Illinois quick hits: IDOT announces $25 million for vehicle charging stations; Performers at Illinois State Fair sold 66,000 tickets

IDOT announces $25 million for vehicle charging stations

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that the state will invest around $25 million in vehicle charging stations. Grant funding will be used to construct 182 new charging stations along Illinois interstate highways. Selected locations will have access to at least four DC fast charging ports, which can fully charge an electric vehicle in fewer than 30 minutes. In the first round of funding, 37 projects throughout Illinois were chosen.

Performers at Illinois State Fair sold 66,000 tickets

Illinois State Fair concerts generated over 66,000 ticket sales this summer. After the record-breaking crowd of over 15,000 for Lil Wayne’s concert, the next most popular act was the Jonas Brothers at nearly 10,000 in attendance. Country singers Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert each sold just over 8,000 tickets.

Big Boy tour stops in Illinois

The largest steam locomotive ever built is making its way through Illinois. Union Pacific’s iconic Big Boy stopped at three communities as part of its 10-state “Heartland of America” tour. Ahead of its stop in Rochelle Sunday, extensive traffic delays were reported. The train will make one final stop in the state Tuesday in Nokomis at 3 p.m., before traveling through Missouri on its way to Colorado.