Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria is launching its Hello Neighbor Gathering Fund to award fifteen residents $100 to host neighborhood events this fall — including pizza nights and porch parties.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on September 22, and events are scheduled between October 1 and November 15.

WTVP is accepting nominations for its 2026 40 Leaders Under Forty awards to honor local leaders under 40 who work in central Illinois.

Nominations must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, Oct. 25 + winners will be announced in late November with a banquet planned in February.

Peoria’s long-awaited grocery store on the southside will have a soft opening on Fri, Oct.

23 and a grand opening on Oct. 30, as owner Chuck Brown said rising construction costs & a mechanics lien led to delays. Brown expects all issues to be resolved before the openings.

Peoria Public Schools and Dunlap CUSD 323 were awarded Teacher Vacancy Grants by the Illinois State Board of Education, receiving $208,412 + $97,430 while Cuba-based CUSD 3 got $58,346 to help hire teachers.

Methodist College is set to unveil its new Operating Room Simulation Lab today (10-11 a.m.) during a ribbon cutting ceremony, offering a modern space where future CRNAs and advanced practice providers will develop essential clinical skills before managing patient care.

East Peoria City Council approved proposals to upgrade EastSide Centre sports complex with a turfing project for two baseball fields costing over $2.6M & a new volleyball system for nearly $20,000.

The projects were available for public inspection from Sept. 1 and aimed to enhance play and safety.

Peoria Public Works is accepting applications for its Paint-A-Plow program that will let local organizations decorate one of four available snow plows.

Applications are due Friday, Sept. 4 and painted plows will be featured during snow clearing and in the Santa Claus Parade.

Horizon Organic Dairy recalled over 53,000 cases of its 1% low-fat chocolate milk in Illinois due to a seal issue that may lead to leakage & premature spoilage.

Customers with products from Target, Walmart, and Kroger are advised to contact customer relations for refund details.

OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital is reviving its Paint the Town Gold Initiative for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; residents can wear gold shirts and display yard signs, plus the Murray Baker Bridge will be lit at 7 p.m. on Sunday to honor children battling cancer.