Good morning, Peoria.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.