Read Across America Day: March 2nd

• Children

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. Today, March 2^nd Read Across America Day which promotes reading, particularly for children and young adults. This nationwide observance also coincides with the birthday of Dr. Seuss (Geisel), an American writer best known for writing children’s books, Texas Independence day and Casimir Pulaski Day.

Many schools, libraries and community centers across the United States participate by bringing people together to read books. Various reading activities and events are held across the country on this day. Some students take part in a Read Across America channel designed to showcase student and educator videos around the country. Others make reading pledges, organize book fairs or read aloud to groups of people.

Chicago becomes top metro area for corporate investments

• Economy
• Growth

For seven years in a row, Site Selection Magazine has honored Chicago by naming the city the top metro area for corporations looking to expand and invest in the community. Last year alone, corporate investments accounted for $5 billion, by tracking 416 business expansions and relocations in 2019. Site Selection tracks all investments in communities like Chicago, such as when Uber moved to Chicago’s Old Main Post Office and brought more than 2,000 jobs to the area.

Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar said the announcement “highlights the power of inclusive growth in Chicago, which is a priority of Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “

Additionally, Mayekar said the Chicago downtown area continues to grow and contribute to the 77 differing neighborhoods around the city. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield are building customer service centers, and Evanston Technology Partners is setting up shop. Meanwhile, hundreds of jobs flow into the Chicago community every year and continue to show the evolution of the city.

“When you see the types of companies that are growing, you see a balance,” Mayekar said. The recognition to the city continues to influence the decisions made by all companies that move to Chicago and invest in the people of Illinois.

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Did you know?

• Arts & Culture

On this week in 1928 that Larry Simon Gelbart, the American television writer, playwright, screenwriter, director and author, most famous as the creator and producer of the television series M*A*S*H, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Larry Gelbart would grow up in Chicago and Los Angeles before he was drafted for World War II. After returning, he would work for Armed Forces Radio Service in LA, eventually obtaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged after serving 1 year and 11 days, just short of the beginning of the Korean War.

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Why I Like Illinois By Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs

• OpEd

There are many reasons to like Illinois. Some enjoy the soaring skyscrapers of Chicago. Others marvel at geographic diversity, from rolling country to fertile farmland and mighty Oak trees to swampy Bald Cypress. Presidential timber is exemplified by Ulysses Grant, Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and Barack Obama.

All are solid choices. For me, however, I like Illinois because of the resiliency of its people and their strong desire to be independent. Illinoisans are proud to work hard, generous with their time, and seek help only when they truly need it. At the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, we have programs to help those who wish to help themselves.

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