Good morning, Peoria.

The Community Development Department at the city of Peoria will host the Great Neighbor Appreciation Cookout outside City Hall at 419 Fulton Street on Thursday, July 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering free food + family activities like balloon art, face-painting and yard games.

Costco recalled 11 products since May 1 because they show issues like fire risk, mold, and other hazards + Illinois shoppers are told to check their items and follow store instructions.

The Peoria County Coroner tentatively identified the body of a man aged 25 to 35 found in a South Peoria home on Saturday at 10 p.m.—he was not the homeowner and was described as white with reddish hair, a red beard, tattoos, and a height between 5 feet 9 and 5 feet 10.

An 18-year-old babysitter charged with First Degree Murder (for the death of Clylen Ewing on June 29th) and with Aggravated Battery (for injuring a five-month-old he was babysitting) remains held in Peoria County jail pending trial.

Gas prices in Peoria dropped 2.4 cents to $3.34 on Monday as GasBuddy surveyed 148 stations—prices were 6.3 cents higher than a month ago and 31.2 cents lower than a year ago.

The report follows a national trend of declining fuel costs.

Morton shoppers are now charged a village sales tax after the board passed a .75% rate last Tuesday—revenue from the tax is expected to begin in September while Village Clerk Zo Evans resigned amid calls for clearer public discussion.

The Peoria Opportunities Foundation and Pivotal Housing Partners announced MacArthur Senior Flats—an upcoming senior housing development in South Peoria featuring 52 units, with 45 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom apartments for residents 55 and older; construction will begin next year and finish by 2027.

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.

Wade Bowen Live Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Crusens Farmington Road — $20 Tickets — Experience an exciting evening with Wade Bowen and support acts at this lively venue.

Velaris City of Starlight Canvas Class

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Create your own painting inspired by the enchanting city from A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Argentine Tango Practica

7-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria — $5 entry — Weekly tango practica welcoming dancers of all levels to practice and improve their skills.