Living

This summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup took the stage, bringing countries from across the world to the United States, Canada and Mexico as they competed to be champions of the world. This cycle, the tournament featured two athletes that were born and raised in Illinois. Chris Brady from Naperville represented the United States as a goalie and Brian Gutierrez from Berwyn represented Mexico as a midfielder.

Few entertainers have left a legacy quite like Robin Williams. Known for his boundless energy, unforgettable characters and heartfelt performances, Williams brought laughter and inspiration to audiences around the world. As we celebrate his birthday on July 21, it’s a fitting time to recognize his Illinois roots and the remarkable career that followed.

Robin McLaurin Williams was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951. Although his family later moved away, his story began in Illinois before he became one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors and comedians.

Williams first gained national attention starring as the lovable alien Mork in the television sitcom “Mork & Mindy.” His quick wit and unmatched improvisational skills soon made him a household name, launching a film career that spanned more than four decades.

Whether he was inspiring students as John Keating in “Dead Poets Society,” bringing magic to life as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin,” disguising himself as a nanny in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” or earning an Academy Award for his moving performance in “Good Will Hunting,” Williams had a unique ability to make audiences laugh, cry and think all within the same performance.

Beyond the screen, Williams was known for his generosity and compassion. He frequently visited troops overseas through the USO, supported numerous charitable organizations and used his platform to bring joy to people during difficult times.

Today, Robin Williams’ work continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. His performances remind us of the power of humor, kindness and imagination, while his story serves as another example of the talented individuals whose journeys began here in Illinois.

This July, celebrate one of Chicago’s most famous native sons by revisiting a favorite Robin Williams film and remembering the extraordinary legacy he left behind.

The iconic Route 66 turns 100 years old this year, and Illinois is celebrating with major events, festivals and more.

Established in 1926, Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road”, connects Chicago to Santa Monica, California, stretching 2,448 miles across nearly two-thirds of the country. The origins of Route 66 trace back to trails used by Native Americans, which later evolved into smaller roads that often paralleled railway lines.

Last weekend was the Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield Illinois! This free central Illinois event brings art-lovers and artists together at the Illinois Old State Capitol building. The fair featured amenities such as a Children’s Tent, food court and live music.

The art fair, founded in 1961, marked it’s 65^th year on May 16 and 17. The goal of the art fair was to bring Illinois and neighboring states’ artists together, educate the public, create a cultural event for and a civic art collection for the city of Springfield. According to the Old Capitol Art Fair website, the event is one of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. A juried art fair is one where art is selected by a panel of judges in a competition. The art fair’s awards go to best in show, different categories of art, merit and Children’s Tent awards. Each year the event brings more than 30,000 shoppers and viewers interested in all different forms of art. Original works run the gamut from jewelry and watercolors to woodworking, pottery and more. 

The Old State Capitol hosted the Illinois General Assembly from 1840 to 1876 and is currently in the midst of a comprehensive restoration effort.

You can find more upcoming events and information about the Old State Capitol .

A recent report from Time Magazine lists the University of Chicago among the world's top universities, ranking above Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania, with five other Illinois schools also appearing on the global list.

The University of Chicago came in at No. 5, followed by Northwestern University at No. 85, University of Illinois Chicago at No. 151, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at No. 235, Illinois Institute of Technology at No. 266, and Southern Illinois University at No. 338.