Peoria Mayor Ali explains opposition to statewide housing and zoning regulations

A push by Gov. JB Pritzker for unified zoning regulations across Illinois did not gain approval from state lawmakers in the spring legislative session. Pritzker's "Build Illinois" initiative aims to address a growing need for affordable and "missing middle" housing. But critics say the legislation …

Peoria's new election commission director Jessily Joseph wants a boring election

Jessily Joseph was appointed executive director of the Peoria County Election Commission on May 21. "Success is having voters and citizens be confident in this process — and making voting accessible and secure," she told WCBU's Molly Hughes. That's the job ahead of her, with the Nov. 3 general elec…

Pesticide drift near Morton school prompts calls for prior notification from farmers

A state lawmaker sponsored a bill to require farmers spraying pesticides near a school or park to send an email 72 hours in advance notifying when they would be applying the pesticides. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

Sorensen says set rules for data centers, but don’t drive them away

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, who represents parts of Greater Peoria, doesn't want to block data centers from coming to Illinois. He also doesn't want them arriving without conditions and he's worried some data center developers will try to cut corners to get there.

Sen. Durbin is hopeful, but skeptical, of Trump closing Iran deal

In a visit to Central Illinois this week, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin energized local Democrats at a private event at the IBEW Local 197 building. Durbin, hosted by the McLean County Democrats, spoke to a crowd of about 50 supporters about his views on issues like the war with Iran and redistricting, whi…

How a new consortium seeks to strengthen Greater Peoria’s health care workforce pipeline

Peoria City Council member Kiran Velpula sees a new medial and educational partnership as a way to build the city’s health care workforce and boost the regional economy. Velpula, who is also an assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria [UICOMP], is one of the driv…

Illinois has 279 new lawyers. The huge 4th judicial district got only 5

Connor Martin, who lives outside of Morton, said it is important for him to be a generalist in the legal profession so he can best represent his local community because there are so few lawyers in his region. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

Chief Dixon discusses his leadership, direction and goals for the Peoria Police Department

New Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon says the city deserves a police department that communicates openly, acts with integrity, and earns the public’s trust.

In an era of hostility, press protections remain strong in Illinois

With uncertainty surrounding press protections at the national level, the state of Illinois holds a strong reporter privilege statute. That’s according to Don Craven, general counsel for Illinois Press Association and three other statewide journalism organizations. He’s held the job protecting jour…

New Peoria tattoo parlor a fresh start steeped in history, progress — and family

Four Peoria tattoo artists are continuing their late-mentor’s work in the ever-changing world of tattooing with their own shop located downtown.