The Trump administration has increased access to ‘bare bones’ health plans that don’t cover things like mental health care. We speak with an Illinois resident who’s on one of these plans and is now faced with a medical bill for $21,000. Plus, temperatures in central and northern Illinois are dropping below freezing this week. That’s led some homeless shelters to extend their hours and even open up warming centers early. And, a group of faith leaders in central Illinois are organizing a series of events called 'Cultivating Hope In Anxious Times.'

A gathering this weekend in Champaign will bring together people from various faith communities and organizations to grieve for those who have died from gun violence. The Interfaith Vigil of Remembrance begins at 3 pm Sunday at the Randolph Street Community Garden in Champaign. It will be led by local clergy, in coordination with the CU chapter of Moms Demand Action, a group that advocates for stricter gun laws.

A pastor in Rantoul wants to raise awareness about the issues people face living with mental illness and equip the faith community to help.

Steve Allen of Newman, Illinois was a combat Marine infantry officer who served in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. He attributes his Christian faith to keeping himself and his men alive and helping him make moral decisions during the hell of war.