Good morning, Peoria.

Volunteers + community members met Thursday morning at Manual High School for Chief Eric Echevarria’s 'Stand Up, Show Up, Be There' initiative to mentor youth and curb local violence.

The effort, following incidents near Manual in August 2025, shows local leaders stepping up to support young people.

Marvin Hightower, the Peoria NAACP President, was honored during Black History Month by State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, who awarded him the Jesse White Leadership award for his decade of service with organizations like Alignment Peoria & Central Illinois Interfaith Alliance.

A group of local volunteers gathered with students at Manual High School Thursday morning to continue the 'Stand Up, Show Up, Be There' initiative after the Feb.

17 car chase. They stress steady support and mentoring to help youth facing challenges.

The East Peoria Fire Department responded to a home fire near E.

Washington and East Road Wednesday evening; no one was injured, though the blaze—controlled in under 15 minutes—caused about $5,000 in damage and displaced a family now staying with relatives while two dogs stayed safe.

A beauty shop owner in Twin Towers Mall says she is being forced out amid false marijuana use claims from the new management, which she denies.

The shop owner, who booked appointments for next month, faces eviction as rent hikes take effect on March 1.

Boyd Gaming received approval from the Illinois Gaming Board on Feb.

5 to build a new Par-A-Dice casino on a permanently moored barge on the Illinois River in East Peoria; the project is estimated to cost about $160 million, and construction timelines have not yet been set.

Students celebrated Black History Month at Mark Bills Middle School yesterday with a 'living museum' assembly featuring student-crafted displays of key Black figures, musical performances, and dance and spoken word routines (organized by the Future Teachers Club).

The Peoria Riverfront Museum launches its inaugural 'Peoria Plays America' series as part of its America 250 celebrations, featuring two new exhibitions: RICHRATH (Feb.

28 to Apr. 5) honors musician Gary Richrath and ATHLETES (Feb. 21 to Apr. 12) spotlights local sports figures, with more exhibitions planned.

The Heartland Festival Orchestra will perform French Impressions on March 21, featuring guest pianist Anila Aliu and pieces by Debussy, Ravel, and Bizet as previewed on Out and About, and will also launch its Legends of Country program in May (pairing country tunes with symphonic sounds).

Illinois employed many H-1B visa workers last year, and recent USCIS data show Peoria ranked 14th among midsize metros with 7.1 new hires per 10,000 workers + local industries like professional and technical services could see impacts.

The Home Show begins today at the Civic Center with buy one get one free adult admission at CEFCU centers.

It runs Friday from 4-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & offers experts, products, and advice for home projects.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Cross Clay Hand Building Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a beautiful clay cross in a relaxed setting suitable for all skill levels.

Fused Glass Snowflakes Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation, piece prices range from $33 to $64 — Create a shimmering glass snowflake for your winter décor.

Friday the 13th Spooky Pottery Painting

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 ticket reserves your seat — Unleash your creativity with spooky pottery painting this Friday the 13th.

2026 Blarney Blitz

8 AM – 2 PM — Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery — Entry fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive themed race in downtown Peoria.

Organic Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Craft a unique organic-shaped dish perfect for entertaining.

Ladies' Night: Gal Pals and Glazes

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Unwind with friends while sipping drinks and painting pottery in a relaxing atmosphere.