(Urbana-jm) -- One person was injured following a shooting outside Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana Thursday evening. The hospital says one shot was fired and an individual was struck. They were treated and released.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The State Board of Education is launching a pilot program to help attract more minorities to the teaching field. 24 Illinois colleges and universities have volunteered to participate in the program and help come up with a plan for recruiting and retaining teachers, says ISBE’s Jennifer Kirmes…

 

 

Illinois State Board of Educations’ Jennifer Kirmes. The board’s recent school report card found that 82 percent of teachers in Illinois identify as white, whereas more than half of public school students are of color.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 5,644 new Coronavirus cases Thursday and 30 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate continues to rise to 3.6 percent. Champaign County reported 129 new cases. Vermilion County reported 85 new cases. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Thursday.

 

 

(Gordyville-tr)-- The Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show to be held at Gordyville will offer many personalized items that can be custom made right there in Gordyville USA. Country Christmas Craft Show Spokesperson Stacy Huls shares a few options…

 

 

Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show Spokesperson Stacy Huls

 

 

(Ford County-jm) -- Ford County health officials announced two upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics for kids and adults.  The county will have Pfizer vaccine clinics at Clara Peterson Elementary School on November 23 and December 14. Vaccines will be available for people from age five to adult. 

 

 

(Rantoul-tr) -- The old Circle K gas station in Rantoul has been purchased and the town of Rantoul is excited to hear the announcement. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says they are in the stages of waiting for the company to make their statement…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The co-owner of a bed-and-breakfast west of Paxton who was fined $81,218 by the Illinois Human Rights Commission for discriminating against a same-sex couple 10 years ago has finally paid the civil penalties to the couple and their attorneys. The payment prevented the scheduled court-ordered sale of the B&B from moving forward.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- How are milk producers responding to a squeeze on margins? A New report from USDA has the answer.  Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- Urbana police are investigating after a person was shot at Carle Foundation Hospital yesterday evening. The hospital says one shot was fired at an individual, who was struck by the bullet. They were treated and released.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A House committee is looking at the best way to spend federal American Rescue Plan money to increase affordable housing in Illinois. This week’s hearing focused on helping people buy and maintain a home. Sheila Sutton with Housing Action Illinois says more down payment assistance is a good place to start…

 

 

Housing Action Illinois’ Sheila Sutton. Sutton says this is especially helpful in minority communities and rural areas. Her group also recommends using federal funds for home repair assistance and loan counseling.

 

(Ashkum-jm) -- Illinois State Police will be conducting Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols next week. WPXN’s Jason Madden reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- A group called Defund U-I-P-D held a food and supply drive Thursday to bring people in to hear more about the group's goals. The group is made up of students, faculty, and workers to get the police off campus. The group said by defunding the police, it will free up resources for things like mental health, food insecurity, and university needs.

 

(Farmer City-tr) -- The Farmer City Christmas Parade is entering its 45th year and will feature all sorts of floats, antique cars, tractors, and even a few marching bands to help kick off the Holiday Season. Farmer City Christmas Parade Spokesperson Chad Wills has the details… 

 

 

Farmer City Christmas Parade Spokesperson Chad Wills.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- The Champaign Urbana Public Health Department is hosting Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11. The clinic will be held at the Kohls Plaza on Saturdays from 8-4:30 and Sundays from 8-12:30.

 

(Washington-jm) -- The Agriculture Secretary explained why he feels China still has various phytosanitary and purchase commitments to live up to as part of the Phase One Trade Agreement. Rod Bain reports…