Nascar returns to Chicagoland Speedway

NASCAR will race at Chicagoland Speedway in 2026! The sport returns to the 1.5-mile facility for the first time in seven years, with the NASCAR Cup Series scheduled to race at the oval on July 5. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will join the Cup Series for a points-paying race, slated to run on July 4.

In 2001, the gates to Chicagoland Speedway opened up for NASCAR, ARCA, IndyCar and the International Race of Champion. In total, 90 races have been held with Kyle Busch holding the most wins at the track for a total of 10. Tony Stewart leads all drivers with three wins at the 1.5-mile paved oval in the NASCAR Cup Series. Kevin Harvick has four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, while Kyle Busch has five wins in the Craftsman Truck Series. Since the beginning, Chicagoland Speedway has produced some of the closest finishes in IndyCar history, the 2018 "Slide Job" between Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson during the Overton's 400 and the infamous orange rolling down the track during qualifying in 2004.

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Celebrating inclusivity in the classroom

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.

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Illinois universities ranked among best in the country

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• The University of Chicago

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 Festivals in Illinois

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