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The head of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria shared prayers online as Pope Leo XIV prepares for surgery to remove a small lung nodule; he met the pontiff last week at the Vatican + the 71-year-old will have his operation in the coming days.

OSF HealthCare received a $300,000 grant to expand pediatric dental services in Peoria — the three-year funding from the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation will support new procedure rooms at the Forest Park location on the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center campus, improving care access for kids.

Peoria Riverfront Market was ranked sixth in a national farmers market vote and earned a $1,000 award—Executive Director Sharon Gramm said the honor reflects the hard work of vendors, staff, and local supporters, and it will boost efforts to expand the market.

Bradley University received a $3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand academic support programs and integrate artificial intelligence education into student services.

The multi-year funding will improve advising, accessibility services, and supplemental instruction so students can benefit from targeted support + ethical AI literacy training.

After fumes from adhesive roofing work circulated through a Peoria office building on Monday, Oct.

12, two employees were taken to a hospital and 25 people evacuated, with officials saying the building will reopen Tuesday morning.

Peoria gas prices fell 6.1 cents over the past week to $4.66 per gallon, yet remain $1.41 higher than last year and 11.2 cents above last month.

The city's average is slightly below the statewide figure of $4.69 per gallon.

Peoria's Health Department inspected over 115 restaurants, mobile establishments and bars in September and found several with 10+ violations such as improper hand washing + poor cleanliness, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Peoria Players announced a Dracula-themed Halloween event at Soderstrom Castle on Grandview Drive, featuring interior tours, a music & light show on Oct.

28-29, and trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Volunteers are needed to help on Halloween night.