Good morning, Peoria.

The St. Jude Memphis to Peoria runners, 179 strong with support staff (including motor homes and vans), begin their 465-mile trek today from the St. Jude campus to raise funds for children’s cancer research.

Satellite runs start Thursday, and a parade at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center will mark their return.

The Central Illinois Kayaking and Floating group with 200,000 followers connects locals with river safety tips, fundraisers, and cleanup events.

Two weekends ago, 800 women joined the Female Friday Fun Float, and Labor Day weekend they will host a river cleanup (covering 80 miles) inviting volunteers.

Neighborhood House held a ribbon cutting at 1020 South Matthew Street to open renovated classrooms, a life skills room, a sensory room and a youth empowerment wing for kids.

The event honored community leaders (Mayor Rita Ali, Judy Oakford, Gloria Tillman and Helena Taylor) and was funded by a $118,000 grant from Impact Central Illinois.

Avid bowlers Cass and Kathleen Hermacinski are leading a project to reopen Landmark Lanes after a 10-month closure and are seeking $140,000 to upgrade the historic facility with 50 new lanes and the backing of professional bowlers.

The 33 Room in Peoria Heights was named one of the best bars in the country by USA TODAY today - a nod to its historic roots and innovative craft cocktail menu that honors its Pabst heritage.

USA TODAY named 38 best bars for 2026 with 11 in the Midwest, including The 33 Room in Peoria Heights which mixes historic Pabst brewing roots with modern cocktail creativity.

The list highlights unique local venues and their diverse drink offerings.

A study from Power Choice Texas shows Illinois households pay the most to run portable air conditioners (about $129.21 per year) while using smaller models and adjusting thermostats can cut energy bills, based on EPA data and local utility rates.

The Peoria Public Schools Board spent nearly two hours on Monday hearing 20 speakers about a $624K contract for the Game Changer program that helps 50 students, but the vote collapsed because the agenda was not properly posted, leaving plans unresolved as school starts next week.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law to ban cellphones in classrooms to reduce distractions in learning.

Starting Sept. 1, school districts will develop bell-to-bell policies for K-8—high schools may opt out during passing periods and lunch.

Developers are revamping 500-516 Main Street with restaurants opening this fall and a boutique hotel planned for March 2027 — the project aims to spur funding to restore the historic Madison Theater, with City Council-approved tax incentives and sale of a nearby parking lot supporting the $8 million effort.

Peoria home sales increased in Q2 2026 as 1,723 homes sold from April through June, up 14.6% and 17.2% from last year and 2024 respectively; available inventory rose 40% and homes spent 39 days on market instead of 20, showing a shift to a balanced market for buyers & sellers.

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.