Good morning, Peoria.

The Memphis-to-Peoria run is set to reach $100 million in donations this summer for St. Jude as co-founder Mike McCoy aims to recruit young runners while keeping safety first; the 45-year event remains a local milestone supporting sick kids.

Neighborhood House held a ribbon cutting to celebrate renovated classrooms named for local community women at its South Peoria site & the new spaces, funded by a $118,000 grant from Impact Central Illinois, give children a safe place for homework and life skills and serve 35 children this summer.

Dozer Park hosts the first holiday light show featuring over one million lights, interactive displays, train rides, a letter-to-Santa station, and arts and crafts from November 13 through January 2, though it will close on Christmas and Mondays until December 14.

Gas prices in the Peoria area climbed above $4.20 last week due to global oil market volatility & geopolitical tensions.

Data from GasBuddy showed a near 7-cent rise in Peoria County, and experts say a weekend pullback in hostilities may ease further increases.

Bradley University business students are offered a direct admission pathway to Millikin University’s Tabor School of Business in Decatur beginning the 2026-27 academic year.

Applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 (including a resume and interview), university officials said.

Bradley University awarded 16 rising seniors at its Arts and Technology Camp a scholarship opportunity that could total $20,000 per year, with a total of $1.25M in scholarships distributed among participants.

The camp, held last week, gave more than 60 students a glimpse of college life.

Illinois students will face universal mental health screenings next year as Gov. Pritzker set the law in motion, but Rep. Mary Miller is advancing a bill (Parents Opt-In Protection Act) that would require parental consent, and the measure is now with the House for review.

Peoria Housing Authority plans to tear down outdated Harrison Homes Apartments on the South Side, preparing a demolition application to HUD in the next few weeks & seeking community input for affordable housing redevelopment with tenant support measures in place as officials work toward a phased plan.

The state has scheduled a ten-day back-to-school sales tax holiday from August 7 to 16 — the sale reduces the state sales tax rate on qualifying clothing and school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill (SB 2749) last week that recognizes gambling addiction as a disorder, allowing the state to offer targeted treatment and prevention services.

The law takes effect immediately as advocates say it marks a key step toward addressing this public health issue.

Carle Health ER doctor William Fletchall advises Peoria residents to ward off heat illnesses by wearing loose, bright clothing, taking breaks in shaded areas, and drinking extra fluids as temperatures soar.

He recommends seeking medical help if symptoms persist for more than 15 minutes.

Ed Hammond will serve as the play-by-play voice for the upcoming Rivermen season, having left his 24-year role with the Bradley Braves women's basketball team.

He will call 30 home games & may add road trips as he returns to hockey broadcasting.

Disc golfers from across central Illinois are gathering for the prestigious Ledgestone Open, set to begin Thursday with men's matches at Lake Eureka and women's at Northwood Black in Morton — side events include a charity Play With the Pros in downtown Peoria and Morton.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Creative 3-day camp where kids sculpt outer space wonders with clay and learn pottery basics.

Jingle and Throw: Holiday Wheel Throwing

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Unleash your creativity in a festive pottery class and take home your own holiday masterpiece.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Dive into the world of stained glass and create your own lemon or orange masterpiece in a fun, welcoming environment.

Organic Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while crafting a functional, nature-inspired dish in this hands-on clay workshop.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $3-$12 — Experience an inspiring open mic night featuring passionate poetry from diverse artists.

Jon B. & Jacquees Live

7 p.m. — CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing — Ticketed event — Get ready for a night of smooth R&B hits from Jon B. and Jacquees.

2026 Run, Walk, or Trot 2 Stop Blood Clots

9 AM — The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute — Registration opens March 1st — Participate in a community-focused 5K event to raise awareness for blood clots and clotting disorders.