National Night Out Aurora 2026
An Aurora firefighter greets families at the National Night Out celebration held at Salvation Army Aurora Corps headquarters Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Sexual harassment by ex-rep. Benton, known since 2023
By Brenden Moore, Ben Szalinski, & Jerry NowickiCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com Disgraced ex-Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, violated state law by committing two acts of sexual harassment, according to a summary legislative inspector general report made public Friday afternoon. LIG Mike McCuskey said the instances were “part of a pattern and practice
Back to school starts at Aurora Public Library
It’s that time of year when many parents, including myself, start to feel the weight of back-to-school season. Every day brings another task: buy supplies, find activities, schedule haircuts, all while trying not to get buried under stress! Luckily, the Aurora Public Library District is ready to make that transition
For sale: Historic Aurora church, Wesley United Methodist
By Al Benson Aurora’s historic Wesley United Methodist Church is for sale. Built in 1934, the property, 14 N. May St. (west Galena Boulevard and May Street), is 45,475-square-feet on two acres of land, with an asking price of $3.5 million. The Rev. Tammy Scott, pastor since 2023, said “The
Kiwanis Club of Aurora baseball outing
The Alex Haughee family celebrates ticket gifts from Kane County Cougars at the July 30 game against the Chicago Dogs.
Pet of the Week: Maxx: Elder dog, needs loving home
Maxx is a Labrador Retriever who is between 11-13 years old. Maxx was dumped at the shelter and he got a full check up and needed a lot of help. Maxx was placed on an antinflammatory for his back legs and his whole life changed. Maxx loves to jump on
Pritzker signs 78 bills: Emmett Till Day, boater’s liability insurance
By Brenden Moore & Peter HancockCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com July 25 is now officially Emmett Till Day in Illinois. Illinois governor JB Pritzker signed legislation codifying the designation ahead of what would have been Till’s 85th birthday. It was one of 78 bills the governor signed last week. Till, a 14-year-old
Kantamneni places at National PTA Reflections Program
Aurora mayor John Laesch, left, presents Sriyan Kantamneni with a Mayor’s Award of Excellence for his entry in the Illinois PTA Reflections Program.
Cancer survivor helps others, himself, through music
Chester “Chet” Romans is a medical minstrel. On Wednesday mornings, the 78-year-old Oswego man gives two-hour guitar concerts in a waiting area at Rush Copley Cancer Center in Aurora, entertaining cancer patients, caregivers, and family members. “I think it’s an important adjunct to what the Care Center does medically,” Romans
National Night Out in Fox Valley area
National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, will take place Tuesday, Aug. 4 across the Nation. Below are a few select communities with events. Batavia The Batavia Police Department will host an event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at
Project Altogether students honored at Aurora City Council
Aurora mayor John Laesch, honors Project Altogether students Zaire Robinson, Amirrah Robinson, and Faith Berry for their exceptional volunteerism and hard work in the community.
Montgomery honors RJ O’Neil for 100 years of business
Employees and family of the RJ O’Neil business hold the commemorative sign celebrating 100 years of business July 27 at the Village of Montgomery board meeting.
NNA Coming to a neighborhood near you August 4
August is right around the corner, bringing one of Aurora’s favorite summer traditions: National Night Out (NNA). National Night Out is all about building connections, and that’s exactly why the Aurora Public Library District will once again be out in neighborhoods across our community. Through conversations, giveaways, and library card
Aurora ArtWalk group inspires, hope for things to come
Alley Art Festival will be an afternoon of local art along Water Street Mall and Downer Place on the last Saturday of August, August 29. This is the third piece I’ve written in a series about the event that is ending this year. In the June issue, I wrote about
94th Annual Aurora City Golf Championship
Noah Hogue holds his award for winning the Championship Flight at the 94th Annual Aurora City Golf Championship July 18-19.
Summer Sizzle at Aurora University for new students
Volleyball was among activities featured in “Summer Sizzle,” a new-student welcome program at Aurora University July 21.
Naperville Men’s Amateur golf Champion
Brandon Burggraf from Geneva holds his Naperville Men’s Amateur Champion award July 18-19.
Plano Methodist Church members get a visit from missionaries in Thailand
Members from the Plano Methodist Church enjoy a visit from Mao Her and Nhia Whan Her, who are missionaries in Thailand.
Kiwanis Club of Aurora Charity Pickleball Tournament
Winners of the men’s division stand on the podiums at the Kiwanis Club of Aurora Charity Pickleball Tournament July 18, at Pickleball Kingdom – North Aurora.
Pet of the Week: Cocoa: Old girl, still has plenty of pep
Cocoa is a female Labrador Retriever who is 12 years old. Despite her age, Cocoa still has a serious pep in her step — and plenty of strength to keep up on short adventures! Cocoa is currently learning leash manners since she’s a strong girl who sometimes struggles to contain