Daily
Peoria
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria Zoo is introducing three baby spider monkeys from Mexico to join its resident group as they emerge from quarantine and acclimate to their new home beside Darla, a 30 year old spider monkey. Visitors can now see the young monkeys as they become part of the zoo’s social group. WMBD
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Eligible Illinois residents who did not receive an automatic refund for Amazon Prime fees can file a claim to receive up to $51; claim notices were sent in January 2026 and require submission within 180 days by email or mail. Amazon is expected to process refunds in late 2026. Pekin Daily Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The touring cast of Les Misérables will perform eight shows each week—from Feb. 10 to Feb. 16—at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Civic Center, with Alexa Lopez and Peter Neureuther starring as Cosette and Marius in this renowned musical. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local services will close on Monday, Feb. 16 for Presidents Day. Government offices, banks and schools will be off while retail stores and pharmacies run on adjusted hours, and both FedEx and UPS will offer modified delivery services. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ The Peoria City Council approved a TIF district for Northwoods Mall Tuesday night to boost retail, restaurants, apartments and hotels in repurposed parking lots. City Manager Patrick Urich said the plan will work with property owners to spur growth * a strategy seen at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora. WMBD
- ➤ Today, the City of Peoria will film a project on Northeast Madison Street near the Mary Street intersection from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.—the movie 'Solutions' by Solutions Film LLC will feature prop guns that will not be fired. 25 News Now
- ➤ A federal judge upheld an Illinois law that stops banks from charging swipe fees on taxes and tips. Local retailers will need to update their systems by July 1 — while opponents signal further legal challenges may come. WCBU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A member of the Peoria Richwoods girls’ basketball coaching staff resigned after allegations of inappropriate conduct emerged on social media, Athletic Director Jeffrey Crusen said. The resignation does not halt the ongoing investigation and counseling is available to affected players and families. WMBD
- ➤ Peoria-area fans can vote for the 2026 girls basketball coach of the year until 12 p.m. Feb. 19 and choose among 10 nominees from teams like Washington and Illini Bluffs as the postseason begins on Feb. 14. Pekin Daily Times
- ➤ Illinois head coach Brad Underwood compares rising freshman Keaton Wagler to NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while ESPN analyst Jay Bilas links him with Tyrese Haliburton; Wagler, averaging 20.8 points per game, was added to the Wooden Award watch list today. Pekin Daily Times
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Clay Together, Stay Together: Throwing for Two
6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 per couple — Experience a fun and creative night of sculpting with your partner while making personalized cups.
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Valentine's Glass Blowing Experience
5:00 – 6:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $150 per couple — Create beautiful blown glass ornaments while sipping champagne on a romantic date night.
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Clay Together, Stay Together: Throwing for Two
2:30-4:00 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while crafting whimsical mushroom mugs in a festive Valentine’s wheel-throwing class.
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Spiral Olive Dish Clay Hand Building Class
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Materials included — Create a unique spiral olive dish while learning hand-building techniques in this beginner-friendly class.
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Romantasy: A Book Lovers Art Night
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Immerse yourself in a cozy evening of creativity with bookish art projects and delightful treats.
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Doodle Love Canvas Class
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Unleash your creativity with a whimsical Valentine’s painting of a pup in a bow tie, perfect for all skill levels.
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Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Results...RECYCLE!
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Brimfield Library — Free program — Learn about the complete recycling process from an industry expert in this engaging session.
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Tissue Box Clay Hand Building Class
4:00-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a custom tissue box cover in this hands-on clay class for all skill levels.
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Flower Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $ — Create your own floral-inspired chip and dip dish while learning hand-building techniques in a fun and creative environment.
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Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Mountain Waterfall
9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist with a serene landscape painting class inspired by Bob Ross.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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