Mayor says developers already scoping out Batavia as state housing bill advances
According to the mayor, speculators are already walking Batavia neighborhoods and requesting city infrastructure information in anticipation of the state's BUILD plan as the legislation works through Springfield.
It's going to be a busy summer of school-related projects in Geneva
Geneva CUSD 304 is kicking off a major summer of capital improvements in June, with projects planned at nearly every school in the district — from new tennis courts and parking lots at the high school to improvements at both middle schools.
Blacksmith shop wrapped in plastic as fines keep adding up
Geneva's historic 1843 blacksmith shop was wrapped in white plastic last week, raising questions about whether the move (made without notifying the city) will protect or accelerate the deterioration of a landmark at the center of a lengthy standoff.
Two Brothers plans to move its tap house — and bring 180 apartments with it
Two Brothers Brewing is partnering with a developer on a 20-acre mixed-use project in Warrenville that would relocate its tap house (which is adjacent to Fermilab) to a Butterfield Road site with 180 new apartment and a community green space.
St. Charles housing affordability hits 16-year low
St. Charles housing affordability has fallen to a 16-year low of 8%, prompting city officials to explore tools like teardown formula changes and pushing developers to include affordable units in new projects.
North Aurora approves 99-home Silverleaf subdivision on Deerpath Road
North Aurora's Village Board unanimously approved a revised 99-lot, single-family subdivision on 42 acres of Deerpath Road land that's been sitting undeveloped since 2008.
A local nonprofit is raffling off VIP access to Eric Clapton evens
Tri City Health Partnership is raffling off VIP tickets to the Crossroads Guitar Festival and an Eric Clapton concert, with only 200 tickets available at $100 each to support the valuable work of Kane County's only free clinic.
Healing Gardens in St. Charles to kick off 21st season on Mother's Day
Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm in St. Charles opens its 21st season (which runs through October) on Mother's Day with free plants for moms, a yoga session in the gardens, and its annual perennial sale the day before.
Batavia Boardwalk Shops open for seventh season on May 8
Downtown Batavia's Boardwalk Shops return on May 8 for their latest season of local vendors, handcrafted goods, and weekly "Downtown Dollar" raffle prizes at the corner of Wilson and River streets.
Pulte Homes pitches 105-home development on vacant factory site west of downtown St. Charles
The homebuilder presented a concept plan for 105 homes on a vacant 27-acre industrial site west of downtown St. Charles that would feature homes starting above $500K — but several sticking points would need to be worked out with the city first.
Proposal would fund Elburn-to-DeKalb Metra extension
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood has proposed $1.2 million in federal funding to help advance a Metra rail extension from Elburn to DeKalb, building on a planning study that's already underway.
Garfield Farm Museum to honor local land preservation efforts at annual awards dinner
Garfield Farm Museum's 35th Annual Awards Dinner on May 8 in Campton Hills will honor families and leaders who helped preserve open space and local history across the Fox Valley area.
Pal Joey's announces that it's closing its riverfront Batavia restaurant
The owner of Pal Joey's announced that it will close its Batavia riverfront location, citing "dramatic changes" in a heartfelt social media post that drew dozens of supportive comments, well wishes, and shared memories.
Kane County's recycling rate just hit a record low
Kane County's curbside recycling rate dropped to its lowest level since tracking began in 2011, sliding to 22.8% in 2025 from 25.1% the year before — and continues to trend downward.
Residents pack St. Charles meeting to oppose proposed Claibourne Farm housing development
Residents from several subdivisions packed a St. Charles committee meeting to oppose a proposed 76-home development on 38 acres of the historic Red Gate Farm property, citing traffic safety, density, water pressure, and other concerns.
Drug take-back day: Local spots to drop off unused medications on April 25
Several Tri-Cities area police departments and collection sites will accept unused medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (Saturday 4/25), offering a safe and convenient way to clean out your medicine cabinet.
Geneva may remove parking minimums for developments across downtown
A Geneva committee will consider a proposal to eliminate off-street parking requirements for new developments across its entire downtown area, expanding beyond what a new state law will require.
Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap opens May 9 in St. Charles' Fox Haven Square
Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap opens May 9 at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, bringing a scratch kitchen, a 22-foot LED sports wall, and a kids-eat-free family membership to the Kirk Road development.
Batavia eyes Mooseheart land for new police station — but park district is hesitant
Batavia wants to use part of a 20-acre Mooseheart land parcel that's scheduled to go to the park district to build a new $50 million police station, but park officials want to finish their own planning before making a decision.
St. Charles approves supportive housing program in partnership with Lazarus House
The City Council approved a 10-year, $224,515 grant from its Housing Trust Fund to partner with Lazarus House on a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless and disabled residents.
Four city-wide garage sales coming up across the Tri-Cities area
Geneva is gearing up for its City-Wide Garage Sale on April 24-25 with similar community garage sale weekends soon to follow in Batavia, St. Charles, and North Aurora in May.
Early St. Charles benefactor 'Bet-a-Million' Gates finally gets his due
St. Charles will dedicate a bronze bust of John Warne "Bet-a-Million" Gates at the History Museum on May 17, honoring an early industrialist who local author Archie Bentz says helped bankroll much of the early Baker and Norris philanthropy that built the city.
"Free little art gallery" makes its St. Charles debut
The St. Charles Arts Council has opened the city's first Free Little Art Gallery outside the ARC Gallery downtown — a year-round, self-service container where neighbors can view, take, or leave original artwork.
St. Charles committee recommends $295.6 million school facilities referendum
A St. Charles D303 committee recommended a $295 million facilities referendum to address needed building repairs, accessibility problems, and classroom capacity gaps across district schools after years of deferred maintenance.
