Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria native Brittany Smallberger will join Springfield’s St. Jude Satellite Run tomorrow at 4 a.m. as participants run 74 miles from Springfield to Peoria to raise $60,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — the team will finish on the Bob Michel Bridge then join the parade at 5 p.m.

The Peoria Park District unveiled an all-inclusive playground on Thursday at Endres Park in Peoria Heights.

The new play area, featuring cushioned flooring, a swing set, accessible pathways, an ADA drinking fountain and safety fencing, cost $315,000 and will repurpose old equipment for the Peoria Zoo's goat habitat.

The long-awaited CJ Harvest grocery store, set to fill South Peoria's food desert, is 90% complete.

Owner Chuck Brown, after five years of delays, says it will open in about 30 days — featuring a comfort-food restaurant called Smokestack 309.

The 95th annual Summer Festa Picnic will take place at Hickory Grove Park on Aug.

9, where guests can enjoy authentic Italian food, live music, artisan vendors, a bocce tournament, and a special tribute to Agatucci's 100th anniversary in Dunlap.

Peoria Public Schools District 150 Deputy Superintendent (Dr. Renee Andrews) said she and Superintendent Dr. Jerry Bell will focus on school safety and finances to support student programs ahead of school starting Aug.

5. Parents should check emails for vaccination and physical deadlines and supply updates.

A central Illinois Mega Millions player won $5 million on Tuesday when a ticket purchased at a Road Ranger gas station in Minonk brought in a $50,000 commission for the store.

Mega Millions is played twice weekly; the next drawing will take place today at 10 p.m. CT.

Peoria County remains open to working with Vistra Energy if the retired E.D.

Edwards Power Plant is redeveloped into a nuclear facility; the county will gather public input & hold board discussions as plans potentially move forward in the coming years.

Peoria City Council approved a resolution to form a tourism improvement district that would levy a 1.5% tax on short-term hotel room rentals and use the revenue for tourism marketing — a public hearing is set for Sept.

8 as hotels have already shown support.

The U.S. News and World Report ranking released early today places Illinois at No. 37 overall, with poor scores in fiscal stability (50th) and natural environment (45th) but stronger marks in education (13th) and crime (15th).

Air pollution and slow job growth contributed to its challenges.

Peoria City Council approved a downtown redevelopment plan that invests $7.2 million in expanding Hoops Pizza and Pub + adding two restaurants and a boutique hotel along Main Street.

The project also acquired a parking lot and could pave the way for renovating the historic Madison Theatre.

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.