State lawmakers consider legislation to rein in new data center proposals

Illinois has one of the highest number of data centers in the country. But as residents worry about their water and electricity use, state lawmakers are considering legislation to rein in new data center proposals.

Retiring Peoria police chief reflects on his tenure, touts department's advancements

Retiring Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria believes the department is in a better place than when he took the job five years ago. This is Part 2 of our interview with the retiring police chief.

Full interview: Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria

WCBU's full exit interview with Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria.

Echevarria to retire as Peoria police chief; Dixon tabbed as successor

Police Chief Eric Echevarria informed the city he will retire as of May 15, after serving nearly five years in the role. WCBU's Joe Deacon talks to Echevarria about his record and what's next.

Women are less likely to receive CPR in an emergency. A state lawmaker wants to change that

An Illinois lawmaker has proposed a bill to require high schools to provide female manikins for CPR training. Women are 27% less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men because of concerns of inappropriate touching, exposing of the chest or accusations of sexual assault, according to the Jo…

Interview with new OSF HealthCare CEO Michelle Conger

It's been a long leadership transition for one of the area's largest employers. Michelle Conger has taken over as CEO of OSF HealthCare following the retirement of Bob Sehring. Those plans were announced in 2024. Conger, who was been with O-S-F for several decades, tells WCBU reporter Joe Deacon wh…

Pekin union painter shares the value of apprenticeships in a statewide professional development program

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.

Full interview with Bradley's James Shadid

Bradley University President James Shadid's full interview with WCBU's Joe Deacon.

Mayor Ali eager to see downtown growth from traffic pattern change, other planned projects

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.

Full interview with Peoria Mayor Rita Ali

Full interview: Peoria Mayor Rita Ali talks with WCBU's Joe Deacon.