WCBU Reports

John Kahl is running unopposed in his bid for a second term as mayor of East Peoria, and he's optimistic about the city's future. In the start of a new quarterly interview series, Kahl discusses his top goals for the city.

In today's episode, you'll hear from East Peoria mayor John Kahl about updates and new developments under works in the city. And catch an interview with a pair of filmmakers who recently created a documentary on Peoria's downtown GAR Hall. Plus, a conversation with Bernice Gordon-Young as part of our continuing recap with the Peoria City Council candidates.

In today's episode, you'll hear about a copi processing plant on the Illinois River that's exploring the untapped possibilities for the fish formerly known as Asian carp. And a conversation with the longtime owner of Peoria's Costume Trunk on why he's looking for someone new to carry on the shop's legacy. Plus, WCBU revisits a conversation with at-large Peoria City Council candidate Demario Boone.

The former Peoria township supervisor applied for unemployment benefits after losing his race for re-election two years ago. He erroneously received more than $15,000 in benefits. The current supervisor fought for months to claw back the funds owed to the township.

In today's episode, WCBU's Collin Schopp investigates why the former Peoria township supervisor was approved for unemployment benefits after he lost his re-election race. And learn how startups backed by OSF Ventures were impacted by the Silicon Valley Bank failure. Plus, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, executive director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, joins me in the studio for her introduction as the new host of Out and About.

In today's episode, you'll hear a conversation with ESPN journalist Lauren Sisler on how she made a name for herself in a male-dominated field. And a high school history class looks at the legacy of Forgottonia...and its future. Plus, find out why the legal problems of former Reditus Labs CEO Aaron Rossi are calling the funding of Illinois State University's new athletics center into question.

It’s officially Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and one Peoria native knows all too well what it’s like to live with the disease.

In today's episode, multiple sclerosis activist Brian Gorsich shares more about the disease and his personal journey living with it. And hear the priorities of the new director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Plus, get a closer look at two proposed affordable housing developments in South Peoria and why some say one of them is wrong for the neighborhood.

Representatives from the California-based gunfire location company ShotSpotter visited Peoria last week to field questions and present a new initiative at the March meeting of the Peoria Safety Network.

In today's episode, you'll learn how two Illinois towns are taking different approaches to keep the news coming even as the local papers shrivel up. And hear why more ShotSpotter data will be shared with community nonprofits. Plus, a preview of the public corruption trial involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. Also, a trip to the state's first Black independently owned cannabis dispensary.