(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois State Police continued to  handle multiple traffic crashes and slide offs along Interstate 74, Interstate 72 and Interstate 57 throughout Monday. Traffic was slowed near milepost 165 on I-74, due to an overturned truck tractor semi-trailer in the roadway on Monday morning.  On I-57 northbound at milepost 245 yesterday, troopers were on scene of another  truck tractor semi-trailer on its side. In Ford County along route 9 near Elliot, a crash was reported due to slick roads. Area police continue to remind the motoring public to slow down as ice covered roads remain throughout the WPXN listening area.

(Paxton–jc)  Meetings continue here in the month of January between City of Paxton leaders and those with a development planned for the west side of Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city continues to work with a housing development and also continues to talk to others about making an investment in the city...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

CHICAGO – Following a competitive grant process, the Administration of Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health  announced they are awarding two Health Equity Zone   grants to fund programs designed to reverse historic health disparities in McDonough and Winnebago counties. In McDonough County in Western Illinois, the Henderson County Rural Health Center was awarded $113,873  The Winnebago County Health Department has been awarded $118,000 to expand its Community of Concern  workgroup to address health disparities.

(Washington–jc)  The year 20-24 is complete, but those with the United States Department of Agriculture are looking into statistics on the drought monitor. U-S-D-A Meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at the significant shifts in drought coverage over the course of 20-25 and the look into this year...

U-S-D-A Meteorologit Brad Rippey

The Center Square) – Under the cloud of a severe snowstorm in Springfield during lame duck session, the Illinois Senate passed a measure Republicans warn would allow illegal immigrants to whitewash their backgrounds to evade federal and foreign authorities.  In the Senate Executive Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, brought House Bill 5164 to repeal the mandate for someone legally changing their name.

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, Democrat from Chicago

 The measure was supported by the super majority democrats in the Illinois State Senate. Reaction from Republican Minority Leader John Curran of Downers Grove...

Illinois  State Senator John Curran of Downers Grove

 Moments later on the Senate floor, state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said the measure will shield illegal immigrants in the state after living in Illinois for only three months. 

Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney of Freeport

(Springfield–jc)  –A plan to improve the quality of public drinking water is one step closer to becoming law in Illinois. A House Energy Committee advanced legislation to require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to conduct statewide sampling of various community water supplies to determine the levels of dangerous chemicals. The proposal now goes to the House floor for consideration.

(Wall Township–jc)  – The Ford County Fair Association will hold its annual meeting Tonight at  6:30  at the Wall Township Building. The election of board members and officers will take place at this meeting. In addition, plans for the fair's upcoming cash bash, March 1, and the Ford County Fair, scheduled for June 22-28 will be discussed. The public is invited to attend.

(Undated–jc)  –As thousands of Illinoisans continue to deal with power outages following this past weekend's winter storm, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is offering tips for residents who find themselves without power. Officials said to unplug major appliances, never use a gas stove to heat your home, and report outages to local authorities so they can begin to restore power. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected in Illinois this week, with overnight lows approaching zero.

(Rantoul–jc)  Land on the west side of Rantoul continues to be gobbled up by investors and developers. With the popularity of the Rantoul Sports Complex, the Rantoul WalMart along with Putt Putt Golf, Starbucks,  The Main Scoop and more, more development is planned, says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Rock Island–jc)  A 22-year-old man is dead after a police-involved shooting in Rock Island.Police reported they tried to detain a suspicious individual Sunday when the man fled on foot when the officer approached him. He then tried to escape by entering the driver's door of a running car. When the officer tried to pull the man out of the car, the suspect drove forward and dragged the officer. Police said the officer then shot the man, who later died at the hospital.

(Paxton—dm)-With the cold weather upon us you might be in need of a warm place to get out of the cold. Ford County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Terry Whitebird tells us where the warming centers are in Ford County.

Ford County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Terry Whitebird.  Paxton's warming center is located at the Paxton Emergency Response Service located at 134 West State Street in Paxton.  If you need assistance you can call 217-379-9415 or 217-781-1898.

(Washington–jc)  What are the numbers for dairy cattle and hog production numbers.. U-S-D-A   Chief Economist Seth Meyer takes a look at numbers and the meaning for  producer efforts to expand herds in 2025...

U-S-D-A Chief Economist Seth Meyer

(Champaign–dm)-Fall and winter could be renamed "coughing season" with seasonal illnesses in the air. Some coughing is normal. But you should see a health care provider quickly when you cough up things you shouldn't. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

Doctor Ogun also says to not ignore one case of coughing up something you shouldn't. It's better to be safe than sorry. How you're treated depends on what the provider finds. If the cough is associated with pneumonia, you'll get an antibiotic. If it's just a tickle in your throat, you may get a steroid like Flonase.

WPXN News notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on today from 9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.

The Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau will hold their Market Outlook Meeting on Tuesday, January 14th. Dinner begins at 5:30 with the meeting beginning at 6. RSVPs are required by calling 217-265-4712.

The St. Joseph Ogden FFA auction is set for Saturday, February 1st with the dinner and silent auction at 5 with the live auction beginning at 6pm.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, January 10th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.