project — Unleash your creativity with pottery, glass, and canvas art at a DIY studio atmosphere.