Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria Kroger will close on August 2 as part of a corporate plan to shut 60 stores nationwide, and city officials worry this closure will turn part of the area into a food desert.

Council member Denise Jackson is working with Mayor Rita Ali to find alternatives for residents who must now drive or take buses for groceries — many of whom rely on this store for basic needs.

Peoria city council approved up to $64,000 to reimburse LULA Peoria for housing homeless people in a motel and to extend support through the end of July.

Community Development Director Joe Dulin said the 46 residents are expected to drop to 17 by early July—local groups were urged to help keep people on track for permanent housing—while the program has helped 70 individuals find new homes.

A 5-year-old male Grevy’s zebra arrived at the Peoria Zoo on March 3 from White Oak Conservation Center in Florida and is now displayed in the Africa! habitat—visitors may vote for its name at $1 per vote with proceeds benefiting the Grevy’s Zebra Trust until July 10.

The Peoria Zoo welcomed a new Grevy’s zebra from a Florida conservation center that arrived in March and shows a striking look with big ears.

Visitors may vote for his new name at $1 per vote—the funds benefit the Grevy’s Zebra Trust and voting is open online and at the zoo until July 10, while guests can see him with his 18-year-old companion Phoebe.

A vacant home on South Stanley Street was completely burned in an early morning arson at 2 a.m. Wednesday that also damaged a neighboring occupied house, with damage estimated at ($80,000).

A Chicago man remains in jail after he was charged with first degree murder for the July 23 killing of 31-year-old Quinterius Evans when police found him shot around 3:40 a.m. near West Garden — South Griswold in Peoria, and he will next appear in court on July 17.

Deandre Ward was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated battery after he shot his former girlfriend nearly a year ago on the 800 block of East Virginia—leaving her paralyzed and unable to bathe or use the bathroom on her own.

Stoneware Glazing Technique Class

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost info available upon inquiry — Explore the vibrant world of glazing and create your unique high-fire stoneware masterpiece.

Boho Wall Shelf Hand Building Class

12:30-2:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique bohemian wall shelf in this relaxing hand-building clay class.

Floral Crushed Glass Resin and Canvas Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create stunning crushed glass art pieces while enjoying drinks and snacks in a vibrant setting.

Peoria Jaycees' Firecracker 5000

7:30 a.m. — Visit Downtown Peoria — Registration fees apply — Kick off your Fourth in Red, White, and Blue with a spirited 5000 race.

Wall Planter Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a unique hand-built wall pocket planter while learning slab-building techniques.

Silly Old Bear Canvas Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All materials included — Enjoy a nostalgic painting session inspired by Winnie the Pooh that’s fun for all ages.

Cute Breakfast-themed Clay Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create adorable toast-sized plates with a matching toaster holder in this fun clay workshop.

Hope for Holly Benefit

A community wide benefit fundraiser to support Holly and her family in her cancer journey. We will be serving dinner, having a raffle and silent auction with many unique and hand made items and lots of activities for the kids.

Paint with Highland Cows

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 per person — Enjoy a delightful pottery painting session with charming Highland Cows and tasty refreshments.

Summer 3-Day Art Camp Week 5

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $165 per week — Enjoy creative beach-themed art projects in a fun summer setting.