We're talking about holiday traditions in Bloomington-Normal, Carbondale, and Peoria.

Today’s reporter’s roundtable covers a range of stories in the Bloomington Normal and the Quad Cities areas.

State Rep. Luis Arroyo has been indicted on public corruption charges. Now, his Democratic colleagues are taking steps to expel him from the General Assembly. Plus, the Illinois Tollway has a huge amount of data on who uses electronic I-Passes, and when it's used. Reporting from WBEZ shows that just about anyone can request that information. Also, author Matt Grossmann of "Red State Blues" joins us to talk about the "conservative revolution." And, a "ransomware superhero" in Normal has helped thousands of people across the country and around the world battle malicious software attacking their computers, all for free.  

When you think “performing arts,” you might think of Chicago. But for 50 years, the Krannert Center in Urbana has been a thriving place for theater, music and dance. How does performing arts thrive outside the big city? Plus, Charles Moore was a minister in Texas who set himself on fire to protest racism in his community. Today, we’ll hear about a film which explores how his death affected his town. And, you may have heard of a little musical called Hamilton. This past fall, Lin Manuel Miranda opened an exhibition in Chicago that focuses on the history of the real-life Alexander Hamilton.

Sales have sunk, around 100 locations have closed, employee lawsuits have piled up, and some are speculating that a major contraction—or worse—is near.