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Articles by Thomas Pickering
The Price of Peace With Iran
Over the last three weeks, talks between Iran and the United States have stalled. The two countries have managed to preserve their shaky cease-fire. But despite days of both indirect and direct negotiations, including a dramatic, 21-hour high-level summit in Islamabad, a lasting deal remains far away. Part of this failure has to do with Washington’s misplaced expectations.
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NAACP hosts free community expo in Bloomington-Normal Original
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A free community expo is offering advice and resources in the Twin Cities. The Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP will host the “Mind, Body, Spirit & Community Expo” this Saturday in Bloomington. Georgene Chissell and Linda Foster, the group’s political action chairperson and president, stopped by WMBD This Morning to tell our Renae Skinner about the event. The expo will feature a variety of topics, including financial wellness and breast and colon cancer awareness.
Central Illinois chefs compete in charity culinary showdown Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Neighborhood House’s annual “Food Fight” fundraiser takes place next week. Julie Bonar, the group’s president and CEO, joined us on WMBD This Morning to talk about the event – and brought along a guest for a live demonstration. Bonar says this is the 12th year for the fundraiser, which pits chefs from across central Illinois in a competition inspired by popular cooking shows.
Rising colon cancer cases in young people raise alarm | Ask the Doc
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A disease traditionally associated with older adults is now becoming more common in younger people, says a doctor from OSF Healthcare. Dr. Brian Curtis said colon cancer has now become the leading cause of cancer death for men under the age of 50, and the second-leading for women under 50. He stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the disease. He says it’s become significantly more common in adults between the ages of 20 and 39.
Gertie makes her prediction for the rest of winter. What was it? Original
HANNA CITY, Ill. (WMBD) — It seems like our long winter isn’t over yet. At least, that’s the prediction made by Gertie, Wildlife Prairie Park chief meteorologist, early Monday morning. During the annual Groundhog Day event, Gertie saw her own shadow which, of course, means Central Illinois is likely to see six more weeks of winter weather. Thanks Gertie… WMBD meteorologist Nathan Kitchens was live from the park in support of a fellow weather prognosticator.
OSF HealthCare in Peoria offers non-surgical weight loss option
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Weight loss medications have been a hot topic in the medical field in recent years. But for those who can’t take the latest drugs, OSF HealthCare in Peoria is offering new options for patients who need to lose weight. Dr. Jason Bill, an interventional gastroenterologist with OSF, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. It’s a procedure that reduces the volume of the stomach, without requiring any incisions.
CWTC Hosts Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser at Par-a-Dice Hotel Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Think you know trivia? Then you can put your skills to the test this Friday at the Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino. Community Workshop and Training Center, an organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities in Central Illinois, is holding their annual Trivia Night fundraiser at the East Peoria hotel. Patti Gratton, the group’s executive director, and Lexi Rivas, their coordinator of community integration, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the event.
Boost brain health with the MIND diet | In the Kitchen
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Looking to boost your brain health? Your diet might be a good place to start. Olivia DeLeon from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the MIND diet. MIND stands for “Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay,” and it’s based around specific daily and weekly food diets rather than general guidelines.
Spice up your weeknights with blackened shrimp tostadas | In the Kitchen
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Jan 15, 2026 / 09:10 AM CST Updated: Jan 15, 2026 / 09:10 AM CST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Looking for an easy way to shake up your weeknight meals? Look no further! Ashley Simper from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center stopped by WMBD This Morning to show us her recipe for blackened shrimp tostadas with slaw.
Sweeten your holidays with eggnog cheesecake bars recipe | In the Kitchen
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Dec 19, 2025 / 08:49 AM CST Updated: Dec 19, 2025 / 08:49 AM CST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Looking for a sweet treat to share over the holidays? Then look no further. Ashley Simper from OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center stopped by WMBD This Morning to show our Renae Skinner how to make Eggnog Cheesecake Bars.
Stay safe from flu, RSV, and COVID-19 this holiday season | Ask the Doc Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With the holidays fast approaching, medical experts warn that the chilly season can also be a hot spot for respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Dr. Brian Curtis from OSF Healthcare stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what’s behind the spike and how to protect yourself. He says the biggest factor is the amount of people congregating indoors. “Kids are back in school, it’s getting cold out, so people are inside more,” he said.
Beat holiday stress by focusing on health, quality time | Ask the Doc
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The holiday season is in full swing, but not everyone is feeling merry or jolly. For many, the holidays can be a major source of stress. Dr. Brian Curtis with OSF Healthcare stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about ways to manage your stress over the season. He says one of the simplest things you can do is to simply be honest about your feelings and open up to others.
Reindeer droppings: A humorous holiday treat recipe | In the Kitchen
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Dec 5, 2025 / 09:57 AM CST Updated: Dec 5, 2025 / 09:57 AM CST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With the holidays on everyone’s minds, many people will be looking for fun, festive treats to share with friends and family. Ashley Simper from OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center stopped by WMBD This Morning to show us how to make a tasty treat with a humorous twist: reindeer droppings.
Doctor explains winter spike in respiratory viruses | Ask the Doc Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Winter brings a lot of unpleasant things with it, like chilly temperatures, icy roads, and snow-covered driveways. But it also brings along an increased risk of respiratory viruses. Dr. Yolanda Johnson is the clinic supervisor at Carle Health Express Care Peoria on Barring Trace. She stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about why this time of year sees a spike in infections. She says the cold temperatures create a perfect environment for viruses to spread.
Lung cancer awareness month: A deadly disease impacting many | Ask the Doc Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — As the year heads into November, doctors are bringing awareness to one of the most common and deadly cancers. Dr. Brian Curtis from OSF Healthcare stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about Lung Cancer Awareness Month. He says the disease claims more lives every year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. And there are many factors that could put someone at risk. “The largest one, obviously, is smoking,” he said. “That accounts for about 80-85% of all lung cancers.
Early detection crucial for cancer survival rates | Ask the Doc Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Cancer is a disease that affects millions and all walks of life. Saqib Walayat from Carle Health Methodist Hospital stopped by WMBD This Morning on Thursday to talk about the benefits of early detection. Walayat said the earlier cancer can be detected, the better the outcome will be for the patient. That doesn’t just refer to the length or intensity of treatment; it can also mean the difference between life and death.
Annual Big Table conference returns to Peoria in 2025 | WMBD This Morning Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — An annual conference supporting businesses in central Illinois is coming back for 2025. The Big Table, hosted by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, is less than two weeks away. David Aduama, the EDC’s communications manager, and Dorsey Hill, a co-lead planner for The Big Table, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what this year’s event has to offer.
Ask the Doc | Doctor recommends flu shots for community protection Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — 2024 saw one of the worst flu seasons in a decade. Now, doctors are reminding people to get their flu shots in now, to avoid a repeat in 2025. Dr. Brian Curtis from OSF Healthcare stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk to our Sheridan Hurtig and Renae skinner about flu vaccinations. He said everyone should get it this year, and every year, even if they haven’t gotten the shot in years past.
Leaders unite to shape future of manufacturing and small business in Peoria | WMBD This Morning Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — An interactive discussion is bringing local manufacturing leaders together to discuss how to shape the industry’s future. The Central IL Manufacturing Collaboration is happening Tuesday morning, with the support of the Women’s Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Erica Kuhlmann, the center’s CEO, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about how the event is benefiting central Illinois businesses.
Twin Cities host annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s this weekend | WMBD This Morning Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — An annual tradition supporting Alzheimer’s research is returning to the Twin Cities this weekend. The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held at Heartland Community College in Normal on Saturday. One of the event’s sponsors is Luther Oaks, and the community’s executive director, Pete Wiedman, stopped by WMBD This Morning. He says Luther Oaks has been a big supporter of the event. “It’s important to us because it’s important to our residents,” he explained.
In the Kitchen: Overnight oats recipes for a healthy start | WMBD This Morning Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but between the rush to get ready for work and the lack of energy that comes before the morning coffee, many people don’t have the luxury of preparing a nutritious meal. Ashley Simper, the dietetic internship director for OSF HealthCare, stopped by WMBD This Morning with a pair of snacks that you can make the night before and enjoy right after you get out of the shower.
Peoria’s RecoveryFest comedy show tackles addiction stigma Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — JOLT Harm Reduction is teaming up with local comedians to help break the stigma around addiction. It’s all a part of RecoveryFest, a free comedy show happening this Saturday. Chris Schaffner, the executive director of JOLT Harm Reduction, stopped by WMBD This Morning to tell us about the event. The idea for a comedy show came from his desire to show the joys and positive connections that come with recovery, he said.
Peoria healthcare showcases ovarian cancer treatment options Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — September marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and a local healthcare system is ensuring that women in Peoria are aware of the available treatment options. Dr. Michelle Rowland, a gynecologic oncologist with OSF HealthCare, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what’s on offer. She says OSF is always looking for new treatment options. “Just this month, actually, we’ve opened up a new trial for ovarian cancer patients,” she told us.
Methodist College lays out plans for their 125th anniversary weekend celebration Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A local college focused on healthcare is celebrating a major milestone. Methodist College will be celebrating its 125th anniversary with events next weekend. The college’s chancellor, Kayla Banks, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what they have planned. The fun will kick off on Friday, Sept. 19, with the Alumni & Friends Reception.
T.H.I.N.K. Center launches 'Men Let's Talk' series in Peoria Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A new series of discussions is inviting Peoria men to come together and open up to one another about important topics. T.H.I.N.K. Training Center will be starting the “Men Let’s Talk” series starting this Saturday. Charles Miner, the owner and founder of T.H.I.N.K, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the reasons behind the discussions.
Young adults in Peoria unite for riverfront cleanup event Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A group supporting friendship and community for young adults will be helping clean up trash on the Peoria Riverfront. Peoria Area Young Adult Social Meetup will be hosting their 3rd annual Riverfront Clean-Up event this Sunday. The group’s leader, Alexander Chan, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about it. He says the idea came when YASM was leading hikes around the city. “Over the years, we found a lot of trash and plastic on the trails that we were hiking on,” he said.
NAACP Bloomington-Normal’s Freedom Fund event this Saturday Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A banquet supporting African-American rights is happening this weekend in the Twin Cities. NAACP’s Bloomington-Normal branch will be hosting their annual Freedom Fund event on Saturday, Sept. 13. Linda Foster, the president of the Bloomington branch, joined Freedom Fund chairperson Willie Holton Halbert on WMBD This Morning to talk about the event. This year’s theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Foster says it’s based on the direction the NAACP is moving nationwide this year.
In the Kitchen | Upgrade your game day with a healthy BLT snack Original
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Sep 9, 2025 / 07:07 AM CDT Updated: Sep 9, 2025 / 07:07 AM CDT PEORIA, Ill (WMBD) — Looking for new snacks to spice up game day? Ashley Simper, the manager of dietetic services for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, stopped by WMBD This Morning to show our Sheridan Hurtig how to turn a BLT into a healthy, shareable snack.
Ask the Doc | OSF HealthCare opens clinics for youth sports injuries
PEORIA, Ill. ( WMBD) — As fall sports ramp back up for students across central Illinois, many parents might be concerned about potential injuries for their kids. Fortunately, OSF HealthCare is offering walk-in clinics to support young athletes. Dr. Keith Corpus is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with OSF. He stopped by WMBD This Morning to tell our Sheridan Hurtig about the clinics. He notes that many sports can pose a risk of injury to children, including football, volleyball, and soccer.
Prairieland Punishers set to face Peoria Prowlers in roller derby bout
Thomas Pickering Tue, September 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM UTC 2 min read PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Two area roller derby teams will clash this coming weekend at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The Prairieland Punishers will play host to the Peoria Prowlers on Saturday, Sept. 6. Players from both teams stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk to our Renae Skinner about the upcoming bout. They say anyone will be able to enjoy the event, even if they’re not familiar with the sport.
Prairieland Punishers set to face Peoria Prowlers in roller derby bout
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Two area roller derby teams will clash this coming weekend at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The Prairieland Punishers will play host to the Peoria Prowlers on Saturday, Sept. 6. Players from both teams stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk to our Renae Skinner about the upcoming bout. They say anyone will be able to enjoy the event, even if they’re not familiar with the sport.
Free cancer screenings offered at OSF HealthCare in Peoria
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — If you’re in need of a screening for certain cancers, but worried about the costs, OSF Healthcare has an event catered to you. Tomorrow, Aug. 22, the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute will offer screenings for oral, skin, breast, and lung cancers. Laura Hines, the institute’s manager of oncology services, stopped by WMBD This Morning to tell us about the event. She said it’s vital that people get regular screenings so doctors can detect cancer early.
Hult Center’s Empower U event prepares families for school
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A new event Thursday evening is offering all-ages fun for families with kids heading back to the classroom. The Hult Center for Healthy Living in Peoria will be hosting its first-ever Empower U: Back to School event later today. The event is taking place Thursday, Aug.
Hult Center’s Empower U event prepares families for school
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A new event Thursday evening is offering all-ages fun for families with kids heading back to the classroom. The Hult Center for Healthy Living in Peoria will be hosting its first-ever Empower U: Back to School event later today. The event is taking place Thursday, Aug.
Explore August events at Wildlife Prairie Park this month Original
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Aug 7, 2025 / 11:46 AM CDT Updated: Aug 7, 2025 / 12:02 PM CDT PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Summer may be winding down for many in central Illinois, but that’s not stopping the folks at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City from creating family fun for animal lovers. Wildlife Prairie Park Animal Keeper, Winter Katterhenry, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what they’ve got in store this month.
Robotic surgery at OSF Saint Francis offers quicker recovery Original
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is taking advantage of cutting-edge technology to improve patient recovery times and outcomes for surgery. Dr. Chandler Wilfong, a general surgeon at OSF, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the da Vinci 5 system. It’s a robotic platform that enables surgeons to perform procedures with more precision, allowing them to do more with minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Joshua Russell to lead Peoria Chorale as new conductor
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A musical group stretching back more than 40 years is introducing its newest conductor. Joshua Russell will be stepping into the role left open by Joseph Dean Henry, who was the Chorale’s conductor and artistic director for more than 30 years. Russell stopped by WMBD This Morning to speak with our Sheridan Hurtig and Renae Skinner about his journey and what the future holds for the Chorale.
Peoria golf tournament aids Central Illinois veterans
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A charity golf tournament is coming to Peoria this month to support Central Illinois veterans. The annual “Tee It Up for the Troops” will be held at Mt. Hawley Country Club on August 18th. The event’s chair, Jeff Kolbus, stopped by WMBD This Morning along with title sponsor (and WMBD alum!) Renee Charles from RLI Insurance to talk about all the action. Kolbus says the event is in its 16th year, and he promises a day of camaraderie for veterans who participate.
Peoria golf tournament aids Central Illinois veterans
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A charity golf tournament is coming to Peoria this month to support Central Illinois veterans. The annual “Tee It Up for the Troops” will be held at Mt. Hawley Country Club on August 18th. The event’s chair, Jeff Kolbus, stopped by WMBD This Morning along with title sponsor (and WMBD alum!) Renee Charles from RLI Insurance to talk about all the action. Kolbus says the event is in its 16th year, and he promises a day of camaraderie for veterans who participate.
New Conductor Dr. Joshua Russell to Lead Peoria Chorale
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A musical group stretching back more than 40 years is introducing its newest conductor. Joshua Russell will be stepping into the role left open by Joseph Dean Henry, who was the Chorale’s conductor and artistic director for more than 30 years. Russell stopped by WMBD This Morning to speak with our Sheridan Hurtig and Renae Skinner about his journey and what the future holds for the Chorale. He has a long history as a concert pianist, organist and conductor.
In the Kitchen | Elevate your cookout with chipotle corn salsa
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Aug 5, 2025 / 07:18 AM CDT Updated: Aug 5, 2025 / 07:18 AM CDT PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Planning one last cookout before summer wraps up? You’re going to something special to make the event truly shine, and we have just the thing. Ashley Simper, the manager of dietic services at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, stopped by WMBD This Morning to show our Renae Skinner how to make a Chipotle Corn Salsa.
Carle Health provides walk-in clinic care for Peoria region
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Medical issues can crop up unexpectedly, and in many cases, waiting for an appointment or getting one with your primary care provider simply isn’t convenient or possible. That’s why Carle Health offers a variety of walk-in care options in the Peoria area. Yolanda Johnson, the clinic supervisor at Carle Health Express Care Peoria on Barring Trace, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about some of the services that are available.
Ask the Doc | Dr. Brian Curtis shares swim safety tips for summer fun
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — While relaxing by the pool or taking a boat out on the Illinois River are enjoyable summer pastimes, there are a lot of risks that can come with water. That’s especially true for children and those who’ve never learned how to swim. Dr. Brian Curtis from OSF Healthcare stopped by WMBD This Morning once again to discuss ways to stay safe. The biggest risk from being in the water is drowning, and he said you may not know what to look for even if you are aware of it.
Passage to India honors culture and raises money for Easterseals
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A fundraiser for the area’s Easterseals chapter will return next month offering up a slice of Indian cuisine and culture. The annual Passage to India comes to the Embassy Suits in East Peoria on Aug. 1. It’s been a tradition for nearly 20 years. Two of the organizers, Danielle Easton and Anu Uddavolu, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about what they have in store. According to Uddavolu, the idea started small, but has since grown into a major event.
Critters & cookies events bring kids closer to wild animals
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With summer in full swing, Wildlife Prairie Park is offering multiple events through the month of July for outdoor family fun. Winter Katterhenry, the park’s education lead, stopped by WMBD This Morning to tell our Sheridan Hurtig and Renae Skinner about what they have planned. For Independence Day, the park is offering free rides on their train along with 50% off kayak rentals.
Arson suspected in Peoria fire that razed vacant house
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Investigators say a fire which destroyed a house early this morning is likely arson. Peoria Fire Department was called to a house fire at 1924 S. Stanley St. near Griswold Grocery and Liquor just after 2AM. Once on scene, they found heavy smoke and flames on multiple floors. The fire had also spread to a neighboring home, causing some damage to the outside.
Discover the versatility of peaches in summer salads
by: Thomas Pickering Posted: Jun 20, 2025 / 09:10 AM CDT Updated: Jun 20, 2025 / 09:10 AM CDT PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A summertime favorite known for its sweetness can also be surprisingly versatile. Olivia DeLeon from OSF HealthCare stopped by WMBD This Morning to showcase two unique recipes that utilize peaches.
Film uncovers Lincoln’s role in Metamora’s Underground Railroad
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A documentary premiering in Metamora this Sunday takes a deep dive into the town’s history with the Underground Railroad. Two of the film’s executive producers, Jack Weddle and Laure Adams, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk about the film. Weddle says the path to the premiere began 10 years ago, after one resident reached out to the Metamora Association for Historic Preservation (MAHP).
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