Good morning, Peoria.

Jared R. Williams, a 19-year-old man, was convicted of second-degree murder by a Peoria County jury in the fatal 2023 parking lot shooting outside a liquor store, and his sentencing will occur on May 21.

On April 2, Robert A.

White—30—pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm for a New Year's Day shooting that killed Bridgett Ross and injured another man; the victim's family requested that his sentences be served consecutively, totaling 99 years in prison.

Sidewalk work is in progress at several intersections along SW Jefferson and SW Adams as part of the Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue One-Way to Two-Way Conversion Project — drivers and pedestrians are advised to check for posted parking and lane restrictions.

Pedestrians should use caution when sidewalks are closed and cross at the next available intersection.

East Peoria City Council voted unanimously to implement a new 1% grocery tax to replace the state tax ending Jan.

1 and guard against losing about $2 million in revenue. They also approved a $134.6 million fiscal budget starting May 1 and passed an ordinance to stop pedestrians from lingering in medians at 10 designated intersections (Main, Camp, and Washington streets).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Cargill Kitchen Solutions recalled more than 200,000 pounds of liquid egg products manufactured on March 12 and 13 for possible sodium hypochlorite contamination—distributors in Illinois, Iowa and other states received the products that pose a negligible health risk.

The 2025 college basketball transfer portal opened on March 24 and will run until April 22 to let players seek immediate eligibility for new teams.

Four Illini players—Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Tre White, Morez Johnson Jr. and Carey Booth—have joined the portal while no players have been reported to transfer to Illinois.

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.

Personalized Beer Stein Crafting Class

4:30-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Not specified — Craft your own unique beer stein in this personalized hand-building class.

Crushed Glass Butterfly Resin Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $40 for each piece — Create a stunning crushed glass butterfly art piece while enjoying snacks and drinks.