The year 2025 wrapping up; upcoming 2026 events
As the year winds down, it can be reinvigorating to start planning the year ahead. A new year full of hope with new possibilities and lots of fun. Along with a blank calendar and longer days to fill up. In 2026, I hope you’ll join me at some of these
Kiwanis Club of Aurora’s annual Christmas party
Two young brothers, Owen and Logan Haughee receive presents from Santa Claus at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora’s annual Christmas party December 16 at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora.
Forest Preserve District Polar-Palooza Winter Festival
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites residents to shake off the winter blues at Polar-Palooza, a nature-inspired arcade experience, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center. Guests of all ages can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Participants will earn tickets as
Surveillance state making a naughty list, and you’re on it
By John & Nisha Whitehead The Surveillance State is making a naughty list, and we’re all on it. Unlike Santa’s naughty list, however, the consequences of landing on the government’s “naughty list” are far more severe than a stocking full of coal. They can include heightened surveillance, loss of privacy,
A Focus on History: December 25 through December 31
December 25 During the American Revolution, patriot General George Washington crosses the Delaware River with 5,400 troops, to surprise a Hessian force that is celebrating Christmas at their Winter quarters in Trenton, N.J.. The crossing led to the first major victory for the new Americans. – 1776. Just after midnight
Sign-language Santa ‘talks’ kids’ holiday wishes
Aurora Lions Club held its 18th annual yule party for deaf and hearing impaired students, caregivers and educators from East and West Aurora public schools Tuesday evening, December 9. The party took place at East Aurora School District 131’s recreation center in Aurora. Attendees included about 100 students and caregivers,
74th annual Lehnertz Avenue drive-thru nativity
Illinois’ oldest outdoor free Christmas display opened Sunday, Dec. 14, in Aurora. The 74th annual Lehnertz Avenue drive-thru event featured a 6 p.m. blessing of the nativity crib by Fr. Godwin Asuquo, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora. After he returned to give the blessing, Lehnertz Avenue Association
‘Tinsel and Tunes’ a sparkling celebration of magical sounds of the season, Sat., Dec. 20; Diabetes Club of Fox Valley holds annual Holiday party
By Russ George Members and friends of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley (DCFV) gathered together, Saturday, Dec. 13, for the Club’s fourth annual Holiday Party, at Oak Street Restaurant in North Aurora. The evening began at 6 p.m., with a social gathering and buffet dinner at 7 p.m.. Following
Illinois extends open enrollment deadline health care
By Peter HancockCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois residents who buy health insurance on the State-run marketplace now have a little more time to sign up for coverage for the upcoming year. Officials at Get Covered Illinois, the new state-run marketplace for insurance sold under the Affordable Care Act, announced Tuesday they
Illinois leaders ‘won’t back down’ following Trump’s order limiting AI regulation
By Maggie DoughertyCapitol News Illinoismdougherty@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois lawmakers vowed to keep fighting for protections against artificial intelligence after President Donald Trump signed an executive order December 11 to shield tech companies from state laws. Trump’s order targets state regulations, including several in Illinois, that he said are inconsistent with national policy
Annual Aurora Shop with A Cop
More than 75 children from the community participated in a shopping spree with members of the Aurora Police Department, Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Meijer store on Route 59 in Aurora.
Young Aurora athletes honored
Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, honored five Aurora residents at Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The young athletes proudly represented the City at the national level, winning the 3 vs. 3 BOWNET Soccer National Championship. Aztec Girlz 630 captured the title Sunday, Nov. 30, in Panama City, Florida,
Loaves & Fishes Hub 2.0 expansion and $5 million gift
Loaves & Fishes Community Services announced the launch of Hub 2.0, a transformational facility expansion designed to significantly increase access to fresh, healthy food for families across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties. Hub 2.0 is the cornerstone of Nourish Together, a bold regional initiative that can more than double
Kifowit defends service members’ right to refuse unlawful orders
State representative Stephanie Kifowit, a United States Marine Corps veteran, filed resolution HR 0575 this week in the Illinois House of Representatives condemning recent statements, attributed to the President of the United States, that have been widely interpreted as threats of political violence or retaliation against elected officials who have
West Aurora hosts Medieval-style Christmas
Aurora residents experienced a Medieval-style Christmas Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at West Aurora High School’s annual madrigal weekend presentations. A project of West students and staff, events featured a Saturday evening three-course feast which was sold out and a Sunday afternoon dessert performance. It was the 38th year of
Aurora winter celebration, Ward 3
Join Ward 3 alderman Ted Mesiacos and State representative Barbara Hernandez will host the annual Ward 3 Posada Navideña Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Third Ward Social Club, 612 5th Ave, Aurora.The event will feature food, piñatas, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The event is for Ward 3
Aurora sing-along ‘Messiah’ Dec. 21
The public is invited to sing part 1 of Handel’s “Messiah” Sunday, Dec. 21, with the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus. Featuring the Hallelujah Chorus and seasonal carols, the 14th annual event will be held at 2 p.m. at Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Rd. in Aurora. Guest soloists will
Aurora’s Main Street featured many choice destinations
By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, Hopefully, everyone is staying warm. This week, I’m going to add to Aurora’s downtown Main Street history. My dad would frequently use the phrase, Main and Broadway, in reference to something with a lot of people, action, or a happening place. In Aurora, downtown, from
Foster introduces Payer State Transparency Act
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) reintroduced the Payer State Transparency Act, December 16, to help shed light on the “Payer State” problem, wherein certain states, including Illinois, pay more in federal taxes than they get back in federal spending. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service and USASpending.gov, Illinois sent