(Springfield-jm) – Illinois health officials are raising a red flag about a triple threat of respiratory illnesses this winter. Across the state, there has been a seasonal uptick for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. As a result, mask mandates are back at several Illinois hospitals. The most recent weekly data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed there were over 29,000 hospitalizations from COVID across the country before Christmas, up more than 16% from the previous week. A total of 18 counties in Illinois are listed at high level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, compared to 14 counties in the week prior, and 43 are at a medium level in the latest week, compared to 50 counties in the week prior.
(Undated-jm) – A major winter storm could potentially affect Illinois this week. The system is expected to move into Illinois tonight and most likely will affect a majority of the state. 2-4 inches is expected around the WPXN listening area. Another round of winter weather and cold temperatures are possible by the end of the week.
(Washington-jm) – What are the prospects for the South American soybean crop? We will soon get a new forecast from USDA. Gary Crawford reports…
(Urbana-jm) – A man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the home invasion and rape of a University of Illinois student in 2021. In the early morning hours of July 8, 2021, a student woke up to a stranger standing in her residence, showing what she believed to be a gun and making demands. The student was raped by the man, identified as Kevin Finley of Urbana. Finley was arrested in July of 2021 and charged with home invasion and aggravated criminal sexual assault. He was found guilty by a Champaign County Jury in May 2023.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul leaders are looking at several new housing projects in the village for 20-24. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says a “tiny “homes project and a new development on the west side are possibilities…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Champaign-jm) – White Construction will close Anthony Drive in Champaign between Dobbins Drive and Dale Drive. Both eastbound and westbound Anthony Drive traffic will be detoured in the area. The closure will occur today between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
(Paxton–jc)-- As high schoolers look ahead to schedules for next year the Prairieland C-E-O group is looking for students from Paxton Buckley Loda, Gibson City Melvin Sibley and Fisher High schools to take part in their business programs. Prairieland C-E-O Co-Facilitator Mandy Taylor says they start talking to students this month…
Prairieland C-E-O Co-Facilitator Mandy Taylor. The group meets with the students daily and also works with area businesses with the class
(Chicago-jm) – Illinois has been under some form of a gubernatorial disaster proclamation for most of the past four years, giving the Pritzker administration sweeping emergency powers to spend taxpayer dollars. Some are looking for a change. Since September 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued 30-day disaster proclamations addressing the ongoing migrant crisis. His most recent proclamation expired Monday. Friday, he issued his 18th disaster proclamation. That's 6,000 more non-citizen migrants coming to Illinois than in the prior month's disaster proclamation. The first disaster issued in September 2022 said there were "numerous" new arrivals. The order issued October 2022 said there were 3,000 persons transported to Illinois. The new tally is nearly 30,000 arrivals since August 2022.
(Washington-jm) – How does an extension of the current Farm Bill impact the wish lists of various commodity groups and ag organizations for a new one? Rod Bain reports…
(Champaign County-jm) – They’re often called the first, first responders. The people who pick up the phone when you call 911 are essential in any community, and METCAD 911 in Champaign County said they are in need of more operators. It’s leading to an increased workload for the operators they do have. They are slotted to have 33 employees, but they’re only working with 22.
(Rantoul–jc) – It started in the Spring of 20-21 with 22 weeks of baseball. The Rantoul Sports Complex has grown into soccer, football, softball, frisbee competition and quidditch. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried says the tournaments have grown and they are ready for another banner year…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Ried. The first events in February will feature the Parkland College baseball team at the Rantoul Sports Complex.
(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Animal Shelter is trying to tackle an illness some of their dogs can’t seem to fully recover from. Officials said the respiratory illness, which first emerged in several states in November, spread quickly throughout their Central Illinois shelter. They have been battling it ever since, and were even forced to temporarily suspend animal intake to deal with the sickness and keep it from spreading.
(Champaign-dm) – You’ve heard it before but it’s worth repeating. With the New Year’s resolutions of losing weight, slow and steady wins the race. Tim Ditman of OSF Healthcare has more…
(Undated–jm) –There are several meetings around the area tonight. The Rantoul Township High School board is expected to approve bid specs for phase 2 of the east wing gym expansion. The Ford County Board is expected to approve adding flashing lights onto certain stop signs in the county. Gibson City leaders are expected to continue discussions on a solar farm on the south side of Gibson City. Gilman leaders are expected to approve a payment for the 5th Street Interceptor Replacement project.
