All Things Peoria

Peoria County Highway Department Engineer Amy McLaren says there's two seasons in Illinois: snow season and road construction season. Now is definitely the latter of those two.

In today's episode, you'll hear about conversations surrounding a potential new statue coming to Laura Bradley Park. And a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for Pekin could bring some changes to the city. Plus, a deep dive into the problems facing hospitals in Central Illinois.

The Peoria County Regional Office of Education has added another branch to its Early Learning for All (ELFA) initiative that now includes home visits. ELFA is currently known for their Preschool for All program, which is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education's Early Childhood Block Grant.

In today's episode, Peoria County Highway Department Engineer Amy McLaren provides an update on some of her department's projects, including safety improvements. And you'll hear a recap on what happened in Springfield after Illinois lawmakers passed a $50 billion annual budget. Plus, a new program from the Peoria County Regional Office of Education hopes to boost preschool and kindergarten readiness and create confident parents...all from the comfort of their own home.

The lab serves as a “one-stop shop” for data on broadband and digital equity initiatives.

The city manager position is one of three key leadership roles Pekin still needs to fill, and clear factions have developed among city council members.

In today's episode, you'll hear a conversation with new Pekin Mayor Mary Burress about the current turmoil surrounding city hall and her efforts to guide councilmembers and the public on a path forward. And hear about a Peoria man who was wrongly convicted of murder in 1992 after a false witness testimony. Plus, learn how a listening tour will inform how $65 billion in funding will be spent on broadband and digital equity projects across the country.

In today's episode, a fuel market analyst explains why a Memorial Day spike in gas prices might be less noticeable this year. And as the Supreme Court considers banning consideration of race in college admissions, it raises questions about legacy policies on U.S. campuses. Plus, Out and About gets all the details on Corn Stock Theatre's upcoming production of Sister Act.

Though popular internationally, there aren't many cat cafes in the U.S. One of the businesses is just around the corner for Peoria.

High murder rates in big cities can be a convenient bogeyman for politicians looking to rack up some easy talking points. But sometimes, the problem is proportionally worse in your own backyard.

Peoria City Soccer general manager Tim Regan has added the coaching role to his duties as the semi-professional club looks to build on a playoff appearance in year one.

In today's episode, hear about what's new for Peoria's semi-professional soccer franchise. And WCBU gives you the full scoop on a cat café coming soon to the River City. Plus, learn how Peoria ranks up compared to other cities on gun violence rates and why smaller cities across the country are seeing huge upswings in recent years.

In today's episode, you'll hear about how to prioritize self care and the art of saying "no". And what a descendant wants you to know about a small Illinois town founded by formerly enslaved people. Plus, an Illinois Central College professor explains the role cover crops can play in preventing dust storms like those seen near Springfield earlier this month.

In today's episode, you'll learn about a new program to increase diversity among realtors and how it could play in Peoria. And the Washington Historical Society has launched a unique fundraiser that offers a chance to own a piece of the city's history. Plus, on Postmark Peoria, hear more of Steve Tarter's recent conversation about famed 19th century orator Robert Green Ingersoll.

One of Peoria's foremost historical figures was the topic of a presentation by a member of the Indiana Historical Bureau, speaking at the GAR Hall in Downtown Peoria earlier this year.

The Washington Historical Society is selling pieces of Washington's history ... 275 bricks at a time.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is rolling out a new program aimed at diversifying the real estate industry. According to the 2020 NAR Member Profile report, Black individuals made up just 6% of NAR membership, with Hispanics not far ahead at 10%; 80% of NAR's membership in 2020 was white.

ATP episode description: In today's episode, Peoria City Councilmember Denise Jackson weighs in on the proposed carbon capture pipeline in South Peoria. And learn how the Pekin high school volleyball team is contributing to the fight against breast cancer in a record breaking way. Plus, hear about the friendship between Peoria's famous 19th century orator Robert Ingersoll and socialist Eugene V. Debs.

In this interview, Jackson expounds upon her position on the project, and why she says she's not necessarily opposed.

In today's episode, you'll hear from Equitable Cities CEO Charles Brown about how to make the River City easier to navigate for all modes of transportation. And learn about the latest start-up companies participating in gBETA's accelerator program through Distillery Labs. Plus, on Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Conductor David Commanday about the Heartland Festival Orchestra's upcoming Beatles tribute concert “Classical Mystery Tour."

In today's episode, a chef previously employed at the now-shuttered Sankoty Lakes resorts shares his vision for the hospitality industry in Peoria. Then, an Illinois Valley Community College student paves the way for people with physical disabilities in agriculture. Plus, an Illinois Senator leaves prison and moves directly into a new line of work. Also, the general manager of the Peoria Civic Center gives an update on what he calls a "phenomenal" spring season.

Between consulting in New York City, running a pop-up burger restaurant in Sonoma County, California, and establishing part ownership of Slow Hand Craft BBQ in Peoria Heights, Chef Josh Lanning has been busy.

Peoria Civic Center general manager Rik Edgar says impressive seasons by Carver Arena's two primary sports tenants combined with strong concert sales for a run of successful months.

Like many rural counties, Stark County has experienced shrinking population. But they're looking to buck that trend through cooperation on a shared vision.

In today's episode, the Stark Council for Continuous Improvement talks about the challenges of attracting more people to the rural county north of Peoria. Then, the Morton Economic Development Council shares the results of their efforts to foster a growing agricultural technology industry. Plus, Peoria Riverfront Museum CEO and President John Morris sits down with WCBU's Jody Holtz for a wide-ranging conversation on new exhibits, the giant screen theater and leading the museum through the pandemic.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum continues to move forward with new programming, exhibits and ideas under the leadership of museum President and CEO John Morris.

In today's episode, the skimming spree stealing hundreds and thousands from low-income Americans receiving federal benefits. Then, former Peoria City Council member Beth Jensen talks about her priorities after spending nearly a decade around the horseshoe. Plus, part two of Steve Tarter's conversation with the Macomb travel and conventions director looking to spur tourism through the area's rich history.

Buddy Guy kicked off his Damn Right Farewell tour this week with shows in Minneapolis and Iowa City. The 86-year old blues legend stops in Peoria to play the Civic Center Theater Saturday night.

For 30 years, the Sun Foundation has been bringing together the best environmental minds in the area for its annual Clean Water Celebration—but the impact of the event goes far beyond the walls of the Peoria Civic Center exhibit hall.

In today's episode, you'll tag along with WCBU correspondent Mike Rundle's visit to the Sun Foundation's Annual Clean Water Celebration, learn how the organization is planning for the future. Then, Yolanda Wallace speaks with educator Rebecca Crumrine for Mother's War on Violence. Hear the challenges families on SNAP benefits face in finding proper nutrition. Plus, Steve Tarter interviews Macomb Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Jock Hedblade on Postmark Peoria.

In today's episode, you'll hear about how a group of Hispanic Peoria business owners are putting on a new Cinco de Mayo bash. And, one of Central Illinois' larger banks has a new leader at the helm. J. Lance Carter, the incoming CEO of Heartland Bank and Trust speaks with Charlie Schlenker. Plus, on Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Madison Boedecker and Jarod Hazzard about Peoria Player's upcoming production of the musical “The Wedding Singer."

In her monthly conversation with WCBU, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali discusses positive trends in crime figures and what has been working in reducing gun violence.

It's been one month since an EF-3 tornado cut an 18-mile path through Fulton County. It scattered debris, felled power lines and grain bins, and swept directly through the small village of Bryant.

In today's episode, you'll hear about the ongoing tornado recovery efforts in Fulton County and why it's difficult for small communities to access disaster relief dollars. And learn about the potential consequences of the ComEd corruption trial verdict. Plus, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali dissects the latest data showing a decrease in gun violence in the city during her monthly conversation.

The new Peoria Health and Human Services campus will host four different county departments under one roof.

Marc Supreme, Peorian and program director at 90.7 Strictly Hip-Hop, has released a literary mixtape entitled, "D@mn, I Graduate in May! A Literary Mixtape for Life After High School and College." DIGIM for short, the book breaks down different options for students to consider after graduation — from college to entering the trades and even how to figure out what city to live in.

In today's episode, WCBU student reporter Isabela Nieto heads to a speech competition to learn more about the value of the art of public speaking to Peoria students. And you'll get a breakdown of what's in the new Peoria Health and Human Services campus and why it's needed. Plus, Marc Supreme visits the studio to talk about his new literary mixtape that uses tangible hip hop concepts to help students make the right decisions for them regarding life after graduation.

As temperatures rise and the summer months get closer, there's a lot happening at the Peoria Police Department.

In today's episode, you'll hear about the timeline for the Harrison School demolition on Peoria's South Side and what comes next for the site. And a new documentary by filmmaker Dennis Medley profiles several of Peoria's war veterans. Plus, hear an in-depth conversation with Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria on ShotSpotter technology.

Crews began the full-scale demolition of the 122-year-old former Harrison School building on Monday, following the recent completion of demolition work at the vacant McKinley School.

In today's episode, WCBU examines Peoria County's S-T-I rates and the continuing initiatives to bring them down. And Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says more people are overdosing on the drug "tranq" this year. Plus, on Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright talks with Jerry Kolb and artist Preston Jackson about the Peoria Heights Earth Day Garden Celebration.

With a growing animal overpopulation issue and no space to add surgical tables, Peoria County Animal Protection Services are turning to an unconventional spay and neuter solution: a box truck.

Reverend Peyton is the guitarist and singer for Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, a three-piece country blues band. Peyton talks about his guitar playing style and honest, autobiographical songwriting.

In today's episode, you'll hear about a unique solution to an animal overpopulation problem coming to Peoria County Animal Protection Services. Then, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band is coming to Kenny's Westside Pub in Peoria, hear about Reverend Peyton's blues guitar style and biographical songwriting. Plus, Crew 309 offers a unique take on support groups for Greater Peoria area breast cancer survivors.

In his latest monthly interview with WCBU, Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich says it's unclear whether the city has any legal authority to block a potential carbon capture pipeline.

In today's episode, you'll hear an interview with Peoria city manager Patrick Urich about what's currently happening within city government...including debate over the proposed carbon capture pipeline. And a visitor to the Bradley University campus talks about the ascent of populism in Europe and what it means. Plus, the Peoria City/County Health Department's Katy Endress explains what the Cure Violence program is...and what it isn't.

A new program at Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois Peoria reaches out directly to youth and their families at risk of experiencing violence.

In today's episode, you'll hear more about a new program at Goodwill Peoria aimed at helping Peoria youth with their mental health struggles. And a study coordinated by area realtors presents a vision for revitalization of two former school property sites on Peoria's South Side. Plus, Mother's War on Violence host Yolanda Wallace speaks with Peoria County Clerk Rachael Parker about unsolved murders in the city of Peoria.

In today's special episode, you'll get a deep dive into the affordable housing crisis for extremely low-income Illinoisans. Through conversations with Christine Kahl of Phoenix Community Development Services and Bob Palmer of Housing Action Illinois, you'll learn about the current need in the Greater Peoria area and potential solutions to the problem.

Forty percent of Peoria's households are renters. Of that 40%, about a third are considered low-income.

In today's episode, you'll hear about the network of advocacy and legal aid agencies working to help Illinoisans secure expungement of cannabis-related criminal records. And learn how climate change is affecting the production of syrup in Central Illinois. Plus, on Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Dr. Todd Kelly and Jim Kidder about the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra.