On Deck

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Our top story is about how a century-old Peoria social club may soon be on the move to a new downtown location. You'll also hear from Charles and LaDonna Bobbitt who may be Peoria's most prolific postcard collectors. With a collection of more than 1200 postcards from the River City, the Bobbitts have even published a book featuring some of their favorites. WCBU's Steve Tarter speaks with the couple about their collection and the future of postcards in the modern day.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Our top story is about how the release of long-awaited COVID-19 guidance on the upcoming school year means districts can begin planning with a greater degree of certainty. You'll also hear how Congressman Darin LaHood says he thinks a bipartisan infrastructure bill can still happen this year - but he says it needs to focus on so-called traditional infrastructure to gain the support of him and other Republicans.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, July 12, 2021. Our top story is about how a burglary last week at a downtown Peoria gun store has heightened police concerns about the number of illegal firearms on the streets and increasing gun violence in the city. You'll also hear how a six-year-old boy is capturing the hearts of many in Peoria by doing the unexpected: working at a South Peoria road construction site. The workers on Western Avenue have taken King Brownlee under their wing after the youth expressed interest in their trade.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, July 9, 2021. Our top story is about how East Peoria Community Foundation is moving forward with the development of Levee Park. You'll also hear from Bradley University Athletic Director Chris Reynolds. He tells WCBU reporter Joe Deacon about working through the pandemic and the program's outlook for the upcoming year.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, July 8, 2021. Our top story is about how the Chillicothe Public Library is partnering with a national nonprofit to bridge Central Illinois' digital divide. You'll also hear from Alex Sierra, the youngest public official in Peoria. The 22-year-old is the newest member of the Peoria Park District Board of Trustees.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Our top story is about how UnityPoint Health is planning a new $24 million behavioral health center for children in Peoria. You'll also hear from several restaurant workers who share their experiences as restaurants try to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Our top story is about how summer camps have returned to Central Illinois this summer. You'll also hear how the first steps toward improving broadband access in rural Tazewell County are moving forward with initial funding from a $15,000 state grant.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, July 2, 2021. Our top story is about how an environmental advocacy group warns a lack of data about nitrate levels in private well water could be hiding a significant public health problem. You'll also hear how the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to fourth of July celebrations around the nation in 2020. This year, the big Red, White, and Boom celebration remains canceled, but many other area communities are bringing back their celebrations.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, July 1, 2021. Our top story is about how the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is looking at how to address gaps in public transit access across the area. You'll also hear from storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis who has two roles to play in the upcoming Springdale Cemetery Summer Snippet Tour. As he tells WCBU correspondent Steve Tarter, one figure is well-known, while the other is more obscure.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Our top story is about how rainier days are good news for some Central Illinois crops' growth, but it might be bad news for farmers looking to sell goods. You'll also hear from John Hanlon who is retiring from the Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois at Springfield. His work has led to the release of 18 people from prison, some after decades and some who were on death row before Illinois abolished capital punishment.