(CHICAGO) New polling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shows the lowest approval rating for a mayor hosting the Democratic National Convention in 40 years. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Johnson’s approval rating is just 27%. The next closest was former New York City Mayor David Dinkins in 1992 with a 29% rating. The low rating from Chicago voters are due to concerns of crime, high taxes, and the illegal migrant situation.
(SPRINGFIELD) More small business owners in Illinois are finding it harder this year to generate the same income they earned last year in 2023. In fact, a survey by the small business network “Alignable” found that the number is 58% of the small businesses around the state. Of the 6,155 survey responses, 80% of small businesses in manufacturing, beauty salons, and real estate reported significant revenue declines since a year ago.
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2024 Secretary of State’s Vehicle Show will be held in Springfield on Saturday, September 7th, highlighting this year the 60th Anniversary of the iconic 1964 Ford Mustang. The 74th Annual Vehicle Show will run from 10:00 to 3:30 in the State Capitol Complex with vehicle registration from 7:00 to 10:00 that morning. To be held rain or shine, the show & swap meet is also open to motorcycles, trucks, & tractors. The signup deadline is August 30th. For a registration form & more, go to ilsos.gov/services/vehicle_show/home.
(DU QUOIN) The 2024 Du Quoin State Fair starts this weekend down in Perry County, running all of next week through Labor Day night. While admission to Illinois’ 2nd State Fair is free to all ages during the eleven days & nights, there is a charge for parking, ranging from $10 to $30 depending on location and type of parking. However, there is free parking for the first day & night of the fair tomorrow, on Friday, which is Family Day, featuring the fair-opening Twilight Parade at 6:00, a High School Marching Band Contest at 6:00, and fireworks at 9:30. Then Saturday is Governor’s Day with the start of various livestock shows, contests, Whippoorwill Rodeo in The Horse Arena at 6:00, & Mitchell Tenpenny with Avery Anna on the Grandstand stage at 7:30. Sunday is Veterans Day with the firefighter waterball competition, more livestock shows, various Veteran’s Day festivities, more rodeo action at 6:00, the Marshall Tucker Band & Eli Young Band on the Grandstand stage at 7:30, and area country music artist Drew Baldridge from Patoka on the RollnUp Beer Tent Stage at 9:00. Then next Monday is Agriculture Youth Day with the FFA Farmyard Follies, the 4-H Food Challenge, harness racing, and the truck & tractor pulls that night at 7:00. The Du Quoin State Fair will then run through the rest of next week with plenty of carnival rides, games, fair food, and more. Those planning to attend are also urged to visit the fair’s website at dsf.illinois.gov for more general details & to purchase $25 POP (Pay One Price” wristbands with unlimited rides for one person before midnight tonight, this Thursday, August 22nd.