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Economy grows for 2nd straight quarter at better-than-expected 5.7 pct rate, best since 2003
The economy's faster-than-expected growth at the end of last year, powered by companies replenishing stockpiles, is likely to weaken as consumers keep a lid on spending.
Elgin has plan to fix bad streets
The city council has scheduled a public hearing on plans to make almost $5 million in street and other improvements. ...
Elgin Rotarians sending tents, gear
For avid campers, the tent and supplies set up in the Gail Borden Public Library rotunda through Monday probably are similar to what they have in their garages. ...Ice above bodies of water may be weaker than it looks
It's been a year since a two-day search along the Fox River for Gabriel Jaurigui of Algonquin ended when rescuers discovered the 26-year-old's body....Panel narrowing Lutheran high school names
The people charged with naming the future New Lutheran High School at 6N771 Crane Road in St. Charles Township want just the right moniker to match the school's mission. ...SC North up for Blue Ribbon award
St. Charles North High School is among 12 schools in the state of Illinois nominated by the Illinois State Board of Education for the 2010 Blue Ribbon School Award. The blue ribbon schools program is conducted by the U.S. Department of Education and honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. ...Applications due for health agencies wanting city funds
Agencies wanting funds from the St. Charles Community Mental Health Board for the 2010-11 fiscal year need to submit their applications by Feb. 8. ...Batavia School Board OKs hiring of safety coordinator
Retiring Batavia Police Deputy Chief Gregory Thrun will serve the community in a new capacity starting in August as the safety coordinator at Rotolo Middle School. ...Towne Centre development plan revisions to be shared
Howard Street resident Vanessa LaSota has quietly tracked the progress of the St. Charles Towne Centre, but she feels it’s time for her to finally speak up. ...Diocese to close West Chicago school, consolidate others
At least one Catholic school in DuPage County will close and others will be consolidated under a plan released late Thursday by the Joliet Diocese. ...Staff says governor "doing his job" through appearances
As the Feb. 2 primary nears, Gov. Pat Quinn is embracing the power of incumbency, cutting a swath of ribbons and announcing millions worth of construction projects all in the name of the office he ascended to a year ago. ...Judge candidate admits license suspension
An Aurora attorney and former judge who is running in Tuesday's primary for a seat in the 16th Judicial Circuit, says he's "learned from" a black mark on his legal career that resulted in a 30-day suspension of his law license five years ago. ...
TB cases trigger tighter screening at Kane County shelters
Homeless shelters in Kane and DuPage counties are being urged to aggressively screen new clients for tuberculosis after two active cases were confirmed at Hesed House in Aurora. ...
Ryan wants GOP investigation into McKenna made public
Republican governor candidate Jim Ryan on Thursday called on party officials to make public all documents related to an investigation of former GOP Chairman Andy McKenna. ...
Illinois a big winner under Obama's high-speed rail plan
A faster train trip from Chicago to St. Louis through Springfield may not mean that much unless you're a Cardinals fan or state lawmaker - but supporters of high speed rail say an influx of federal funding also means jobs. ...Aurora police union agrees to concessions
The union representing the rank-and-file of the Aurora Police Department has agreed to contract concessions....Auroran's suit: Black Eyed Peas stole song
A local songwriter has charged internationally famous band The Black Eyed Peas with ripping him off. ...Commitment issue in Kane 5th District
The Republican primary for Kane County Board's District 5 is a question of commitment. ...
Counting on the future
Neither 10-degree temperatures nor greetings from dogs at the door have stopped volunteers this week from getting out the word about the upcoming national headcount. ...
Hispanic board highlights inspirations
Rosary High School senior Rachel Maley entered an essay about how her parents were raised by immigrant families from the Philippines, Mexico and Ireland. ...Kendall GOP newcomers say it's time for change
Republican Kendall County voters will have a tough decision to make next week when they hit the polls and choose their District 2 County Board candidates. ...Rove: The State of the Union Is No 'Reset' Button
Presidential ratings usually drop after the speech....
Obama urges nervous Dems to fight for his agenda
Caught between disgruntled voters and a president urging them to press ahead on divisive issues such as health care, Democratic lawmakers must soon decide whether Barack Obama is leading them toward statesmanlike courage or political folly. ...Tardy state payments may cut classes at West Chicago's schools
Illinois owes almost $8 million to districts with a combined deficit of almost $10 million....High-speed rail plan to move at slower pace
Illinois' plans for high-speed passenger trains, designed to transform rail into a preferred transportation option and create jobs, will move forward on a slower track than some officials had anticipated. ...U. of I. faces 2nd Tribune lawsuit
Newspaper seeks information that it believes could explain why U. of I. applicants were placed on admissions clout lists, the federal suit says....Kane County Fair's new hall: Prairie Events Center
What's in a name? Distinction and appeal, according to Chris Unger, executive manager of the Kane County Fair, which has named its new exhibition hall The Prairie Events Center in St. Charles. ...
U46 using arrests to discourage school fights
Safety training. Lockdowns. Police liaison officers in middle schools and high schools. Despite these measures to ensure safety in the hallways of School District U46's schools, fights, injuries and student arrests are still happening, staff and district officials say. ...Regional plan highlights water conservation
A regional water planning group is recommending a wide range of conservation strategies to prevent water shortages. ...Trends show more moving out of county
For years, Phil Ressler enjoyed seeing new faces from far away each Sunday, people who came to central Kane County from elsewhere in the Chicago area or perhaps from even farther away. ...
Attack ads come on strong in final week
As the final week of aggressive campaigning for two top ticket races gets under way, new TV ads have been unleashed aimed at undermining support for candidates in the Senate and governor primaries....Aurora to buy 1st home with stabilization cash
The city has purchased its first home through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program. ...Health firm may add jobs at warehouse in Aurora
More jobs could be coming to a pharmaceutical distribution center in Aurora following the closing of an Ohio warehouse. ...Longtime Kane board member faces first-time foe
The Democratic primary race for the District 7 Kane County Board seat is a true contrast, at least as far as experience goes. ...Tuberculosis cases linked to Hesed House
The Kane County Health Department has confirmed two active cases of tuberculosis, both with connections to Hesed House in Aurora. ...Terrorism task force funds come to Kane Co.
Kane County: The front line on the war on terrorism?...
St. Charles doctor part of team serving at Olympics
Richard Arriviello of St. Charles is going to the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in February, but not in the capacity that you might think. He is not going as a spectator, and he is not going as an athlete. He is going as a doctor. ...Contests in both parties for 16th Circuit judge
It's a crowded field in the race for a Kane County judicial seat. The winner of this race will be selected by Kane County voters, but could be assigned to serve anywhere in the circuit, which includes Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties. ...Al-Qaeda seeks WMD, US unprepared: reports
The United States has not done enough to protect the country against the threat of weapons of mass destruction even as Al-Qaeda appears intent on staging a large-scale attack, reports said. ...Trib: A worldwide disgrace
Around this time last year, U.N. leaders decided that the best way to cut rampant corruption in its ranks was to aggressively ... stop looking for it. ...State House GOP pushing campaign finance reform
Republican leaders Tuesday again stressed a need to limit the influence of party leaders in political campaigns - a push that comes one week before primary elections where they hope to set the stage for a comeback against the majority party. ...Land near Elgin Mental Health Center up for sale again
A large tract of land near the Elgin Mental Health Center is again up for sale, this time for $10 million, after its owner pulled the plug on developing an industrial park at the southwest corner of Route 31 and Route 20. ...
Durbin, Biggert to host meeting on Asian carp
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert have called a meeting on Wednesday of House and Senate leaders from states surrounding the Great Lakes to chart a path forward in the effort to contain Asian carp in Illinois. ...Hultgren apologizes after ad rips Hastert
State Sen. Randy Hultgren has apologized to 14th Congressional District voters for a flier his campaign sent out last week that fired several shots at his opponent, attorney Ethan Hastert, in the Republican primary election. ...WSJ: Abdulmutallab in 50 Minutes
The more we learn about his 'interrogation,' the worse White House policy looks. ...Employment rate for teens plunges in Illinois
Teens competing with older people for entry-level jobs....
Pat Quinn, Dan Hynes ramp up rancor in final TV debate
Democratic rivals focus on distant history in Chicago politics....
Congressional Budget Office predicts slow economic recovery
Congressional economists are predicting a slow rebound of the economy, with unemployment averaging 10.1 percent this year as the economy grows by just over 2 ...Connecting with a local group
New groups that connect budding professionals have popped up all over the region in the past three years. These groups offer a venue for information sharing, socializing, community building, networking for work-related reasons and fun. Many of the young professionals featured in today's story belong to a formal group or club that they said helped them find jobs, make friends and get involved. ...
ECC to stand pat on tuition rate for a 4th year
While colleges around the state continue to hike their tuition rates, Elgin Community College is holding its steady. ...Elgin may OK 72-hour parking at downtown lots
The city council will consider moving along recommendations allowing 72-hour parking in downtown garages and parking restrictions along Tollgate Road when council members meet at Wednesday evening's committee of the whole session. ...U46 eyes high school electives for cuts
In the classrooms of Bartlett High School last week, some students were asked to prioritize the elective courses they registered to take during the 2010-2011 school year. ...Foster leads in 4th quarter money race
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Batavia, came out ahead in the money department out of those who are seeking the 14th District seat, scoring more cash than both GOP challengers who hope to run against him in November, federal election records show. ...Haiti relief effort continues in Tri-Cities
Kyle Hunter and Jacob Werner don't believe what they did at church Sunday morning will change the situation in Haiti. ...Huge cuts in U-46, and more may be needed, official says
To address a mounting deficit, Elgin Area School District U-46 plans to make $40 million in cuts - roughly 10 percent of its budget - next school year. ...North Aurora considering annexing neighborhood
Hilltop Drive homeowners have until the end of this week to decide whether to annex their properties to the village. ...'We've ridden those waves before'
Effort goes on: Despite uncertainty with needed state funding, special school is still serving tots with special needs ...
Judge hopefuls offer experience on bench
Two candidates who already have judicial experience are running for a circuit judge seat in the 16th Circuit. ...Mooseheart to take in 50 quake victims
As many as 50 children orphaned or displaced by the recent earthquake in Haiti could be coming to Kane County. ...Pew Poll: Public's Priorities for 2010: Economy, Jobs, Terrorism
Energy Concerns Fall, Deficit Concerns Rise....Byrne: Wanted: Pols who'll challenge unions
The primary election is Feb. 2. Do you know who will take on the public employee unions and their pensions? Because if we can't elect people who are committed to figuring out how Illinois will crawl out of an $80 billion-plus debt owed to public employee pension funds, the state surely will get flushed ...Hastert campaigning on more than famous name
It's been four years since the name Hastert has appeared on ballots in the Fox Valley's 14th Congressional District. But will Ethan Hastert's famous last name turn out to be a boon or a burden? ...Hultgren wants government to back off on business
Randy Hultgren has been at this a long time. The second-term state senator is in his 12th year in the Illinois legislature, having served four terms in the House before winning his Senate seat in 2006. Before that, he served on the DuPage County Board for four years. ...D303 cuts 2010-11 school year budget
Students and parents led a charge Thursday night at the School District 303 budget meeting, making impassioned pleas that the district not change its middle-school music program. ...Hultgren ad rips Hastert on law firm's affiliation
The race for the Republican nomination in the 14th Congressional District has been marked by civility and an emphasis on the issues. But heading into the home stretch, it looks like the gloves might be coming off....
Kane rental assistance money still available
They were being foreclosed on, and faced moving with nowhere to go. The central Kane County family had no money for rent, obviously, because they had no money for their mortgage. So Lazarus House came to their aid. ...Kane budget debate rises as issue in treasurer's race
Incumbent Kane County Treasurer David J. Rickert is up against a local small-business owner in the February primary. ...Early voting tally dismally low so far
With less than a week left for early voting, the numbers in Kane County and across the area look dismally low, according to election officials. ...
Eight join Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame
Eight individuals representing the visual, performing and media arts, as well as a new classification for supporters of art and culture, were named as inductees into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame on Friday. ...
White House caught in Democrats' crossfire
Congressional Democrats — stunned out of silence by Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts — say they’re done swallowing their anger with President Barack Obama and ready to go public with their gripes. ...Obama hammers Wall Street banks
The global banking industry was thrown into turmoil on Thursday after President Barack Obama , responding to public rage over the financial crisis, proposed the most far-reaching overhaul of Wall Street since the 1930s. ...
Zorn: Quinn, Hynes dicker over trifles as serious problems loom
It didn't take long for the debate between Gov. Pat Quinn and state Comptroller Dan Hynes to clatter down onto the low road....U. of I. to increase tuition at least 9 percent
University of Illinois interim President Stanley Ikenberry cautioned Thursday that the next tuition increase would be at least 9 percent, but also "could go double that" in light of the state's bleak financial picture. ...Dundee parks panel debates plans for making plans
After finding an $11 million funding source through the federal Build America bonds program, Dundee Township Park District trustees now must decide how they might spend up to $40 million in district funds over the next 25 years to build new recreation facilities and other park development projects. ...More fine-tuning for S. Elgin's RV parking law
Before the village's planning and zoning commission meets again on Feb. 17, the long-proposed recreational and commercial vehicle ordinance will get yet another update. ...Space squeeze to ease at ECC
After graduating from Streamwood High School in 2005, Laura Porten was set on becoming a nurse. ...Canadian Brass brings worldwide reputation to NCC
If you see Canadian Brass at its upcoming Naperville performance, you might be seeing an original member's final performance in the Chicago area. Trombonist and founding member Gene Watts is thinking about retirement. And it's something he's excited about. ...D303 accepts most proposed cuts, saves music instruction
Students sitting in the front row of folding chairs in the Thompson Middle School library were among the dozens who showed up for Thursday’s special Board of Education meeting devoted to how District 303 will dig itself out of a $5.7 million deficit. ...Lauzen questions Michels about relationship with Sugar Grove engineering firm
State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, and a watchdog group are questioning the ethics of Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels because his father Jim Michel's engineering firm has received $8.7 million from Sugar Grove over the past 12 years. ...Frozen chicken pot pie products recalled; might contain foreign materials
The Kane County Health Department is advising that Park 100 Foods, Inc., a Kokomo, Ind., establishment, is recalling approximately 19,200 pounds of frozen chicken pot pie products that may contain foreign materials. ...
Glen Ellyn sports complex stunning ... and stunningly over budget
Cost rose taxpayer-approved $7.4 million to final $11.2 million....Shelter asks towns to back spay, neutering program
Sandy Shelby minces no words when talking about the situation with animals in Kane County. "There is a huge overpopulation problem," said Shelby, director of the Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. ...Sheriff candidates promote restructuring of department
Two Republicans facing off next month for a chance to unseat Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez have different ideas for reshaping the Sheriff's Department....Volunteers step forward for WVHS fundraiser
The Waubonsie Valley High School PTA came awfully close to closing the curtain on its annual auction, known for raising thousands of dollars for scholarships and school grants. ...COD official tells homeowners of business resources
Tough economic times call for thinking outside the box. And College of DuPage is ready to help people cope with the challenges of the most serious recession since the early 1980s. ...Trib: After Massachusetts
Democrats in Washington spent most of Wednesday gasping for breath and searching for reasons their candidate lost to Republican Scott Brown in Tuesday's U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts. ...Kass: Nice job, Massachusetts; now it's Illinois' turn
The Democratic disaster in Massachusetts the other day -- with Republican Scott Brown winning the U.S. Senate seat and breaking 50 years of Kennedy hegemony -- has rattled President Barack Obama and Democrats....
Supreme Court lifts curbs on corporate political donations
The Supreme Court this morning overturned the long-standing federal law that bars corporations from using their money to sway federal elections and ruled companies have a free-speech right to spend as much as they want to persuade voters to elect or defeat candidates for Congress and the White House. ...
The Madigan Rules
House Speaker Michael Madigan says he follows a personal code of conduct to avoid conflicts of interest. Even so, some clients of his private law firm have benefited from his public actions....
Algonquin man's Olympics bid is dashed
First there was the fall as Rockne Brubaker of Algonquin and his partner, Keauna McLaughlin, attempted a side-by-side jump -- a triple salchow -- on Friday at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Wash. ...
Elgin group studying future of transportation
Continuing talks on making the area more environmentally friendly focused Tuesday night on expanding the use of trains, buses and bicycles countywide. ...Farmers wrapping up disappointing local harvest
Eldon Gould will be happy to leave the 2009 growing and harvest year behind him. ...Village votes to settle suit with former finance director
Village trustees voted to settle a lawsuit filed by its former finance director for $13,500, officials said. ...Batavia Park District's proposed plan to build a recreation center would not require tax increase
The Batavia Park District looks to fund a proposed recreation center without going to referendum. ...Sheriff candidates want to do more with resources
A man who has spent his entire career in the Kane County Sheriff’s Office squares off Feb. 2 against a man who says the office needs a fresh perspective. ...
Local officials fear Andrzejewski tax plan
One GOP governor candidate's idea to keep more than a billion dollars in income tax revenue in the state's bank account rather than distribute it to municipalities could have devastating effects on local governments, area officials say. ...Is Illinois next? GOP suddenly enthused after Mass. victory
Mark Livesay's sick of the political status quo. So after Tuesday's stunning election results on the East Coast, he put up a "Thank you, Massachusetts" sign outside his Arlington Heights home remodeling business. ...Poor in suburbs up 47%
Chicago area suburbs saw a 47 percent spike in the number of poor, and the nation's suburbs were home to the largest and fastest-growing poor population in the country from 2000 to 2008. ...13-year-old recovering from brain aneurysm
Many communities come together to assist East middle schooler....Mission of love
Former St. Thomas the Apostle mom heading to Haiti for adoptive daughter....Neighbors want help for wounded deer
It's not uncommon around the Fox Valley to see lifeless deer lying on the side of the road, having been struck by a vehicle. Usually, someone will come take the body, and if there are no personal injuries, everyone goes on their merry way. ...Sandwich schools detail state's IOUs
The state is close to $1 million short in its payments to the Sandwich School District....
Fun turns into fundraiser for SC schools helping Haiti victims
What was originally scheduled as a fun volleyball game against friendly rivals Ferson Creek and Corron elementary schools had its somber moments Tuesday night as families gathered to raise money for Haitian earthquake victims. ...
Devil’s Head Resort & Convention Center
Thrill seekers received an early Christmas present this winter with the unwrapping of the new “Sidewinder” ski run at Devil’s Head Resort & Conference Center in Merrimac, WI. Dramatic contours, banked walls and multiple shelves & dropoffs make this a spectacular run. ...
ARC Taste of Galena celebrates 20 years
20th Annual ARC Taste of Galena - February 5. ...
Scott Brown roars to Senate upset win
Upstart Republican Scott Brown rocketed to victory in the race to the U.S. Senate yesterday, steamrolling Attorney General Martha Coakley’s layabout campaign in an against-all-odds triumph that sent shock waves from the Heartland to the White House....
Pat Quinn, Dan Hynes shed gloves in debate
Comptroller assails prisoner program; governor accuses rival of backstabbing....Briefs: Snow-sculpting event at Geneva Commons
Artists will transform blocks of snow into intricate creations at Geneva's Snow Sculpting event 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 20 through 22 at Geneva Commons. Now in its second year, the snow sculpting exhibition is sponsored by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and will take place at the east end of Dick's Sporting Goods parking lot. ...Nearly 100 protest layoffs in Naperville's police force
Naperville police officers and their supporters showed up to a city council meeting en masse Tuesday to protest the recent elimination of 10 sworn officer positions from the department. ...Great Lakes Naval base personnel headed for Haiti
As the death toll from the Haitian earthquake rises, nurses, technicians and corpsmen from the Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago are headed for the devastated Caribbean island to help survivors....East Aurora OKs staff additions despite reservations
Interpreters, special education staff and a new human resources person are on tap for the East Aurora School District, but one former board member has her concerns. ...Local, state officials happy with carp ruling
A federal motion to close the Chicago canal system was denied Tuesday, just hours before officials announced the discovery of Asian carp DNA in Lake Michigan....Nurse donates kidney to hospital guard
Doctors diagnosed Ray Andrade with renal failure and gave him two options, a kidney transplant or remain on dialysis, an intensive, time-consuming medical procedure. ...Oswego dumps recycling contract
Leaders vow the village will stay environmentally friendly, although it is saying goodbye to the big green garbage cans placed on Main Street a year ago. ...Volunteers answering the call at Aurora center
With all the news of the devastation from the earthquake in Haiti, local residents are responding with increased support for Feed My Starving Children. ...
Yorkville couple awaits word on family in Haiti
Jugens Bidonne and his wife, Marie Lavaud, are staying close to the phone these days. ...Briefs: Best-selling novelist at Books Between Bites
New York Times best-selling novelist Brad Thor will appear at the Batavia Public Library's Books Between Bites at noon on Thursday, Jan. 21. ...Ex-journalists now working for county govt.
Kane County's efforts to spruce up its official Web site have attracted some help from former Fourth Estate members. ...Video gambling revival stalls in Kane
An attempt to resuscitate debate on a Kane County video gambling ban all but flatlined Tuesday....Rialto hosts Leon Redbone, Leo Kottke
Singer and musician Leon Redbone is a man of mystery, and it is clear he prefers to defy definition rather than be burdened by any restrictions as to who he is and what he does. ...Krauthammer: Obama's activism led to popular resistance
-- What went wrong? A year ago, he was king of the world. Now President Barack Obama's approval rating, according to CBS, has dropped to 46 percent -- and his disapproval rating is the highest ever recorded by Gallup at the beginning of an (elected) president's second year. ...Profile: McKenna a study in contrasts
Candidate for governor trying to distinguish himself in a crowded GOP field....
Chilling heart patients to stop brain damage
Provena Saint Joseph Hospital is putting a freeze on brain damage from a heart attack. ...Feds: Elgin, U46 workers got kickbacks in 1990s
A federal Department of Justice Web posting says several Elgin School District U46 employees and a worker for the city of Elgin were among those who got kickbacks in the 1990s and earlier this decade from representatives of a Des Plaines-based contractor. ...
Race for the Senate
The battle for the Republican nomination for the 25th state Senate seat pits a longtime senator against a challenger who promises to do more for the district. ...Cookies for soldiers: Local Girl Scouts send thousands of treats to troops overseas
Many people consider military personnel serving overseas their heroes. To some servicemen and women, their heroes also wear uniforms – Girl Scout uniforms. ...
Help steps up, but so does scale of Haiti tragedy
The staggering scope of Haiti's nightmare came into sharper focus Monday as authorities estimated 200,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless in the quake-ravaged heart of this tragic land, where injured survivors still died in the streets, doctors pleaded for help and looters slashed at one another in the rubble. ...State high court in no rush, Rauschenberger stays on ballot
The Illinois Supreme Court is in no rush to take up the case of whether Steve Rauschenberger is in fact qualified to be on the Republican ballot in a state Senate race. ...
Biggert backs Kirk Dillard's bid for governor
U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert announced her support for state Sen. Kirk Dillard in his Republican campaign for governor Monday afternoon....East Dundee wants former trustees to repay technology allowance
What the previous East Dundee village board giveth, the current village board plans to taketh away....Aurora black community wants MLK event back
Cynthia Latimer knows that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was all about action, not just words. ...
St. Charles plane crash victim remembered
Friends and family know exactly what 20-year-old Emma Biagioni would tell them now if she could. ...Yorkville's Spears: No to new senior panel spot
One of the most vocal advocates for the elderly in Yorkville has declined a seat on a mayor-appointed senior advisory committee. ...
Hultgren, Hastert show similarities in debate
You may not have noticed this, but there's an election coming up in two weeks. ...
Algonquin native an Olympic hopeful
If only his mother had gotten a refund on his first skate lesson at the Polar Dome at Santa's Village in East Dundee, Algonquin native Rockne Brubaker might not be poised to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics. ...
Haitian student a long way from home
It was just two weeks ago that Judson University student Sanon Eustache was back home in his native Haiti, spending the holidays with family and friends. ...Knights of Columbus aid community
They can be seen once or twice a year, selling Tootsie Rolls at major intersections in just about every community across the nation. Less visible, though, are the more than 60 million hours of volunteering that Knights of Columbus members perform every year in this country. ...
New law protects teacher evaluations from FOIA requests
Headway on the state's quest for millions in federal education dollars came at the expense of public access to records this week. ...Gov. candidates taking cash from companies with state ties
In a campaign where every candidate is championing ethics and reform, a review of early fundraising reports shows many of those seeking to be governor are taking money from companies receiving taxpayer dollars. ...
Neuqua Valley earns Kennedy honor for arts program
Neuqua Valley High School students and staff have known for some time that they've had something special in their fine and performing arts department....
Community support grows for Elgin family left homeless by explosion
Elgin authorities expect next week to have a report on what may have caused a gas leak, explosion and fire at a northeast side house Tuesday night....Cash denied for Old Copley, Kane projects
Redevelopment of the old Copley hospital site hit another setback Thursday. ...Lease-a-space parking opens near Rt. 59
Don't have a coveted commuter parking permit but wish you did? The Park Smart Club is offering commuters the chance to lease a space in its lot, which is adjacent to the Route 59 Naperville commuter lot. The lot is west of Route 59, just south of North Aurora Road on Weston Ridge Drive and directly behind Starbucks. ...New trophy adds heat to East-West rivalry
A new trophy will make the heated rivalry between the East Aurora and West Aurora high school basketball teams a little hotter. ...Yorkville emergency center OK'd
Rush-Copley Medical Center's request to build a freestanding emergency center in Yorkville has been approved....Batavians excited for downtown
A Chicago developer has unveiled concept plans to redevelop commercial real estate on Wilson Street within the heart of the city's downtown. ...Rt. 38/Kautz overpass work to start this year
A long-awaited road project important to both central Kane County and DuPage County could get under way this year. ...Some judicial candidates object to bar ratings
Seven candidates in the 16th Circuit Court judges races were not recommended in an evaluation released this week by a statewide attorneys group. ...Quinn calls for tax increase in State of the State speech
Gov. Pat Quinn today renewed his call for state lawmakers to work with him on raising taxes to balance the state budget while also offering targeted tax relief to lower- and middle-income workers. ...
High-tech method used to keep track of loved ones
When Sycamore resident Catherine Finn called the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office seeking a solution to her problem, she never expected that the person on the other end would know exactly what she was talking about. ...Geneva Eye Clinic buys former Chronicle building
The former home of The Chronicle will soon become the new home for a local ophthalmology practice and potentially other medical practitioners. ...
Naperville downtown protester loses Round One in legal battle
The city of Naperville won an early legal battle this morning in its long fight to keep Scott Huber from storing his belongings on downtown property. ...Neighbor helped rescue victims in Elgin house explosion
Fresh smoke continued to rise Wednesday from the rubble of a Tuesday night house explosion and subsequent fire on Elgin's east side, an "unusual event" that authorities say occurred as a result of a natural gas leak at the house next door....Prayer service for Haiti scheduled
A prayer service for victims and survivors of Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck the country of Haiti will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. ...Aurora not banning video gambling
With many Illinois communities taking a stand against video gambling, Aurora's wait-and-see attitude looks like something of an anomaly. ...Debate over ward funds back to committee
The City Council took time during its first meeting of the new year to discuss an old topic: ward funds and how they should be used. ...Feds sue bankrupt Aurora trucking firm
Labor Department hopes to recover $3 million in unpaid employee benefits....Geneva hopes grants will fund downtown plans
City officials are hoping grants from the Regional Transportation Authority and Kane County can pay for most of a downtown plan that has been on hold for several years. ...Kaneland eyes cuts to teachers, coaches, books
A combination of 20 certified and non-certified Kaneland teaching positions, two administrative posts, elementary fifth-grade band and nine high school coaches are among the proposed cutbacks in the Kaneland School District's budget for 2010-2011. ...Study compares school administrator salaries
Geneva School District administrators receive salaries that are either equal to or lower than those in other area school districts, according to a salary study conducted by the district over the last few months....Finances major factor if new bridge is to be built
Mayor Jeff Schielke couldn't venture to say when Batavia might see a second river crossing....Administrators lose jobs, deputies freeze wages
The Kane County sheriff has eliminated two of his command staff jobs, including his undersheriff, as part of an effort to reduce the department's budget deficit. ...Asian carp DNA found in Chicago River
DNA from the invasive Asian carp has been found closer to Lake Michigan than ever before, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday, renewing fears that the fish have breached the Romeoville electrical barrier meant to keep them from reaching the Great Lakes and destroying its multi-billion-dollar fishing industry. ...Batavia Alderman Linnea Miller dies
The city is mourning the loss of one of its biggest boosters with Tuesday's death of Alderman Linnea Miller. ...Seven hurt in fiery Elgin house explosion
An apparent gas leak Tuesday caused an explosion and house fire at 708 Elma Avenue just after 8 p.m. Tuesday. The blaze resulted in the a total loss of the home and has sent seven people to the hospital, officials report. ...Former St. Charles fire chief dies
Larry Swanson, who served as chief of the St. Charles Fire Department for more than 20 years, died this week. ...Kane gets $360,000 to focus on kids’ fitness
A $360,000 grant awarded to Kane County will help in the effort to trim childhood obesity. ...
Kane may reconsider ban on video gambling
While the Kane County Board voted to ban video gambling in unincorporated areas of the county last month, the matter may come up again for board members to reconsider. ...All-Canada Show brings great outdoors to Pheasant Run
The 27th annual All-Canada Show will visit Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 14-17, featuring Canada's top outdoor destinations. ...
The mini ice age starts here
The bitter winter afflicting much of the Northern Hemisphere is only the start of a global trend towards cooler weather that is likely to last for 20 or 30 years, say some of the world’s most eminent climate scientists. ...Illinois budget woes: State's unpaid bills hit a record $5 billion, and the cries of pain are getting louder
Even so, in an election year, prospects look murky for Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed income tax hike....Primary crowd battles for recognition in GOP Senate race
John Arrington Patrick Hughes Mark Kirk Donald Lowery Andy Martin Kathleen Thomas....D300 taking up the challenge of grant for healthier schools
The HealthierUS School Challenge soon may mean a healthier Community Unit School District 300. ...Illinois' statewide budget crunch hits home, threatening crucial services
Little did Angie Hunter know when she caught Gov. Pat Quinn explaining the state budget deal on the news last year that there would be a home-equity loan in her future. ...Hynes taking heat for hiring felon on much-criticized early release
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's opponent in the Democratic primary has criticized him for the early release of felons from state prisons. ...
Bronze Stars, cheers for Guard troops
Sgt. Patrick Henning stood expressionless, for the most part, during the reading of a brief description of the events that took place during his most recent tour in Afghanistan that led to him being awarded the Bronze Star for valor. ...
Police set up shop in new $108 million home
Good-bye to Aurora police headquarters at 350 N. River St., and good riddance. ...Economy slows growth around the Fox Valley
Aurora isn't the only city which has seen a slowdown in some development efforts over the past year. ...Kane officials eye early primary, video gaming
Over ham and eggs, county officials and state legislators hashed out issues concerning Kane County in the coming year....McCoys, Lindner to lead Schillerstrom campaign
Three well-known names in Fox Valley politics will lead GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Schillerstrom's campaign in Kane County. ...Sun-Times: Quinn's our pick in Democratic primary
One year ago, the state of Illinois hit one of the lowest points in its 191-year history. Then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich had been led away in handcuffs, charged with trying to sell Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat. His Springfield colleagues moved to excise the poison, swiftly impeaching him. ...
Trib: A step ahead of voters
Democrats Chris Dodd, Byron Dorgan and Bill Ritter announced Wednesday that yes, they can get out of politics before the voters ride them out....
Weathering storms
Like other communities these days, St. Charles is looking for cost savings everywhere it can....No threat following lockdown at Batavia school
Alice Gustafson Elementary School was on a soft lockdown for about an hour Wednesday after the Batavia Police Department received a report of an armed person in the area of the school on Carlisle Road. ...
Aurora: Unfair labor pracices by police union
The city has filed a complaint against the Aurora police union, charging members of the union leadership with unfair labor practices. ...More unions agree to concessions
The city has reached concession agreements with two more of its main unions, bringing the total number of agreements to five. ...
Rockin' on the river, for a good cause
Perhaps this town's new public relations slogan should be "Geneva Rocks." A rock is the centerpiece of a new Geneva Rotary Club fundraiser that could change fundraising as we know it. ...Key Wester wants to see you often
Recognizing that finances play a role when people decide to eat out, Key Wester Grill debuted a new menu this fall that includes entrees with lower prices and also more non-seafood dishes. ...Author info
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