I Like Illinois
  • I Like Illinois
    • Did You Know...
    • On This Day
  • |
  • Economy
    • Business Success
    • Ingenuity
    • Natural Resources
    • Transportation
  • |
  • Living
    • Arts & Culture
    • Education
    • Tourism
  • |
  • Just the Facts
  • |
  • Opinion

Artist of the Month: Chicago Boyz

Details
Monday, February 24, 2025 03:44 PM

ArtistOfTheMonthFeb2025

Did you know Chicago is home to an acrobatic team consisting of young men from the area?

Tim Shaw, a professional gymnast with over 30 years of experience in circus performing, wanted to find a way to support youth in his area and provide greater opportunities. As a result, he formed the acrobatic group “Chicago Boyz” whose performances include stunts, tumbling and cool tricks such as catapulting off mini trampolines.

Read more …

Illinois is 2025’s seventh best state to raise a family

Details
Friday, February 21, 2025 03:19 PM

best worst states to raise a family

According to a recent study from the personal finance outlet WalletHub.com, Illinois is 2025’s seventh best state to raise a family. The ideal state is one that’s affordable to live in, offers a high degree of safety and good job prospects, and demonstrates quality in education, health care and entertainment.

In this study, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 50 key indicators of family-friendliness. The data set includes factors like the median annual family income, housing affordability, health care quality, crime rate and school quality.

Illinois is ranked second for family fun, third for the highest median family income and seventh for the overall score.

For more information on this study, visit WalletHub.com.

Southern Illinois Reptile and Exotics Show

Details
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 04:25 PM

lizard in sunlight in singaporeAre you looking for a fun, cheap and family-friendly event this weekend? This Sunday, Feb. 23, check out the Southern Illinois Reptile Show in Marion, IL!

The show will include thousands of scaly animals for guests to observe, touch or even adopt! There will be reptiles, amphibians, mammals (including kangaroos) and more. Feeders and pet supplies will be available for those looking to treat their pets at home.

Read more …

Celebrating Black History Month – Illinois’ Monuments

Details
Monday, February 03, 2025 04:50 PM

Victory Monument Chicago 2

I Like Illinois is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting important historical museums and places across Illinois to uplift the rich African American culture and heritage in the state. From historic civil rights leaders to art and culture, there are many places across Illinois to immerse yourself in history and learn more about the contributions of African Americans in the state and the country.

The Bronzeville Neighborhood

Bronzeville, also known as the "Black Metropolis," was the center of African American culture and commerce in Chicago during the early-to-mid 20th century. It was home to influential African American leaders like Ida B. Wells, Louis Armstrong and Richard Wright. The neighborhood still has historic sites such as the "Victory Monument" honoring African American soldiers, and the former homes of famous figures.

Visiting Bronzeville gives you the chance to step into a historically rich area that was the birthplace of many cultural movements, from jazz to the Great Migration. Walking tours are available to explore the legacy of African American intellectuals, musicians and activists who helped define the area and the nation.

Read more …

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

Details
Thursday, January 30, 2025 01:56 PM

 EducationIlikeillinois2

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.

More Articles …

  1. Great River Road: Limestone Cliffs in Alton and Grafton
  2. Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition returns for 39th year!
  3. It’s National Popcorn Day in Illinois!
  4. Ice rinks around Illinois
  5. Restaurant week is back!
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
facebooktwitteryoutube

Latest

  • Bringing Awareness to Illinois Endangered Species
  • Did you know the first Dairy Queen was opened in Joliet?
  • Enjoy spring with an art festival!

Popular

  • Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago ranked #2 most diverse school in America
  • Did you know? Illinois is home to the only river in the world that flows backwards.
  • Artist of the Month - Jesus Cruz

I LIKE ILLINOIS © Copyright 2025

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Living