St. Charles takes first step toward TIF for Pulte's 105-home project
St. Charles officials recommended hiring a consultant to explore setting up a new TIF district to help fund a Pulte Homes project that would add 105 homes to a vacant 28-acre industrial site on the west side.
A day of downtown shopping to feed neighbors in need
The 5th annual Passport to Batavia event returns on July 25, sending shoppers on a self-guided tour of east-side stores and Boardwalk shops to raise money for local food assistance programs.
Sam Kraft
Local news for Batavia, Geneva, & St. Charles
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Asian food, smoothies, and saunas: new businesses open up shop in St. Charles
St. Charles has welcomed the newly opened Soksay Kitchen, Smoothie King, and Perspire Sauna Studio, giving residents new spots for Asian street food, smoothies, and infrared sauna sessions.
Village of Elburn's water system gets clean result in latest test
Elburn just finished its latest round of required PFAS testing with a clean result, and the village's 2025 water quality report is now live for residents to review.
Batavia group organizes scavenger hunt to help families unplug
Distraction-Free Batavia is hosting "Unplug Batavia," a family scavenger hunt built around riddles that lead solvers to six scenic spots around town as a phone-free activity.
Batavia United Way announced $130K in Community Impact Grants to support local initiatives
Batavia United Way awarded $130K in Community Impact Grants to local nonprofits for the 2026-2027 year, backing programs in health, youth, financial security, and community resiliency.
Anderson Humane rescues dogs from tornado emergency in Springfield
Anderson Humane made a nearly 7-hour round trip to Springfield this week, bringing back six dogs displaced when a tornado destroyed the Animal Protective League's shelter and clinic there.
New rules limit protests at Kane County's courthouses
Kane County's chief judge has restricted courthouse protests to specific zones after weeks of unrest tied to federal immigration arrests near the St. Charles complex.
Exploring the 30+ local sites on the National Register of Historic Places
From grain elevators and railroad depots to 100-year-old churches, schools, and family farmsteads, these historic sites trace the Tri-Cities area back to its earliest settlers.
Wahlburgers abruptly closed its St. Charles location effective immediately on June 29 after six years on Randall Road, citing a lease expiration — though they said a new location is on the way.
Geneva Public Library takes home two national awards
The Geneva Public Library earned two national honors at a major industry conference, taking home the top prize in library PR for its funding campaign to connect more residents with valuable library resources.
Geneva's Swedish Days parade marches on in its 76th year
Geneva's 76th Swedish Days Parade rolled through downtown on Sunday after a coalition of local business sponsors united to help fund and organize the popular tradition — which almost didn't happen at all.
July 2 Newsletter: Historic sites in the Tri-Cities
Plus Wahlburgers abruptly closes its St. Charles location, new laws just went into effect in July, and Batavia's Boo Boo Days festival is quickly approaching.
June 29 Newsletter: A detailed look at who lives in the Tri-Cities
Plus Moonlight Theatre is leaving its St. Charles location, a huge new casino complex opened in Aurora, and a conversation with a long-time Batavia rabble rouser.
June 8 Newsletter: Summer getaway ideas along Lake Michigan
Plus the Little Owl building in Geneva is ready for lease, Batavia's Wednesday Evening Farmers Market starts this week, and a circus is coming to St. Charles.
June 4 Newsletter: What's your favorite local breakfast spot?
Plus an update on Batavia's riverfront affordable housing project, a St. Charles bar shut down by the city, and the Big Boy locomotive barrels through Geneva.
