With 30% chronic absenteeism reported statewide last school year, school leaders across the suburbs are exploring different approaches to improving student attendance rates this fall. State education officials have identified absenteeism as an area...

Ongoing Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 30, at Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Hayrides, corn maze, pig races, Animal Land Zoo, Pumpkin Playland and more. Prices vary by activity. didie...

Naperville Central (5-2, 3-1) at Metea Valley (1-6, 1-3) When: Friday, 7 p.m. Previous Matchup: Naperville Central 43, Metea Valley 14 (2021 at Central) About the Redhawks: Central can clinch an automatic playoff berth with a win. "I think our playe...

Oct. 1 Lake Bluff Rib Fest: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Lake Bluff Village Green, 40 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff. A friendly rib competition between teams of community members. lakebluff.org. Fall Color Walk: Dawn to dusk Oct. 1-31 at Pr...

Naperville North (4-1, 1-1) at Naperville Central (3-2, 1-1) When: Friday, 7 p.m. Previous matchup: Naperville Central 28, Naperville North 16 (2021 playoffs at North) About the Huskies: "It is Naperville Central week," North coach Sean Drendel said...

Starts before Friday Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 30, at Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Hayrides, corn maze, pig races, Animal Land Zoo, Pumpkin Playland. Prices vary by activity. d...

When Illinois starts spending the $760 million it is getting from the nationwide settlement of lawsuits against prescription opioid distributors and a manufacturer, some of that money should be spent helping the youngest victims of the opioid crisis...

Starts before Friday Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 7-9; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 10; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Sandwich Fairgrounds, 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Carnival, food, ve...

Daily Goebbert's Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 31, at 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Animals, mazes, wagon rides, pig races and more. See website for activity hours. Tickets are $17 on weekdays, $20 on weekends and ...