WCBU Reports

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said the partial government shutdown, now in its fifth day, is the only way to force Republicans to the negotiating table. WCBU's Lauren Warnecke spoke with Sorensen.

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Several Illinois municipalities are trying to implement ranked choice voting, but confusion about Illinois election law has slowed the implementation process. Several lawmakers are trying to change that. WCBU state capitol correspondent Evan Holden reports.

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In an interview with WCBU and WGLT, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is expressing some concerns about vaccine policy but is not breaking with the Trump administration’s broader approach, emphasizing the importance of vaccines while also calling for transparency and public trust.

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The former Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church in Peoria’s East Bluff neighborhood soon will be home to a new ministry. Centerpoint Community Church Pastor Brian Russell hopes to carry Saint Bernard’s spiritual legacy forward.

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Eureka-Goodfield EMS will be the first service in Illinois to offer a pre-hospital blood transfusion program. Two ambulances will now carry two units of O-positive red blood cells and two units of plasma. Dr. Matthew Jackson, medical director of pre-hospital and EMS at OSF HealthCare, tells student reporter Ben Howell why this area of patient care has been growing.

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OSF HealthCare has added a new member to its OB-GYN training team. “Victoria” is a high-tech birthing simulator that can replicate a variety of birth emergencies, including rare, high-risk complications. An addition to the mobile maternity care unit, “Victoria” provides advanced practice providers [APPs] with the skillset to effectively prepare for any situation they come across on the road.

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The four Republican Party candidates for governor of Illinois told a Central Illinois audience Thursday evening they favor property tax caps, pension reform, ending Illinois' status as a "sanctuary state," and rolling back the SAFE-T criminal justice reform act which ended cash bail.

About 500 people heard from former state Sen. Darren Bailey, the party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee; Ted Dabrowski, former president of conservative think tank Wirepoints; two-term DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick; and Barrington Hills real estate developer and Gold Rush Gaming owner Rick Heidner.

The Tazewell County GOP hosted the forum in Washington, Illinois.

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The Veteran Warriors hockey team touts itself as the only sports program in Central Illinois dedicated to rehabilitation and therapy for disabled veterans. They strive to provide a buddy-check support system and an experience for veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse, or other issues.

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League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria President Chris Kaergard speaks to WCBU reporter Joe Deacon about Monday night's “Refuse to be Silenced” teach-in speaking engagement, featuring five area leaders discussing the possible local impacts from the “Big Beautiful Bill” and other federal policies.

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Chuck Grayeb’s last regular Peoria City Council meeting is Tuesday, as his 24-year tenure is drawing to a close.

Grayeb originally served three terms as an at-large council member, and now has spent the last 12 years as the District 2 representative.

Heading into his final weeks as a council member, Grayeb spoke to WCBU reporter Joe Deacon to reflect on his years of service.

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