Multi-genre, Blues Hall of Famer Michael Charles and his band will be performing a free concert at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Sterling.

Dixon Stage Left is proud to introduce its own improv troupe: The Oxymorons. Join The Oxymorons Improv Troupe for its debut show Friday.

That Arena Rock Show will perform the biggest hits of the '80s rock era at the Egyptian Theatre on March 28.

Galloway is an officer known nationally and internationally as a presenter and award-winning expert in substance abuse prevention, education and enforcement.

The village of Romeoville will be putting in a new Route 66-themed stop in recognition of the famous roadway’s 100th anniversary.

Leaders for DeKalb District 428 schools are continuing to explore how to move forward with their ongoing goal of reducing secondary class sizes. Dubbed “Vision For28,” the proposal aims to address elementary and middle school class sizes and building needs.

The Yorkville Public Library is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Curbside service is available.

After several years away, Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Motorsports team returned recently to one of the automotive industry’s most recognizable stages: the Chicago Auto Show.

Families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade can attend a Super Mario Galaxy Celebration at the Sycamore Public Library to celebrate “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”

Column: April is shaping up to be a vibrant month in Batavia, highlighted by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce’s signature celebration, Inspire 2026!, along with opportunities to connect, volunteer, and support local businesses, writes Shirley Mott of the Batavia Chamber.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, will hold weekly mobile office hours beginning in DeKalb this month to discuss issues and meet with community members.

The DeKalb American Legion Post 66 will hold its DeKalb Hometown Heroes banner program to support local efforts in honor of the United States 250th anniversary in DeKalb County.

Sauk Valley Community College invites the community to give the gift of life during its spring blood drive Monday, March 30, in the Dillon Mall.

First Lutheran Church’s Social Ministry Team will hold a steak dinner fundraiser on April 9 in partnership with Hy-Vee to support local charities.

The DeKalb City Council on Monday is expected to consider a funding request from a local retirement community for $100,000. Also: Proposed changes to several resident-led city committees, many of which provide research, analysis, and recommendations to the Council on policy.

Fifteen shavees went bald for the 19th annual Illinois Valley Emergency Services Annual St. Baldrick's Event on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Senica's Oak Ridge in La Salle. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds worldwide research to develop safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer.

JK Moving Services received two awards during the American Trucking Association’s Moving and Storage Conference in Nashville. JK Moving’s Tim Hall of Dixon was named Super Van Operator of the Year.

Aaron Mercier, regional superintendent of schools for Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties, retired March 17 after 15 years of service.

Some candidates seeking seats in the Illinois House of Representatives in Districts 70 and 76 raised more campaign dollars than others, according to new spending records recently released by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

DeKalb County families can look forward to various festive egg hunts and family-friendly community events as Easter approaches on April 5.

The Kane County Health Department partnered with healthcare providers, community organizations, libraries, and government agencies over the past year to install publicly accessible naloxone dispensing boxes.

Sandwich resident Brighid Reid, 14, a member of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, will participate in the National Spelling Bee inside Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in two months.

The DeKalb community is remembering the life of Stephen Bigolin, a beloved historian who died Thursday, March 12. He was 76. Bigolin came to DeKalb from McHenry County to go to NIU, and left a lasting legacy behind.

Check out some of the top photos captured by Daily Chronicle photographers for Shaw Local News Network this week, March 16-20, 2026.

State Rep. Brad Fritts, the Lee County Health Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Dixon Police Department and Dixon Township are hosting a free sharps and prescription drug drop-off drive May 14.

A new scholarship has been established in DeKalb County to honor a late Hiawatha High School teacher and support graduating seniors pursuing careers in education.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a chess club session for area youth this month.

DeKalb city officials are hoping to double the size of the city’s annual Memorial Day parade this year, in part to help celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Parade applications are due May 8.

Author Thom Reese will be featured at a book-signing event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 in Dixon.

The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s final Soup-er Sunday program of the year will feature a “Cultivating Community: The Roots of Sweet Life Garden Group” presentation by Sweet Life Garden Group founder Lori Brown.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has announced new officer leadership for its Board of Directors following its January 2026 annual meeting.

A job fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, in the West Mall of Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.

Community members can learn about the Rockford Peaches and women’s baseball history on Saturday during a DeKalb Public Library program.

Here's where Rooted for Good's mobile food pantry will be in April throughout DeKalb County. The pantry is open to all, no questions asked.

Column: Planning a party? Consider a venue that is not only fun but really sets a special occasion apart. That’s just what’s on offer with a private charter of a paddlewheel riverboat, writes Patricia MacMillan for the St. Charles Park District.

Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman announced on Thursday plans to retire by June 2028, almost a decade after she was sworn in as the institution’s first woman president.

The Sterling Police Department is hosting its fourth annual Run For the Badge 5K on May 9.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is proud to exhibit artwork from talented students and staff from all over the Sauk Valley area and is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 student-teacher art exhibit.

Local author, clinical psychologist and relationship coach Kelly Flanagan will host a book signing for his USA Today bestselling book “The Road Less Triggered: Turning Conflict into Connection with a Single Choice” on Saturday at Books on First in Dixon.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Spring Pops Concert is Friday, March 20 at NIU's Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Clinton, Iowa, will present Fool House – The Ultimate 90’s Party: The Millennium Tour on Friday, March 20, in the Oakwood Grand Ballroom.

CASA Kane County will host its annual Hands Around the Courthouse event in April to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.

Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced in a news release that her office was awarded $1 million in federal funding secured with assistance from U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg.

A Northern Illinois University meteorologist joined a research team this week to measure a likely record-breaking hailstone from a severe storm in Kankakee County March 10. It came in at 6.6 inches and nearly 20 ounces.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA will hold a “Mobility and Injury Prevention” presentation for residents as part of its Lunch and Learn Educational Series.

Hinckley voters supported a property tax rate increase request by the Hinckley Fire Protection District on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results. The funds are expected to aid staffing, training, new gear and capital improvement projects.

Hampshire High School teacher Bob Beringer recently was awarded with $10,000 donated by Resource Bank as part of the bank’s Kick-Off for Kash contest.

The DeKalb Public Library will offer a tasting on Friday for youth in sixth through 12th grades to taste and learn about different candies.

Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a layered approach that involves law enforcement, parents and informed children, columnist Tom Weitzel mainatains

In a crowded race for retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s Senate seat, Republican Don Tracy has secured the GOP nomination in Tuesday’s primary, according to unofficial election results. Check back for updates