From the WGLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. Bloomington is dropping the proposed licensing fees that massage parlors would have to pay to operate in the city. The city council votes tonight on the new regulations for massage establishments and adult-oriented businesses. City staff had proposed a $250 annual fee that would cover the cost of investigating these businesses for sex trafficking. Massage parlor owners said the fee unfairly punishes legitimate businesses.

From the WGLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. Bloomington is dropping the proposed licensing fees that massage parlors would have to pay to operate in the city. The city council votes tonight on the new regulations for massage establishments and adult-oriented businesses. City staff had proposed a $250 annual fee that would cover the cost of investigating these businesses for sex trafficking. Massage parlor owners said the fee unfairly punishes legitimate businesses.

They would still be subject to a $100 application fee. Human trafficking cases are on the rise in central Illinois, according to a survivor's advocate, Carol Merner from the Center for Prevention of Abuse says the increase in reported victims is likely due to greater awareness about human trafficking either through commercial sex or forced labor.

They would still be subject to a $100 application fee. Human trafficking cases are on the rise in central Illinois, according to a survivor's advocate, Carol Merner from the Center for Prevention of Abuse says the increase in reported victims is likely due to greater awareness about human trafficking either through commercial sex or forced labor.

Human

Human

trafficking happens all around us, every day.

trafficking happens all around us, every day.

We all see it in one shape or the other. Um, it's just a matter of being educated to be able to truly spot it and then know what to do to report it that can make a difference.

We all see it in one shape or the other. Um, it's just a matter of being educated to be able to truly spot it and then know what to do to report it that can make a difference.

The Center for Prevention of Abuse provides training to service organizations and other community groups throughout McLean County on how to look for and report human trafficking.

The Center for Prevention of Abuse provides training to service organizations and other community groups throughout McLean County on how to look for and report human trafficking.

Connect Transit has agreed to sell a vacant lot for construction of the proposed shelter village in Bloomington. The Connect Transit Board has approved a sale of the approximately 75,000 square feet site, which is south of downtown to Home Sweet Home Ministries for $250,000. A 2023 market study showed a suggested asking price would be about $285,000 and Illinois's two US senators are slamming the Trump administration's bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran.

Connect Transit has agreed to sell a vacant lot for construction of the proposed shelter village in Bloomington. The Connect Transit Board has approved a sale of the approximately 75,000 square feet site, which is south of downtown to Home Sweet Home Ministries for $250,000. A 2023 market study showed a suggested asking price would be about $285,000 and Illinois's two US senators are slamming the Trump administration's bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran.

Democrat Tammy Duckworth says the attack was illegal and required congressional approval. Fellow Democrat Dick Durbin criticized the previous Trump administration for killing the Iran nuclear deal.

Democrat Tammy Duckworth says the attack was illegal and required congressional approval. Fellow Democrat Dick Durbin criticized the previous Trump administration for killing the Iran nuclear deal.

Central Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen, also a Democrat, says he worries the US attack may incite an escalation against America around the world. Illinois's 3 Republicans in Congress, including Darren LaHood, have all issued statements in support of the military strikes. Heat advisory through Thursday night, today's high near 95. I'm John.

Central Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen, also a Democrat, says he worries the US attack may incite an escalation against America around the world. Illinois's 3 Republicans in Congress, including Darren LaHood, have all issued statements in support of the military strikes. Heat advisory through Thursday night, today's high near 95. I'm John.