Good morning, Peoria.

Kids ran a muddy obstacle course Saturday at Westwood Park in Morton to raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital.

The 14th annual event drew between 700 and 1,000 participants and raised more than $78,800 toward a nearly $100,000 goal—and it promoted an upcoming Morton to Peoria St. Jude Satellite Run in early August.

More than two dozen people marched from Peoria City Hall to South Peoria Saturday to demand solutions for youth violence and share their pain from gun-related losses, with demonstrators like Keri Hayes urging accountability.

Organizer Antonio Lipscomb said the march shows the community is uniting to seek violence prevention education—promising steps toward change.

Peoria’s Heart of Illinois Fair is downsizing this summer with only motor sports and a large indoor flea market planned - organizers canceled carnival rides and postponed events like the Fair Queen Pageant amid uncertainty from the Expo Gardens sale.

The five-day event will begin Tuesday, July 15 at 4 p.m.

Terrance Shaw, 18, pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge after he allegedly killed 70-year-old William Collier during a tow yard carjacking at Billie Jo’s Towing on June 9 in Peoria—he is set to return to court on Aug.

14 while 16-year-old Jaylin Polnitz remains under curfew with a GPS ankle bracelet.

Keshawn Williams, 20, of Peoria pleaded guilty to armed robbery in a case that led to a fatal shootout on West Lincoln Avenue on Jan.

15, 2024 — the shooting was ruled self-defense — and he is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 29 while his co-defendant received 22 years in prison.

Crews will use explosives to demolish concrete piers 23, 24, and 25 on McClugage Bridge on Monday, July 14 from 7 p.m.—9 p.m. as the bridge closes to both directions of U.S. 150 and traffic will be rerouted—with a security perimeter set to keep spectators safely at a distance.

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.

Summer Art Camp Week 6: Shark Week Theme

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $165 — Dive into a fin-tastic Shark Week with creative art projects for kids.

Draped Floral Vase Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $48 for 8" vase — Create stunning fused glass flower vases in this hands-on class with expert guidance.

Sea Glass Succulents Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Ticket required — Create your own sea glass succulent with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided.

Christmas in July Painting Party

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a fun pottery painting event featuring discounts and festivities.