(Springfield-jm) -- A new report says the well-being of children in Illinois has improved much over the past decade. The Kids Count Data Book, compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, shows 16% of Illinois youth were living in poverty last year, down three points from 2010. They also did better in some areas of education. Despite the good news, there’s still concern about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- What's the latest outlook for soybeans? Stephanie Ho reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- A man suspected of ramming a gate at the Champaign County Jail on Wednesday morning is facing multiple charges including attempted murder. Yevgeniy Nikolaev of Urbana is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal damage to government supported property, vehicular invasion and attempted first degree murder. Police say he allegedly stole a truck where he drove to the highway department where he tried to take another vehicle. He then allegedly went to the satellite jail where he tried to enter the sally port on foot. When he couldn’t get in, he rammed into the sally port door nearly striking a corrections officer. He got away on foot and was apprehended a short time later.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City firefighters were called to a kitchen fire Wednesday evening. Crews were called to the fire in the 1400 block of Railside Drive. No injuries were reported.

 

(Crescent City-jm) --  Last night was Family Fun Night, Armband special night and Talent Show night at the Iroquois County Fair. Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Debbie Krones talks about what is happening today at the fair…

 

 

Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Debbie Krones. Summer Fun Tour stop #10 will continue over the noon hour.

 

(Iroquois County--jc)  Marathon Pipe Line  personnel are responding to a release of gasoline from one of its pipelines in Iroquois County. Pipeline officials have shut down and isolated the pipeline and have deployed resources and personnel to contain the release and initiate clean-up activities. Gasoline has reached a field ditch but has been contained upstream of Spring Creek.  Officials are conducting air monitoring as a precaution. There have been no injuries reported as a result of the release.The top priority during its response is to protect the safety of the responders, members of the public, and the environment. Relevant regulatory agencies, US and IL EPA,  have been notified and are supporting. Information is not yet available on the volume of product that has been released.  The cause of the release is believed to be the result of third party activities.

 

 

Gibson City will host a dedication of the Miner School landmark today at 1pm with a reception to follow at North Park.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would further restrict local law enforcement from working with federal immigration officials. Senate Bill 667 also would close immigrant detainment centers across the state. Pritzker has pledged to sign the bill. Lawrence Benito, executive director for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights called the new act a win for immigrant communities.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- What's USDA's latest outlook for corn? Stephanie Ho reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is receiving $50,000 to improve its internet access and speeds. The funding is part of the state's Regional Engagement for Adoption Digital Equity program which looks to expand digital access to communities throughout Illinois.

 

A local organization, Back the Blue of Champaign County, will be having a Back the Badge Fest on Aug 14 from noon until 10pm at the Farmer City Raceway. Taking the stage will be Mitch Rossell with special guest Alexis Wilkins. Other bands performing will be 3 Gun Whiskey, the Thomas Tillman Band and Matt Poss Band. Tickets are available at TICKETLEAP.com

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce is planning several upcoming events later this year. Chamber Director Amanda Vickery has the details…

 

 

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Director Amanda Vickery.