Good morning, Peoria.

On July 23, another grocery chain closed in Peoria, adding to the loss of three Kroger stores that left many neighborhoods with few fresh produce options.

Local nonprofits like Market 309 and Urban Acres have stepped in to offer subsidized food and community gardens—while city officials work on securing support for long-term solutions.

Liberty Steel plans to move its headquarters from Dallas to Peoria and has asked Peoria County for a $2.65 million loan to help boost payroll after furloughing over 500 workers last year.

County officials will decide on the loan on August 14 — the move will also require the company to meet state tax credit conditions for more capital improvements and job growth.

Today, a Peoria County judge ordered 22-year-old Jyvonnie J.

Williams Jr. to remain in custody as he awaits trial on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of 16-year-old Antonio Walker—who was fatally shot nearly two years ago in a South Peoria mass shooting that injured five others.

Tramier Pate, 25, was sentenced to 85 years in prison after he was found guilty of first degree murder in Peoria—he fatally shot 14-year-old Omarius Gates in the back during an attempted robbery on June 26th as they walked from a basketball game at Woodlands Apartment Complex.

Peoria Public Schools opened its PPS Multicultural Dual Language Academy on Wednesday at the old Quest Charter building and welcomed students, families, and staff for its first day of classes taught in both English and Spanish—expanding the district’s dual language program to help more students learn two languages. The academy aims to build a learning environment that values and celebrates diverse cultures.

18-year-old Dylan Langholf, who has battled rhabdomyosarcoma since July 1, will run in three days in Peoria to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital even as his cancer returned in February and he receives five consecutive days of chemotherapy.

His determination shows he will not let his illness stop him (RC Outfitters has supported his family since 2015).

Clay Wreath Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35.00 — Create a personalized ceramic wreath using slab-building techniques in a fun and creative class.

Bread Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create a handmade bread pan using fun clay techniques and personalize it with your choice of glaze.

Tissue Box Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your own custom tissue box cover in this fun and hands-on clay class.

Wheel Thrown Chip and Dip Dish Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a stylish chip and dip bowl from scratch with no prior experience needed.

Jurassic Art Adventure

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 event fee per painter — Unleash creativity with dino-themed pottery at this family-friendly paint night.

Faux Stained Glass Workshop

3-6 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.

Paint with Highland Cows

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 entry — Enjoy a mini moo party with Highland Cows while creating your own pottery masterpiece.

Shut Up & Write! Peoria

6-7 p.m. — Dang Boba, Poke & Banh Mi — Free participation — Focus and write with fellow creatives in a supportive community environment.

Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Craft your own whimsical mushroom fairy house with step-by-step guidance and decorative flair.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Enchanted Falls

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques while creating your own serene masterpiece in a calming atmosphere.