Good morning, Peoria.

The St. Jude Memphis to Peoria runners have returned to Illinois and will meet outside the Peoria Civic Center today before the telethon at 6:30 p.m. as part of their 44th year run to support children with cancer.

They will stop at Assumption at about 1:30 a.m. today+ where nearly 500 locals are set to welcome them with signs and food.

A fire on Friday morning in East Bluff damaged a two-story home near Thrush and Indiana and was later ruled arson after Peoria Fire crews responded just after 7:45 a.m. and controlled flames in the basement and first floor, leaving a family of four displaced—while the Red Cross provided temporary housing.

On Thursday, police arrested 63-year-old James Watkins on the 600 block of Western Avenue in Peoria after he allegedly struck a 40-year-old man in the head during a verbal altercation just before 5:15 p.m., with officers giving CPR until emergency personnel arrived and taking the victim to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A man suffered serious injuries after reportedly being stabbed in Peoria’s East Bluff on Thursday night—police found a 59-year-old man with an apparent stab wound to the neck just before 11:00 p.m. near Maryland and Frye—and he was taken to a local hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition as police investigate the case.

Illinois State Fair is offering a flash sale for reserved seating for Jake Owen on Aug.

8 plus The Chainsmokers on Aug. 15; buyers can use discount code SUMMER25 on Ticketmaster when the sale starts at 10:00 a.m. today. Discounted prices for Track and Tier 1 seating are available until 11:45 p.m. tomorrow, with rates returning to normal on Aug. 4.

Bruce Budde will serve as Illinois Central College’s interim president as Sheila Quirk-Bailey retires at the end of the year.

The board has hired executive search firm R.H. Perry to lead the search for her permanent replacement by July 1, 2026.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that will bring annual free mental health checks to public schools for students from third grade through high school starting in the 2027-28 school year with an opt-out choice for parents.

The State Board of Education and a children’s behavioral health team will create the tests when state funds allow—lawmakers approved the bill in both chambers.

State Rep. Dennis Tipsword ended his re-election campaign for the 105th District to run for Woodford County sheriff in 2026—endorsed by Sheriff Matt Smith.

The Metamora resident with 31 years in law enforcement said his heart is in police work, prompting the switch.

Peoria’s public television station said it will need help from the community after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced it will close by January due to funding cuts.

CEO Jenn Gordon said the station must fill a gap of about $1 million per year—an effort to keep local broadcasts running.

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.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Enchanted Falls

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques while creating your own serene masterpiece in a calming atmosphere.

Popcorn Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check online for fees — Craft your personal popcorn dish using fun clay hand-building techniques.

Anime & Manga Club

4-5 p.m. — Peoria Heights Public Library — Free entry — Discuss manga and enjoy your favorite anime shows after school.