Good morning, Peoria.

The Center for Prevention of Abuse is hosting its 38th Duck Race at East Peoria’s Eastside Centre this weekend, with ducks available until Saturday at 1 p.m. Cash prizes including a $10,000 reward will fund local abuse prevention services + support survivors.

Peoria Heights will host its Great Heights Jamboree on Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.—the all-day event offers live music from banjo and bluegrass bands, food vendors, free carriage and tower rides, kids activities and military tributes.

The Heartland Festival Orchestra will begin its season on Sept.

11 at Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington. The season features performances of Mozart and Bruch alongside concerts that will celebrate both classical tunes and popular hits by Frank Sinatra and Frankie Valli.

Emily Dawson, a science teacher with 22 years of experience at Elise Ford Allen, has won $5,000 for her classroom from Society for Science.

She will also guide seven teachers as a leader, advancing student research (part of this year’s award program).

Bradley University was named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review for 2027.

The ranking praised the school for its value, professor accessibility, and safety in Peoria.

Chillicothe residents questioned officials at a Public Works meeting after tests on Aug.

5 showed one of seven wells exceeded limits for PFOS and PFHxS, forever chemicals. The water bill notification relied on a link (TinyURL) that some say did not reach those without reliable internet.

Peoria City and County Health Department announced a $100,000 funding opportunity for projects to help working families with food access; awards range from $20,000-50,000 and applications are due Sept.

4.

Two local community health centers in Peoria received a share of a $50M state grant aimed at improving health facilities; Solvera received $3M and will open its new clinic today at the Southside Community Center, while Heartland, located at 711 W.

John Gwynn Ave., got nearly $2.6M.

OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center earned the American Heart Association’s Bronze quality award for its heart failure care through following clinical guidelines and patient education.

The recognition highlights its efforts to reduce hospital stays and increase healthy days at home in Peoria.