On Deck

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Our top story is about how more than two years after breaking ground, the Illinois Air National Guard has its new fire station at Peoria International Airport. You’ll also hear how as Peoria’s Spanish-speaking immigrant population grows, a local business owner wants to preserve Hispanic and Latino culture by teaching children traditional dance. Maria Miranda is the director of Peoria Folklore Ballet. She talks with WCBU’s Hannah Alani about her efforts.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Our top story is about how fall is finally here, and pumpkin patches are open and ready for business. WCBU student reporter Olivia Streeter talked with a few Morton pumpkin farmers about how they're growing… not only crops - but tourism in their communities. You’ll also hear how as the fall season rolls in; farmers are busy preparing for the next wave of harvests. But with the changing climate, it’s more difficult than ever to plan ahead. WCBU’s Jody Holtz sits down with Down River Farm owner Evan Barry to talk about the fall season, and how climate change has and continues to affect his organic vegetable farm.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, October 4, 2021. As students grapple with learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a local school administrator is bridging the gap between Spanish-speaking parents and their children’s teachers. That's our top story. You’ll also hear from Dr. Brian Curtis, OSF HealthCare Vice President of Clinical Specialty Services. He talks about what you need to know about flu season.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, October 1, 2021. Our top story is about how the Illinois State Museum is temporarily shutting down some exhibits at Dickson Mounds in Fulton County. You’ll also hear how it's been more than a year-and-a-half since the Peoria Rivermen played their last hockey game. But the team is now just two weeks away from opening the new season, with the home opener at Carver Arena to follow on October 22nd. Reporter Joe Deacon talks with Rivermen owner Bart Rogers about returning from the long layoff.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, September 30, 2021. Our top story is about how Peoria and Illinois were once a part of New France. While that legacy has mostly faded away, remnants of the Illinois Creole culture still linger in some remote parts of the Midwest. You’ll also hear how deadly problems can arise when farmers need to move from one field to another. Rich Egger tells us about a western Illinois woman’s effort to remind drivers to share the road.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Our top story is about how an outbreak of violence at Peoria High School nearly two weeks ago opened up a wider conversation on how the district is handling troubled children. WCBU student reporter Olivia Streeter talked with a few Peoria High students about how they are feeling after the events that unfolded. You’ll also hear how while Peoria's days as the "Whiskey City" are long over, the alcoholic beverage is seeing a resurgence in the region with the opening of new distilleries. Tim Shelley spoke with Jeff Murphy, master distiller at J.K Williams, about how he makes whiskey.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Our top story is about how kids in Peoria can explore career options this weekend with the Peoria Park District. You’ll also hear how the Illinois Judges Association wants more retired judges and attorneys to take on pro bono cases on behalf of low-income residents. Michael Brandt served as a Tenth Circuit Court judge in Peoria and Tazewell counties for more than 20 years. He was Chief Judge from 2011 to 2013. WCBU's Hannah Alani speaks with Brandt, who describes the importance of pro bono work - and why civil pro bono cases are just as important as criminal cases.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, September 27, 2021. Our top story is about how officials in Washington are seeking federal funding to address a public transportation gap. You’ll also hear how theatres across the country are beginning to open up again, and it’s no different for the theatre on Bradley's campus. WCBU's Jody Holtz talks with Bradley University's Theatre Arts department chair Scott Kanoff about how the pandemic has affected theatre at the university, and about the play that will kick off the new season.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, September 24, 2021. Our top story is about how baseball star Jim Thome says he hopes his experience as an Illinois Central College alum inspires others to pursue a path to their dreams. You’ll also hear how a group of young Tremont residents are holding a diversity rally tomorrow in their hometown. As Megan Rahn and Lizzy Freidinger tell Tim Shelley, they want to raise racial awareness.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, September 23, 2021. Our top story is about how Bradley President Stephen Standifird gave his annual State of the University address yesterday. You’ll also hear how like many cities, Peoria's transportation focus shifted to motor vehicles throughout much of the 20th century. But that mindset is changing. Tim Shelley speaks with Anthony Corso and Dr. Leslie McKnight about the upcoming Complete Streets pop-up demonstration.