WCBU Reports

In today's episode, you'll hear about new grants and projects coming to the Peoria International Airport. And a new app developed in Peoria takes union organizing into the digital age. Plus, a new disease threat is impacting our food supply. Get all the information you need to know about Tar Spot, and what a community college is doing to alleviate the semi-truck driver shortage.

A pathogenic crop disease has officially arrived in central Illinois, with the potential to rival the dreaded corn rootworm as a top corn yield-robber.

Crowds came to Bath, Illinois last weekend for the 15th Annual Redneck Fishing Tournament.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature put the Monarch Butterfly on its Red List of Endangered species this July. Climate change and habitat destruction are some of the biggest reasons for the drop in Monarchs.Groups like the Central Illinois Monarch Butterfly Task Force are taking a stand now to prevent further endangerment under the Endangered Species Act. Katie Ehnle is a passionate member of the Central Illinois Monarch Butterfly Task Force.

In today's episode, you'll hear how the annual Redneck Fishing Tournament held in Bath, Illinois isn't just about fun and games. And the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois weighs in on new data showing Black drivers in Peoria are nearly seven times more likely than white drivers to be stopped by police. Plus, what the Central Illinois Monarch Butterfly Task Force plans to do about the endangerment of Monarchs.

In her latest monthly conversation with reporter Joe Deacon, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali offers her thoughts on using the Request for Proposals process for funding anti-violence efforts.

On today's episode, you'll hear an interview with Peoria Mayor Rita Ali about ongoing discussion about anti-violence efforts. Plus, a Canton man alleges social media algorithms targeting his children based on their race influenced his son into attempting a prank that left him with permanent brain damage. And the Asian Indian Community Collaboration of Peoria talks about the River City's economic future.

In today's best of episode, you'll hear about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts OSF is making through their Health Equity Action Council. And Amanda Pankau from Prairie Rivers Network talks to Tim Shelley about the Abandoned Mine land reclamation. Plus, Bradley University's new vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion explains his ideas for creating new D-E-I initiatives that could soon be brought to the hilltop.

The long-awaited stretch of the Rock Island Greenway connecting Harvard Avenue to Glen Oak Park is finally complete. WCBU's Collin Schopp talks to the city of Peoria's Nick McMillion about the updates to the Rock Island Greenway. You’ll also hear a local economist explain why he believes the country isn't in a recession just yet... And on our Arts Feature Out and About, Sarah Marie Dillard and Brandon Mooberry join host Jenn Gordon to talk about Ignite Peoria.

Peoria County is drawing up its first-ever flag. On today’s All Things Peoria, learn more about the Peoria County flag design contest and the student who inspired it. You’ll also learn why some top Republicans are concerned about Darren Bailey's gubernatorial campaign. Hear about a mural dedicated to civil rights pioneer C-T Vivian in his hometown. And a major new study takes a closer look at long-term ecological and geological trends in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.