WCBU Reports
WCBU Reports
WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an occasional in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.Social links:
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Central Illinois lawmaker joins calls to reform the Pretrial Fairness Act when it comes to domestic violence
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.
04:30
Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos reflects on trends and data from 2025
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 Jod…
04:29
Full interview - Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos
WCBU's full interview with Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos.
09:05
Illinois lawmakers look to regulate data centers as local governments propose their own rules
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 suppl…
04:30
It's eagle nesting season in Illinois. One nesting pair calls a Illinois state park home
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.
04:30
Illinois lawmakers consider removing the 2-year foreign language requirement for high school
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. T…
04:30
Q&A: Peoria City Manager Urich discusses plans for PNC Bank Building, end of battle over casino location
Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich spoke with WCBU reporter Joe Deacon about a range of topics, including the planned redevelopment and the end of Peoria’s quest for a land-based casino.
10:44
Q&A with Patrick Urich about redevelopment plans in downtown
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…
04:30
Rep. Sorensen sees no end in sight to partial government shutdown
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said the partial government shutdown, now in its fifth day, is the only way to force Republicans to the negotiating table. WCBU's Lauren Warnecke spoke with Sorensen.
07:23
Ranked choice voting stalled in Illinois, waiting for clarity from the courts
Several Illinois municipalities are trying to implement ranked choice voting, but confusion about Illinois election law has slowed the implementation process. Several lawmakers are trying to change that. WCBU state capitol correspondent Evan Holden reports.
04:30