(Washington–jc)  –The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee plans a hearing Tuesday with the title "How mass deportations will separate American families, harm our armed forces and devastate our economy."The committee, chaired by Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, will look at the incoming Trump administration's plans for mass deportation and how it may impact non-violent, non-citizens in the country. 

(Paxton–jc)  It has been in the works and it was moving day on Monday for the Ford County Public Health Department. The local health department had been operating out of two separate locations for years in Paxton, but next Monday the Ford County Public Health Department will be housed in one building that increases the size of operations for services. The new location is on Paxton's west side along State Route 9 at 15-hundred West Ottawa. The Ford County Health Department remains closed today. The health department will be available by phone on Wednesday and then will re-open at the West Ottawa  location on Monday morning. 

Danville, IL- The Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim of a shooting that occurred on Sunday  in Danville as 38-year-old Eric  Bell of Danville. An autopsy is to be conducted  today. The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the fatal shooting.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce is set to host a "christmas time" business after hours on Thursday. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos says the event will take place at the Knights of Columbus hall...

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos.

(Paxton–jc)  Two weeks until Christmas eve and the holiday shopping season is in full swing in the city of Paxton. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack says a new sports memorabilia shop, new boutiques and a favorite stop in Hudson Drug and Hallmark are must stops for Christmas in Paxton...

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack

(Paxton–jc)  – Paxton City leaders are set to look at motor fuel tax dollars and streetwork for 20-25 when they meet tonight in monthly session. Purchasing in-car cameras for the police department and looking at the number of liquor licenses in the city are also agenda items. The Paxton City Council meets at 7 tonight on the 2nd floor of city hall.

(Rantoul–dm)-You might have noticed some new construction going on on the west side of Rantoul. Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer tells us about a new restaurant being built.

Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer

(Washington–jc:  U-S-D-A Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says one focus of USDA's upcoming world supply and demand report on Tuesday morning will take a close look at the South American soybean crop. Jekanowski looks at the numbers...

U-S-D-A Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski

The report will be released at 11  this morning

(Gibson City–dm)-Since the 1940's the Gibson City American Legion Post 568 have been passing out Christmas Baskets to families with children in the GCMS School District.  Gibson City American Legion spokesperson Aaron Nettleton has more information.

Gibson City American Legion spokesperson Aaron Nettleton.  If you would like to donate a new toy or a pair of socks, you can drop your donation off at the Gibson City Public Library.

(Chicago–jc)  –Illinois State Police are heralding charges being brought in all five Chicago area expressway shooting homicides that occurred in 2023. Agency Director Brendan Kelly said law enforcement used intelligent investigations, technology and "good old-fashioned persistence" in clearing 100% of the

 homicides. The agency also said expressway shootings are down 32% for the year.

(Washington–jc)  – Several national conservation programs have seen an increase in farm acreage this year. National Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Crosby looks at the interest from farmers for the year...

National Conservation Service Chief Terry Crosby

(The Center Square) – U.S. Representative. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois took the witness stand for a short day Monday at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.Budzinski, D-Springfield, has represented Illinois' 13th Congressional District since 2023.She sent Pritzker a copy of a so-called Sphinx list, a multi-page list of names and job and state board recommendations. Budzinski said "Sphinx" was a nickname used in Pritzker's office for Madigan. Budzinski said she never understood the reason for the nickname Before being elected to Congress, Budzinski was a special assistant to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. She worked as a transition team member when Pritzker was governor-elect in late 2018 and 2019. She provided political advice on downstate issues.

(Paxton–jc) A free carriage ride event is set for Paxton the Saturday before Christmas. The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee is hosting the rides on Saturday December 21st says Paxton Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad...

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad

(Rantoul–jc)  – Rantoul Village leaders are looking at the small business revolving loan funds and policy when they meet tonight. Approving several tax abatements and setting an open house for the downtown streetscape project are also on the agenda. The Rantoul Village Board meets at 6 tonight at village hall on Tanner Street. 

(Melvin–dm)If you're looking for something to do New Year's Eve, the Melvin Restoration and Beautification Committee is sponsoring a steak dinner.  Restoration and Beautification Committee spokesperson Kay Swearingen has more information.

Melvin Restoration and Beautification spokesperson Kay Swearingen. 

(Springfield–jc)  A new bill in Springfield aims to address an illegal drug problem that exists in Illinois prisons. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says his party brought the issue to state leaders in November and are seeking some immediate action during early January when lawmakers are going back to the state capitol...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett, Republican from Gibson City

(Onarga—dm)-This weekend the Onarga American Legion Auxiliary will be sponsoring their 3rd annual Christmas Tree Lane.  American Legion Auxiliary President Deb Talbert tells us about Thursday and Friday's activities.

Onarga American Legion Auxiliary president Deb Talbert.  Sunday's activities include a special performance by the Iroquois West Chamber Choir at 3:30pm