Good morning, Peoria.

A free car seat check will be held from 1—4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1 at the Central Fire Station to help parents ensure their child's car seat is installed properly.

Experts will be on hand to inspect installations and provide safety tips for the community.

Community leaders including Sue Portscheller held a soft opening and ribbon cutting for the new Levee Park on September 4 in downtown East Peoria—this family-friendly space with a splash pad, performance stage, and green areas funded by community donations and state grants is set to attract local residents.

Ground was broken on the 2026 Peoria St. Jude Dream Home at Waterstone Subdivision in Edwards as part of its 20th year fundraiser for St. Jude Research Hospital—tickets go on sale in January and the home giveaway will take place next April.

Peoria's WTVP is getting strong local support after federal public broadcasting funding was cut on July 17—CEO Jenn Gordon said the station received an anonymous $300,000 donation plus more than $170,000 from the community to fund two new shows while it works toward a five-year sustainability goal after losing $1 million in future support.

A 93-year-old Pekin man allegedly stabbed his 80-year-old wife during an argument—he is now held at Tazewell County Jail pending a hearing set for Oct.

2 at 9:30 a.m.

Peoria police arrested 34-year-old Jonathan Hudson after he allegedly shot at a neighbor in Central Peoria Wednesday just after 6:30 p.m.—he faces multiple weapons charges and was taken to Peoria County Jail.

Two teenage boys were arrested on Tuesday night after allegedly stealing a vehicle in Peoria—officers found the stolen car on N.

Stonewood Court and the teens were taken to the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center.

A 93-year-old Pekin man, James Pate, was charged with two counts of murder after his 80-year-old wife died on Tuesday from multiple sharp force injuries—Tazewell County court denied his petition for pretrial release on Thursday.

Today, downtown Peoria hosts a mural dedication ceremony for 'Play Greater' at Distillery Labs as artwork by Bob Doucette is displayed on the Jefferson Parking Deck at 230 SW Adams St. The celebrations continue Saturday with the unveiling of 'Pulling Together' by local artist Chris LeCrone at 401 SW Water St and end Sunday with Go Day on the riverfront—featuring family-friendly activities and free admission at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Peoria Heights will start a 1% tax on groceries when the state tax ends on Jan.

1 to keep the village's $125,000 annual revenue, with the Village Board voting 5-1 on Tuesday night. One trustee opposed the move, saying it would put more money out of local families—supporters said it is needed to pay for essential services.

Pie Pan Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 — Create a unique ceramic pie pan and choose your glaze before it’s fired for your next gathering.

Clay Hand Built Beer Steins Workshop

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Craft a custom beer stein and unleash your creativity in this fun workshop.

Morton Pumpkin Festival

7-10 p.m. — Morton Pumpkin Festival — Free entry — Enjoy the sweet twin sister harmonies of Kelly and Sarah at this community gathering.

Fused Glass Flower Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45 for flat flower, $52 for slumped flower — Create a stunning fused glass sunflower piece with guidance and all materials included.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Majestic Mountains

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while painting serene mountains and trees in a calming atmosphere.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 for one mug, $60 for two — Craft your own unique textured mug in this fun, hands-on pottery workshop.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Explore pottery fundamentals and create beautiful pieces in a hands-on wheel-throwing course.

Clay Hand Built Halloween Votives

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Create spooky votives in a fun Halloween-themed clay class.

Jurassic Quest

7 PM - 1:29 AM — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and immersive activities for all ages.

Woofstock 2025

12-4 p.m. — Kickapoo Sportsman's Club — $20/ticket (Kids 12 and under free) — Enjoy a groovy outdoor concert with food trucks and live music while supporting animal rescue.