Daily
Peoria
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Peoria. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bradley University students launched the Peoria Feeds Peoria campaign to address food insecurity by partnering with Sophia's Kitchen. They will host a fundraiser Monday night at Brienzo's Pizza and Bar where 15% of purchases will help feed nearly 500 people daily — a sign of rising local need. WCBU
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Zach Williams will perform at Prairie Home Alliance Theater on Friday, Oct. 30 for his Revival Nights Tour featuring country, rock, and gospel songs. Tickets go on sale April 24 at 11 a.m. (Ticketmaster or at the Civic Center Toyota Box Office) with Cochren and Co and Christian Hohn. WMBD
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new Lightcast study released yesterday finds that four community colleges in central Illinois generated $799.6 million in economic impact and support 10,464 jobs (students gain $4.30 in lifetime earnings per $1 invested), highlighting the role local education plays in boosting the regional economy. WCBU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Friday, Dunlap schools broke ground on the new Wilder-Waite Grade School at 10021 N. Pacific St. The new building will open for the 2027-28 school year, replacing the existing one, as district leaders, board members + students celebrated a nearly 80-year legacy. WCBU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carle Health is investing nearly $8 million to upgrade Pekin Hospital by updating infrastructure, adding a café, and improving access. The project started by relocating south tower services and will begin demolishing two towers mid-year with exterior updates completed next year. WCBU
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Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class
1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Clay Den — Registration fee applies — Create a whimsical mushroom fairy house in this enchanting clay hand-building class.
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Morning Grace Canvas Workshop
5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Capture the beauty of dawn with step-by-step painting instruction in a friendly environment.
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Fused Glass Ocean Wave Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Materials included — Create your own shimmering glass ocean wave piece in a fun, guided workshop.
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Busy Little Garden Canvas Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Bring a cheerful garden to life with bright blooms and fuzzy little bees in this beginner-friendly canvas class.
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6 Week Wheel Throwing Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into the art of pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing experience perfect for all skill levels.
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1st Friday May Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.
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5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer
8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.
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Rage With Clay
1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.
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Fused Glass Cross Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.
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Flower Clay Hand Building Class for Mother's Day
1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fee applies — Create everlasting clay flowers as a heartfelt gift for Mom this Mother's Day weekend.
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A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
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