Good morning, Peoria.

Three young men—20-year-old Christopher Adams, 18-year-old Kemareon Bell, and 17-year-old Lamar Cagle—pleaded not guilty to first degree murder charges linked to the fatal June 20th shooting of 20-year-old Teron Scott at MLK Park in South Peoria, with the next hearing set for August 19th.

Peoria is a key filming location for a new film about the century-old Leopold and Loeb case—American Criminals, directed by local Aaron Warr.

The movie will debut on streaming services early next month with a red carpet premiere on Aug. 2 at AMC Grand Prairie theaters.

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, the top official in Peoria Public Schools, announced she will step down at the end of the upcoming school year.

She has led the district since 2015 and earned awards for her work addressing teacher shortages and adding new programs — no plan for her successor has been announced.

Bradley University will launch Entertainment Engineering this fall to blend engineering with the arts—focusing on structural design, hydraulics, and motor and winch systems for theatrical productions.

Students can earn dual degrees in arts or science and accredited engineering, preparing them for behind-the-scenes careers in television, theme parks, and Cirque du Soleil.

Peoria residents voiced concern after Illinois American Water reported that testing from January 1 to June 3 showed 14 of 103 water samples exceeded a 15 parts per billion lead level—residents say the company has not provided clear guidance on when repairs will be made and many are forced to buy bottled water.

Right at Home Peoria is helping launch a Medicare GUIDE program that gives unpaid caregivers respite care to help them look after family members with dementia.

The program offers up to 80 hours of care per year—divided in four-hour sessions—for Medicare card holders in Peoria.

Peoria's renowned billiards player Judex James, aged 83, is recovering from an ischemic stroke he suffered in September 2024 and will have a benefit tournament on Saturday at Racks on the Rocks in West Peoria to help cover his medical expenses — nearly 100 players are expected to participate. Friends and family organized the event to support his ongoing therapy and recovery.

Peoria City will open the USL2 playoffs today in a conference quarterfinal match against Minneapolis City SC at 3 p.m. at Valley Stadium in Des Moines—Peoria City finished second in the Great Plains Division while Minneapolis City claimed the Heartland Division title.

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.

Organic Vase Clay Hand Building Class

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique organic bud vase in this hands-on clay workshop perfect for flower displays.

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 start to finish with no prior experience needed.

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.