WCBU Reports

Christina Harms is a union painter with Peoria-based Mid-Illinois Companies and Associated Constructors in Bloomington. She's also part of a cohort of apprentice ambassadors advocating for apprenticeship as a path toward a variety of careers.

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The multi-year project to convert Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue to two-way traffic in downtown Peoria is on track to be completed by early summer, and Mayor Rita Ali is eager to see the anticipated benefits for the area.

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It's been one year since James Shadid took over as its 13th president at Bradley University. Shadid tells WCBU reporter Joe Deacon the first year on campus has been a "whirlwind."

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An Illinois lawmaker from Bloomington wants to limit corporate money in elections, but it could face legal challenges. Democratic state Rep. Sharon Chung, who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal and Peoria plus rural areas along Interstate 74, has introduced a bill that would change the definition of corporation powers in the law by stating corporations cannot engage in activities related to primaries or elections. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

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A Republican state lawmaker has joined Central Illinois law enforcement in calling for changes to the state's landmark criminal justice reform bill called the SAFE-T Act, but Democrats want to wait for more data before making a decision.

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An annual report released this month by the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office offers a statistical look at criminal justice in 2025. Highlights include charges filed in all 12 of the year's homicides, a 40% decrease in drug charges, and more than 350 juvenile cases filed. State's Attorney Jodi Hoos says it's the first time her office has produced a snapshot look at their side of the local legal system. WCBU reporter Joe Deacon talks with Hoos about what she views as the successes of her department in the past year.

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Several local governments in Central Illinois are looking to create their own data center regulations as Illinois lawmakers have yet to take action regulating this emerging industry. Data centers are seen as key to fueling an AI revolution. Critics worry they could drain water and electricity supplies that are needed to power them. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

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The bald eagle used to be a rare sight in Illinois. Now, there are more than 3,000 that spend the winter here. IPR's Jess Savage reports.

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Two Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would remove the two-year foreign language requirement for high school.

The requirement was signed into law in 2021 but does not go into effect until 2028. High school students will need to have completed the requirement to graduate.

State Rep. Travis Weaver, representing a rural area between Peoria and the Quad Cities, is the Republican sponsor of the bill to have the requirement dropped.

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The City of Peoria is getting closer to unveiling redevelopment plans for the downtown block anchored by PNC Bank Building. City Manager Patrick Urich says they received proposals from three developers, and they've been in talks with the one of them about the desired vision for the three properties currently owned by the city. WCBU reporter Joe Deacon talks with Urich about a range of other topics, including the latest on plans for the block.

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