Batavia rethinking approach to energy plan after residents push back on first draft

Batavia paid a consultant $385K to draft a long-term energy plan, but council members and residents say the first attempt fell short — and now they're sending it back for a rewrite while exploring a task force.

Your guide to election results in the Tri-Cities area

Unofficial results show that Geneva voters rejected a $59.4 million bond measure for a new police station as Kane County wrapped up its March primary with results across several contested races.

St. Charles water and sewer rates may be going up significantly

St. Charles officials signaled support for a utility rate hike that would push a typical resident's combined bill nearly 50% higher by 2029, with further discussion and a public hearing coming on April 6.

Batavia's new e-mobility and e-bike ordinance is officially on the books

Batavia officials approved the city's first e-mobility ordinance Monday, which sets fines, age rules, and clear definitions for e-bikes, scooters, and motorized bikes. The city is planning a public education campaign before enforcement begins.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 19-22

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

Your guide to Easter weekend events across Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles

The next couple of weeks are packed with local egg hunts, bunny photos, and brunch options across Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles — here's the full rundown of Easter events.

A Rooted Home is getting a permanent spot in downtown Batavia

A Rooted Home, a fan favorite from last year's Batavia Boardwalk Shops, is opening a permanent downtown storefront with a "first look" event this Saturday (3/21) and a Grand Opening on March 28.

Steel Beam Theatre closes after 24 years — new youth theater takes its stage

Steel Beam Theatre has closed after 24 years, and the St. Charles venue is reopening as The Fox Youth Stage with a focus on youth theater programming.

March 16 Newsletter: Readers voice concerns about affordability in the Tri-Cities

Plus a LaFox of Campton Hills TIF update, a deep dive into Batavia's windmill history, and several wine-focused events for the week ahead.

TCC readers think the Tri-Cities are getting harder to afford — here's what they said

Nearly three in four Tri-Cities residents who responded to our affordability poll say the area is getting out of reach for people who aren't already established here.

Tri-Cities Obituaries: March 16, 2026

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 16-19

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

Campton Hills board advances $90M LaFox TIF district amid pushback

The Campton Hills Joint Review Board backed a $90 million TIF district for the 900-home LaFox of Campton Hills development, but park, library, and county officials warned the tax freeze could cost their districts significantly.

Batavia officials back school district's bid to expand its Main Street footprint — over some objections

Batavia's Committee of the Whole voted 10-2 to recommend letting the school district purchase 812 Main Street for storage despite some objections that the move will harm the city's redevelopment vision.

Elburn's water retested after PFAS detection — no contamination found

Elburn retested its drinking water after a PFAS compound showed up in a December sample — and both follow-up tests came back clean.

March 12 Newsletter: Local arts community busy with new events, initiatives, and honors

Plus St. Patrick's Day events, a new solar site approved near St. Charles, and weighing in on affordability in the Tri-Cities area.

St. Charles eyes downtown safety upgrades along popular cycling corridor

St. Charles officials are pursuing a planning contract to study safety and streetscaping improvements along the busy Riverside Avenue corridor, where cyclists and cars have faced challenges coexisting near the Fox River Trail.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 12-15

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

Meet the Geneva neighbor who will reorganize your entire house — or small business

A Geneva woman has turned a lifelong obsession with organization and modern decor into The Polished Nest, a new home organizing and decorating business serving the Tri-Cities area.

Local drive collecting household essentials for Heritage Woods seniors

A local collection initiative culminating in a special "shopping event" is gathering household and personal care essentials for fixed-income seniors at Heritage Woods of Batavia through April 3.

Downtown Geneva to "explode" with colorful art in May

Downtown Geneva is turning local shops and restaurants into pop-up galleries for a free, one-day Art Explosion event on May 2 featuring painting, sculpture, music, dance, and more.

TriCity Family Services to host “Search Party” scavenger hunt fundraiser in downtown Geneva

TriCity Family Services is hosting a downtown Geneva scavenger hunt fundraiser on April 17 where teams of four can explore the city while raising money for local mental health services.

March 9 Newsletter: A week of St. Patrick's Day festivities

Plus a popular coffee chain may be coming to St. Charles, the debut of Batavia's first dispensary, and a Batman-like Grappler device in action in Kane County.

Tri-Cities Live Music Events: March 9-12

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

St. Patrick's Day is almost here — here's everything happening in the Tri-Cities

St. Patrick's Day is bringing a packed week of Irish-themed events to the Tri-Cities — from the annual St. Charles parade and downtown opening ceremony to corned beef cook-offs, paint nights, family strolls, and more across S. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and North Aurora.