Sangamon Sun

The Illinois State Fair is set to commence in Springfield on Thursday, August 8. Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and Senior Day (August 12). On these days, specific groups can receive discounted or free admission. The fair will feature agricultural showings, concerts, races, thrill rides, and various events until Family Day on Sunday, August 18.

The recent spike in motor fuel prices in northeastern Illinois has been attributed to temporary shutdowns at Exxon-Mobil’s Channahon refinery due to tornadoes on July 15-16. This reduction in production has led to increased prices for gasohol and diesel throughout the region. The federal government has taken emergency action to encourage fuel importation from other parts of the U.S.

In June, unemployment in Illinois rose by 0.1 percent from May's rate of 4.9% to 5.0%. Despite the creation of 10,400 new jobs primarily in health services and government sectors, job losses continued in professional services and information technology. Neighboring states reported significantly lower jobless rates.

Lion Electric announced a significant layoff at its Joliet assembly plant due to slow demand for electric vehicles. The Canadian-based company issued a WARN notice indicating that 300 workers would be laid off indefinitely.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections announced plans earlier this year to rebuild two prisons: Stateville Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center (LCC). Recent reports suggest relocating LCC could impact nearly 500 workers and further strain Lincoln's economy.

John R. Laughnan’s discovery of supersweet corn at the University of Illinois revolutionized the sweet corn industry with his "Illini Supersweet" hybrid developed by incorporating the shrunken-2 gene for sweeter kernels. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie established August 1 as Sweet Corn Appreciation Day in recognition of sweet corn growers across Illinois.

“Sweet corn was always a favorite of mine," said McCombie. "Whether you purchase it from your grocer or a local farmers market, it would not be possible for us to enjoy it without those who grow it.”

McCombie hosts an annual Sweet Corn Celebration each August for her community.