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Men vs. women -- understanding the bathroom gender divide
Ever wonder what your significant other is doing behind the shower curtain? Curious as to why women consistently take longer showers than men? Whether the toilet seat is left up or down or the toothpaste cap is left on or off -- the differences between men and women’s bathroom habits are undeniable. ... Full story
Selecting and grilling the season's freshest fish
There are few summer pastimes more honored than backyard grilling and entertaining. But before you fire up the grill for your next bash or weeknight dinner, you should learn how to properly select and grill fresh fish to perfection. ... Full story
Boy, 5, rescued after jet crashes in Indian Ocean
A passenger jet carrying 153 people crashed into the Indian Ocean in bad weather early Tuesday while trying to land at the island nation of Comoros. Officials said one child was plucked alive from the sea. ... Full story
In Honduras, forces crack down on protesters
Troops chase rock-throwing demonstrators demanding the return of President Manuel Zelaya, who was deposed in a coup the day before. At least 30 people are hurt. ... Full story
U. of I. admissions system changed in 2002, former employee says
Connected applicant was rejected and school official reversed decision, Montoya tells state panel. ... Full story
Lack of state budget deal won't be felt right away
The state's budget year ends today, and lawmakers are nowhere near a deal on a spending plan with Gov. Quinn. Does that mean someone shuts off the lights of state government at midnight? ... Full story
State minimum wage going up a quarter
Many workers will see a bit more in their paychecks when Illinois' minimum wage rises 25 cents an hour to $8 an hour Wednesday -- the second of a three-phase increase that will reach $8.25 July 1, 2010. ... Full story
Effects of Madoff's Ponzi scheme reach Chicago
Bernard Madoff was sentenced Monday to 150 years in prison for fleecing billions of dollars from investment clients across the country, as his victims said the fraud case is anything but closed. ... Full story
GOP candidate: Quinn should sign budget
A Republican candidate for governor says Gov. Pat Quinn should sign a budget approved by lawmakers that Quinn says has a $9.2 billion deficit. ... Full story
Midsommar Festival
South Elgin's 4th annual Scandinavian Midsommar Festival at Vasa Park took place Saturday. In Scandinavian countries, these festivals are celebrated to commemorate the longest day of the year, and are among the most important, ancient and popular traditional festivals in Northern European countries. ... Full story
Residents decry Dundee Twp. tree removal
Buzz about restoration work being done to the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary has been almost as loud as the offending chain saws. ... Full story
Residents decry Dundee Twp. tree removal
Buzz about restoration work being done to the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary has been almost as loud as the offending chain saws. ... Full story
Kids expect to set LEGO world record
According to the Bible, God instructed Noah to build an ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits tall. ... Full story
Briefs: Aurora mayor named to task force
Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed Mayor Tom Weisner to the Pension System Modernization Task Force. The 19-member group's first meeting was Thursday in the governor's executive mansion in Springfield. Weisner was the only mayor appointed to the task force. ... Full story
Obama says Honduran ouster was 'not legal'
President Barack Obama says the weekend ouster of Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya was a "not legal" coup and that he remains the country's president. ... Full story
Honduras torn between ousted leader, replacement
Honduras is now torn between two presidents: one legally recognized by world bodies after he was deposed and forced from the country by his own soldiers, and another supported by the Central American nation's congress, courts and military. ... Full story
Cheney fears Iraq withdrawal will 'waste' U.S. sacrifices
Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday said he is concerned about U.S. forces withdrawing from Iraqi cities within 24 hours. ... Full story
Court rules for white firefighters over promotions
The Supreme Court has ruled that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge. ... Full story
Bob Schillerstrom launches campaign for Republican governor nomination
DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom formally launched his campaign for the Republican governor nomination Sunday, delivering a parochial pitch to bring his county's quality of life to the rest of Illinois by changing state government. ... Full story
Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield to face budget deadline
As lawmakers return to Springfield on Monday with an unsettled state budget and a deadline to act staring them down, the rhetoric behind potential drastic social service cuts has become clouded by questions of credibility from the governor on down. ... Full story
Participation down at Illinois town's event for people named 'Elizabeth'
Attendance was down at an event in a northern Illinois community trying to break its self-proclaimed record for the most number of people named "Elizabeth" gathered in one place. Yes, you read that right. ... Full story
Ill. Republicans using newfound leverage in budget talks
Republican lawmakers are using their leverage over the Illinois budget to push for changes to government health care and pensions. ... Full story
Food donations to have spot in South Elgin parade
During Fourth of July parades, it is not unusual for children to come home with bags filled with treats. ... Full story
Aurora teen wins national Young Naturalist Award
Sheah Foster became acquainted with birds this past winter. Now she is $750 and an iPod richer. ... Full story
Longtime Elgin camera store closes for move
Card N' Camera, a camera store that has served the Elgin community since 1975, is closing temporarily Saturday while the store's owner finalized plans for a new location. ... Full story
Missing Aurora girls found safe
Two teenage girls who were reported missing on Monday have been located and are safe, Aurora police said in a press release this morning. ... Full story
Upgraded North Aurora park opens to applause
One of the Fox Valley Park District's most popular parks is shining even brighter, visitors to its grand reopening agreed Friday. ... Full story
House passes climate-change bill
Democrats narrowly passed historic climate and energy legislation Friday evening that would transform the country’s economy and industrial landscape. ... Full story
U. of I. admissions scandal: Pressure builds on university
Lawmaker calls for resignations of top officials ... Full story
Child-welfare agency slow to review deaths
State auditors say the Illinois agency responsible for protecting children often fails to meet the deadline for a follow-up review of a child's death. ... Full story
Quinn: Budget Cuts Could Mean 2,200 State Layoffs
Gov. Pat Quinn announced Thursday that 2,200 state employees could lose their jobs as he attempts to cut an additional $1 billion in state spending amid continued uncertainty about the Illinois budget. ... Full story
Locals react to Michael Jackson's death
Jackie Hunckler, 20, has listened to the music of Michael Jackson all her life. "He kind of influenced me in my musical taste," said the West Chicago resident. "I don't think you could match his style back when he was popular." ... Full story
RiverFest officials announce contest winners
The 27th annual Pride of the Fox RiverFest on June 13 weekend kept up its tradition for community involvement, with art shows, car shows, Idol Search, Bachelor Charity Auction and Dragon Boat Races stirring up the excitement. Following are contest winners announced recently by festival officials: ... Full story
Windmill City ponders wind power
Restored windmills are on almost every major intersection along the Randall Road commercial corridor. Wind Energy Pass is a street name on the city's southeastern border and a Windmill City guidebook was published featuring these historic structures. ... Full story
Georgia Butler out at Aurora Housing Authority
With less than a year under her belt, Georgia Butler's time as executive director of the Aurora Housing Authority is over. In a letter to staff dated Thursday, the AHA board announced that Butler's employment with the agency has ended. ... Full story
Cap & Trade: Good news for the planet, or a disaster for the US economy?
The House has just passed a landmark cap-and-trade regimen ostensibly designed to fight what proponents call man-made global warming. Is this good news for the planet, or simply a disaster for the US economy and consumers? Here's a diverse review of opinions from around America and the world on this sweeping issue. ... Full story
Two Rabid Bats Found In Kane
The Kane County Health Department said Wednesday two bats found in the northern part of the county have tested positive for rabies.One was found in Elgin and the other in Dundee. Although both were discovered in residences, there were no human or pet exposures, the Health Department said. ... Full story
Don't Believe Your Eyes!
An Amazing Optical Illusion ... Full story
University of Illinois hikes tuition by 2.6%
University of Illinois trustees voted Wednesday to increase tuition for new freshmen at the Urbana-Champaign campus by 2.6 percent, to $9,484 a year, an amount guaranteed for four years. ... Full story
Kane officials betting on casino money
Kane County has to start thinking about job creation and making itself more competitive in commercial and industrial development projects, according to the county's top economic development official. ... Full story
North Aurora wants more security for nursing home
The Village Board this week granted a special-use permit that lets North Aurora Care Center continue to house mentally ill patients as long as the nursing home takes security precautions to keep those patients from harassing nearby homes and elementary school students. ... Full story
Seniors cool off at ECC, kids at Festival Park
It was back to school for about 30 Elgin seniors Wednesday morning. Residents of Burnham Manor at 1550 Fleetwood Drive sat in the lobby at nearby Elgin Community College, chatting and waiting for a lunch provided by Elgin's Vineyard Christian Fellowship. ... Full story
A look at 21st century - from 1977
While researching the story we published about the history of The Courier-News, I ran across a 72-page special edition published on July 10, 1977, titled "2001 -- A Look to the Future." It was edited and mostly written by a certain David J. Gathman, a young local lad working part-time for The Courier while attending graduate school. The thrust of the edition was to ask politicians, business people, scientists, etc. to predict what the 21st century would be like, looking at it from the days of Jimmy Carter. ... Full story
Batavia Farmers' Market opens Saturday
Batavia MainStreet kicks off its 14th annual downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday, June 27. The market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 10 on South Water Street between Wilson and First streets in downtown Batavia. ... Full story
City workers offered incentives to quit
In an effort to patch a looming budget deficit, the city of Aurora on Wednesday began offering employees incentives to quit their jobs. ... Full story
City workers offered incentives to quit
In an effort to patch a looming budget deficit, the city of Aurora on Wednesday began offering employees incentives to quit their jobs. ... Full story
Geneva electric usage, costs down
As far as the budget goes, it was about a wash -- there was about 10 percent less revenue, but less of the electric department budget for purchasing power was spent, too. ... Full story
Geneva opens cooling centers during record heat
Cooling centers are available for Geneva residents today and Wednesday as the heat is projected to reach 100 for two or more consecutive days, officials said. ... Full story
Witnesses report clashes around Iran's parliament
Protesters and riot police clashed in the streets around Iran's parliament Wednesday as hundreds of people converged on a Tehran square in defiance of government orders to halt demonstrations demanding a new presidential election, witnesses said. ... Full story
Communication from Tehran
Here is an email I received this morning from a reader in Iran. I post it with express permission, copy-edited to correct a few mistakes of English. ... Full story
Quinn wants to raise taxes, borrow and cut to plug state budget hole
Gov. Pat Quinn emerged tonight from a private meeting with the four legislative leaders outlining several ways to fill a budget hole he estimates at $9 billion. ... Full story
Elgin agencies offer lunch program
With unemployment in Elgin nearing 14 percent, service agencies are looking for new and creative ways to help the neediest of people in need: children. ... Full story
Elgin agencies offer lunch program
With unemployment in Elgin nearing 14 percent, service agencies are looking for new and creative ways to help the neediest of people in need: children. ... Full story
NKorea threatens US; world anticipates missile
North Korea threatened Wednesday to wipe the United States off the map as Washington and its allies watched for signs the regime will launch a series of missiles in the coming days. Off China's coast, a U.S. destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Myanmar in what could be the first test of U.N. sanctions passed to punish the nation for an underground nuclear test last month. ... Full story
Venezuelan private media fear fresh assault
Ever since a minor earthquake rumbled through the concrete sprawl of Caracas in early May, the foundations of Venezuela’s last remaining flagrantly anti-government television station have looked unstable. ... Full story
Intensified crackdown mutes protests in Iran
Overwhelmed by police and left with limited alternatives, Iranian demonstrators resorted Tuesday to more subtle ways of challenging the outcome of the presidential election: holding up posters, shouting from rooftops and turning on car headlights. ... Full story
U.S. contacted Iran's ayatollah before election
Prior to this month's disputed presidential election in Iran, the Obama administration sent a letter to the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for an improvement in relations, according to interviews and the leader himself. ... Full story
Group Shines Light on Hefty Government Pensions
Focus on Highly Paid Retirees Is Aimed at Cutting Future Public Benefits, but Critics Say Most Payouts Are Far Smaller ... Full story
Grilled beef adds sizzle to summer meals
It's that time of year when enticing smells from the grill waft from yard to yard, tempting taste buds. When it comes to selecting what type of meat to grill for your friends and family, beef ranks supreme. ... Full story
Obama: Govt-run health care could trump private
President Barack Obama says some employers might choose a government-run health care plan over private insurance, a major fear of the industry. ... Full story
Obama condemns Iran election violence
President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared the United States and the entire world “appalled and outraged” by Iran’s violent efforts to crush dissent, a clear toughening of his rhetoric as Republican critics at home pound him for being too passive. ... Full story
Mystery in Aurora: Where did grenade come from?
Police in Aurora are trying to figure out what a hand grenade was doing in a house in a quiet neighborhood on the city's far West Side. The grenade was discovered in the home of woman who died in May. ... Full story
Home sales and median prices drop in Chicago
Home sales and median prices plummeted in May from year-ago levels in the city of Chicago, metropolitan area and statewide, the Illinois Association of Realtors said today. ... Full story
Tax hike vote looks unlikely this week
Gov. Quinn has said he wanted another vote on his stalled income-tax plan by Wednesday, but the top House Democrat does not appear to have that high on his agenda -- at least this week. ... Full story
Nick's in Elgin helped Pearce family
Raise your hand if you're sick of taxes. OK, you can pick the paper back up now. Or grab that mouse again. ... Full story
Area day care centers adjusting to cutbacks
As families struggle with the challenges posed by a strapped economy, they are improvising with child care — and child care providers are struggling to keep up. ... Full story
Sponsors sought for Night Out in West Dundee
A staple on West Dundee's social calendar may need to do away with one of its major drawcards if it cannot find a sponsor or numerous sponsors. ... Full story
Dundee Twp. adding BMX track, skate plaza
Some of the projects scheduled for Dundee Township Park District facilities this summer would be at home at the X-Games, while others are more suitable for a cruise ship. ... Full story
Geneva trims teachers, support staff
In another cost-cutting measure, school officials Monday approved a reduction of 3.6 full time equivalent teachers, a savings of $198,000. ... Full story
Iranian protester pleads for U.S., world to intervene
An Iranian student protester in Tehran made a passionate plea for help from the world community this morning in a phone call to CNN’s “American Morning.” ... Full story
Pedal power can be your way to get to work
This week marks the nationwide Bike to Work Week, but some locals don't need any convincing of the benefits of pedaling instead of driving to the office. ... Full story
Elgin residents wary as Poplar Creek closes streets, floods yards
Many streets near Poplar Creek on Elgin's southeast side remained flooded Saturday afternoon, some of them impassable, after Friday's torrential rains swelled the creek far outside its banks. ... Full story
Elgin residents wary as Poplar Creek closes streets, floods yards
Many streets near Poplar Creek on Elgin's southeast side remained flooded Saturday afternoon, some of them impassable, after Friday's torrential rains swelled the creek far outside its banks. ... Full story
In Geneva, building down but situation is looking up
Building permit activity in the city of Geneva was lower in May 2009 than it has been in five years. But Chuck Lencioni, the city's building commissioner, said there is reason for optimism. ... Full story
Hundreds protest in Iran, despite warning
Hundreds of demonstrators angry over recent presidential election results gathered in a public square Monday in Iran's capital city, despite a stern warning by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. ... Full story
Iran starts airforce manoeuvres in Gulf
Iran began three days of airforce exercises on Monday in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman to raise operational and support capability, Iranian media said. ... Full story
NKorea threatens to harm US if attacked
North Korea reminded the U.S. on Monday that it has nuclear weapons and warned it will strike back if attacked, as a U.S. destroyer continued to trail a North Korean cargo ship suspected of carrying illicit weapons. ... Full story
Iran Revolutionary Guards Say They’ll Crush Protests
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the security forces will crush further protests over the disputed presidential vote, as the country’s elections supervisory body acknowledged some balloting discrepancies. ... Full story
U. of I. trustees used clout list
Board members backed applicants nearly 100 times in last 3 years ... Full story
Batavia approves sod ban
City officials have enacted a sod ban during the summer as part of new water restrictions. Aldermen on Monday approved the new rules, which prohibit the installation of new lawns or new landscaping from July 1 through Aug. 31, typically the driest months of the summer. ... Full story
Aurora agencies launching health study
The Robert Crown Center for Health Education will be studying ways to bring about healthier living and fitter children for Aurora. The center, on behalf of the Aurora-based Healthy Living Council, has received a $30,000 grant from Kane County to document barriers to healthy living and prevention of obesity found in Aurora. ... Full story
Military convoy to cause traffic delay in Geneva
Traffic could be delayed in Geneva at 1 p.m. Saturday, as a convoy of 100 vintage military and support vehicles travels through the city, police said. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association 2009 Transcontinental Motor Convoy is marking the 90th anniversary of the 1st United States Army Convoy across the United States. ... Full story
Iran police disperse protests
Iranian police have used water cannon, batons and tear gas to disperse protests over the presidential election, witnesses in Tehran say. ... Full story
AMA shuns 'public option' in Obama health plan
The American Medical Association said it is open to considering a wide range of health care reform policies, but the doctors' group on Wednesday shied away from specifically endorsing President Obama's "public option" health insurance plan to cover the uninsured. After much debate, the AMA, in Chicago for its annual meeting, took the words "public option" out of a resolution, opting instead to support "health system reform alternatives that are consistent with AMA principles." ... Full story
Daley didn't expect to be quizzed on contract
He went to Switzerland to sell the International Olympic Committee on bringing the 2016 Games to Chicago, but Mayor Daley wasn't expecting to talk about a host city agreement that leaves taxpayers on the hook for financial losses. But after Daley and an entourage made their pitch, IOC members launched a volley of questions, including whether Chicago would be willing to sign the contract that makes the city liable for any losses. ... Full story
N. Aurora officials break ground on new police station
North Aurora dignitaries wielding gold-painted shovels turned the first bits of earth - actually, gravel - for the village's new police station. The $10 million facility is being built on a former parking lot for an off-track betting parlor on the west side of Route 31, at Airport Road. ... Full story
Sleepy Hollow cops may unionize
Sleepy Hollow's newly formed police union has submitted a contract proposal to be considered by the village. Police Chief Jim Montalbano said the police force's Illinois Council of Police union consists of five full-time officers, roughly one fourth of his staff of 22. ... Full story
Barbara Boxer: Please Call Me 'Senator'
At a sometimes contentious Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairwoman, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), had a request for Army Corps of Engineers division leader, Brigadier General Michael Walsh. (Video) ... Full story
House eyes new taxes as senators pare health bill
Early work on the ambitious health care overhaul the Obama administration is seeking has exposed the kinds of in-house fights that typify just how hard it will be to get meaningful legislation this year. Case in point: A proposal to help bankroll universal health coverage with a dime-a-can increase in the price of soft drinks. ... Full story
Iran's Khamenei demands halt to election protests
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday demanded an end to street protests that have shaken the country since the disputed presidential election a week ago and said any bloodshed would be their leaders' fault. ... Full story
Summer's freshest ideas to feed your kids well
Summertime brings out the best in family meals -- fresh vegetables and fruit, fresh-air dining and a fresh opportunity for parents to maintain their commitment to feeding their kids well. According to a recent study by Ohio State University and published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, of children ages 2 to 5, less than 22 percent meet recommendations for their daily vegetable intake and for children ages 6 to 11, it's less than 16 percent. "With a little creative know-how, it's easy to create summer meals that are full of veggies, value, variety and versatility," says Sylvia Klinger, a registered dietitian, mother of two and member of the Ragu nutrition advisory panel. Klinger offers some tips for adding more of the good stuff to your kids' diets this summer. ... Full story
St. Charles tourism promotion could see 10 percent cut
The City Council is expected to cut funding for promoting conventions and tourism by about 10 percent this year. Aldermen – at a committee meeting Monday night – heard a pitch from Amy Egolf, executive director of the St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, who was looking for funding for her agency. Trustees recommended the allocation of about $526,500, about 10 percent less than last year. ... Full story
Get a glimpse of Batavia's best garden
One could get a pretty good botany lesson by going through Barbara Lewis' garden. Japanese Red Maple trees, Pink Turtlehead plants and Marsh Marigolds fill her garden, along with a variety of other plants and flowers. ... Full story
Geneva Commons concert series to start
What a way to wind down your weekend. Every Sunday evening in June, from 5 to 7 p.m., Geneva Commons is hosting free concerts as part of its seventh annual Summer Concert Series. ... Full story
Iran braces for another mass opposition protest
Iran braced for a fourth day of massive protests Thursday by opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in open defiance of the country's supreme leader, who has urged the nation to unite behind the Islamic state. Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi urged supporters to wear black Thursday to the planned rally in mourning for the alleged election fraud during Friday's vote and lives lost during this week's protests. ... Full story
ABC promises Republicans health care coverage won't be Obama 'infomercial'
ABC News officials Tuesday defended a planned White House-set special on health-care reform from charges by the Republican National Committee that it would be nothing more than a "glorified infomercial" to promote a Democratic agenda. ... Full story
Report: NKorea plans to fire missile toward Hawaii
North Korea may fire a long-range ballistic missile toward Hawaii in early July, a Japanese news report said Thursday, as Russia and China urged the regime to return to international disarmament talks on its rogue nuclear program. ... Full story
Poll: Public increasingly concerned about deficit
As the young Obama administration spends trillions of dollars in its effort to turn around the nation’s economy and revive the U.S. auto industry, the American public is growing concerned about the size of the budget deficit and the government’s intervention into the private sector, the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds. ... Full story
Iranian soccer players wear green for televised match
The stars of Iran’s soccer team wore green wristbands in support of the anti-government protesters, during a game broadcast live on Iranian state TV yesterday. ... Full story
Chicago leads off presentations to IOC members
Mayor Daley and others on the team trying to bring the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago emerged from a closed-door presentation this morning to the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland acting confident they’d cleared a key hurdle: Money. ... Full story
Burris perjury probe may be winding down
A Downstate prosecutor interviewed Sen. Roland Burris this week in a likely sign a perjury investigation into the state's junior senator is nearing an end. Burris met with Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt on Monday to discuss seeming contradictions in Burris' testimony before a legislative panel that had questions about events leading to his December appointment by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was later impeached. ... Full story
Kirk still weighing 2010 election options
Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk is still deciding what office he wants to run for in next year's election. Is it U.S. senator, governor or a sixth term in Congress? ... Full story
Govt. fired up by Ill. coal plant
The Energy Department is moving forward on a futuristic coal-burning power plant in Illinois that the Bush administration had declared dead. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Friday that reviving the FutureGen plant is an important step that shows the Obama administration’s commitment to carbon-capture technology. ... Full story
Employee Union: Ill. Should Raise Income Tax
The largest state employee union in Illinois says no amount of concessions by workers can solve the budget problem and lawmakers should raise the income tax. Henry Bayer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees told reporters Tuesday that asking workers to take unpaid days off or making other concessions would do very little to close a $9 billion deficit. ... Full story
Going Hollywood for Elgin film fest
When I heard one of Conor Clarke's short films was being screened in New York at Kinetic Cinema as part of an event "that explores the intersection of dance and the moving image," I knew I had the director for my entry in this fall's Elgin Film Festival. ... Full story
AP source: Benefits for govt workers' gay partners
President Barack Obama, whose gay and lesbian supporters have grown frustrated with his slow movement on their priorities, is extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees, a White House official said. Obama planned to announce his decision Wednesday in the Oval Office, the official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because Obama had not signed a presidential memorandum putting his plan into place. ... Full story
Iranian Opposition Plan Further Protests After Deaths
Supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi, the main challenger in the disputed Iranian presidential election, plan a fifth day of protests in Tehran after the biggest rally in 30 years led to as many as 15 deaths. Mousavi called for a mass demonstration tomorrow to mourn those killed. Two prominent Mousavi backers were detained, AFP reported. Iran’s supreme leader yesterday appealed for unity after meeting representatives of candidates in June 12 presidential voting. ... Full story
Obama Says U.S. Jobless Rate to Reach 10% This Year
President Barack Obama said the U.S. unemployment rate will reach 10 percent this year, even as the economy begins to emerge from the recession. “You’re starting to see the engines of the economy turn,” Obama said today in an interview with Bloomberg Television at the White House. “It’s going to take a long time -- we had a huge de-leveraging that took place.” ... Full story
Geneva walk raised $175,000 to fight cancer
The LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, 1803 W. State St. in Geneva, recently hosted its fourth annual Bridge Walk. One hundred and twenty teams registered for the event - 1,250 walkers in total - raising more than $175,000. Everyone participating in the Bridge Walk was there because they had been touched by cancer in some way or another; whether they were a survivor, or had a loved one or friend afflicted with the disease. Whatever their personal reason, they all came together for this special cause. ... Full story
Geneva walk raised $175,000 to fight cancer
The LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, 1803 W. State St. in Geneva, recently hosted its fourth annual Bridge Walk. One hundred and twenty teams registered for the event - 1,250 walkers in total - raising more than $175,000. Everyone participating in the Bridge Walk was there because they had been touched by cancer in some way or another; whether they were a survivor, or had a loved one or friend afflicted with the disease. Whatever their personal reason, they all came together for this special cause. ... Full story
Batavia OKs tearing down former Batavia Bowl
On Monday night, aldermen voted to let Batavia Enterprises demolish a 100-year-old plus building in downtown Batavia that most recently housed Batavia Bowl. ... Full story
Legislative debate: Turkey or Springfield?
Quinn wants lawmakers back, but they've been invited abroad ... Full story
Stimulus program fraught with waste, report says
A report due to be released today by a Republican senator contends the Obama administration's stimulus program is fraught with waste and incompetence -- evidenced by a turtle crossing in northern Florida that will cost more than $3 million and a snafu in which thousands of Social Security checks went out to people who had died. ... Full story
Discord grows over public health care plan
The mood was upbeat in early March when scores of powerful lawmakers and lobbyists joined President Obama in the East Room of the White House to talk about fixing the nation's health care system. Still, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, rose to tell Obama that many Republicans had a problem with his plan to let the government compete with private insurers. ... Full story
Iran bars foreign media from reporting on streets
Iranian authorities are restricting all journalists working for foreign media from firsthand reporting on the streets. The rules cover all journalists, including Iranians working for foreign media. It blocks images and eyewitness descriptions of the protests and violence that has followed last week's disputed elections. ... Full story
Iran rules out annulment, Tehran crowds gather
Iran's top legislative body on Tuesday ruled out annulling a disputed presidential poll that has prompted the biggest street protests since the 1979 Islamic revolution but said it was prepared for a partial recount. ... Full story
Huge pro-reform rally defies crackdown threats
Hundreds of thousands of opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defied an Interior Ministry ban Monday and streamed into central Tehran to cheer their pro-reform leader in his first public appearance since elections that he alleges were marred by fraud. Gunfire from a compound used by pro-government militia killed one demonstrator. ... Full story
Chef's Corner: Chef Keith Willis, Rox City Grill
Girls. That’s what Keith Willis was after when he signed up for a home economics class at Peoria Manual High School. What he found was his life’s work instead. (Recipe included!) ... Full story
America's 'Bermuda solution' angers Britain
Senior aides to President Barack Obama accompanied four Uighur prisoners as they were flown from Guantanamo Bay to the British colony of Bermuda, without the UK being informed, it was revealed yesterday. ... Full story
Durbin cashed out during big stock collapse
As U.S. stock markets plummeted last September, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin, sold more than $115,000 worth of stocks and mutual-fund shares and used much of the money to invest in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ... Full story
Latest Ill. budget impass raises new questions
Two weeks after the spring legislative session ended, Illinois still doesn't have a new state budget, and it doesn't look like it will have one anytime soon. Gov. Pat Quinn and legislative leaders are struggling to find some consensus on dealing with a record-breaking budget deficit. ... Full story
Police liaison officers could be cut from Elgin middle schools
With the city unable to pay for 25 percent of the costs of School District U46 liaison officers, the district might have to cut liaison officers in Elgin middle schools, according to U46 officials. "We have historically reimbursed the Elgin Police Department for approximately 75 percent of the cost of the officers," Tony Sanders, district spokesman, said. "This year, the Elgin Police Department asked for 100 percent reimbursement." ... Full story
Kane Co. resident fighting sinkhole, debris pile
Tracy Teter never minded living at the confluence of the Fox River, railroad tracks and a giant cell tower until she literally started gaining ground around her about three months ago. As she stood in her backyard last week, gravel continued to tumble down the slope at the edge of her property that leads to the tracks where freight trains will zoom by up to six times a day. For the past eight years she's lived there, the rattle of the train has only been a minor nuisance worthy of a pillow over her ears in the early morning hours. ... Full story
Green moves: Elgin set for 'smart meter'
Pilot program, applies for federal energy conservation grant. ... Full story
Batavia looking to save historic buildings
The probable demise of two historic buildings in downtown Batavia due to neglect has city officials looking for ways to prevent any more. The discussion is spurred by a request to knock down the Batavia Bowl on First Street, parts of which were built in the late 1800s. It once housed wagon-building and paper-bag companies. The city council will vote on the demolition Monday, at the request of a potential buyer who estimates it would cost more than $2 million to fix it up. ... Full story
TV station accuses Aurora pastor of fraud
It was a few months after moving to Bolingbrook from Wisconsin in July 2008 that Eric Goudy Sr. and his wife began searching for a new church to call home. "We were riding around and saw that church over in the Fox Valley Mall," he said, referring to Aurora-based Life Reach Ministries, 4054A Fox Valley Center Drive. "We said we were going to stop by and visit there one day." ... Full story
Past, future meet on Aurora building tour
Local history buffs can satisfy their taste of the old while getting a glimpse of the new today during Aurora's first Living Downtown Tour. The tour, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., begins at 74 S. LaSalle St. and features 11 rehabbed historic structures available for contemporary business and residential use. ... Full story
Join Vikings at Geneva's Midsummer Fest
The 98th Annual Swedish Midsummer Festival is planned for June 21 at Good Templar Park. Festivities at the park, at 528 East Side Drive, include a traditional Swedish Maypole Dance open to festival-goers of all ages, plus Nordic dancers and Swedish musicians. ... Full story
HAPPY FLAG DAY!
Please view the fantastic video of baseball player Rick Monday saving the flag during the 1976 season. ... Full story
Newsweek honor for St. Charles high schools
Both St. Charles high schools have done it again. Don Schlomann, superintendent of School District 303, said both the city's high schools making Newsweek magazine's "The Top of the Class" list is the district's goal. And with it being the second year in a row, that only makes it that much sweeter. ... Full story
Rare Corvettes scheduled for Chicago-area show
The rarest and fastest Corvettes in the world will be on hand for the 2009 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show, which will be held June 25 to 28 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Known as the Special Collection XXV: The Grand Finale, the lineup features 60 of the most historically significant Corvettes organized by Bloomington Gold. ... Full story
Elgin Theater Company moves to new digs
Live theater fans, and those who enjoy old fashioned radio comedy, are invited to see the Elgin Theatre Company's presentation of Comedy Spectacular 2. The show opens Friday night and will continue at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 20, 26 and 27. ... Full story
Colorful East Dundee developer Thom McNamee dies at 56
He once gallivanted around the world for photo shoots in exotic locations like Australia and New Zealand, modeling designer labels. Friends say he even dated a model named Elle McPherson. ... Full story
Batavia Garden Walk set for June 20
"Primrose to Prairie” is the theme of this year’s garden walk presented by the Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners on Saturday, June 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Seven gardens are open for discovery, from a stately property that was once part of the Underground Railroad to a former limestone quarry overlooking the Fox River. ... Full story
The Radicalization of an Already Radical Iranian Regime?
Abbas Djavadi, with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, has been on the phone all night with people in Iran. He e-mails: An Electoral Coup in Iran It was a night of fundamental change of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It was, however, not the change the overwhelming majority of the electorate indicated to be producing with their real votes yesterday, but a change in the ruling establishment of the country, an almost complete control by Revolutionary Guards, intelligence services, and the most radical forces of the regime. ... Full story
"The Death of Democracy and Hope"
A few days before the June 12 vote, the following text message was circulating among Iranians: “In order to speed up the vote-counting process, the Interior Ministry has already begun counting the votes. From the election headquarters of the Interior Ministry.” ... Full story
Iran on Fire (Continuously updated)
The BBC says clashes between demonstrators and police in Tehran are the most violent in a decade. Videos to the rightshows a human wave of demonstrators chasing frightened police officers. ... Full story
Elgin Sports Hall of Fame announces scholarship winners
The Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Foundation recently announced the winners of $25,000 in scholarships to seven high schools with residents from Elgin. ... Full story
Alderman go at each other during Aurora council meeting
When Fifth Ward Alderman John "Whitey" Peters began Tuesday's Aurora City Council with a prayer and giving thanks for freedom of speech, he could have hardly imagined the verbal smackdown between alderman that ended the meeting. Sparks began flying as aldermen discussed the approval of spending no more than $590,000 for a radio tower and cellular tenants equipment room at Fire Station #8, 3770 McCoy Drive. ... Full story
Riverfest this weekend in St. Charles
Pride of the Fox RiverFest, marking its 26th anniversary this year, offers some new events with the traditional lineup this year June 12 to 14 in St. Charles. RiverFest presents free entertainment on two stages, plus a host of activities and shows in Pottawatomie Park, Lincoln Park, Old St. Charles, the Municipal Center, along the Riverwalk, and the Riverside Stage. ... Full story
Kane Co., taxpayers facing possible lawsuit over budget cuts
Kane County taxpayers might be on the hook in a triple whammy of debt resulting from political undercutting in the county's budgeting process. ... Full story
Forest Preserve budget outlook shows overall revenues, appropriations down
A hike in revenue from the Kane County Cougars is expected to help balance the Kane County forest preserve district's budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Forest preserve executive committee member John Fahy, R-West Dundee, said the district received less revenue this fiscal year than expected and revenues will be lower in coming years, but the district still is in decent financial shape. ... Full story
West Dundee looks forward to growth
The village's future can be summed up as both unpredictable and optimistic. West Dundee is looking for a mix of viable residential and commercial growth. Village President Larry Keller said there is a potential for both, but he isn't exactly sure which will arrive first. ... Full story
Batavia Bowl on its last legs
Its central bearing frame has settled so much, there's no way to jack the floors up so they don't slope. The roof joists are rotting. Water has damaged the foundation enough that it likely needs to be replaced. A brick addition is pulling away from the main building. ... Full story
Sculptures sprouting in downtown Aurora
A 14-foot-tall giraffe was spotted in downtown Aurora. It was eating leaves and conversing with a triceratops next to the David L. Pierce Art and History Museum. And it will be munching from the tree all summer. The large, clunky animals are two of a half-dozen sculptures occupying the Aurora Public Art Commission's outdoor sculpture garden on Downer Place just east of Stolp Avenue. ... Full story
Geneva's Third Street showing new signs of life
The Provincial House shop that operated on the corner of Third and James streets in Geneva served as a centerpiece of sorts for that popular shopping district. It was, after all, front and center for the crowds attracted to the courthouse lawn across the street during the main stage musical acts of the city's Swedish Days festival. ... Full story
Early sparring on 2nd Amendment measure
It lasted only a minute, but the brief exchange Wednesday over a resolution that restates local support of the 2nd Amendment could serve as a prelude to next week's Kane County Board meeting. "This is totally unnecessary," Gerry Jones, D-Aurora, said during a meeting of the board's Executive Committee. "This, to me, is somewhat insulting." ... Full story
Mid-American Canoe Race to feature twist on tradition
Sunday's 48th annual Mid-American and Kayak Race will feature a twist on tradition. For the first time ever, two race lengths will be featured – a 10-mile race from St. Charles and a 6-mile race from Batavia – both finishing at the Illinois Avenue bridge in Aurora. ... Full story
Geneva post office to move
The U.S. Postal Service has begun the process of leaving the building it has been in on Third Street downtown for 73 years. Postal service officials Monday night told the City Council that while they intend to leave the post office building at James and Third because it has become too big for their needs, they went to great lengths to say they do not intend to leave downtown. ... Full story
Aurora violence shelter closing as state aid is cut
On Monday, 400 pairs of women's and children's shoes will festoon the wrought-iron fence around the offices of Mutual Ground Inc. shelter in Aurora. They will represent the women and children who won't be able to turn to the agency for emergency shelter from violent partners, come July 1. ... Full story
Donation saves life, unites families
Two years after donating bone marrow, an Aurora woman meets the toddler from Texas whose life she saved. Mary Garza read a story about donating bone marrow and decided she would do it. That decision saved the life of Evan Garcia of Jasper, Texas, who was dying from a rare immune disorder. The two met on Monday. ... Full story
Advice surprises Geneva merchants
When Fran Yoshioka, a retailing consultant, spoke to downtown merchants here recently, many of them were looking for practical advice at how to stay alive during hard economic times. What the St. Charles resident said might have surprised some of them. ... Full story
Friends, family support those with diabetes at Geneva's Tour de Cure
The American Diabetes Association hosted the Grand Geneva Tour de Cure 2009 for the second year at Peck Farm Park on Sunday, June 7. Despite the rain, members of the Chicagoland community turned out to support the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure the disease. ... Full story
Ethan Hastert Running For Father's Congressional Seat
Former Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert's son, Ethan Hastert, has announced he'll run for his father's Chicago-area seat in Congress. ... Full story
St. Charles East grad inspired to help in AIDS prevention
It took all of one day on the campus of UCLA for Kelsey Balance to get inspired about helping others in her future. Balance, a 2007 graduate of St. Charles East, is now a sophomore at UCLA, but her first day as a freshman last year opened her eyes to an exciting opportunity. ... Full story
Neighbor warns of coyotes along trail
It's not always obvious what's lurking along trails in the Fox Valley. North Aurora resident Susan Morris, for example, is warning bikers and hikers to be on the lookout for a den of coyotes. ... Full story
Touring underside of Elgin's roaring history
Stories of John Dillinger and Al Capone, and their connections to Elgin in the Roaring '20s, were a highlight of a driving tour Sunday through the city. But the part of the tour that the public may have noticed was the succession of classic cars and their passengers, dressed in period clothing, parading around the east side of town. The Fox Valley Model T Ford Club provided the transportation, seating three tourists and a driver to a car. Period dress was encouraged. ... Full story
Lights, camera - Elgin to host a homegrown film fest
Well, if the cartoon town of Springfield -- home to the Simpsons -- can have a local film festival, why not Elgin? The town formerly known as the City to Watch will be doing just that, hosting its first short movie fest on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hemmens Cultural Center downtown. ... Full story
Come for dinner, stay for tempura ice cream
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar puts your dinner on display, whether it's chefs cooking tableside or making rolls behind the sushi bar. The restaurant features meals cooked on tabletop grills for groups of up to 10 people, as well as sushi from traditional to modern. ... Full story
WEEKEND CHIT-CHAT: With Scott Deal
At the tender age of 22, Scott Deal is a grizzled baseball veteran – at least as it pertains to his history with the Kane County Cougars. The right-handed relief pitcher is in his third full season with the team – the longest tenured Cougar on the 2009 roster – and is sporting a 1.73 ERA. While his living quarters are different – having moved to Geneva for this season – the Washington state native has become plenty familiar with the lay of the land in Kane County. In this week’s Weekend Chit-chat with sports editor Jay Schwab, Deal touches on his role as a team veteran, his thoughts on new manager Steve Scarsone and the worst road trip in his years with the Cougars. The following is an edited transcript: ... Full story
St. Charles Singers award scholarships to Tri-Cities students
The St. Charles Singers, an acclaimed concert and recording ensemble, has announced the winners of its 2009 scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the Fox Valley area who have a passion for choral music. ... Full story
Yes, drivers, it's come around to construction time again
Spring is here and that means construction until ... well, in some cases, when it gets cold again. If you live in South Elgin or travel through there, you can remember the headaches caused by the McLean Boulevard widening and reconstruction last year. ... Full story
Elgin Armory to get makeover
Efforts to modernize the Elgin Armory will get a boost from federal stimulus funds. U.S. Rep. Bill Foster will announce Friday that $933,000 of stimulus money will help renovate the 71-year-old facility on Raymond Street. ... Full story
A soulful spot in downtown Elgin
There's a little bit of soul to be found in downtown Elgin up the hill on National Street, just off the corner of Raymond Street. And if the Original JJ Fish & Chicken has the feel of a something out of a Spike Lee movie, well, the woman who owns and operates the joint with her family was raised in Brooklyn. Her accent gives clue to that. ... Full story
Can Kane cut its costs?
In the heat of county budget-cut talks, the comment seemed innocent enough. "The citizens are telling us we have to reduce the size of government," John Fahy, an East Dundee Republican, said during a meeting in early May. ... Full story
Replacing a water heater? Batavia now requires permit, inspection
People planning to replace a water heater, furnace or air conditioning condenser in Batavia now need to get a permit from the city to do so. The city council, citing safety concerns, passed a law Monday night requiring permits and inspections for those items, as well as electrical service upgrades, boiler replacements and renovations and ductwork replacement. ... Full story
Classic plane from 'Public Enemies' to visit Aurora
In case you missed your chance to be in the movies with Johnny Depp, you'll have a chance to be in the plane that's in the movies with Johnny Depp. A fully restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor will be stopping at the Aurora Municipal Airport this week, and the public will be able to purchase rides. The plane was used in the filming of "Public Enemies," Depp's newest movie, which is set to open July 1. ... Full story
Wal-Mart pitches new plan to St. Charles
Wal-Mart says it is willing to roll back previous dreams of creating a Supercenter adjacent to the Charlestowne Mall in favor of simply expanding at its current location. So far, the altered vision isn't meeting any heavy vocal opposition. ... Full story
St. Charles coffee house goes nationwide
It wasn't likely Vern Oie would be on a TV newscast because of nationwide interest in the vacant portion of his Fox Valley Cleaners building at Indiana and First streets in St. Charles. ... Full story
Batavia searching for solutions to crumbling brick paths
A lovely stroll on a brick-paved sidewalk in downtown Batavia can result in a trip of a different sort if you're not careful. ... Full story
'Little Town in the Big Woods': Depot museum serves up big scoop of Batavia history
School soon will be out for the summer. Looking for interesting and fun things to do with the kids? Explore the "Little Town in the Big Woods" -- the history of Batavia, the home of the first permanent white settler in Kane County. ... Full story
Several alternatives for what's next at Batavia's Siemens site
It's been part of the west side of Batavia for more than 60 years, making it a bit difficult to envision something else at the corner of Van Nortwick Avenue and McKee Street. ... Full story
Briefs: Free concerts on Sunday at Geneva Commons
Classic rock, steel drums, 1960's British invasion music, and Top 40 are just some of the sounds that will be presented in June during the 7th Annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Geneva Commons. The free concerts will be held Sunday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 7, 14, 21, and 28 in the plaza next to Houlihan's. ... Full story
County budget officially cut
Weeks after announcing that declining revenue will require a change in the county's spending plans, board members approved a $3.9 million cut to this fiscal year's budget. ... Full story
LivingWell draws 1,500 walkers during fundraiser
Kathy Akers, a breast cancer survivor, was tempted to wear a T-shirt that says: Yes, these are fake. My real ones tried to kill me. Instead, the Wredling Middle School secretary in St. Charles wore the bright yellow T-shirt Saturday that marked her status as a cancer survivor at the Fourth Annual Bridge Walk to raise money for LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. The non-profit center serves about 7,000 people with cancer and their families. ... Full story
Annex bike trail in South Elgin to get facelift
Bicyclists and pedestrians using the Fox River Trail through South Elgin soon will no longer have to pass through the village's municipal annex parking lot. ... Full story
U46 study: Filled to brink, still growing
To meet rising enrollment figures, an advisory group is urging School District U46 to develop a plan to address the influx -- whether that means buying more land for future school sites, changing program locations or adjusting boundaries. ... Full story
School's out for summer: What to do with your kids?
Many area park districts and youth programs are hoping to give parents cheaper child care options this summer. But groups are finding it difficult to increase services when they're facing their own budget shortfalls. ... Full story
Inventor chips away at freshness
Jim Vadevoulis has cooked up a recipe for success that has attracted cooperative retail outlets in South Elgin, Naperville, Elmhurst and Chicago's Navy Pier. ... Full story
Aurora, North Aurora join on fireworks display
The city of Aurora and the village of North Aurora will join together in an Independence Day 2009 celebration on July 3 on the grounds of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic High School. The schools are between Edgelawn Drive, Randall Road, Sullivan Road and Indian Trail on Aurora's West Side. ... Full story
Demand for Aurora hotels down to nothing
For some time, city leaders have been hoping to land a full-service hotel, one with full restaurants and large meeting spaces. That's why seven months ago aldermen approved a moratorium on smaller, limited-service hotels. A study conducted in 2006 and 2007 found that Aurora had a demand for only 500 or so more hotel rooms, an estimate that had dropped to about 300 in 2008. And with every small hotel built, that demand weakened. ... Full story
Ash Borer Infestation Found In Aurora
A number of ash trees along the parkway in the Foxcroft subdivision on Aurora's West Side have been identified as being infested with the emerald ash borer, the city announced Monday. Steve Meyer, Aurora's director of public properties, said the city has been monitoring ash trees for several years. In November 2008, one emerald ash borer larva was found on the city's far East Side in a "trap tree." ... Full story
'Wake-up call' for Aurora
They didn't all know each other, nor did they all know Amber Thompson. But the group of 12 who gathered on South Fourth Street for a vigil for the would-be college-bound Joliet teen felt they needed to be there -- for Thompson's family, the neighborhood and for any youths being lured by drugs. ... Full story
Aurora businesses eager to move downtown
If the revitalization of downtown Aurora is going to work, it will need business owners willing to take a chance and set up shop. There's no one more excited about the prospect than Amaury Rosado. The owner of Chef Amaury's Epicurean Affair, Rosado has operated out of a small strip mall on Commons Drive, on the far East Side, for seven years. But by the end of this year, he hopes to open his new Affair in the former Elks Club building, at Stolp Avenue and Benton Street. ... Full story
