Daily
Peoria
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Peoria leaders honored Rev. Jesse Jackson on Tuesday. Peoria NAACP President Marvin Hightower and City Council member Andre Allen remembered his legacy as a civil rights trailblazer and voting rights champion, urging residents to vote early in the March primary. WCBU
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chick-fil-A on W. Washington St. in East Peoria announced it will run as drive-thru only from Friday, Feb.-20 to Tuesday, March-3 while it renovates its dining area; the 10-year-old eatery will pause indoor seating during the update. Pekin Daily Times
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ameren expects increased electricity demand and is planning major grid upgrades (including a $31.8 billion five-year plan) to ensure reliable power for local manufacturers. Peoria aluminum maker Alcast, which recently expanded, faces rising energy costs as it boosts production. 25 News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A warm spell is underway after recent freezes — today central Illinois reached highs of 65 to 71 degrees as near-record temperatures continue this week. The National Weather Service warns dry conditions and southwest winds will keep fire danger elevated in northern and west-central areas, urging precautions. Pekin Daily Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Pekin city council tabled an agreement on Feb. 9 to shift school bus management from the city to the high school district — keeping buses at 1130 Koch Street until a new facility is built — and will vote on the deal, which runs until June 30. WMBD
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ More than 20,000 peanut butter products made by Ventura Foods are being recalled after blue plastic pieces were found in production filters — Illinois consumers should check product labels and follow FDA guidance. Pekin Daily Times
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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.
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Gnome Clay Hand Building Class
4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Craft your festive St. Patrick’s Day gnome with guided clay hand-building fun!
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Charcuterie Board Clay Hand Building Class
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Design and craft your own unique ceramic charcuterie board in a fun, beginner-friendly class.
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Wall Planter Clay Hand Building Class
1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized wall pocket planter in this fun, beginner-friendly class!
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
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
~ Mark Caine
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