Good morning, Peoria.

A Peoria man shared a video showing that two days ago Diversified Mechanical employees used a racial slur on a phone call while working at his apartment complex—actions that stirred social media backlash.

The HVAC company has suspended the involved employees pending termination while the complex has ended its contract and the resident still faces air conditioning issues.

A new grocery store called Farm Family Foods opened yesterday at 311 Front Street in Benson and is the first store in town since the 1990s.

Co-owner Corrie Scott said the store took three years to plan and will offer healthy, locally-sourced food — helping more residents get fresh produce close to home.

Jonah’s 101 Oyster Bar received unanimous Peoria City Council approval to serve liquor at its new location at 6035 N.

Knoxville Ave., Suite 101J — the longtime East Peoria restaurant moves one step closer to a liquor license and targets a late summer or early fall opening.

Several vehicles were stolen in North Peoria County this week—two trucks taken in Princeville with only one truck recovered, along with four wheelers, a lawn mower and a dirt bike missing—while a suspect held for retail theft and warrants is not linked to the truck thefts and a truck dumped in a creek and set on fire was confirmed not to be stolen.

Peoria Police are asking for help finding Amanda H.

Elliott, a 41-year-old white woman with green eyes and brown hair who was last seen driving through Downtown Peoria on June 22; her tan vehicle with Florida license plates was spotted in Davenport, Iowa on June 23 — she wore a tan tank top, blue jeans with holes, and black Chuck Taylors.

At 2 a.m. on June 27th, deputies found three burning vehicles at Foster’s Service Center on Farmington Road in West Peoria—a suspected arson case now under investigation with no suspects identified.

Peoria Riverfront Museum had its best year ever with its biggest show, most memberships, 3.1 million digital engagements, and strong ties with New York museums — a record that made the museum a local standout.

At Wednesday night's State of the Museum event, leaders celebrated a $500,000 donation and honored artists Preston Jackson and Lonnie Stewart with a top award.

The Peoria Fire Department is rebuilding Firehouse 16 on West Northmoor Road for $5 million, and the new station will include community center rooms and bedrooms for 24-hour shift firefighters, with work set to complete by November.

Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger said the site was chosen based on call volume data — a decision aimed at improving response times in the Northwest corridor.

With summer heat making cars dangerously hot, parents in Peoria are urged to use safety tips—placing a favorite toy in the back seat to remind them to check before leaving—to help prevent heatstroke deaths, noting that a car can heat up 20 degrees in 10 minutes and that 24 such deaths have been reported in Illinois since 1990.

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.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — EastSide Centre — Limited spots available — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity training focused on scoring and ball handling.

Kitchen Dwellers Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Peoria Riverfront Park — $79-$124 — Enjoy a night of bluegrass featuring the Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon.