On Deck

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Our top story is about how the new Madison North Apartments in downtown Peoria are on track to provide apartments for people experiencing homelessness in the River City by early next year. And yesterday, WCBU brought you the story of the Peoria Community House Network started by Dr. Abigail Larrison. Her efforts began with the Art Garage behind her home in 2018. You’ll hear how it's now expanding into other activities for the neighborhood.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, August 23, 2021. Our top story is about how it's national minority organ donation month and WCBU student reporter Valerie Vasconez talks with Gift of Hope and a Peoria mother. You'll also hear how when a former neuroscientist saw unmet needs in her Center Bluff neighborhood, she offered up her garage as a place where kids could gather safely and express themselves artistically. Three years later, that's grown into the Community House Network, offering everything from job skills training to 12-step addiction treatment programs for her neighborhood.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, August 20, 2021. Our top story is about how a doctor at the OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria says she's concerned about how the upcoming fall and winter might play out. You'll also hear how singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jackie Venson is performing tomorrow night at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. Jackie Venson refuses to pick a lane. Her music spans multiple genres, but the thread that laces it all together is emotion-filled, masterful guitar playing and soulfully unique melodies that draw you right into her world. Hear her talk about discovering the guitar and about her approach to her career.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, August 19, 2021. Our top story is about how Peoria public school students went back to the classroom today. WCBU reporter Hannah Alani talked with parents who dropped their kids off at Franklin Primary School. You'll also hear how as the United States nears the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many Americans are consumed by ongoing news reports from Afghanistan. After 20 years, the U.S. ended its war in Afghanistan, withdrawing remaining troops and leaving the local Afghan military police in charge. For some Peorians, news of the Taliban regaining control is too painful to watch.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Our top story is about how OSF has broken ground on its new Cancer Institute in Peoria. You'll also hear how a few years ago, Peoria Public Schools began the school year with nearly 80 teaching vacancies. This year the number of open positions can be counted on one hand. WCBU's Tim Shelley talks with PPS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat about how they closed the gap.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Our top story is about how back to school season is here and WCBU student reporter Valerie Vasconez is talking with groups in the Peoria area helping with school essentials. You'll also hear how some Amazon jobs will be full-time and come with benefits. But the web-based retail giant will also hire independent contractors through its Amazon Flex program. WCBU’s Hannah Alani speaks with labor lawyer and University of Illinois professor Michael LeRoy about what these gig economy delivery jobs might look like.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, August 16, 2021. Our top story is about how the Peoria Riverfront Museum is keeping its T-Rex exhibit around longer than expected. You'll also hear how August is National Black Business Month. This month is meant to highlight and celebrate black businesses, owners, and the adversities they have overcome to achieve their goals.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, August 13, 2021. Our top story is about how Peoria Mayor Rita Ali is touting the accomplishments she's made in her first 100 days in office. You'll also hear how whether you’re vegan or not, it’s evident that plant-based lifestyles are becoming more popular. WCBU student reporter Jordan Mead shares the experiences of people adopting plant-based diets in Central Illinois.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, August 12, 2021. Our top story is about how tonight's Major League Baseball game at the iconic Field of Dreams film site has a strong connection to Bradley University. You'll also hear how students and faculty will coexist with COVID-19 once again for the upcoming semester at Bradley University. Tim Shelley speaks with university president Stephen Standifird.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Our top story is about how Amazon plans to bring between 250 to 500 jobs to the area next year when it opens a Fulfillment Center in North Pekin. You'll also hear how the new Amazon fulfillment center has been years in the making, but the pandemic has slowed things down. Tim Shelley speaks with Greater Peoria Economic Development Council CEO Chris Setti about the development.