On Deck

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Our top story is about how food insecurity is a major problem everywhere. Tazewell County has named September "Hunger Action Month" to bring light to this issue, as well as some solutions. You’ll also hear how arrests for driving under the influence by the Peoria Police Department are declining and have been for several years. Has the department changed its approach to handling DUIs? Are people drinking less and being more responsible? Or are there other explanations? You’ll find out.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Our top story is about how residents of Taft Homes and concerned activists are continuing to demand better housing conditions. You’ll also hear how before Rob Fromberg became a writer and teacher, he was a 19-year-old from Peoria abruptly thrust into the role of full-time caretaker for his younger brother. That relationship is the focal point of Fromberg's new memoir, How to Walk with Steve. He recently spoke with Tim Shelley about the book.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, September 3, 2021. Our top story is about how small business owners in Illinois will now be able to save thousands on their federal taxes thanks to Senate Bill 2531, a change to Illinois tax law. Illinois small businesses are now exempt from a $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax deductions on federal tax filings. You’ll also hear how the timing is right for major investments on the Illinois River. But that all hinges on the federal government first recognizing the waterway's importance.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, September 2, 2021. Our top story is about how the bacteria strain that made the Peoria Ag Lab internationally famous is now the official Illinois State Microbe. And as Tim Shelley tells us, penicillium rubens' journey to statewide status began with public radio. You’ll also hear how space exploration is historically a male-dominated field. But as WCBU correspondent Steve Tarter reports, the future may hold opportunity for change.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Our top story is about how technology instructors at one local high school believe a state e-sports competition will validate the benefits of gaming. You’ll also hear from seven-year-old Amelia Ly. She is perhaps Peoria's youngest piano virtuoso. But she's also a voracious reader and a lover of science. Ly recently sat down with WCBU's Tim Shelley to talk about her passions.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Our top story is about how the ospreys nesting on the McClugage Bridge will need to find a new place to roost once the eastbound span comes down. But as Tim Shelley reports, one local bird expert says there's no reason to fret. You’ll also hear from Bradley women's basketball standout Gabi Haack, who is the Missouri Valley Conference's nominee for the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, August 30, 2021. Our top story is about how Eureka College has adopted U of I’s saliva shield testing program. You’ll also hear how the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning not only for today's challenges, but tomorrow's as well. WCBU’s Tim Shelley spoke with I-DOT secretary Omer Osman about connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, August 27, 2021. Our top story is about how as cars and trucks move towards electric power in the 21st century, it may surprise some to know that Central Illinois had one of the finest electric transportation systems in the country throughout the first half of the 20th century. You’ll also hear how for many residents of Peoria's southside, grocery shopping is extremely difficult. The 61605 zip code has been considered a food desert since 2018. But things are about to change. In interviews with WCBU reporters Hannah Alani and Joe Deacon, South Side residents and community leaders celebrated the news of a new grocery store in the works.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, August 26, 2021. Our top story is about how the "Sonar Tide" sculpture outside the Peoria Civic Center is getting a big makeover. WCBU’s Tim Shelley tells us about the $45,000 restoration effort. You’ll also hear how a pair of Peoria non-profit agencies will soon join forces to bring equity-based programs to people in the East Bluff.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Our top story is about how Peoria's South Side may have a full-service grocery store again come next February. You’ll also hear how an acclaimed chef with a Peoria pedigree is now serving up his award-winning menu in Spring Bay. WCBU correspondent Mike Rundle takes us to the Woolly Bugger.