From Dublin to Chicago: the history of Irish Heritage in Illinois

Did you know Illinois has the seventh largest Irish population in the U.S.?

The rich history of Irish Heritage and culture in America began in the 18^th century, but grew largely in the 1820s, when more than half a million Irish Immigrants first arrived, many coming to Illinois. Besides Chicago, the early 19^th century wave of Irish immigrants settled largely in Randolph County, Gallatin County and Cairo. In the 1850s, the number of Irish in Illinois grew from around 20,000, to over 80,000.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Ida B. Wells

Did you know that the month of March is Women’s History Month? Illinois has been home to its fair share of amazing historical women figures, including activist Ida B. Wells.

Born in Mississippi in 1862, Ida was a prominent investigative journalist, educator, women’s suffragist, socialist and early leader in the civil rights movement, being one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

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Site Selection Magazine names Illinois and Chicago as top U.S. destinations for corporate expansion and relocation

Site Selection Magazine – an international industry-leading business publication – released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois No. 2 in the nation for corporate projects for the third consecutive year, and Chicago the Top Metro for the 12th year in a row.

Illinois saw 664 business expansion or relocation projects in 2024 (up from 552 in 2023).

Companies that located or expanded throughout Illinois in 2024 include:

• PsiQuantum: Serving as the anchor tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, creating at least 150 new jobs and $1.09 billion in capital investment.

• Sysmex America, Inc.: Growing its operations in northeast Illinois, creating 110 new full-time jobs and retaining nearly 550 existing jobs through a $20.6 million investment.

• Aluflexpack AG: Expanding its operations to Bolingbrook with a $10 million investment and 30 new full-time jobs.

• Wieland Rolled Products North America: Investing $500 million, reinforcing its long-term commitment to six facilities across the state.

• Bedrock Materials: Locating its research and development headquarters in Chicago and plans to expand its footprint in Illinois with a $2.5 million investment.

• Ymer Technology: Opened its U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove with a $5.7 million investment.

In order to qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1 million or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs, or 20,000 square feet or more of new space.

Illinois’ strong fiscal growth has laid the foundation for continued growth in key industries outlined in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan. With these targeted investments, the state is becoming a nation-leader in emerging industries including quantum technology, electric vehicle manufacturing, clean energy production, next-generation agriculture and more.

Illinois Sports – Rock Island native wins Australian Open

Madison Keys from Rock Island won the Australian Open this year. The Australian Open is one of the “Big Four” Grand Slam tournaments, alongside the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. The tournaments represent the pinnacle of tennis competition and prestige in the world. This stunning accomplishment builds on Keys’ lifelong dedication to the sport.

Keys began playing tennis at a very young age and joined the Quad-City Tennis Club in Moline. When she was ten, her family moved her to Florida to train at the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy. Keys would go on to participate in tournaments at a high level, eventually defeating Venus Williams in the 2015 Australian Open but losing to Serena Williams in the final that year. Keys would return to Rock Island in 2017 to lead an anti-bullying assembly and launched FearlesslyGIRL, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women. After a decade of high placements at the Big Four and persevering through injury, Keys would go on to win the Australian Open in January of 2025.

Kindness Wins, a charity foundation launched by Keys, which promotes access to sports and education, moved their foundation to the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Rock Island has recognized and celebrated their champion with the mayor declaring Feb. 17 will be Madison Keys Day and will be placing a billboard commemorating her win.

Keys is now ranked Number 5 in the world, a career high, and will continue competing at the highest level of women’s tennis.