'It's about the people': 50 years of friendship with Germany and a plea for the next generation

Peoria is marking 50 years as a sister city with Friedrichshafen, Germany. A delegation of about 25 from Germany recently flew to Peoria to meet with their sister city colleagues. Mayor Rita Ali and Sister City Commission chair Patrick Roesler spoke with WCBU's Molly Hughes at a recent anniversary …

State Sen. Koehler on the end-of-session crunch and push for data center, insurance industry regulation

Democratic state Sen. Dave Koehler reflected on the end of this year's legislative session with bills failing to pass and several others squeaked through in the final hours of before the end of the spring session. WCBU's Evan Holden reports.

Watchdog uncovers $50 million in overcharges in Illinois American Water's proposed rate hike

The Citizens Utility Board said Illinois American Water is trying to overcharge Illinois customers by more than $50 million through a rate hike request before state regulators. The consumer advocacy group is urging state regulators to reject both the rate increase and a proposed deal that would giv…

Peoria Mayor Ali on the potential impact of the Dee Hengst Amphitheater

Development of the Dee Hengst Amphitheater along the Illinois River in Peoria's Festival Park is advancing, with contracts approved for preliminary design, engineering and construction. The 5,000-seat outdoor performance venue is primarily funded by an $11 million donation to the city from the Heng…

Peoria NAACP Branch celebrates Juneteenth with parade

Peoria will again celebrate Juneteenth with the 3rd annual Ernestine Jackson Freedom Day Parade. WCBU's Rich Draeger sat down with NAACP Peoria Branch President Marvin Hightower to talk about the NAACP, Ms. Jackson herself and why its important to celebrate and remember now more than ever.

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…