Good morning, Peoria.

7 Brew will expand its drive-thru chain with 62 new locations nationwide in August, including two Illinois sites at Bloomingdale (130 E.

Lake St.) and Plainfield; Bloomingdale is set to open on Aug. 10 while Plainfield's date remains pending.

Owner Lisa Williamson has moved her handmade gift shop to the food court entrance at Northwoods Mall after her previous location closed when the 50’s Diner shut down.

The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Aug.15.

United Airlines delayed launching 10 new domestic routes from O’Hare due to extended FAA flight cuts, affecting planned service to Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana while new routes to destinations like Santa Barbara and Eugene continue to progress.

Caterpillar raised its annual revenue forecast after posting Q2 profit above estimates as strong orders for power and construction equipment driven by AI data centers boosted investor sentiment on Aug.

4, with shares rising roughly 7% and tariff cost guidance cut to around $2.2 billion & signaling industry strength.

The History Channel's American Pickers is searching Peoria for unique historical relics as it prepares to film in Illinois this September, giving locals a chance to showcase their collections; the show returns for its 27th season after a brief production hiatus.

Illinois will offer a temporary tax break on school supplies and clothing under $125 from Aug.

7 to Aug. 16 as the state tax drops from 6.25% to 1.25% while local taxes still apply. Gov. Pritzker said the measure will ease back-to-school shopping costs.

Illinois Central College in East Peoria starts a new chapter with Dr. Jamonica Rolle as its sixth president; she took office last month after a long tenure at Broward College and plans to improve student pathways and community engagement with classes starting Aug.

17.

Beau Sutherland—who served as interim general manager for two months—has been named the Civic Center’s full-time leader.

He, a long-time employee since 2000, will oversee operations at the convention center, theater and Carver Arena.

Between April and June, more than 1,720 homes sold in the Greater Peoria market, increasing 14.6% from last year and 17.2% from 2024.

The rising inventory — up over 40% — helped boost the year-to-date total to nearly 2,850 closings.

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.