You may have heard of Southern hospitality, but Illinois has earned recognition in its dedication to inclusiveness. Inclusivity is a quality many Illinoisans pride themselves on, ensuring that all people — regardless of their background or status — feel a sense of belonging. One such school in the Chicago suburb of Burbank was recently nationally recognized for its efforts in fostering inclusion among students.

This particular achievement is a true honor, especially during this time when appreciating and uplifting differences is vital. Luther Burbank Elementary received the Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner Award for its Unified Robotics team and other inclusive programs.

Four Illinois universities have been ranked among the best in the U.S. according to a new ranking from U.S. News. The 2025 report uses specialized rankings such as the best value schools, most innovative colleges, top performers on social mobility and historically Black colleges and universities, as well as universities with the greatest commitment to undergraduate teaching.

The Illinois schools that ranked highest in the specialty categories included the University of Chicago in 8th place for best value schools, Northwestern University tied for 28th place for most innovative schools, and Wheaton College tied for 52nd place for programs that enhance first-year experiences. When it comes to best colleges for veterans, the University of Chicago ranks first in the country.

The rankings evaluated 1,700 colleges and universities using more than a dozen measures of academic quality, U.S. News said in a news release.

Illinois schools in the top 100 were:

6. University of Chicago

7 (tie). Northwestern University

36 (tie). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

84 (tie). University of Illinois Chicago

These rankings show not just the quality of Illinois higher education but also Illinois’ commitment to ensuring its young people can build a future for themselves.

Read the full list of school rankings here.

Fall is finally here and with the leaves changing color and the harvest beginning, there are festivals happening across the state. Whether you are a foodie or a family, or just looking for fall fun, check out these September events below:

9/22-9/28 – Bengtson’s Fall Fest – Homer Glen
9/22-9/28 – Goebbert’s Farm Fall Festival – South Barrington
9/24-9/28 – Grundy County Corn Festival – Morris
9/25 – Taste of the Heights – Peoria Heights
9/25-9/28 – Manteno Oktoberfest – Manteno
9/25-9/28 – Haunted Hollows Fest – Peotone
9/26 – Rock Falls Taco Throwdown – Rock Falls
9/26-9/27 – Bartlett Oktoberfest – Bartlett
9/26-9/27 – East Dundee Oktoberfest – East Dundee
9/26-9/27 – St. Ambrose Applefest – Godfrey
9/26-9/27 – Lansing Autumn Festival – Lansing
9/26-9/27 – Mt. Vernon Fall Fest – Mt. Vernon
9/26-9/27 – Nashville Fall Festival – Nashville
9/26-9/27 – Oaktoberfest – Oak Park
9/26-9/27 – Woodridge Oktoberfest – Woodridge
9/26-9/28 – Beardstown Fall Fun Festival – Beardstown
9/26-9/28 – Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest – Chicago
9/26-9/28 – Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus – Chicago
9/26-9/28 – Huntley Fall Fest – Huntley
9/26-9/28 – Prairie Land Heritage Museum Fall Festival and Steam Show – Jacksonville
9/26-9/28 – Long Grove Apple Festival – Long Grove
9/26-9/28 – Milton Corn Carnival – Milton
9/26-9/28 – Paris Honeybee Festival – Paris
9/26-9/28 – International Route 66 Mother Road Festival – Springfield
9/26-9/28 – Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival II – West Chicago
9/27 – Food is Love Festival – Alton
9/27 – Hispanic Heritage Fest at Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield

In the heart of West‑Central Illinois, the town of Monmouth prides itself on being the “Prime Beef Center of the World,” and its annual Warren County Prime Beef Festival stands as a testament to that claim. This community celebration brings together generations of cattle producers, local families and visitors to recognize the foundational role of agriculture in the area’s past, present and future.

If you are looking to soak in the last days of summer, there is nothing quite like a trip to a sunflower field – and Illinois has some of the best spots in the Midwest to visit. Stretching across acres of farmland, these radiant blooms typically reach their peak between late July and early September, offering the perfect backdrop for family outings, photo sessions, or a peaceful day in nature.

One of the most popular destinations is Richardson Farm in Spring Grove. While known for its corn maze that spans nearly 10 miles of trail, the farm explodes in color come late summer with 13 acres worth of sunflowers in bloom. Guests are invited to walk the fields, take photos, and even cut a few stems to bring home.