Fox Valley - admin

Partnership looking for input on downtown

The Downtown St. Charles Partnership is seeking input from residents, business owners and property owners about the downtown district. ... Full story

City to receive state capital funds for unspecified projects

St. Charles is set to receive more than half a million dollars from the state’s $31 billion capital program, but what the money will pay for has yet to be decided. ... Full story

Copper Fox coming to downtown St. Charles

Dimitri Lolis was racking his brain trying to figure out what name to give his new restaurant that will open mid-August in downtown St. Charles. ... Full story

Elburn village president defends himself in issuance of liquor license

Village President Dave Anderson is defending himself in the sale of his former building and the issuance of a liquor license for a proposed bar. ... Full story

East could decide Magnet Academy's fate on Monday

On Monday, as the East Aurora Board of Education decides the fate of the district's Magnet Academy, Maribel and Aimee Herrera expect to be in the audience, waiting anxiously. ... Full story

Homeless athletes kick-start a new life

As heavy rain began to pelt the uneven grass in the park just off the North Avenue bridge in Aurora in mid-July, a handful of members of the Street Soccer USA Chicago team meandered over to a single tree for a reprieve. ... Full story

Bandits go to bat for Habit for Humanity

As layers of paint came off the windows at 467 Division St., details on the historic home that had been hidden for decades stood out once again. ... Full story

Police conducting four-week speed enforcement

As part of its continuing efforts to reduce the number of traffic crashes, the St. Charles Police Department will be conducting a four-week speed enforcement beginning Saturday. ... Full story

Piemonte to switch to Chrysler

After years of selling Cadillacs, Al Piemonte will swap General Motors' luxury brand for Chrysler. Representatives of Al Piemonte Cadillac, located on Route 64 on the east side of St. Charles, confirmed that by September, the dealership will no longer sell new Cadillacs or any other new cars manufactured by GM. ... Full story

Valley Community Bank sold

A local banking company appears likely to soon acquire some new owners. St. Charles-based Valley Community Bank has announced that it has reached a deal to sell the banking corporation to Artisan FInancial Corporation. ... Full story

Window flap results in appellate win for Geneva man

In the interest of home maintenance and energy efficiency, Walter Stackman installed new windows and doors in his 1942 home in Geneva's historic district in July 2006. ... Full story

STC PR firm talks branding

Jane Cooper and Tim Montgomery – of St. Charles-based Cooper Hong Inc., a public relations firm – will tell local business owners what a name is and how identity as perceived by the public affects business. ... Full story

Illinois Legislators Pass Bill Banning Texting While Driving

In late May, the Illinois House passed a bill that bans motorists from sending, receiving or reading text messages, emails or instant messages on a cell phone, PDA or computer while driving. It also prevents drivers from accessing the Internet while behind the wheel. The bill was proposed partially in reaction to a 2006 accident involving a teen driver who hit and killed a bicycle rider in Urbana while attempting to download ringtones to her cell phone. ... Full story

Dillard now says 'No' on video gambling

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, who wants to be governor, is pushing Gov. Pat Quinn to do what Dillard couldn't - say 'no' to legalizing video gambling machines. ... Full story

Auroran to compete in National Poetry Slam

Ignatius "Iggy" Mwela has a way with words. In May, his smooth talking won him first place in the Chicago-based Mental Graffiti Grand Poetry Slam. ... Full story

Appointment stirs controversy about chairman's power

The normally mundane process of appointing a new member to a board that hears complaints about property assessments turned into a political controversy earlier this week. ... Full story

Reduced speed ahead: Kane lowers limits on four roadways

Drivers throughout Kane County best pay attention to new signs now that speed limits have been reduced on four roads. ... Full story

Lawmakers want answers, seek refiling in Panther case

Congressional Republicans on Thursday escalated their criticism of the Justice Department for dismissing a controversial voter-intimidation case, demanding that civil charges against the New Black Panther Party be restored. They also renewed their request to interview career attorneys who disagreed with the administration's decision to dismiss the charges. ... Full story

MULLAHS SQUIRM AS DEFIANT IRANIANS HONOR MARTYRS

SERVING notice that the fight for the future of Iran was far from over, multitudes throughout the country yesterday defied a government ban to attend ceremonies marking the 40th day since the death of pro-democracy protesters in Tehran. ... Full story

Pelosi lashes out against insurance companies

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday ramped up her criticism of insurance companies, accusing them of unethical behavior and working to kill a plan to create a new government-run health plan. ... Full story

Obama more bartender than mediator at beer summit

President Barack Obama played bartender-in-chief on Thursday at a "beer summit" of the main players in a racially charged case that he hoped would be a "positive lesson" in a national dialogue on race. ... Full story

Government Suspends 'Clunkers' Program

At Current Rate, Giving Out $3,500 Or $4,500 Per Vehicle Would Burn Through $1 Billion Allocated In No Time NYC Car Dealers: How Could Obama Administration Mess This Up? ... Full story

Not everyone comes home

Soldiers from the Illinois National Guard's Delta Company, based in Woodstock, return after yearlong deployment that took its toll ... Full story

Opportunity knocks for first-time home buyers

Keys are depressed home prices, big federal tax credit ... Full story

Some county road projects could be delayed by economy

Some of Kane County's bridge and road projects could be delayed by economic speed bumps. ... Full story

Riverwoods extends reach to more Fox Valley families

Meshy Parker stepped off a tan school bus Monday afternoon to begin her week at Riverwoods Christian Center. She walked under an archway of outstretched arms into a pavilion full of cheering campers and staff members ready to welcome her as the 1,000th camper of the summer. ... Full story

Campton Hills to allow local fines for drugs, alcohol possession

The village’s police officers now have the discretion to issue a local ordinance violation for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, underage alcohol possession or curfew violations. ... Full story

Northern Illinois Food Bank gets $120K donation

The company that makes buns for about 1,700 diners and hot dog stands in the greater Chicago metropolitan area Wednesday donated $120,000 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. ... Full story

Kane Sheriff's Office doesn't get grant

The Kane County Sheriff's Office was not among departments selected to receive federal grant dollars to hire new officers. ... Full story

Pool attendance takes a dive

Leah Taylor of Batavia and her 10-month-old daughter, Grace, weren't exactly sweltering in the summer heat Wednesday as they sat on a blanket at Hall Quarry Beach in Batavia. ... Full story

States desperate for cash eye cuts at prisons, but some worry security could suffer

Tony Ferranto worries as he walks his patrol at maximum-security Menard Correctional Center in Illinois. Only 150 officers stand watch these days over more than 3,500 inmates — about 700 more than capacity. Each guard covers eight inmates when they are corralled into the cafeteria, twice as many as a few years ago. And the governor says more cuts may loom. ... Full story

States rate poorly on online stimulus info, with Illinois the worst, Maryland the best

On a scale of zero to 100, it can't get worse than the big goose egg. That's the embarrassing rating Illinois received in a report released on Wednesday that concludes the state is worst in the nation when it comes to information available online about how federal stimulus money is being spent. ... Full story

Study: Ill. Graduation And Dropout Rates Declining

A new national report shows that graduation and dropout rates have declined slightly in Illinois while the number of children living in extreme poverty has held steady. ... Full story

Aurora nominates Carlson as new fire chief

Deputy Chief Hal Carlson has been chosen to replace Tim Oelker as new chief of the Aurora Fire Department. Mayor Tom Weisner selected Carlson out of five applicants for the position, all of whom work for the department, city officials said. ... Full story

Crime down in Aurora, but cops say it could be lower

Police say some victims make it too easy for thieves ... Full story

$5,000 tab to fix unswimming stones

For more than a year, the Swimming Stones have stood idle at the northwest corner of Stolp Avenue and Benton Street in downtown Aurora. The 12-foot-tall granite sculpture spun and splashed water briefly two springs ago, making it a favorite of children looking for place to cool off. ... Full story

Bien Trucha is worth the wait

The word on the street is that Bien Trucha, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Geneva, is one of the hottest eateries going. With typically a 60- to 90-minute wait on a Friday and Saturday night to get in, word on the street is not hard to find, because most customers spend more of their time waiting outside than eating inside. But most of them say it is well worth the wait. ... Full story

Aurora man to run for Senate

Robert Enriquez believes the Republican Party is in trouble. ... Full story

Tri-Cities towns offer places to cool off

When temperatures are in the 90s with high humidity this summer, Tri-Cities towns are offering air-conditioned facilities for residents who need a place to cool off. ... Full story

'Thick with history'

Geneva center finds creative ways to share the past ... Full story

Moussavi barred, clashes erupt at Neda memorial

Clashes erupted as two of Iran's main opposition leaders tried to join the several thousand people at a memorial for the slain woman who became the symbol of Iran's post-election violence, witnesses said. ... Full story

Ousted Honduran president: Military could rebel

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says disgruntled military officers could rebel "at any moment" against the government installed in a coup. [Editor's note: While AP characterizes the removal of Zelaya as a "coup," there is significant disagreement among observers as to whether his removal was Constitutionally-sanctioned - therefore not a "coup" - or not.] ... Full story

No. 3 at Justice OK'd Panther reversal

Associate Attorney General Thomas J. Perrelli, the No. 3 official in the Obama Justice Department, was consulted and ultimately approved a decision in May to reverse course and drop a civil complaint accusing three members of the New Black Panther Party of intimidating voters in Philadelphia during November's election, according to interviews. ... Full story

No healthcare reform vote before autumn: Obama

President Barack Obama said Wednesday there will be no vote on his proposed reforms of the US healthcare system before autumn, a setback that is costing him more political capital with each passing day. ... Full story

University of Illinois trustee resigns amid admissions probe

University of Illinois trustee Lawrence Eppley offered his resignation Tuesday amid a growing scandal over the role of political influence in student admissions at the state's flagship system. ... Full story

Downtown Partnership tightens budget belt

Knowing in advance that this year's grant from the city would be cut by 10 percent helped the Downtown St. Charles Partnership plan for the current rough economy. ... Full story

Stimulus funds may help pay for new SC plant

City officials hope a multimillion-dollar state loan coupled with some presidential stimulus package money will help them build a new water treatment facility. ... Full story

D300 cuts preschool bus aides

When Carpentersville-area preschoolers board buses for their first day of school at the deLacey Family Education Center at the end of August, few may be accompanied by an aide. ... Full story

Park District taking trip to Museum of Science and Industry

The St. Charles Park District is sponsoring a trip Friday to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. ... Full story

Library financial series to tackle bankruptcy

Attorney John Biallas will present a seminar aimed at dispelling the myths and misinformation about bankruptcy from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. ... Full story

Kane County budget woes continue

Some county officials on Monday continued to voice frustration about having to make cuts in their budgets as a $1.6 million deficit is predicted by staff. ... Full story

Preservation commission looks at damage repair

The city's Historic Preservation Commission continues to talk to the owner of the Campana building about how to repair some of the building's distinctive glass block that was damaged by a contractor earlier this year. ... Full story

Locals not 'all in'

Right now, patrons at Rookies restaurant in St. Charles can only play Texas Hold 'Em, Speed Draw and other online video games for fun, not money. ... Full story

Algonquin soldier welcomed home in style

Master Sgt. Matt Harman arrived home Monday in style. ... Full story

Elgin man considering run for Foster's seat

An Elgin man who spent the last 16 months helping to create jobs in Iraq has announced he is exploring a run for Congress. Mark Vargas, 28, said he is considering a run in the Republican primary election in the 14th Congressional District, where the seat is now held by Democrat Bill Foster of Geneva. ... Full story

Kane bleeds red ink

Earlier this year, Kane County department heads were asked to cut their budgets by 5.5 percent in an effort to bring finances in line. But on Monday, Finance Director Cheryl Pattelli told members of the County Board Finance Committee that even with those cuts, the county could be over budget by the end of the year by more than $2.68 million. To make matters worse, revenues are not coming in as expected, she said. ... Full story

AP Sources: Senate group omitting Dem health goals

After weeks of secretive talks, a bipartisan group in the Senate edged closer Monday to a health care compromise that omits a requirement for businesses to offer coverage to their workers and lacks a government insurance option that President Barack Obama favors, according to numerous officials. ... Full story

US, China have pointed questions in private

The United States and China are striking a conciliatory tone in their public comments during economic talks, although that hasn't stopped China from posing some pointed questions behind closed doors about such issues as America's soaring budget deficit. ... Full story

Britain and US prepared to open talks with the Taliban

A concerted effort to start unprecedented talks between Taliban and British and American envoys was outlined yesterday in a significant change in tactics designed to bring about a breakthrough in the attritional, eight-year conflict in Afghanistan. ... Full story

2 ex-U. of I. presidents call on trustees to quit

In response to the University of Illinois' admissions scandal, two former university presidents called Monday for the resignation of the school's trustees and a sweeping overhaul of how the board is appointed. ... Full story

Recession doesn't color Geneva Arts Fair

The official theme of this weekend's Geneva Arts Fair, as displayed on some volunteers' T-shirts, is "Choose Your Couch to Match Your Art." ... Full story

Two generations walk the same Elgin beat

It's hard for former Elgin Police Lt. Terry Sterricker to walk more than a couple of steps down a hall inside police headquarters, as he's stopped by a countless number of officers wishing to say hello and ask how he's doing. ... Full story

Chili cookoff adds heat to Batavia Riverwalk

Chili cook Virgil Johnson knew he would catch people's attention with his Owl Gizzard Chili. Rest assured, though, there were no owl gizzards in the chili. But he knows how to make some award-winning chili. ... Full story

Geneva dedicates plaza to Joshel, welcomes Rain Man

As Sara Joshel tells it, her father would not have been very comfortable if he had been sitting in the crowd Saturday morning at the site of his old lumber yard. ... Full story

River diverted in St. Charles so fishing platform can be replaced

A special crew from New Jersey was brought in this week to divert a portion of the Fox River away from City Hall so a limestone fishing platform could be replaced. ... Full story

June home sales up in Kane vs. May, still down vs. last year

Home sales in Kane County improved in June, compared to previous months. The market, however, remained down compared to the same month last year, according to the latest round of home sale figures issued by the Illinois Association of Realtors. ... Full story

Schools always there as a source of stability

Inger Balderas describes it as a nightmare. One that's been going on for far too long. ... Full story

Batavia, Sugar Grove keeping wind turbines out of backyards -- for now

Whether Kane County has enough wind for individual homeowners to use wind-energy electricity in their homes is debatable. ... Full story

Record crowd at Corn Boil

Great weather contributes to large turnout ... Full story

Where was that public notice published?

When Kane County decided in June 2008 to file an eminent domain claim against the owners of the former Montgomery Ward building, which house the circuit clerk's office, it followed the necessary step to make it public. ... Full story

Bill includes $1 million for rail crossing

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allocate $1 million for improvement of the EJ&E railroad crossing at Ogden Avenue in Aurora. ... Full story

Contractor a surprised Citizen of the Year

Jim Wilhem came to the Corn Boil Friday to help organizers honor his friend, Al Marcus, as the 2009 Citizen of the Year. ... Full story

Batavia gauges worth of red-light cameras

The Windmill City may follow other area communities and install red-light cameras at some intersections. ... Full story

Batavia hoping to quiet trains

Batavia is looking to curb train horns, after several residents complained about being awakened by early morning blasts. ... Full story

Kane awaiting clearer picture of stimulus funds

Kane County stands to receive millions in federal stimulus money for several American Recovery and Reinvestment Act programs. ... Full story

Millions slashed for schools

Local school districts are rushing to put together their budgets by late September after state education officials this week slashed millions of dollars from dozens of educational initiatives. ... Full story

Japanese cuisine for every taste

If you are a lover of sushi and seafood, then you probably already know about Batavia's Swordfish restaurant. It has been a staple in the Fox Valley for fresh and elegant and sushi for five years, under the direction of executive chef Shu Kim. ... Full story

The Path Forward for Honduras

Zelaya’s removal from office was a triumph for the rule of law. By Roberto Micheletti, Interim President of Honduras ... Full story

PALIN STEPS DOWN

Sarah Palin stepped down Sunday as Alaska governor to write a book and build a right-of-center coalition, but she left her long-term political plans unclear and refused to address speculation she would seek a 2012 presidential bid. ... Full story

Nebraska legislators seek to assert state sovereignty

At least three Nebraska lawmakers want to send a message to the federal government: Butt out of state business. ... Full story

University of Illinois fundraising official defends clout list

A key fundraiser at the University of Illinois defended the use of clout lists in the admissions process, telling a state commission Wednesday that it's important for school officials to know which applicants have ties to big donors. ... Full story

Honduran regime rejects plan for president's return

Honduras's de facto government has shot down a last-gasp deal to resolve the country's political crisis, insisting ousted President Manuel Zelaya cannot return to office. The return of Mr Zelaya as president was impossible, interim foreign minister Carlos Lopez Contreras said on CNN's Spanish station, effectively killing hopes of a settlement. ... Full story

Dem divisions emerge as health care bill stalls

Democratic divisions in Congress stalled President Barack Obama's health care overhaul Thursday, with one frustrated senator urging his colleagues to move faster and a member of the House leadership suggesting lawmakers cancel their August vacation to finish a bill. ... Full story

Data show housing market starting to recover

The U.S. housing market has started to recover from the most far-reaching crisis since the Great Depression, data released Thursday show. ... Full story

Democrats Block GOP Health Care Mailing

Democrats are preventing Republican House Members from sending their constituents a mailing that is critical of the majority’s health care reform plan, blocking the mailing by alleging that it is inaccurate. House Republicans are crying foul and claiming that the Democrats are using their majority to prevent GOP Members from communicating with their constituents. ... Full story

Council OKs funding for Downtown Partnership

The St. Charles City Council on Monday approved its annual funding for the nonprofit group charged with promoting the downtown business district. ... Full story

Court backs homeowner, slaps Geneva over historic district rules

Walter Stackman has fought the city of Geneva for three years over a set of vinyl windows he put on his 1940s-era house. An appellate court last week sided with Stackman, ruling he did not need a building permit to do the work, even though the house is in a historic district. ... Full story

U-46 report shows boundary changes needed -- and needed now

Boundary changes look to be coming to Elgin Area School District U-46. Fast. ... Full story

Spending to the end -- and beyond

Spending by Mayor Tom Weisner and Alderman Stephanie Kifowit during the mayoral campaign had both heading for the red, according to state campaign finance reports due Monday. ... Full story

Aurora teens recalled at back-to-school fair

Fifteen years ago, the deaths of teenagers Moshe Rogers and Armando Mendez rocked Aurora, humanizing the reality of gang violence, and making murder a rational fear of nearly every resident. ... Full story

Aurora magnet school attracting bad vibes

With the school year creeping upon them, members of the East Aurora School Board still are struggling to decide whether the district will keep students enrolled in its elementary and middle school magnet academy programs. ... Full story

Agencies reach out with info for vets

Geneva resident Dan Belair recently returned home after serving in Afghanistan with his Sycamore-based National Guard unit. ... Full story

Settlement talks possible in Campton Hills lawsuit

The village board could act today to negotiate a settlement with the former finance director not reappointed over a pay dispute. ... Full story

Batavia raises fines for parking violations

City parking violation fines are now three times what they were 26 years ago. The Batavia City Council on Monday approved increasing the parking fines from the current $5 and $10, to $15 per violation. If the ticket is not paid within 10 days, the fine doubles to $30, and a final notice is drafted. The change does not affect parking violations in handicapped parking, which is a $250 fine. ... Full story

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk officially in Senate race

North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk formally announced Monday his Republican bid for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama, the first salvo in a rare open contest expected to draw big money and national notoriety. ... Full story

Contributions to Gov. Pat Quinn soar to more than $860,000

Best 6-month showing since unsuccessful bid for secretary of state in 1994 ... Full story

Trustee requested job help at U. of I.

University of Illinois board chair Niranjan Shah used his connection with the chancellor in 2007 to get a high-paying university job for his future son-in-law, a Dutch citizen seeking work in the United States. ... Full story

Unions give Hynes big money lead

FUND-RAISING | Comptroller has 5 times more cash than Quinn; Schillerstrom leads GOP ... Full story

US warns Honduras' de facto leader on economic aid

The United States has warned Honduras' de facto government it could face cuts in economic aid if it fails to reach a deal with ousted President Manuel Zelaya on restoring democratic rule. ... Full story

Administration Delaying Release of Key Economic Report

The Obama administration is delaying release of a congressionally mandated report on the nation's economic conditions, spawning speculation that it is trying to tamp down bad economic news to avoid further complicating the already fraught legislative debate over health care reform. ... Full story

White House misses deadline on spending cuts report

On April 20, President Obama challenged his Cabinet to cut $100 million in spending over the next 90 days. ... Full story

Healthcare battle 'isn't about me': Obama

President Barack Obama on Monday shot back at Republicans who have suggested they can win political ground by opposing his healthcare reform proposals. ... Full story

Smooth ways to sneak ‘superfoods’ into your family’s diet

With the abundance of fresh produce that accompanies the arrival of warm weather, you would think Americans’ diets would be healthier in summer than at nearly any other time of year. But what good are so-called “superfoods” like blueberries, fresh ginger and even eggs if you can’t get the kids (or your spouse) to eat them? ... Full story

Do you know your family’s safety IQ?

The clothes fit, backpacks are filled and lunches are packed. But according to a recent survey, parents might want to consider one more thing before sending their children back to school -- safety. Each year, children in the United States sustain an estimated 14 million unintentional, but potentially disabling injuries. ... Full story

St. Charles lets 175th birthday slip by

Happy 175th, St. Charles. Sorry we missed it. The city of St. Charles turned 175 this year — or last year — sometime in spring, we think … but it's all in how you look at it. ... Full story

School fees offer some tough lessons

Ismael Salinas' family is like any other — just trying to make ends meet and give their children a good education. He and his wife, Maricela, recently went to Community Unit School District 300's registration to enroll their Algonquin Middle School student. The Salinas family will, as in other years, pay off the fees in payments instead of all at once ... Full story

Roadwork ahead on Routes 31, 38

Two construction projects by the state Department of Transportation could be diverting traffic on major Tri-Cities roads. Starting July 27, Illinois Department of Transportation crews will begin resurfacing work on a nearly two-mile stretch of Route 31, from Third Street in Geneva to Horne Street in St. Charles. ... Full story

In our towns: Elgin Academy grad honored

Elgin Academy graduate and former Courier News correspondent Kate Linden Burnham of Geneva recently was admitted to Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization at the Boston University chapter. ... Full story

Glass art show coming to local gallery

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center in the Kavanagh Gallery will host “Beauty Born of Fire: The Art of Glass” from July 24 to Sept. 26. ... Full story

District 303 transportation chief to head state group

The head of transportation for St. Charles School District 303 has been tapped to head a state organization for school transportation. ... Full story

$38 million headed to local governments, institutions through state capital plan

An assortment of local governments, schools, research institutions, hospitals, social service organizations and others stand to gain about $38 million in funding through Illinois’ first statewide construction program in decades. ... Full story

Cap and trade: Is it worth the cost?

Mike Mitera hopes he is still in business in 2020, still chartering flights for those willing to pay for his services. ... Full story

Rain garden to serve as 'outdoor classroom'

State conservationists are creating a rain garden on the rural west side of the city to demonstrate how native prairie species can be used to control and cleanse storm-water runoff. ... Full story

McQuillan to run in 50th District

Speaking out at a "Taxpayer Tea Party" April 15 in Geneva helped put Geneva Republican Bob McQuillan on the party map after a few office holders heard him on the podium. Now, he wants to take his message to the state level. ... Full story

2 Illinois soldiers killed in Afghanistan remembered at funerals

Two Illinois soldiers have been laid to rest after they were killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. ... Full story

New Ill. governor gets little in first session

Gov. Pat Quinn emerged from his first legislative session without the tax increase he wanted. Instead, he wound up with a rickety patchwork budget, the chore of deciding where to cut spending and a budding reputation as an indecisive flip-flopper. It was a rough start for a politician likely to face voters in the Democratic primary in just six months. ... Full story

Is Imelda Marcos hiding money in Kendall Co.?

The Kendall County lawsuit stands out from the other complaints of ripoffs and traffic disputes for two very specific reasons: First, the defendants are the former president of the Philippines and his shoe-hoarding wife. ... Full story

Residents pitch ideas for Fox Valley's future

Give us more roads and rail lines, and better housing -- and make them "greener," too. That was the consensus of residents from around the Fox Valley at a forum last week on keeping the Chicago area viable going into the mid-21st century. ... Full story

First sign of West Nile in Kendall

Kendall County health officials have reported the first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus. The batch of mosquitoes was collected on July 13 in Oswego. ... Full story

Company questions city's bid practices

A Schaumburg company is questioning the city of Aurora's bidding practices after losing a $2 million contract, despite being the lowest bidder. ... Full story

White House putting off release of budget update

The White House is being forced to acknowledge the wide gap between its once-upbeat predictions about the economy and today's bleak landscape. ... Full story

Governors worried by healthcare bill costs

Say states could get new Medicaid burden ... Full story

Mediator proposes path out of Honduras showdown

Hopes for a quick resolution to Honduras' political crisis dimmed when its interim government balked at a plan presented in talks Saturday to reinstate ousted President Manuel Zelaya and form a national unity government. ... Full story

Quinn gets mixed reviews on first 7 months in office

When Gov. Quinn, Illinois' accidental governor, signed the state budget last week, he completed the most important test of his seven-month governorship and put the final piece in place for a likely 2010 gubernatorial run. ... Full story

Tehran's streets erupt after a key cleric speaks

Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's harsh rebuke of Ahmadinejad supporters is followed by renewed violence, suggesting the discontent over recent election results is as strong as ever. ... Full story

Court allows new windows in historic Geneva house

Owner sued Geneva: Ruling says city can't block building repair. ... Full story

Wing Street closing at Route 31 for 9 weeks

Folks heading to Wing Park, its golf course and pool from the east will have to find another route for the next couple months as the city gets set to close Wing Street at Route 31. ... Full story

U46 getting $459,000 for safety/security upgrades

Federal dollars are surfacing to help boost safety efforts in Elgin School District U46. ... Full story

Fox Valley remembers the 1st moon landing

Exactly 40 years ago Monday, the first landing on the moon was perhaps one of the few things every American could agree upon. ... Full story

Elgin could face $4 million shortfall

Casino taxes $2.3 million less than anticipated. ... Full story

Richmond parents have until next week to transfer students

Parents at Richmond Elementary School have until July 24 to request that their children be transferred to another St. Charles District 303 school after Richmond failed to meet standards on state tests for the second year. ... Full story

Agencies partner to provide information to those in need

Darlene Marcusson, executive director of Lazarus House, received a call Monday morning from a man who is losing the St. Charles home where he has lived for 23 years. ... Full story

Numbers show Kane housing troubles not abating

The number of homes moving through the foreclosure process in Kane County dropped in the spring compared with earlier this year. ... Full story

Gov. Quinn signs budget built on debt

Facing a massive deficit and an array of unpleasant choices, Illinois officials decided Wednesday to keep state government running with a budget built around borrowing billions of dollars and letting unpaid bills climb to record levels. ... Full story

Family of dead Burris ally-turned-critic seeks answers

A witness in a perjury case involving the president's former Senate seat is killed in a single-vehicle crash. And the briefcase where he kept his key documents might be missing. ... Full story

Lawyers picked for county budget fight

An Aurora-based law firm has been selected to represent Kane County Circuit Clerk Deb Seyller as she consider legal options in her budget struggle with the Kane County Board. ... Full story

Kane official questions Copley investment

Bankrupt in Wisconsin: Senior VP has financial problems in past. ... Full story

Electrical fire disrupts Potter flick at Randall IMAX

An electrical fire on the roof of the Randall 15 IMAX sent smoke through a viewing of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," but no one was injured. ... Full story

Proft brings campaign for gov. to old hometown

Thomas Wolfe famously wrote "You Can't Go Home Again," the story of a novelist whose work angers the folks in his hometown and renders him a pariah in old familiar places. ... Full story

Kane County a bad tenant?

Kane office threatened with eviction. ... Full story

Unemployment tops 10 percent in 15 states in June; Michigan at 15.2 percent, highest since '84

Unemployment topped 10 percent in 15 states and the District of Columbia last month, according to federal data released Friday. The rate in Michigan surpassed 15 percent, the first time any state hit that mark since 1984. ... Full story

Aide: Ousted Honduran president on route back home

A top aide of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said he was heading back to the country Thursday, while thousands of his supporters blocked roads to demand his return to power. ... Full story

Police tear-gas Iran protesters during prayer

Tens of thousands of government opponents packed Iran's main Islamic prayer service Friday, chanting "freedom, freedom" and other slogans as their top clerical backer Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani delivered a sermon bluntly criticizing the country's leadership over the crackdown on election protests. ... Full story

Social Security spends $700,000 on Phoenix conference: Good for the goose?

A Social Security Administration motivational management conference held at a high-end Valley resort last week cost $700,000, the SSA told the ABC15 Investigators. ... Full story

House panel passes health bill, critics slam cost; CBO says approach will increase costs

A key U.S. congressional committee on Friday approved healthcare legislation that includes a hefty tax on the rich but critics pointed to fresh warnings that President Barack Obama's health reform plan would do little to rein in skyrocketing spending. ... Full story

The cost of state's construction project

Gov. Pat Quinn this week signed into law the state's first construction spending plan in more than a decade. Proponents say it will create thousands of jobs and will help repair crumbling buildings, roads, schools and other infrastructure. These are great prospects, both for unemployed people and for all the taxpayers in Illinois who rely on that infrastructure. ... Full story

Ill., Mo. get millions for energy rebate program

Illinois is getting as much as $12 million in federal stimulus money to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances. The money is for a state-run rebate program for Energy Star home appliances. ... Full story

Lawmakers call for tighter rules for red-light cameras

Red-light cameras were shepherded into the suburbs several years ago with wide political support. That backing is evaporating. ... Full story

What should our cities look like?

Valley of the future: Workshops offer imaginary trip to 2040. ... Full story

Panel OKs downtown improvement grant

The Community Development Committee on Tuesday approved a downtown improvement grant for 4-1/2 W. Wilson St. -- one of the oldest buildings in the downtown. ... Full story

Kane OKs affordable housing bond plan

Lauded by Chairman Karen McConnaughay as the "single-most important economic stimulus project" to be considered by Kane County, County Board members Tuesday approved $16 million in bonds to create low- and moderate-income housing. ... Full story

Kane County Board cuts sheriff some slack

The Kane County Board and Sheriff Pat Perez came to a last-minute compromise Tuesday on how many sworn deputies the sheriff can have. Board members were poised to reduce the number of deputies from 95 to 87, but after an hour of sometimes heated, wide-ranging talks and a 13-10 vote, the sheriff's deputy cap was set at 90. ... Full story

Batavia Day making comeback

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke plans to reactivate Batavia Day to give residents an opportunity to brainstorm and sign up for volunteer posts throughout the community. ... Full story

JB’s sticks with old favorites

When it comes to food, JB's Pub in Elgin sticks to a quarter-century's worth of tried-and-true favorites. "Mostly, we pretty much specialize in pizza," said Keith Wehrle, general manager and partner. "We've been doing pizza for 25 years, cooked in the same stone-lined pizza ovens." ... Full story

'Threads from Past to Present' features Ground Zero Quilt

On the same weekend, The Batavia Depot Museum will hold its major fundraiser for the year, the third annual Quilt and Textile Show, "Threads from Past to Present," sponsored by Prairie Shop Quilts, on July 17, 18 and 19. Highlights include more than 100 quilts on display made by local quilters; a vendor hall featuring new products and demonstrations and a certified quilt appraiser; and a Quilt Care program at 1:30 p.m. July 18. ... Full story

The Lincoln connection

It's tea time in Batavia on Sunday. And this is not just any tea party, but one modeled after the elegant strawberry tea parties given by Mary Todd Lincoln in the Civil War era. ... Full story

Obama Opposes House Plan to Protect Chrysler, GM Dealerships

President Barack Obama “strongly opposes” an effort in Congress to require General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to restore relationships shed during bankruptcy proceedings, while stopping short of a veto threat. ... Full story

Germany's BND denies report on Iran bomb timing

Germany's foreign intelligence agency BND denied a report in a magazine on Wednesday that its experts believe Iran is capable of producing and testing an atomic bomb within six months. ... Full story

House Plans to Tax Millionaires to Fund Health Care

House Democrats plan to fund the broadest U.S. health-care expansion in four decades by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans, imposing a surtax of 5.4 percent on couples with more than $1 million in income. ... Full story

House Plans to Tax Millionaires to Fund Health Care

House Democrats plan to fund the broadest U.S. health-care expansion in four decades by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans, imposing a surtax of 5.4 percent on couples with more than $1 million in income. ... Full story

Elgin Children's Chorus sets audition dates

Auditions for the Elgin Children's Chorus 2009-10 Season are now in progress for girls and boys (with unchanged voices) ages 7 through 16. For more information about the chorus or to schedule an audition, visit elginchildrenschorus.org or call 847-931-7464. ... Full story

Elgin Children's Chorus sets audition dates

Auditions for the Elgin Children's Chorus 2009-10 Season are now in progress for girls and boys (with unchanged voices) ages 7 through 16. For more information about the chorus or to schedule an audition, visit elginchildrenschorus.org or call 847-931-7464. ... Full story

Facebook, Twitter subject of next Downtown Partnership breakfast

Facebook and Twitter are the topic of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership’s next Business Development Breakfast session. ... Full story

Facebook, Twitter subject of next Downtown Partnership breakfast

Facebook and Twitter are the topic of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership’s next Business Development Breakfast session. ... Full story

Park District to host family luau at Swanson Pool

St. Charles residents can put on their grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts as Swanson Pool at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., becomes a tropical paradise from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday. ... Full story

IDOT to work on two St. Charles projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation soon will begin two projects in St. Charles. ... Full story

Parking fines set to increase in Batavia

Residents could see the fine for overnight parking jump from $5 from $15 starting next week. The Batavia City Council on July 20 is set to vote on the increase. ... Full story

Property owners to have more say on landmark decisions

If you don’t want your property declared a landmark, it’s probably going to be a lot tougher for a neighbor to do it for you. ... Full story

Rutherford formally announces for Ill. treasurer

Illinois Sen. Dan Rutherford (ROO'-thur-ferd) has announced he's running for state treasurer and he says now isn't the time for Illinois to be considering an income tax increase. ... Full story

Quinn Signs $31 Billion Bill to Support "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs"

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed off on a $31 billion state construction plan that includes money for everything from bicycle trails and university buildings to a major overhaul of Illinois highways. ... Full story

Mutual Ground to reopen shelter

Linda Healy calls it a miracle. And it came not a moment too soon. The sign hanging outside Mutual Ground in Aurora, where Healy has been executive director for 23 years, tells the story. Since July 1, when Healy was forced to close the doors of the 24-hour domestic violence shelter here, Mutual Ground has turned away 24 women and 32 children seeking protection. ... Full story

Batavia one of America's best towns, Web site says

CNNMoney.com has named Batavia as one the top 100 best small towns in America. ... Full story

Budget deficit tops $1 trillion for first time

The federal deficit has topped $1 trillion for the first time ever and could grow to nearly $2 trillion by this fall, intensifying fears about higher interest rates, inflation and the strength of the dollar. ... Full story

Ousted Honduran president issues talks ultimatum

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya warned on Monday he will deem mediation talks over the country's political crisis "failed" unless he is reinstated at the next meeting, likely this weekend. ... Full story

Passenger Recalls Southwest Flight With Hole In Roof

A Southwest Airlines 737 aircraft that originated in Nashville made an emergency landing in Charleston after the passenger cabin became depressurized because a hole appeared in the fuselage. ... Full story

Minority Broadcasters Seek Federal Aid

A group of minority broadcasters asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Monday for financial assistance akin to the aid that has been extended to the financial and auto industries. ... Full story

Former U. of I. leaders put much of blame for clout list on trustees

Ex-Presidents Stanley Ikenberry and James Stukel and ex-Chancellors Morton Weir and Michael Aiken write to investigative panel. ... Full story

OPAH!

Mmmm, baklava. That famous Greek pastry, and a dozen other sweet specialities, are just a few of the highlights at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church annual Greek festival. ... Full story

OPERA singer preps for 1st festival

It's only halfway through the summer, and the season has already proven to have been hectic for opera singer Solange Sior, artistic director of Elgin OPERA. ... Full story

Elgin festival turns into pet project

Pets that owners found grew too big, were too expensive to care for or caused allergy problems were just some of the pets highlighted at the 10th annual Unity Fest over the weekend. ... Full story

Pets show off talents during parade

Sara Ditchman was fairly sure that her cocker spaniel mix, Otis, was the pet with the most spots at Saturday’s Pet Parade in downtown Batavia. ... Full story

Sugar Grove Library closes; will open in new building in August

A chapter has closed on the Sugar Grove Library as a new one opens next month. The building at 54 Snow St. – originally built in 1980 – closed at 5 p.m. Saturday as the library prepares to move to its new building at 125 S. Municipal Drive in Sugar Grove. ... Full story

Police warn people to lock car doors after recent burglaries

Police Chief Greg Anderson is warning residents to lock their vehicles, following a recent spree of car break-ins. ... Full story

Campton Hills Farmers Market opens

The Campton Hills Farmers Market opens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and every Saturday through Oct. 17 at Campton Crossings Shopping Center, at the southeast corner of Route 64 and LaFox Road. ... Full story

Historical Society cuts four jobs, including curator

At the end of this month, the Aurora Historical Society will be a much different -- and much smaller -- organization. ... Full story

County chairman race gets more crowded

Sen. Dan Cronin, R-21st, is hoping to transition from his role as a state legislator to DuPage County Board chairman. Although he hasn't yet made a formal announcement, Cronin told The Doings Tuesday that he is actively pursing the seat. ... Full story

Waiting game continues on Kane budget battle

A month after Kane County Circuit Clerk Deborah Seyller said she wanted advice about a possible budget-related lawsuit against Kane County, a holding pattern has emerged. ... Full story

'Troubled' properties on rise in Batavia

The city has a series of "troubled properties" that are either in violation of code or near the tipping point requiring staff to enforce ordinances, the city's mayor warned this week. "The community development and building departments are going through a trying time -- some of it may be a reflection of the economy," Mayor Jeff Schielke said. ... Full story

Gore: U.S. Climate Bill Will Help Bring About 'Global Governance'

Former Vice President Al Gore declared that the Congressional climate bill will help bring about “global governance.” “I bring you good news from the U.S., “Gore said on July 7, 2009 in Oxford at the Smith School World Forum on Enterprise and the Environment, sponsored by UK Times. ... Full story

Lunch with the FT: Larry Summers

Larry Summers, director of the US president’s National Economic Council, usually eats at his White House desk or sitting around a nearby table with other members of the economic team. But today, for Lunch with the FT, Summers’ aides have persuaded him to walk down the stairs to the Ward Room, a windowless alcove near the White House mess. The dark-wood panelling and nautically themed paintings are meant to evoke a naval officer’s dining room but these grace notes are muted by the plastic cutlery, paper plates and drinks sipped straight from their plastic bottles. ... Full story

Independent’s Day

Obama doesn't want to look back, but Attorney General Eric Holder may probe Bush-era torture anyway. ... Full story

Sessions: Sonia Sotomayor 'out of mainstream'

The leading Judiciary Committee Republican is charging that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is "out of the mainstream" of legal thinking and has a very activist judicial profile. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama made the assertion just hours before Sotomayor, who would be the third woman to join the court, was to face her initial confirmation hearing. ... Full story

Sotomayor hearing starts with Leahy praise

On the cusp of history, Sonia Sotomayor listened intently in a packed Senate hearing room Monday as lawmakers began confirmation hearings on her appointment as the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. ... Full story

Five Summer Splurges for Less than $10

Even if you, like many Americans, are staying close to home this summer, you don't have to miss out on warm-weather indulgences. Despite lingering financial concerns, simple summer splurges still abound. "This season provides so many little, inexpensive opportunities to treat ourselves," says Marco Casol, chief executive officer and president of specialty dessert ingredient manufacturer PreGel AMERICA. "Indulgence doesn't have to be about spending a lot of money -- it can just as easily involve having a new or memorable experience with friends or family." Here are five affordable ways to treat yourself this summer -- during an afternoon with friends, a family outing, or even a first date -- all for less than $10 per person. ... Full story