A journalism professor who has roots in Pekin and Peoria says journalists must do more than cover the news; they must actively build community for local news outlets to survive in a challenging world.

A journalism professor who has roots in Pekin and Peoria says journalists must do more than cover the news; they must actively build community for local news outlets to survive in a challenging world.

WCBU Reports shines a light into all corners of Greater Peoria. You’ll see the challenges we face from a new angle. And you’ll hear from the neighbors you never knew you had. WCBU Reports airs weekdays during Morning Edition at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m.

WCBU Reports shines a light into all corners of Greater Peoria. You’ll see the challenges we face from a new angle. And you’ll hear from the neighbors you never knew you had. WCBU Reports airs weekdays during Morning Edition at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m.

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.

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.

Overcoming news deserts in rural America takes community involvement

A group of high school students from Illini Bluffs High School in Glasford in Peoria County was among 10 finalists in this year’s NPR Student Podcast Challenge. In its 8th year, the contest had more than 1,500 entries from 42 states across both the high school and middle school categories for 2026.

A group of high school students from Illini Bluffs High School in Glasford in Peoria County was among 10 finalists in this year&rsquo;s NPR Student Podcast Challenge. In its 8th year, the contest had more than 1,500 entries from 42 states across both the high school and middle school categories for 2026.

Illini Bluffs High School team among 10 finalists in NPR's Student Podcast Challenge

East Peoria City Council members were unmoved by a protest and public comments urging them to rethink Flock police cameras. In an interview with WCBU after the meeting, East Peoria Police Chief David Catton said the technology is a critical tool for his department.

East Peoria City Council members were unmoved by a protest and public comments urging them to rethink Flock police cameras. In an interview with WCBU after the meeting, East Peoria Police Chief David Catton said the technology is a critical tool for his department.

East Peoria council staunchly defends use of Flock cameras, approves 10-camera expansion

Since the time of the first President of the United States to today, executive power has steadily grown to address crises, a changing electorate and evolving interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Generally speaking, the Central Illinois congressional candidates this year agree the House and Senate roll over too much for the president.

Since the time of the first President of the United States to today, executive power has steadily grown to address crises, a changing electorate and evolving interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp;Generally speaking, the Central Illinois congressional candidates this year agree the House and Senate roll over too much for the president.

Overcoming news deserts in rural America takes community involvement

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