Charleston-based blacksmith Lorelei Sims shares her passion for the art of blacksmithing.

Phoenix Farms expects to open its location, called Phoenix Botanicals, at 1704 S. Neil Street sometime in March.  It's also hired Medical Cannabis Research, which will conduct a series of free seminars in the area to help patients understand the medical marijuana program. They're scheduled for late January and early February.

EIU identified 118 jobs for elimination, with 50 of those positions vacant.  Those jobs are in civil service, as well as administrative and professional areas.

Research from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) shows that Illinois has the second largest number of hate groups in the Midwest.

High profile racial violence has captivated the nation in recent years. From the death of Trayvon Martin to most recently a fatal shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston South Carolina, an unspeakable tragedy that is reminiscent of the 1960's.