Good morning, Peoria.

Today, over 2,500 runners start the Memphis to Peoria run from Memphis and more than 30 satellite locations, with participants set to cross the finish line at the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday.

The St. Jude telethon will air Saturday at 6:30 p.m.—raising funds for children’s research.

A head-on crash on Kickapoo Creek Road west of Peoria in Limestone Township seriously injured a motorcyclist late Sunday when his motorcycle collided with a truck on a curve+ Advanced Medical Transport took him to a hospital while the sheriff’s office and Limestone Fire Department investigate.

Peoria Public Schools superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat said she is leaving the district in a much better place than when she began—her remarks underscore progress during her tenure.

Peoria will accept applications for 2026 Community Development Block Grant Public Services funding from August 4 at 8:00 a.m. through August 29 at 2:00 p.m.—eligible agencies include not-for-profit organizations, 501(c)3 groups, and government agencies serving low and moderate-income persons. A virtual training session on August 6 at 10:00 a.m. via GoToMeeting will explain the process.

The City of Peoria received three redevelopment proposals from Baldovin Construction, J.

Jeffers & Company, and Urban Equity Properties for turning the Tower on Adams into a mixed-use building and staff will review the plans for a future council recommendation. The city has already reached an agreement with Riverview Plaza owners—who will deposit $500,000 in escrow for fire safety repairs—to address life safety issues in the closed high-rise.

Mosquito season in Illinois brings heavy swarms to Peoria as the hot, humid weather fuels an active period from April through September.

Health experts advise eliminating standing water, using repellent and protective clothing—and treating bites with ice or a baking soda paste—to reduce discomfort.

Peoria Opportunities Foundation and Southside Community Center announced a project to renovate up to seven homes in the 61605 area for low-income families (announced Monday) and the initiative is funded by the Peoria City/County Health Department (as part of a larger effort that includes a 47-unit Churchview Garden Homes development).

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.

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.