McLean County Times

In this issue:

- Meet the Illinois Olympians

- Supersweet corn has Illinois roots

- Last week for Back to School Supply Drive

- Illinois headlines

Thank you for reading my e-newsletter. For the latest news from state government or to share your ideas and opinions, please visit my legislative website at repbunting.com.

Celebrating Illinois Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are in full swing in Paris and will conclude on August 11. Athletes are competing in 32 sports and 329 medal events. Twenty-seven Olympic athletes and nine Paralympic athletes from Illinois are representing the U.S. at the Summer Games. "We are proud of them all!"

Meet the 2024 Olympians and Paralympians from Illinois:

Sarah Adam from Naperville is competing in Wheelchair Rugby.

Korbin Albert from Grayslake is competing in soccer.

Kamal Bay from Bellwood is competing in wrestling.

Kennedy Blades from Chicago is competing in wrestling.

Lauren Carlini from Aurora is competing in volleyball.

Peter Chatain from Winnetka is competing in rowing.

Owen Cravens from Algonquin is competing in Paratriathlon.

Marco Delarosa from Chicago is competing in Para Shooting.

Anthony Davis from Chicago is competing in basketball.

Lauren Doyle from Boody is competing in rugby.

Tori Franklin from Chicago is competing in track and field.

Ixhelt Gonzalez from Chicago is competing in Wheelchair Basketball.

Kendall Gretsch from Downers Grove is competing in Paratriathlon.

Evita Griskenas from Orland Park is competing in rhythmic gymnastics.

Ryan Held from Springfield is competing in swimming.

Thomas Jaeschke from Wheaton is competing in volleyball.

John Jayne from Chicago is competing in judo.

Jeff Jendryk from Wheaton is competing in volleyball.

Grace Joyce from Northfield is competing in rowing.

Paul Juda from Deerfield is competing in gymnastics.

Keegan Knott from Lake Villa is competing in Para Swimming

Casey Krueger from Naperville is competing in soccer.

Ahalya Lettenberger from Glen Ellyn is participating Para Swimming

Courtney Lindsey Rock Island track field

Jewell Loyd Lincolnwood basketball

Chuck Melton Richview Wheelchair Rugby

Eric Newby Nashville Wheelchair Rugby

Anna Peplowski Germantown Hills swimming

Josef Rau Chicago wrestling

Erin Reese Mt Prospect track field

Dana Rettke Riverside volleyball

Kelsey Robinson-Cook Bartlett volleyball

Maggie Shea Wilmette sailing

Gabriel Slonina Addison soccer

Jayden Ulrich East Alton track field

Zach Ziemek Itasca track field

Supersweet Corn Has Roots In Illinois

This week, we celebrated Sweet Corn Day. A historical marker at the University of Illinois campus reads: "In 1953, John R. Laughnan discovered that kernels of mutant corn were 'unusually sweet.' Within eight years, Laughnan had developed the 'Illini Supersweet' hybrid that revolutionized the sweet corn industry. Supersweet, now a dominant variety internationally, higher protein lower calories conventional sweet corn."

Although it didn’t catch on right away, supersweet corn has surged over decades popularity staple tables families special recognition August 1st.

Last Week for Back to School Supply Drive

Heads up! We’re final stretch Back School Supply Collection Drive Drop boxes available district offices Watseka Dwight through Wednesday August Donations distributed schools District students use upcoming school year Thank everyone donated items already.

If you have questions call (779) email bunting@ilhousegop.org.

Our Current Bill Backlog

When vendor provides state goods services submit bill Comptroller payment processes paperwork pays funds available state checking account Currently total amount unpaid bills $1.314 billion figure changes daily Last year time state $1.1 billion awaiting payment includes submitted Comptroller unfunded debts pension liability well over $100 billion.

Illinois Headlines

A new study University of Illinois System says only about one-fourth public-school students back pre-pandemic performance levels English language arts fewer returned pre-pandemic levels math Study: Students struggle post-pandemic learning loss capitolnewsillinois.com Farmers impacted severe weather eligible receive help U.S Department Agriculture know https://www.wifr.com/2024/07/29/illinois-farmers-get-assistance-usda-after-severe-weather An doctor returned spending year NASA Mars simulation experience https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-doctor-selected-nasa-mars-mission-simulation Members lead Twilight Parade kick off State Fair next week! https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/illinois-4h-twilight-parade-fair-19606429.php