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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.

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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.

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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.  

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Kaskaskia: Illinois’ first capital

• Illinois History
• Kaskaskia
• Capital City

Did you know that Springfield is actually Illinois’ third capital city?

When Illinois became a state in 1818, its first capital was the city of Kaskaskia. Illinois’ statehouse in Kaskaskia was a two-story building that the government rented, with the House of Representatives meeting on one floor and the Senate on the other.

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