National Freedom Day

Feb. 1 is National Freedom Day! This day was founded to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens, freedoms that we should never take for granted.

Specifically, the holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln signed what would later become the 13th Amendment. This amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as a punishment for crime.

On National Freedom Day, there is typically a wreath laying at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the former U.S. capital. Those who observe the day see it as an opportunity to promote goodwill and social equality and to appreciate freedoms that are often taken for granted. Additionally, many people observe the day with a special ceremony, parade, or other event, along with speeches, performances and educational programs.

Lincoln did not live to see the 13th Amendment ratified, but there was a movement to see Feb. 1 celebrate freedom each year. National Freedom Day was the idea of former Georgia slave Richard Wright, who lobbied Congress to designate Feb. 1 as the day.

Freedom is one of the founding principles of the United States of America and this day was envisioned as a way for all citizens to take a moment to appreciate how lucky they are. We should all be thankful for the many freedoms we are afforded as citizens of this great country and state!

Illinois’ eighth-graders outperform their peers in all but one state in national math and reading test

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress report, Illinois ’eighth-graders outperformed the national average in both math and reading.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” is given every two years to a sample of America’s children. It is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of the U.S. school system. The most recent exam was administered in early 2024 in every state, testing fourth- and eighth-grade students on math and reading.

Topping off the achievement in Illinois, third- through eighth-graders showed the highest English proficiency rate to date.

Below are the detailed results of the exams:

• For the state’s fourth-graders, 59% performed at or above grade level in both math and reading, while 30% expressed proficiency.
• Taking a closer look, Illinois students did well in math, with 62% of eighth-graders performing at or above grade level and 32% at or above proficiency, a 6% percent increase since 2022.
• Fourth-graders also excelled in math, with 74% performing at grade level and 38% performing above proficiency.

This year, Illinois surpassed the national average, with only one state outperforming them. According to the report, 70% of eighth-graders performed at or above grade level while 33% of students achieved proficiency, which in the assessment is described as a more “aspirational” level of performance beyond grade level.

Artist of the month: Laurie Metcalf

Southern Illinois native Laurie Metcalf can be seen on televisions across America. Whether you’re watching re-runs of “Roseanne” or “The Big Bang Theory,” this Illinois actress can be seen on many favorite shows, movies or Broadway.

Raised in Edwardsville, Metcalf lived with her mother, Libby, who was a librarian, and her father, James, who was the budget director at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She attended Illinois State University, where she originally went to study German to be an interpreter, before realizing theater was her true passion.

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Illinois tops national economic development rankings

• Economy
• Development

In 2024, Illinois ranked among the best in the nation in major economic development rankings. These developments coincide with nine credit rating upgrades over two years and a steady increase in GDP since 2020.

Highlights include:

• #1 in Midwest for workforce development for the second consecutive year (Site Selection Magazine)
• #2 state in the nation for corporate investments for the second year in a row, with Chicago clocking in as the Top Metro in the country for corporate investments for the 11^th year in a row (Site Selection Magazine)
• CNBC Rankings:
  • #4 in the nation for access to capital (up from #6 in ’23)
  • #5 in the nation for cost of living (up from #9 in ’23)
  • #6 in the nation for tech and innovation (up from #14 in ’23)
  • Moved up 15 spots in Best States for Business since 2018

• Chicago voted Best Big City in the nation by readers for the eighth consecutive year (Condé Nast Traveler)

These rankings show Illinois has a burgeoning and thriving economy that is sure to climb even higher in the coming years.