District 150’s chronic absentee rate was 39.4% during the 2023-24 school year, compared to the state average of 26.3%. That's according to the latest state report card.

District 150’s chronic absentee rate was 39.4% during the 2023-24 school year, compared to the state average of 26.3%. That's according to the latest state report card.

Two retired administrators drive push to lower chronic absenteeism in Peoria Public School

Greater Peoria’s LGBTQ community is anxious about what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for them.

Greater Peoria’s LGBTQ community is anxious about what Donald Trump’s second presidency will mean for them.

Anxiety, uncertainty grips Greater Peoria LGBTQ community heading into another Trump presidency

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.

WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.
WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

Drought delivers a big blow to wildlife already grappling with disease and habitat loss

The need for mental healthcare services is constant. In some places, particularly rural areas, it can be a struggle to find a provider.

The need for mental healthcare services is constant. In some places, particularly rural areas, it can be a struggle to find a provider.

Tazewell County Health Department grant opens mental health first aid training to the public

The construction of Peoria County's third landfill is back on track, even if it is coming later than anyone expected.

But if you ask any member of the deliberation group who hammered out the latest agreement on Landfill Three, the end was nowhere in sight just a few short months ago.

The construction of Peoria County's third landfill is back on track, even if it is coming later than anyone expected.
But if you ask any member of the deliberation group who hammered out the latest agreement on Landfill Three, the end was nowhere in sight just a few short months ago.

How a new landfill deal was hammered out for Peoria County

You might have an image of a farmer in their tractor or with a bucket feeding livestock.

The reality is farmers can often be found in office cubicles, driving school buses or stocking shelves.

You might have an image of a farmer in their tractor or with a bucket feeding livestock.
The reality is farmers can often be found in office cubicles, driving school buses or stocking shelves.

To stay on the farm, more and more farmers are working second and even third jobs

A look at new reads at the Peoria Public Library this November

The most recent hire for the position says he's prepared to bring some stability.

The most recent hire for the position says he's prepared to bring some stability.

A new leader at the East Bluff Community Center is starting with the fundamentals

District 150, Pekin 108 look to further improve proficiency, chronic absenteeism 

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.

Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat

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

After a drunk driver crashed into Jamisha Hudson’s house, the city completed a demolition of what remained of her porch overhang. She got a bill for more than $3,000.

After a drunk driver crashed into Jamisha Hudson’s house, the city completed a demolition of what remained of her porch overhang. She got a bill for more than $3,000.

A drunk driver crashed into a Peoria woman's house. Then she got the bill

After the Invest in Kids Act expired at the beginning of the year, parents and school administrators are facing uncertainty for what comes next.

It allowed individuals or businesses in Illinois to donate scholarship funds in exchange for a 75% income tax credit. Scholarships were awarded to students whose annual family income didn’t exceed 300% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that’s just under $80,000 a year.

After the Invest in Kids Act expired at the beginning of the year, parents and school administrators are facing uncertainty for what comes next.
It allowed individuals or businesses in Illinois to donate scholarship funds in exchange for a 75% income tax credit. Scholarships were awarded to students whose annual family income didn’t exceed 300% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that’s just under $80,000 a year.

Peoria parents, administrators face uncertainty after end of private school scholarship program

In today's episode, take a trip to Havana to learn how this rural town is resparking a sense of vibrancy. And a new exhibit at the University of Illinois is highlighting under-representation of queer people in the media. Plus, on Out and About, hear about the many activities you can enjoy indoors at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria during the coldest months of the year.

In today's episode, take a trip to Havana to learn how this rural town is resparking a sense of vibrancy. And a new exhibit at the University of Illinois is highlighting under-representation of queer people in the media. Plus, on Out and About, hear about the many activities you can enjoy indoors at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria during the coldest months of the year.

All Things Peoria - Friday, January 19, 2024

In Today's Episode you'll hear an interview with Commission on Professionalism chair John Kim about the efforts to promote comity in the courtroom. And how Venezuelan migrants are seeking out a living in Chicago's underground economy. Plus, consumer advocate Sarah Moskowitz speaks to Steve Tarter about how you can decode your increasingly complex utility bills.

In Today's Episode you'll hear an interview with Commission on Professionalism chair John Kim about the efforts to promote comity in the courtroom. And how Venezuelan migrants are seeking out a living in Chicago's underground economy. Plus, consumer advocate Sarah Moskowitz speaks to Steve Tarter about how you can decode your increasingly complex utility bills.

All Things Peoria - Thursday, January 18, 2024

In today's episode, you'll hear from Precision Planting's general manager about the company's behemoth of a new distribution center in Morton and why it could nearly double in size in the future. And a new painting at the Peoria Riverfront Museum is just one step to bring more recognition for comedy legend Richard Pryor in his hometown. Plus, Illinois Public Radio's Peter Medlin takes a look at the books students in the Land of Lincoln loved the most in 2023.

In today's episode, you'll hear from Precision Planting's general manager about the company's behemoth of a new distribution center in Morton and why it could nearly double in size in the future. And a new painting at the Peoria Riverfront Museum is just one step to bring more recognition for comedy legend Richard Pryor in his hometown. Plus, Illinois Public Radio's Peter Medlin takes a look at the books students in the Land of Lincoln loved the most in 2023.

All Things Peoria - Wednesday, January 17, 2023

In today's episode, you'll hear about Phoenix Community Development Services' annual Gimmie Shelter fundraiser and how it helps raise awareness of housing insecurity. And learn more about two healthcare reform laws sponsored by state Senator Dave Koehler. Plus, why a child care facility is reopening near the CityLink transit center and how it will help working families.

In today's episode, you'll hear about Phoenix Community Development Services' annual Gimmie Shelter fundraiser and how it helps raise awareness of housing insecurity. And learn more about two healthcare reform laws sponsored by state Senator Dave Koehler. Plus, why a child care facility is reopening near the CityLink transit center and how it will help working families.

All Things Peoria - Tuesday, January 16, 2024

In today's episode, you'll get a behind the scenes look at the Penguin Project's latest theatrical production and how its impact has spread far beyond its East Peoria roots. And learn how academic cheaters are getting around the rules. Plus, on Out and About, Doug Hoepker of River City DJs talks about the new vinyl record collective and weekly DJ nights at Black Band Distillery in Peoria.

In today's episode, you'll get a behind the scenes look at the Penguin Project's latest theatrical production and how its impact has spread far beyond its East Peoria roots. And learn how academic cheaters are getting around the rules. Plus, on Out and About, Doug Hoepker of River City DJs talks about the new vinyl record collective and weekly DJ nights at Black Band Distillery in Peoria.

All Things Peoria - Friday, January 12, 2023

In today's episode, you'll hear about why the American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. And the extension of Pioneer Parkway out to Route 91 remains a top priority for the City of Peoria as leaders prepare to meet with the state's General Assembly tomorrow. Plus, a look at a free trauma recovery program for victims of violent crimes in Peoria.

In today's episode, you'll hear about why the American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. And the extension of Pioneer Parkway out to Route 91 remains a top priority for the City of Peoria as leaders prepare to meet with the state's General Assembly tomorrow. Plus, a look at a free trauma recovery program for victims of violent crimes in Peoria.

All Things Peoria - Thursday, January 11, 2023

In today's episode, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Joshua Gunn drops by to chat about their upcoming initiatives to grow the regional economy for the year ahead. And veteran politics reporter Dave McKinney discusses the recent stories he broke on Donald Trump's presidential candidacy in Illinois. Plus, an in-depth look at the state's lawsuit over NCAA transfer guidelines.

In today's episode, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Joshua Gunn drops by to chat about their upcoming initiatives to grow the regional economy for the year ahead. And veteran politics reporter Dave McKinney discusses the recent stories he broke on Donald Trump's presidential candidacy in Illinois. Plus, an in-depth look at the state's lawsuit over NCAA transfer guidelines.

All Things Peoria - Wednesday, January 10, 2024

In today's episode, you'll hear from Carol Merna of the Center for Prevention of Abuse about their new Pekin facility and why it's needed. And learn what a sidewalk café is ahead of a Peoria city council vote tonight that may allow four downtown Peoria restaurants to pilot the concept. Plus, find out what the U.S Secret Service told education and law enforcement leaders in Peoria about preventing school shootings.

In today's episode, you'll hear from Carol Merna of the Center for Prevention of Abuse about their new Pekin facility and why it's needed. And learn what a sidewalk café is ahead of a Peoria city council vote tonight that may allow four downtown Peoria restaurants to pilot the concept. Plus, find out what the U.S Secret Service told education and law enforcement leaders in Peoria about preventing school shootings.

All Things Peoria - Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Only the full episodes of WCBU's All Things Peoria.

Only the full episodes of WCBU's All Things Peoria.

All Things Peoria - Full Episodes

WCBU Reports airs weekdays with an in-depth local news story from the WCBU Peoria Public Radio newsroom. New features are available every weekday by 5 a.m.
WCBU Reports is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

WCBU Reports

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