(The Center Square) – Members of the violent Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua, continue to expand criminal operations nationwide, including in Illinois, Chicago has long been plagued with illegal border crosser crime, serving as a major hub for drug trafficking operations run by the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel and transnational criminal organizations working with street gangs,. As the border crisis escalated over the past few years, a record number of Venezuelan illegal border crossers, more than one million, were reported under the Biden administration. As hundreds of thousands were released into the U.S., including TdA members, violence spread nationwide, including in the so-called sanctuary city of Chicago.

(Paxton–jc)  – An investigation into an armed robbery in Paxton on Friday night continues. Paxton police are looking for two suspects following a Friday night robbery at Paxton Variety Liquors. The robbery happened around 6-15 on Friday night. Two men showed guns and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the store. No injuries were reported and local authorities continue to seek information from the public and cameras in the area. Anyone with information about this crime are asked to contact the City of Paxton Police Department

 Center Square) – New laws go into effect in Illinois Jan. 1 that will put new restrictions on the state's health insurance industry. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the Healthcare Protection Act  includes a package of measures designed to restrict methods that insurance companies use to reduce the amount of health care patients receive. 

(Paxton–jc)  The year is at its close and the new year and the business focus is the new year. WPXN news asked area business leaders to look into the 20-25 Crystal Ball and possibilities in the new year. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack says the business shopping options remain strong in Paxton with more expected growth...

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring a large event of waterfowl mortality at numerous locations throughout Illinois. Test results received so far indicate bird flu is the cause. Members of the public are encouraged to report concentrations of five or more deceased birds found at one location to the state. Due to the risk of infection to other animals, dogs and other pets should be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died.

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's office is preparing to move locations. The sheriff's office along with several other county offices will be moving to the county plaza building across from the courthouse. The sheriff expects part of the group will move over in January with the rest of the sheriff's office moving over in March.

(Springfield–jc)  Work to bring peace meals back to Ford and Iroquois Counties could get a boost in Springfield when the state legislature meets in its "lame duck" session on January 4th. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett says state leaders could look at this issue and others...

53rd District state Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City

(Ashkum-jm) – Illinois State Police announces the agency will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement patrols. Troopers will focus on area counties, including Vermilion, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston and Kankakee. The enforcement patrols will continue through January. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States.

 (Springfield–jc)  Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays.The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged in lakes, providing habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers.

(Undated-jm) – A select number of hospitals in Central Illinois will start limiting visitors to curb the spread of respiratory illness. News releases started arriving Thursday, patients at some hospitals will be limited to two visitors at a time. In addition, all visitors must also be 18 years of age or older and show no signs of illness. The temporary restrictions go into effect Friday.

(Undated–jc)  Some new laws that take effect on Wednesday will impact employers. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Office of Tourism will be showcasing several landmarks in the state at the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, with the help of a Central Illinois native playing a famous film character. The float is called "Play Hooky in Illinois," and is themed around "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," the classic John Hughes movie, made in 1986. Some of the Chicago landmarks featured on the parade float include the Wrigley Field marquee, the Flamingo sculpture in Federal Plaza, the Willis Tower and the Crain Communications Building.

(Rantoul–jc)  The year is at its close and the new year and the business focus is the new year. WPXN news asked area business leaders to look into the 20-25 Crystal Ball and possibilities in the new year. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos says getting to know area businesses and their needs are key to a positive 20-25....

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos

(Champaign-jm) – A person has been arrested following a weekend stabbing in Champaign. Multiple media outlets report the stabbing happened around 11:30 am near the 800 block of Crescent Drive. The individual suspected of stabbing the victim was arrested on scene. The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition.