Column: Summer is in full swing, and with it comes sunshine, smiles and plenty of opportunities to make memories right here in DeKalb. One such highlight is the 13th Annual Family Fun Fest on July 16, writes Anna Wilson of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

This week marks the anniversary of Gettysburg, the most famous battle of the Civil War.

Lovina's “English” friend, Ruth, shares news of Verena and Daniel Ray's wedding day.

Column: I am retiring in August from teaching at Northern Illinois University and have decided to retire from writing this monthly column as well, writes Mary Gardner. She adds in parting: Literacy cannot only be for certain groups of people.

Congress must act now to make sure the nation’s next Postmaster General is not the last one.

Column: Kishwaukee United Way’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the allocation of $100,000 for fiscal 2026, meant to support basic needs of area residents, writes Michele Vaughn.

Column: Lately, it’s clear that economic development isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people, place and connection. In short, it’s about community development, writes Melissa Amedeo of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

The Trump administration has announced plans to discontinue minting new pennies, citing the cost of producing the 1-cent coins in relation to their value and importance in the U.S. currency system. 

I wanted to get to know Verena and Daniel Ray better as a couple, and thought maybe you did also, so today I visited with them for a bit and asked them some questions.