March 5 Newsletter: Proposed state zoning law changes causing a stir locally

Plus a new Batavia restaurant guide, local Underground Railroad sites, and a powerhouse in the Tri-Cities arts community.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 5-8

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.

Geneva moves to add security cameras at city hall, police station, and public works

Geneva officials recommended installing security cameras at city hall, the police station, and the public works facility, closing coverage gaps that staff say have caused issues in the past.

Illinois governor's housing plan puts Batavia mayor — and other suburbs — on alert

Gov. Pritzker's proposal for the state to override local residential zoning laws has Batavia's mayor and the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus organizing opposition — and even a trip down to Springfield.

Elburn plans additional water tests after PFAS detection

Elburn officials are retesting the village's drinking water after notifying residents that the state detected a PFAS compound above recommended reporting levels in a village well.

Local creative powerhouse Ellen Ljung has built a life in art and advocacy

Longtime Tri-Cities creative Ellen Ljung continues to shape the local arts and nonprofit community through her award-winning glasswork, published books, wearable art, and decades of volunteer service around the Tri-Cities.

The 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide is now available

Batavia MainStreet has released its 2026 Downtown Batavia Restaurant Guide, spotlighting 35 local bars, cafés, and restaurants to help residents and visitors plan their next meal out.

March 2 Newsletter: Vintage Shop Hop weekend approaches

Plus plans are progressing for Batavia's new downtown plaza, election resources as the March 17 Primary approaches, and a mysterious headstone in Geneva.

Pickleball, blues, and a good cause: North Aurora event aims to connect generations

Organized by local advocates, a grassroots pickleball and blues night on March 13 in North Aurora will raise money for local senior programs while bringing the community together for an evening of connection and fun.

Tri-Cities Obituaries: March 2, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 2-5

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles from Monday to Thursday.

Batavia's River Street Plaza project approved with summer opening in sight

Batavia officials are progressing plans for the new River Street Plaza downtown — complete with seating, landscaping, art, and a self-cleaning public restroom — with construction expected to kick off in March or April.

Vintage Shop Hop returns to the Tri-Cities this weekend

More than 400 vintage shops across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin — including 23 in the Fox Valley — will take part in the Vintage Shop Hop March 6 and 7, inviting shoppers to plan their own self-guided weekend road trip.

February 26 Newsletter: The newest addition to Geneva's cafe scene

Plus a big year for downtown business and tourism in St. Charles, a Geneva wine spot is going out of business, and an update on the Kane County Sheriff's race.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 26 - March 1

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.

St. Charles Business Alliance points to downtown momentum while outlining 2026 goals

The St. Charles Business Alliance highlighted steady hotel occupancy, a successful Unwind Wednesday event series that it plans to expand, and a boost in downtown programming as it seeks city funding for its 2026 initiatives.

Geneva Wine Cellars announces closure, final sale set for this weekend

Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room announced that it will close its Third Street location after more than 12 years and is holding a final 20% off sale on February 27 and 28.

Savia Cafe brings coffee, culture, and baked goods to downtown Geneva

Savia Cafe recently opened at Geneva’s Metra station, bringing a cozy new grab-and-go coffee and baked goods spot — with Mexican-inspired drinks and plans to expand — to the growing local cafe scene.

Club Champion opens golf club fitting studio at Geneva Commons

The national Club Champion brand has opened a custom golf club fitting studio at the Geneva Commons, offering tailored fittings to help local golfers improve their game.

February 19 Newsletter: Top fish fry spots near the Tri-Cities

Plus local candidates share their positions during recent voter forums, Batavia explores new e-bike and e-moto regulations, and Illinois' "biggest cat show."

Kane County Clerk launches new voter wait time app

Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham just announced the launch of a new online “Voter Wait Time” app that lets voters check estimated line lengths at polling places ahead of the March 17 primary election.

Batavia eyes new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and electric dirt bikes

Batavia officials discussed drafting a local ordinance to improve safety and enforcement around e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered electric dirt bikes ahead of spring and summer riding season.

League of Women Voters urges residents to mail ballots by March 10

The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County is urging local voters using mail-in ballots for the March 17 primary to mail them by March 10 or drop them off in person to ensure they’re counted.

Batavia's Bocaditos Cafe Awarded $10K grant through Main Street America Program

Batavia MainStreet announced that Bocaditos Cafe received a $10,000 national “Backing Small Business” grant, which the downtown Batavia café used to buy new equipment and expand its offerings.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: February 19-22

Performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles on Thursday through Sunday.