The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 18 Illinois schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

Over 575,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted for their favorite destinations and venues, choosing Chicago as the Best Big City in the U.S. Chicago is a vibrant town full of endless opportunities to have fun and enjoy Illinois.

This award is truly a testament to all the wonders Chicago has to offer including the Chicago Waterfront, diverse neighborhoods, world class museums, public art, unique attractions, theatre, culinary delights, shopping experiences, and a wonderful sports culture. Chicago truly offers something special for everyone.

Chicago is a place that all of us can be proud of. The city has seen a major increase in travelers bringing in over 57 million people each year. Along with that, Chicago saw record highs in hotel revenue over the summer. Chicago doesn’t stop at summer as there are many more exciting things to look forward to in the winter months including launch of Theatre Season, Christkindlmarket, and the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

To see why you should visit Chicago click the link here. 

Although less popular, Illinois’ brilliant night skies are perfect for catching mesmerizing astronomical events all year round, and soon our skies will be illuminated by the Draconid meteor shower from Oct. 6-10, reaching its peak on the evening of Oct. 7 into the early morning of Oct. 8.

The Draconid meteor shower, named after the constellation Draco the Dragon, is an annual meteor shower that appears in the sky during the month of October. The meteor shower is created when Earth passes through the dust debris left by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner.

To increase your chances of seeing the Draconids, find a good viewing spot with clear skies, away from city lights. Illinois has the perfect viewing spots at various state parks and nature reservation areas. You can find one closest to you here.

To check if the Draconids are visible in your city, visit this link.

Happy gazing!

Allison Joseph is an American poet who was born in London, England and grew up between Toronto, Canada, and the Bronx. She is a graduate of Kenyon College and Indiana University, and now directs the masters of fine arts program in creative writing at Southern Illinois University.

In a recent study analyzing 14 key metrics demonstrating innovative educational practices, Illinois ranked fifth — establishing it as a leader in innovative education.

The metrics included factors such as remote learning accessibility and project-based learning, which prepares students for the real world while in school and improves their creativity and flexibility. Other factors included the number of schools in each state offering Advanced Placement courses, the number of universities with test-optional policies, the number of education charities in each state, and how many resource center awards each state has received.