Aurora Methodists, brunch, Lego, conversation
Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora celebrated three firsts Sunday, June 22. Included were a Brunch Church, part one of a three-part Lego-ideas sermon series and “Building Together: A Time of Holy Conversation.” The Reverend Tammy Scott, pastor, opened activities in the Gathering Place room by inviting congregants
Greatness of Aurora: Aurora Downtown, SSA 1, in view
Some things are priceless. One of those things is pride in community. It would be hard to put a price tag on feeling valued, welcome, and respected. Although I only attended a few flag-raisings held by the city in downtown Aurora, I always saw their worth for many reasons. The
‘Thanks for the Memories’: Fox Valley Orchestra Concert
Fox Valley Orchestra continues its “Summer Pops” series with “Thanks for the Memories,” a concert of popular radio and television music, at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29. The concert will take place at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 27 S. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora. Stephen Squires returns to direct the orchestra
Tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
By Shekina Mullen As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. Pollinators move pollen from one flower to the next, fertilizing and producing fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some plants
Endless wars, failing infrastructure, and a dying republic
By John & Nisha Whitehead Seventy years after president Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about the cost of a military-industrial complex, America is still stealing from its own people to fund a global empire. In 2025 alone, the U.S. has launched airstrikes in Yemen, bombed Houthi-controlled ports and radar installations (killing
A Focus on History: June 26 through July 2
June 26 During World War I, the first 14,000 U.S. infantry troops land in France at the port of Saint Nazaire. The landing site had been kept secret because of the menace of German submarines, but by the time the Americans had lined up to take their first salute on
Oswego High School softball team wins Class 4A State championship
Oswego High School softball team celebrates winning the Class 4A IHSA State championship Saturday, June 14 against Barrington.
“No Kings” protest in Geneva draws hundreds
Hundreds of protesters line up along Randall Road Saturday, June 14 during the “No Kings” protest in Geneva.
Illinois $55.1B budget reliant on $700M new taxes
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News IllinoisBszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Governor JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ fiscal year 2026 budget into law Monday, taking shots at president Donald Trump’s budget management to defend hard choices state lawmakers were forced to make this year. The $55.1 billion spending plan set to take effect July 1 is the
Diabetes Club of Fox Valley to participate in Aunt Martha’s, Family Health Fair, Saturday, June 21; Diabetes Club hosts Quilts of Valor presentation
By Russ George Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley held their June membership meeting Wednesday, June 11, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Chuck Nelson, vice president of programs, introduced guest speaker, Rita Pennington, Illinois State coordinator, for Quilts of Valor Foundation, stating, “Rita
Aurora City Council considering new senior ride contractor
By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council is considering a Resolution to approve GoGo Grandparent as the replacement contractor for the City of Aurora Ride Solution (CARS) Program through December 31, 2025, utilizing the remaining budgeted funding, not to exceed $100,000.00. City government of Aurora documents show the change is
Aurora’s GAR Museum director receives award
The City of Aurora government is excited to announce that Grand Army of the Republic Museum director, Eric Pry, has been named the Museum Professional of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). The prestigious honor was part of the IAM’s fifth annual awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding
Aurora mayor Laesch listening session, feedback on the future of downtown
Aurora mayor John Laesch, alongside City of Aurora officials, were host to the first listening session of the new Mayoral Administration Thursday, focusing on the future of downtown Aurora. “Let’s Talk Downtown: A Community Conversation” started mayor Laesch’s City-wide listening tour, in which Laesch will speak directly with residents, businesses,
Reader’s Voice: America cannot forgive MAGA leaders
June 15, 2025Dear editor; Eventually, the current fascist tide will turn. President Donald Trump and his gang of would-be authoritarians will be out of power. When that day comes, there will undoubtedly be calls to turn the page on their lawlessness. We all require forgiveness. I certainly have in the
2025 WellBatavia Festival
The WellBatavia Initiative is back this summer with the WellBatavia Festival to kick off the summer season with health services, holistic wellness, fitness, environmental and community health vendors. Visit the WellBatavia Festival to learn more about health and wellness resources in your community from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,
Registration open: Art & Soul Camp
Registration is open for “Art and Soul 2025: Imagine a City” June 23-26 for ages five to 12. Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May Street in Aurora, will be host to the camp from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Admission is free. The camp will feature a meal followed
Naperville carillonneur summer music
Talented carillonneurs from all over the world will delight Naperville concert-goers with free musical performances at 443 Aurora Avenue, Naperville. Events will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, unless otherwise noted. Concerts will be held rain or shine and picnicking is welcome. Post-recital moonlight carillon tours available for $2
Aurora History Tour: North Avenue, Jennings Terrace
By Ricky Rieckert Welcome back again to this week’s Aurora History Tour. We start our tour on the East Side, on North Avenue heading west from Jackson Street. As we head west, the first street is Bevier Place, which heads north to Benton Street and runs south to Fourth Avenue.
Hernandez announces $1.5 Million secured for Fox Valley
State representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) announced State funding awards for infrastructure repairs at 11 organizations in the 50th District. In total, $1.5 million in awards for the 50th District was included in the recently passed Illinois State Budget and will be distributed through the Community Foundation of the Fox River