WCBU Reports

In today's episode, you'll hear how higher education in the Peoria area and across the state is getting a revamp. A new state law will require public universities and community colleges to develop and implement equity plans. More on what that entails, plus a financial boost to offset living expenses from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services could increase the amount of foster families in the Peoria area. And with heated topics like abortion driving much of the conversation around politics lately, WCBU's Jordan Mead sits down with Democratic State Senator Dave Koehler to discuss what he foresees this election season.

Recent Supreme Court rulings and national politics have prompted discussions about where the United States is heading with U-S midterms around the corner. Topics like abortion are driving political concerns heading into elections. Democratic state Sen. Dave Koehler shares what he foresees this election season.

Illinois foster families will see a big bump in monthly support payments from state.

Work is now underway as the City of Peoria begins addressing its persistent Combined Sewer Overflow problem. City engineer Andrea Klopfenstein discusses details of the 18-year control project.

In today's episode, we'll look at an issue impacting all of us: inflation. Get a closer look on why it's happening and the role central Illinois' food producers play in this equation. Also, Peoria City Engineer Andrea Klopfenstein chats with Joe Deacon about Peoria's combined sewer overflow problem and the actions in place to control it. Plus, a look inside a new book on the benefits of restoring wetland habitats in the Illinois River watershed.

Restored wetlands are like people. That’s how Clare Howard begins “In the Spirit of Wetlands,” a book just published by the University of Illinois Press that includes photographs by David Zalaznik.

When the Moffatt cemetery on Peoria's South Side was razed in the 1950s, it was more than just tombstones that were lost. It was the stories of the hundreds of people buried there.

In today's best of episode, we'll revisit rural Roanoke to learn more about Goats on the Go Peoria. Plus, you'll hear about one local author's novella entitled "Bacon Grief" that examines both faith and sexuality in a lighthearted way. And hear about a now-graduated Dunlap High School senior who spent a year and a half studying racial disparities in her own school.

On today's special episode hosted by WCBU's Tim Shelley, you'll hear about the history surrounding Moffat cemetary on Peoria's South side, which was razed in the 1950s. The rediscovery story of Moffat began with Bob Hoffer's genealogoical quest to find out where his wife's great-grandfather was buried. Plus, the story of Nance Legins-Costley, a woman who became first Black person freed from slavery through the efforts of Abraham Lincoln. You'll also hear about how Moffat is the final resting for more than 50 Civil War veterans - including one at the first Juneteenth.

With business booming in the precision agriculture market, ground will soon be broken on a new, 500,000 square foot factory near the confluence of Interstates 74 and 155.