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History of the Chicago ‘L’
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The Chicago ‘L’ has been winding its way through the city’s alleys and rumbling past windows for well more than a century. For many Chicagoans, it’s part of everyday life. But it wasn’t always the system people know today – or even known by the same name.
The first L lines were privately owned and operated as separate companies. In 1892, according to Chicago Transit Authority historian and expert Graham Garfield, who tracks the extensive history of the ‘L,’ the Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad began operating the first elevated train. A steam locomotive pulled wooden coaches between terminals at Congress Street and what is now Pershing Road. The tracks plotted a 3.6-mile line adjacent to alleys, so it was dubbed the ‘Alley L.’
Celebrate life on the river at the 20th annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival
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The Mississippi Earthtones Festival, brought to you by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center, is a celebration of the Mississippi river through art, music and conservation. This event is held annually on the 3rd Saturday in September.
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River at the Alton Amphitheater, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon to 10 p.m. Family-friendly activities take place from noon until 6 p.m., and festival goers will enjoy artist booths and live music which continue until 10 p.m.
Illinois tourism industry sets new records in 2025
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From big cities and state parks to rich history and culture, Illinois truly has something for everyone. In 2025, Illinois drew a record-breaking 115 million domestic and international visitors to the state – an increase from 2024.
According to data provided by Tourism Economics, visitor spending grew 3.5% to $50.2 billion, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time in Illinois history. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2025, the total economic impact amounted to $88 billion and produced $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue, reinforcing tourism’s role as a key driver of economic growth in communities across Illinois.
Illinois in orbit: Urbana native helped design new NASA telescope
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NASA’s newest space telescope was recently launched into the atmosphere, and Illinois had a part to play in making that happen.
One of the scientists involved in building the telescope was an Urbana native, giving Illinois an interesting connection to the new space exploration tool.
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