WCBU Reports

In today's episode, you'll hear a conversation with Peoria city manager Patrick Urich about the city's upcoming strategic planning process. And learn why more students enrolling in AP courses could be having an impact beyond the academic. Plus, Peoria airport director Gene Olson gives an update on travel numbers and upcoming projects.

The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is almost finished rebounding from the pandemic. Director of Airports Gene Olson says passenger counts in April were “pretty much normal” and a number of projects are moving along.

In today's episode, you'll find out how businesses are enticed to the Greater Peoria region through a conversation with Greater Peoria Economic Development Council Director for Business Attraction Lenora Fisher. And learn about a system to connect Peorians in need with resources. Plus, Agbara Bryson tells the story of his relative Annie Malone...one of America's first Black female millionaires.

The BORG concoction mixes booze – typically vodka – drinking water, sweet flavorings and common hangover remedies like Pedialyte in a plastic gallon container.

In today's episode, you'll hear about the dangers of a new binge drinking craze that's become popular amongst college students. And Bradley University conservation biologist Anant Deshwal explains how declines in insect populations have an impact on the entire food chain. Plus, learn how a new public safety building in Metamora plays into the village's larger plans for the future.

The Central Illinois long COVID study is entering a new stage exploring how to enroll people in treatment, and how doctors can better treat the disease when it starts.

In today's episode, you'll hear from the site investigator for the central Illinois RECOVER program about research into the causes and potential treatments for long COVID. And a chat with April Silver, the new West Peoria columnist for the Community Word. Plus, Sheriff Chris Watkins discusses the dire maintenance needs of the Peoria County Jail.

In a conversation with WCBU reporter Joe Deacon, Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins talks about a variety of issues and concerns his office is facing, including the state of their buildings.

WCBU's On Deck podcast has everything you need to start your day for Monday, May 15th, 2023. First, WCBU's Tim Shelley recaps Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' visit to the Peoria Civic Center. Then, Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins tells WCBU's Joe Deacon about a "laundry list" of needs for the aging facilities at the Peoria County jail.

Barb Drake grew up in the Peoria area and knew she had an interest in journalism after starting her own neighborhood newspaper with a few friends at just six-years-old. Fast forward to when she attended Woodruff High School, Drake was presented with an opportunity to work on the school’s newspaper full time as an editor. However, not everyone wanted to see that happen.