WCBU Reports

On today's episode, you'll hear reactions from Illinoisans on the historic decision made by the US Supreme Court to overturn the 19-73 Roe versus Wade decision protecting abortion access nationwide. Tim Shelley talks to Ed Yohnka with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois about the potential ramifications the decision could have on the state of Illinois. Plus, Sarah Nardi speaks with Meghan Leonard, a professor of political science at Illinois State University who studies the courts, to unpack the ruling.

In a broad conversation with WCBU reporter Joe Deacon, Peoria First District City Council member Denise Jackson says the needs for affordable housing and infrastructure improvements in the 61605 zip code have been overlooked for too long.

In today's episode, you'll hear from First District Council member Denise Jackson about her first year representing Peoria's First District, and what she thinks the city needs to revitalize the South Side. And Vistra Energy is set to submit its plan to close the ash pond at the E-D Edwards coal-burning power plant by the end of this month, which is causing some environmental concerns. You'll hear from Illinois Sierra Club's Christine Nanacelli. Plus, a preview of Corn Stock Theatre's production of "All Shook Up" on this week's episode of Out and About.

After the COVID-19 eviction moratorium ended last year, cases of homelessness went up in Peoria. With summer weather now hitting Illinois, homelessness cases are predicted to keep rising. The Dream Center in Peoria is a faith-based nonprofit that sees the home insecurity issues caused by poverty and is supporting families facing housing insecurity.

Cryotherapy is the practice of standing in a liquid nitrogen-cooled chamber set at -220 degrees Fahrenheit.

In today's episode, you'll hear from state veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst with the Illinois Department of Agriculture regarding the latest on avian flu. Plus, WCBU correspondent Hannah Alani takes a trip to Vivir Wellness, Peoria's first business to offer Cryotherapy, to hear more about the practice and its benefits. And you'll get a preview on plans for a new regional health and wellness center serving rural Peoria, Fulton, and Knox counties.

With the spring waterfowl migration complete and warmer, drier weather in place, state veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst is optimistic that the risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza will be significantly lower, with youth poultry competitions and live sales allowed to resume.

A health hub concept in the Elmwood area is progressing to the next stage of development.

In today's episode, you'll hear the highlights of Former Vice President Mike Pence's speech he gave last night in Peoria as the keynote speaker at the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. Plus, a check in on the state of democracy in the US with author, political science professor, and former Chicago alderman Dick Simpson. We'll also take a deep dive into homelessness in the Peoria area, and what one local organization is doing to help.

Former Vice President Mike Pence presented a bullish forecast for Republican chances up and down the ballot in the upcoming 2022 elections during a speech largely bereft of direct references to former President Donald Trump, or the January 6, 2021 insurrection on Capitol Hill.