Author: Fox Valley Magazine

 (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock) By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinois Thousands of elementary and high school students throughout Illinois could lose access to after-school and summer programs in the upcoming fiscal year but advocates are hoping that either the General Assembly or the federal government can keep that from happening. The programs, known as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, are a federally funded through program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education that targets students in low-performing and high-poverty schools. Many of the programs offer academic enrichment activities to help students meet state and local academic standards. They also…

According to a press release, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has signed off on plans for a new casino in Aurora.  Penn Entertainment announced last year it wanted to move the Hollywood Casino in downtown Aurora on the Fox River to property near I-88 and Farnsworth Ave, across from the Chicago Premium outlet mall.  The plan calls for a 200-room hotel, event center and restaurants. IGB members also approved a relocation plan for a casino in Joliet. “Today’s approval of the relocation proposals for the Hollywood Aurora and Hollywood Joliet Casinos are a significant step in the regulatory process to…

Fox Valley Orthopedics (FVO) announced Spine Surgeon Lauren E. Matteini, MD, is the first to perform an Anterior to Psoas (ATP) fusion of the lumbar spine in an ambulatory surgery center in the state of Illinois. This minimally invasive procedure stabilizes the spine to help correct abnormal movement. The Anterior to Psoas approach is the latest surgical technique used to help patients with spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease. While not uncommon, it is a complicated procedure where a surgeon removes the damaged disc and inserts an interbody cage between the vertebrae that is filled with a synthetic bone graft. The…

Since May 2017, Livia Italian Eatery has been an established favorite go-to in the heart of Geneva’s Historic Shopping District. Livia Italian Eatery’s menu features Northern Italian cuisine and offers a broad palette of culinary delights from pasta and fresh greens to crowd favorites like the New Zealand Lamb Chops. Livia Italian Eatery’s dedication to using fresh ingredients in their chef-designed and inspired dishes is evident in the delicious flavors and quality of their food. Their menu caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it an inclusive dining experience for everyone. If dining…

At approximately 4:53 A.M. Friday morning, Kane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 7N000 Block of Nancy Lane in unincorporated Campton Township for a burglary to a motor vehicle. The initial investigation indicates that once the victim observed the burglary of a motor vehicle occurring, 911 was called and a confrontation ensued outside of the residence. One suspect fled the scene on foot while another suspect drove away in a white Chrysler Pacifica minivan. The vehicle in question was located near Illinois Route 47 and Kenmar (southbound) and a short vehicle pursuit occurred. During the pursuit, the vehicle fled from…

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – A federal judge in Chicago this week denied a request to block enforcement of both state and local bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, saying it is unlikely that the law will be found unconstitutional. In a 31-page opinion, Judge Lindsay Jenkins in the Northern District of Illinois said the laws are intended to protect public safety by removing particularly dangerous weapons from circulation. She also said that the government’s interest in protecting public safety outweighs any harm the laws might have on a person’s right to keep and bear arms. The case…

“It’s not worth your life.” That’s what 32-year-old Frederick Holmon said to his would-be victim on the morning of July 27, 2021 while brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic rifle. He was attempting to rob a delivery of wine and liquor to a Naperville Jewel store. As it turned out, it is Holmon who will waste much of his life, in prison. He faces 15-30 years behind bars. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced yesterday that DuPage County Judge Mia McPherson has found Holmon guilty of two counts of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Attempt Armed Robbery with…

Ten singers with amazing voices, magnetic personalities, and true love for ensemble singing, bringing creative concert experiences that make connections and inspire both awe and laughter. Come fly with them back to the golden age of the classic musical and legendary vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, where you’ll melt into the romance and nostalgia of the Great American Songbook. Swept off your feet by witty tunes of Gershwin, Porter, Kern, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, you’ll come to see why some call this “America’s classical music.” That’s Chicago a cappella. It all happens on Friday, April 28, from 8-10pm…

Enjoy the brilliance of Beethoven on Sunday, April 30 as the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus perform Beethoven’s Mass in C Major at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora. Stephen Squires will conduct with Lisa Fredenburgh as chorus master as the FVO performs the underappreciated work along with a “sampling” of other works from the master, including Allegro con brio (Sym. #5), Allegretto (Sym. #7), Allegretto scherzando (Sym. #8) and Presto (Sym. #7). Beethoven composed the Mass in C major to a commission from Prince Nikolaus Esterházy II in 1807. The mass, scored for four vocal soloists, choir and orchestra, was premiered that year by the…

Rookies All-American Pub & Grill After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Bob Karas decided he would open his first Rookies All-American Pub & Grill, achieving a lifelong dream of owning a sports bar. Rookies’ St. Charles is the first of seven locations and part of 15 (soon 16) restaurants in the Karas Group. “It felt natural to meld my passion for sports and restaurants into my career,” he says. In the early years, he and co-owner Mike Maridis faced competition from local sports bar franchise Bud’s, now closed. The two concocted the $1 burger and hot dog special to separate…