(Normal-jm) – After nearly 60 electric vehicles went up in flames at Rivian's EV manufacturing plant in Normal, questions remain. The fire destroyed high-priced EVs waiting to be shipped to customers. The cause is still unknown. This incident follows a fire last month in which three Rivian Amazon Electric Delivery Vans ignited at a fulfillment center in Texas. It is just another blow to Rivian, which recently received $827 million in tax incentives from the state of Illinois to expand operations. According to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, there are just over 111,000 EVs registered in the state.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation signed into law will help working families when it comes to childcare. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the legislation will allow daycares to be open 24 hours a day to help parents who work overnight...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. The new law takes effect January 1st.

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Fire and Police Departments are investigating a series of suspicious fires that happened last week, and they're asking for help through Crime Stoppers in solving the case. Officials said that on August 21, four separate fires happened in the same neighborhood that were deemed suspicious, all around 8:30 p.m. The first reported fire happened at Roselyn and Bell Aire Drives; two or three juveniles are said to have poured gasoline in the street and lit it on fire. As officers were responding to this report, officials said another report was received indicating juveniles had lit a car on fire a block away at Bel Aire and Juniper Drives. Officers were also flagged down at Bel Aire and Bel Place for a report of car tires set on fire. Another fire at Juniper and Briarcliff Drive involved a yard on fire.

(Undated–jc)  With the high temperatures this week and heat indexes into the triple digits, cooling centers are open in the area. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

(Rantoul-jm) – A new pilot program utilizing the state's public libraries to improve court access will offer guidance for Illinoisans struggling to navigate the legal system on their own. The goal of the pilot is to help people without lawyers—who may have limited technology capabilities or transportation challenges—more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library. The Rantoul Public Library was one of two selected for Central Illinois with the other one being in Peoria.

(Paxton–jc)  A new gas station is coming to Paxton's west side near Interstate 57. Site work continues on the former car wash business area. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city continues to talk with engineers and the developers to make the property work for the new Paxton business...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Rossville woman has been arrested on retail theft charges in Hoopeston. Jackie Winchester was arrested after Hoopeston Police were called to the Dollar General in regards to a report of retail theft. Winchester was taken to the Vermilion County Jail.

(Washington-jm) – Does this year's harvest indicate plenty of fruit from two fall-time favorites ... apples and cranberries? Rod Bain reports...

(Chicago-jm) – Defense attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan want to limit the evidence prosecutors can bring to a jury in his upcoming federal trial. Madigan's defense team said he would not be able to get a fair trial if prosecutors presented all the evidence they wanted to show a jury. He faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct as part of a federal indictment. Madigan has pleaded not guilty. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain are set to go to trial in October.

(Springfield-jm) – A new law that takes effect in January will require public rest areas to have an adult changing area. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there is a push across the country to make public rest areas more accessible...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police are investigating after two people were stabbed Sunday night. Officers were informed just before midnight that two people had arrived at an area hospital with apparent stab wounds. The victims were a 34-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman. There is no word on what condition the victims are currently in. Investigators determined that the stabbings happened during an altercation in a parking lot in the area of Bradley Avenue and Parkland Court.

(Loda–jc)  the 6th annual Hope Walk to find a cure for Huntington's Disease is set for Lakeview Country Club on Saturday September 7th. Golf scrambles are set for Friday and Saturday. A walk on the golf course is set for the 7th starting at 8am. A silent auction and live auction are planned along with a dinner. Loda Team Hope Walk Event Spokesperson Samantha Cox talks about her family and this terrible disease...

Loda Team Hope Walk Event Spokesperson Samantha Cox. More information is found on facebook. WPXN will have the On the Sidelines program live on the 7th to help kick off the events. 

(Champaign County-jm) – In July 2024, the Champaign County area saw a strong rebound in home sales, totaling 281 units, which marks a 10% increase from 256 sales in July 2023. The median home sale price for July 2024 rose to $241,000, up 9% from $221,000 in July 2023, although it experienced a slight decrease from June 2024. The average home sale price in the area also climbed to $278,747 in July, reflecting a 15% increase from $242,051 in July 2023 and a rise from the previous month.  Year-to-date sales through July 2024 show a significant improvement, rebounding from a 10.1% decline at the end of June to a 6.1% decline at the end of July. Despite a drop in inventory levels below 600 units—the first occurrence in 15 months—buyer demand remains robust.  

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Rantoul Village leaders have approved a software package that will help with time management for all village employees. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the agreements with Criterion and Central-Square help the village with the automation system for workers...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Undated–dm)-Ford County Emergency Management Director Terry Whitebird has information about what you need to do if you live in Ford County, and are looking for a place to cool off.

Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitbird.  Terry also reminds us to limit outside activities, drink plenty of water, check on the elderly and keep your pets cool.

(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 11.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.64/g according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 40.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 43.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

(Washington-jm) – This past week has brought small declines in corn and soybean condition ratings. Gary Crawford reports...

WPXN News Notes...

The City of Paxton will continue brush pickup today through the end of the week.

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours is tonight from 5-7 at Hudson Drug and Hallmark.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Wednesday from 9-9:30 at the Danforth Community Center, 10-10:30 at the Ashkum village park, 10:45-11:30 at the Clifton village hall, 12:30-1 at the Beaverville post office and 1:30-2 at the Donovan Community Building.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly will hold traveling office hours on Thursday from 10-1 at the Rantoul Business Center.