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Author Archie Bentz Jr. presents the history of John W. “Bet-a-Million” Gates and his artwork during a recent session at St. Charles North High School. (Archie Bentz Jr.)

How John W. ‘Bet-a-Million’ Gates’ hidden art treasures shaped St. Charles

Author Archie Bentz Jr. has written “Rediscovering the Art Collection of John W. Gates,” a supplement to his 2025 book about the steel and oil tycoon, documenting how Gates’ extensive art collection has been displayed throughout St. Charles for over a century.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s EV event, shown here in 2024, is reimagined this year with a fresh look, gas-powered vehicles and a new name — The Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel. (Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com)

Miss the Chicago Auto Show? Organizers host test drive event in the suburbs with multiple brands

The Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel comes to Oakbrook Terrace for three days and will feature EVs, hybrids and conventional gas-powered cars.

Digital Services Librarian Amy Peterson poses with an e-book at the Schaumburg Township District Library in Schaumburg. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)

Libraries pay more for e-books than consumers. State lawmakers are trying to change that

Patrons borrowing an e-book or a digital audiobook from their local library may not realize that libraries pay four or five times more for those materials than the average consumer.

A crazed nurse is among the characters populating Aurora’s Basement of the Dead. (Basement of the Dead Haunted House)

Scare tactics: Suburban haunts deliver Halloween thrills

It’s scary season. Check out our list of suburban haunted houses where Halloween revelers can celebrate.

Golf Haus owner Nate Groenendal takes a swing on a virtual course on one of the three Trackman golf simulators at his new Mundelein business. (Mick Zawislak/Daily Herald)

New indoor facility in Mundelein lets golfers hone their skills 24 hours a day

Just as the season winds down, a new spot opened in Mundelein over the weekend to help golfers keep sharp and work on their game — anytime they feel the urge.

Shake Shack, Cava could replace old Red Lobster in Geneva

The former Red Lobster restaurant in Geneva may be demolished to make room for a new Shake Shack.

Chef Sarah Stegner sits in her restaurant, Prairie Grass Cafe, on Sept. 29, 2026, in Northbrook. She has co-owned the restaurant for 22 years. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The Banchet Awards announce 2027 chef and restaurant finalists in Chicago

The 2027 Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence have announced finalists in 12 categories plus three special recipients, including two pioneering chefs and an iconic deli in Chicago. New this year, The Banchets will present its inaugural Environmental Leadership Award to chef Sarah Stegner, co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook.