AJ Douglas
MMJ
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Updated: Dec. 17, 2021 at 6:32 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there are not enough mental health providers to treat those in need of professional help. The Illinois Department of Human Services reports, Illinois only has 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents.
Updated: Dec. 17, 2021 at 6:23 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
DISCOVER PEORIA IS PARTNERING WITH FOUR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER. THE HOLIDAY CAROLING AROUND TOWN TEAM MADE THEIR FIRST APPERANCE AT THE PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM.
Updated: Dec. 16, 2021 at 7:35 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Monday December 13th the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved Ameren’s first rate increase in the past six years. The funds will go towards investing and improving electric systems and preparing for the grid as Illinois transitions to clean energy options. The rise in cost is expected to be around $2.50 but, the state passing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act means customers will pay more.
Updated: Dec. 14, 2021 at 7:07 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL HAS A NEW RECREATION CENTER CALLED THE ILLINOIS ART STATION. IT STRIVES TO GIVE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CREATIVE WAYS TO LEARN THROUGH VISUAL ARTS.
Updated: Dec. 14, 2021 at 6:52 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
OME LOCAL STUDENTS ARE CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY MEETING A REAL-LIFE HARLEM GLOBETROTTER.
Updated: Dec. 13, 2021 at 6:52 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
As of December 1st the Pekin Fire Department has advanced from Intermediate Life Support to Advanced Life Support to deliver paramedic care to those in crisis.
Updated: Dec. 10, 2021 at 6:50 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The City of Peoria welcomes new Chief Diversity Officer Melodi Green. She brings over a decade of experience working with the government. She previously worked as Chief of the juvenile division of the Peoria county state’s attorney office. She says she’s glad to bring past experience to this new role to benefit the community.
Updated: Dec. 9, 2021 at 7:48 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The Salvations Army’s partners from MH Equipment are offering to match all red kettle donations the weekend from December 10th to 11th in person and December 12th for all virtual donations.
Updated: Dec. 9, 2021 at 7:07 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The Crittenton Center’s store is back after being closed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The store will follow all CDC guidelines by masking and only allowing a select number of people in the store at a time.
Updated: Dec. 8, 2021 at 7:06 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Side walks in the East Bluff neighborhood are cracked beyond repair and at times non-existent. Residents are concerned with how they can get around safety staying clear of the road.
Updated: Dec. 7, 2021 at 7:10 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Finals begin at Bradley University and a group of students dressed up as Spiderman to help counter the anxiety that comes while preparing to take final exams.The students call themselves Bradley Spideys, and hope to spread encouragement to students during final exams.
Updated: Dec. 7, 2021 at 6:43 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The Crittenton Center invites parents to bring their children ages 12 and under to shop at the Crittenton store. Kids will get their own personal shopper to help them with gift wrapping and paying for their gifts. Store items will range from $1 to $8. The entire experience allows children to join in during the season of giving.
Updated: Dec. 7, 2021 at 6:05 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Veterans, local government and students all came together to honor lost veterans from the past and those here with us today. The Pearl Harbor Memorial ceremony encouraged people to take time to remember a devastating event in American history with hopes of inspiring gratitude for local vets in the community.
Updated: Dec. 6, 2021 at 6:29 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Early Monday morning a home on the 1500 block of North Broadway street became engulfed in flames. The residents were able to exit the home safely however, the Peoria Fire Department requested an emergency demolition. When the fire department makes this type of request the demolition must take place within 24 hours.
Updated: Dec. 5, 2021 at 7:56 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The first ever Tracht-N-Stein brought authentic German culture to Peoria. people were encouraged to wear their tracht, which are traditional German clothing. People were also asked to bring a stein, or a special drinking cup with a lid.
Updated: Dec. 3, 2021 at 9:40 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The Don’t Start initiative encourages kids and youth members to make good choices by using positive music lyrics. Founders Dr. Joe Couri and Warith Muhammud created the Don’t Start song in 2017 warning people how negative music lyrics can promote dangerous choices.
Updated: Dec. 2, 2021 at 8:06 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Peoria Police Department arrested 28 year old, Tahir Goodman in connection to the murder of 24 year old J’Naysia Marie Hobbs. The Peoria Coroner reported that J’Naysia died from strangulation prior to the fire. Friends and family are still mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Updated: Dec. 1, 2021 at 7:29 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Wednesday around 5:08 a.m. the Peoria Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of East Virginia Avenue to find heavy fire and black smoke coming from the back of the house. While searching the home one victim was found inside.
Updated: Nov. 29, 2021 at 7:05 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
There has been an increase in reported fires in the month of November. During the week of Thanksgiving there were multiple fires.
Updated: Nov. 29, 2021 at 5:34 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Illinois state senator, Darren Bailey, joined the Tenth annual Tent-A-thon hosted by Pastor Corey Brooks. The Tent-A-Thon is a part of Pastor Brooks H.O.O.D foundation (Helping Others Obtain Destiny). The program consists of fifteen projects focused on violence prevention, entrepreneurship, and job training.
Updated: Nov. 26, 2021 at 6:24 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Thursday night around 9:20 p.m. the Farmington Fire Department was called to East Fort Street after reports of smoke coming from local business, Ashers Bar and Grill.
Updated: Nov. 24, 2021 at 6:24 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
On Thanksgiving Eve some people gather together for what is called “Black Wednesday.” People are encouraged to drink more alcohol during the holiday season, but especially on days like today. Statistics show that there’s a higher risk of being involved in a fatal drunk driving accident during the holidays.
Updated: Nov. 23, 2021 at 8:10 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
First responders are peace officers designed to aid individuals during violent acts or general accidents. Over the past few weeks crime and car crashes are on the rise. First responders are called to thousands of accidents annually in the state of Illinois, says Josh Bradshaw, Community Resource Management for Advanced Medical Transport.
Updated: Nov. 23, 2021 at 6:36 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
First responders are peace officers designed to aid individuals during violent acts or general accidents. Over the past few weeks crime and car crashes are on the rise. First responders are called to thousands of accidents annually in the state of Illinois, says Josh Bradshaw, Community Resource Management for Advanced Medical Transport.
Updated: Nov. 22, 2021 at 6:27 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Early Sunday morning after 2 a.m. a minor called Peoria Fire Department to report smoke in the home. In transit authorities were told that the home was in flames.
Updated: Nov. 19, 2021 at 7:14 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The package will address different areas of social impact like closing gaps in Medicaid and making health care more affordable. Proposed improvements to expanding affordable housing and more assistance to new home buyers. A large part of the Build Back Better package focuses on universal pre-kindergarten. Currently the package lists an extension to child tax credit payments throughout 2022.
Updated: Nov. 17, 2021 at 5:50 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
A group dedicated to veterans is now fighting for safe air travels for all disabled persons. The Associated Press reports travel to reach pre-pandemic levels but, many disabled Americans will not be properly accommodated.
Updated: Nov. 16, 2021 at 7:27 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Tony Scroggins began learning about renovating builds at twelve years old. He built a structure across from Harrison School, where he once was a student. He has over a decade of real estate investing experience. Now he is passing that knowledge to the next generations by teaching through the Teach Me 2 Flip program.
Updated: Nov. 15, 2021 at 7:51 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
The Peoria Police Department works closely with local organizations to help survivors of domestic violence. Detective Roberto Vasquez investigates domestic violence cases by interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses. He works as part of the Criminal Investigation Division to review cases daily.
Updated: Nov. 12, 2021 at 6:48 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, organizations like Adult and Teen Challenge have been serving the community since 2000. The group offers a twelve-month residency to those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. Members of the group are provided meals and job training opportunities.
Updated: Nov. 11, 2021 at 6:33 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Manual High school’s JROTC students presented their color guard services at the veterans’ luncheon at Lutheran Hillside Village assisted living facility. Students say they wanted to acknowledge local veterans.
Updated: Nov. 10, 2021 at 6:51 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Community leaders, politicians, and local organizations will discuss the increase of gun violence among young black males.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 7:25 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
McLean County hosted there first vaccination clinic open for children ages 5-11 years old at Grossinger Motors Arena. Children were able to receive their first dose of the pediatric vaccine.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 7:18 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Members of the Stand Up for Justice group held signs in front of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts with hopes of bringing awareness to homelessness.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 6:52 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Mclean County hosted there first vaccination clinic open for children ages 5-11 years old at Grossinger Motors Arena. Children were able to receive their first dose of the pediatric vaccine.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 6:15 PM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Members of the Stand Up for Justice group held signs in front of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts with hopes of bringing awareness to homelessness.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 9:54 AM CST
|By AJ Douglas
Around midnight Saturday morning congress passed a 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package. The package will provide 17 billion dollars to the state of Illinois. The funding will support the rebuild of bridges, roads, public transit, highways, airports and more.
Updated: Nov. 2, 2021 at 5:59 PM CDT
|By AJ Douglas
Discover Peoria celebrated the launch of the Hispanic-Owned campaign at Jalapeno's. The organization hopes to help small business owners with promoting their business.