Welcome to I Like Illinois

Exploring Illinois’ Native American Heritage

Long before Illinois became a state, Native American communities called this land home, building thriving settlements, developing rich cultural traditions and shaping the region’s history. During Native American Heritage Month and beyond, Illinoisans can learn more about that history by exploring historic sites across the state.

One of the most remarkable is Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville. More than 1,000 years ago, Cahokia was home to one of the largest Indigenous cities north of Mexico, with a peak population of nearly 20,000 and covered roughly 4,000 acres. Today, the park – which is Illinois’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site – preserves a little over 2,000 acres including 72 of the remaining mounds.

In Fulton County, Dickson Mounds Museum near Lewistown explores thousands of years of Native American life in the Illinois River Valley. Through educational exhibits, archaeological discoveries and walking trails, visitors can learn about the communities that lived along the river and their lasting connections to the land.

Along the Mississippi River in Whiteside County, Albany Mounds State Historic Site preserves evidence of Indigenous communities dating back thousands of years. The site includes surviving burial mounds associated with the Middle Woodland period – between 200 BCE and 300 CE – offering an important connection to the region’s early history.

Further south, Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site near the Ohio River preserves remnants of another significant Illinoisan settlement. Once a center of community life and regional trade, the site helps illustrate the connections between Indigenous communities throughout the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys.

These places are more than reminders of the past. They offer opportunities to recognize the ingenuity, traditions and enduring influence of Native peoples whose descendants and communities continue to contribute to Illinois today.

This Native American Heritage Month, take time to explore Illinois’ Indigenous history, learn about the people who shaped our state and appreciate the cultures that remain an important part of its identity.

Illinois veterans of the World Wars

Veterans Day traces back to the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day as we know it now is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

According to records compiled by the Office of the Adjutant General, 351,153 men from Illinois served in the U.S. Army and Navy during World War I. Over 5,000 died in service. The 33^rd Division originated in Illinois, as did the 370^th Infantry Regiment of the African-American 93^rd Division. Draftees from Illinois provided much of the original manpower for the 84^th, 86^th and 88^th Divisions. The 33^rd Division held the right flank of the U.S. First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and won important victories at Forges and along the Marne River. Major General George Bell Jr. commanded the 33^rd Division throughout the war as it served under British, French and American operational command. The 370^th Infantry Regiment fought under French command, and was decorated for actions in the Oise-Aisne Offensive and in Lorraine.

Read more …

Metra’s new trains to take passengers into the future

• Transportation
• Metra
• Commuter Rail
• Trains
• Enviroment

Metra, Chicagoland’s commuter rail, unveiled its new battery-powered trains which are expected to hit the rails in 2028. These trains are common throughout Europe, but Metra will be the first organization in North America to operate these innovative battery-powered trains.

Read more …

Illinois community colleges see highest career and technical education enrollment growth in nine years

• Jobs
• Higher Education
• Education
• Community College

Enrollment in career and technical education programs at Illinois community  colleges is up nearly 6% this fall, reaching its highest level in nine years as more students turn to career-focused training and education.

CTE enrollment has increased every year since fall 2022, growing 26.1% over that period. The programs now account for 27.7% of all community college enrollment statewide, with 75,208 students pursuing training designed to prepare them for careers in high-demand industries.

Statewide community college enrollment totaled 271,845 students in fall 2026, a slight 0.7% decrease from fall 2025 following four years of growth. Despite the decline, enrollment remains 0.2% above pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the system’s sustained recovery and the enduring demand for accessible, affordable higher education across Illinois.  

Read more …