(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 7 tornadoes from Sunday’s severe weather event. The weather service says an EF-1 tornado touched down on the northwest side of Pontiac with winds estimated at 90 mph. 3 tornadoes were confirmed around the clifton area an EF-1 and 2 EF-0 and an EFUnknown near Martinton. The tornado near Martinton was recorded on video but there was no visible signs of damage. An EF-2 tornado with winds of 120 mph touched down in the Mt Zion-Long Creek. A tornado was also reported in Tazewell County. The weather service determined the damage in Forrest was caused by straight line winds. Crews are still trying to determine whether the damage on the south side of Gibson City was caused by straight line winds or a tornado.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Monday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity released data highlighting record-breaking economic development milestones from 2025. Illinois reached a record $13 billion in incentivized investments, delivered record tourism accomplishments, and marked major milestones in key sectors, including quantum, while making continued investments in small businesses and workforce development.

 

(Paxton–dm)-The Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be increasing patrols to focus on impaired drivers.  WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has more.

   

(Leverett-jm) – Three people were brought to the hospital after a two-car crash in Champaign County on Monday. Troopers with the Illinois State Police responded to US Route 45 northbound at the intersection with Leverett Road around 4 p.m. Once on scene, they learned that a Gray Honda CRV hit a Blue Dodge Durango. The driver of the Honda was issued a citation for failure to yield at an intersection. Officials did not share how seriously those involved were injured.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving a $3,000 theft from Dick’s House of Sport. The theft happened on November 4 around 12:30 p.m. at the Dick’s located on Neil Street in Champaign. Officials said three females entered the store, went directly to the men’s Nike department and took several tech outfits. Then, they left the store without paying. The suspects were described as three Black females between the ages of 18-30 years old. One of the suspects was in all black clothing and had auburn hair. Another was wearing a white headwrap, light-colored shirt and dark pants. The third suspect was wearing a light printed headwrap and all-black clothing. All three suspects fled in a brown jeep.

 

(Washington-jm) — What were some of the effects of outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in commercial poultry operations in 2025, and what is the outlook for year's end into 2026? Rod Bain reports…

   

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair is set to use digital ticketing for 2026 , following a successful trial in 2025. This move aims to provide a more convenient, secure, and streamlined entry process for attendees. Fairgoers are encouraged to download their tickets in advance or save them to their mobile phone's e-wallet for easy access. Special passes, such as Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes, must be redeemed at the fair's administration offices starting in June 2026.

 

(Springfield–jm) – Illinois received over $190 million in funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to strengthen rural healthcare statewide, the agency announced Monday. The group awarded the Prairie State $193,418,216 as part of President Donald Trump's $50 billion Working Families Tax Cuts legislation initiative. They stated that the funding will help make healthcare more accessible in rural areas. along with strengthening training and modernizing facilities and equipment in those areas. All 50 states received funding, which will be distributed to them over five years.

 

(Paxton–dm)-With all of the snow and ice we have had this winter, you might be wondering what the best way is to get rid of the ice on your sidewalk.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some ideas.

 

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success.

 

(Watseka-jm) – Iroquois Memorial Hospital Hospice celebrated National Hospice Month and nearly three decades of service to the community with a series of special events in November and early December, highlighted by its Angel Basket giveaway and a free family movie matinee in Onarga. As part of the celebration, Iroquois Memorial Hospital Hospice organized an Angel Basket project, inviting local businesses throughout the communities it serves to donate an item in support of hospice services. The response from community partners was overwhelming, resulting in a basket valued at more than $1,700 and filled with gift cards, goods and services donated by dozens of area businesses. The drawing was held publicly during the hospice-sponsored free movie matinee featuring The Polar Express on Saturday, December 6, at the Onarga Theatre. The winning ticket was submitted at Kino’s Coffee in Cissna Park. The winner, Carla Samet, also of Cissna Park, was announced during the matinee at the Onarga Theatre.

 

(Champaign–dm)-Actor Dave Coulier (coo-lee-AY) of Full House fame recently opened up about a tongue cancer diagnosis. It’s not a cancer that’s talked about often...but it’s one doctors want you to know about. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

OSF’s Health Care’s Tim Ditman

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new law that was signed earlier this month will permanently legalize selling “cocktails to-go” and will create new rules that aim to help more Illinois distilleries grow their business. Senate Bill 618 was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on December 12. State Senator Cristina Castro was one of the bill’s sponsors. Castro said SB618 makes several changes to the existing law. First, it creates a class 3 craft distiller’s license. This will allow distilleries to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. Then, the licensees can apply to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons each year. Castro added that the law eliminates the requirement for businesses applying for a liquor license to provide a tax bond during the application process. The law also allows bars and restaurants to sell cocktails and mixed drinks for delivery and curbside pickup.