Back by popular demand — sweet deals and specials at local establishments.

These should all be current, but it’s worth noting that they’re subject to change at any moment. I tried to feature a mixture of happy hours and general daily specials.

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☑️ Ongoing litigation: A local business/property owner has sued the City of Batavia and several city officials for alleged racial discrimination and violation of property rights.

☑️ Final stretch: After more than two decades in the position, Geneva alderman Craig Maladra will step down at the end of the month.

☑️ Cash bail: One year has passed since Illinois abolished cash bail, allowing judges to decide who stays in jail before their trial — and data shows that crime rates have fallen. Not everyone agrees it’s a success.

☑️ Command change: St. Charles Fire Chief Scott Swanson will retire after nearly 40 years of service, passing the reins to his Deputy Fire Chief. A farewell celebration will be held October 25.

🔒 Pollinator politics: A disagreement between Geneva neighbors over residential beehives has sparked buzz about the practice of urban beekeeping and whether it should be regulated.

☑️ Roadway updates: Western Avenue and Heather Road at Fabyan Parkway have reopened. In Geneva, the Fox Valley Marathon will require road closures on Sunday (9/22), pedestrian traffic will be limited near the Geneva Metra station this weekend, and the sidewalk/curb maintenance program starts today (9/19).

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☑️ Service snapshot: Explore the St. Charles Police and Fire Department annual reports for interesting statistics, safety initiatives and insights on emergency calls and local traffic hotspots.

☑️ Special opportunity: Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles will award a variety of grants (up to $5K) to local nonprofit organizations that are solving big problems. Applications are now open.

☑️ Canine support: The Batavia Police Department just introduced a new “comfort dog” named River. See photos and learn how River will be helping the community.

☑️ Civic action: The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County will be hosting several educational and get-out-the-vote events from late September through Election Day on November 5.

☑️ Cycling survey: Geneva’s Bike & Pedestrian Committee has applied for the city to be recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly Community.” If you often bike in Geneva, consider completing this League of American Bicyclists survey. 

🔒 Timeless ties: Two Batavia high school sweethearts recently celebrated 65 years of marriage at their original wedding venue — on a day Mayor Schielke proclaimed "Ronn and Pat Pittman Day."

If you keep presenting me with summer weather, I’m going to keep taking advantage of outdoor live music. This weekend looks to be no exception.

Here’s every performance in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles for Thursday through Sunday.

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Now’s the perfect time to turn the page on summer and explore The Little Traveler’s autumn selections — and harvest the season’s hottest trends.

Visit the store’s Gourmet, Wine, Candy and Tea Rooms to discover creative ways to make your autumn more flavorful. While you’re there, check out the Fair Trade gallery to support conservation with a plushie animal.

☑️ The dawn is coming: This Saturday (9/21), Emagine Batavia will celebrate “National Batman Day” with back-to-back showings of the The Dark Knight trilogy films.

☑️ Unfortunate trend: A new report reveals that Chicagoland faces the second-highest inflation rate among major metro areas across the U.S.

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🎟️ Fall Pumpkin Festival | Daily thru 10/31 | Windy Acres Farm, Geneva | Tons of seasonal fun for the whole family.

☑️️ It’s Our Fox River Day Scavenger Hunt | Sat 9/21, All Day | STC Library | Little ones can learn about the river while completing a scavenger hunt across the library.

☑️️ Holmstad Bazaar | Sat 9/21, 9AM-3PM | The Holmstad, Batavia | Peruse a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items while supporting community organizations.

☑️️ Autumn Fair | Sat 9/21, 11AM-3PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Bring the kids for a day full of pony rides, petting zoos and a variety of other exciting activities.

☑️️ Book Signing w/ Becca Grischow | Sat 9/21, 1-3PM | Harvey’s Tales, Geneva | Meet and chat with the local author who just published a new novel.

🎟️ Penrose Oktoberfest | Sat 9/21, 2-10PM | Penrose Brewery, Geneva | Beer, German fare, stein-hoisting and live music for the whole family.

☑️️ Hoppy Fall Sip & Shop | Sun 9/22, 11AM-4PM | Grainology, Batavia | Browse 12 vendors and enjoy a food pop-up, live music and shopping.

☑️️ Fall FUNdraiser | Sun 9/22, 11:30AM-3PM | Batavia Covenant Preschool | Tons of kids’ activities plus live music, food/drink, auctions and more.

🎟️ Brews for Big Hearts | Sun 9/22, 12-6PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Enjoy tasty beer, food and live music while raising funds for Big Hearts of the Fox Valley.

☑️️ Water Street Writers: Summer Show | Sun 9/22, 5PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Experience unique literary entertainment from local authors along with refreshments.

🌤️ Today: High 90F | Low 62F | Potential record

🌤️ Friday: High 87F | Low 60F | Hot n’ humid

🌤️ Saturday: High 85F | Low 61F | More pleasant

🌤️ Sunday: High 77F | Low 62F | Sweet spot

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