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Joe DeMaria and Peter Mikina, both workers for Omega Sign and Lighting from Addison, wire up the new Now Arena signs on the east side of the former Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates in September 2020. (Mark Welsh/Daily Herald)

Now Arena marking 20th year in Hoffman Estates after overcoming early challenges

After two design concepts, two owners and even two names, Hoffman Estates’ Now Arena marks two decades of operation this month.

Jeremy Botts, left, and Jeffrey Swider-Peltz, right, conduct an artists’ talk Saturday at their 272-foot-long mural that depicts the history of Wheaton. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)

‘We’re a part of Wheaton’: Professor and former student create mural that chronicles city’s past

A new 272-foot mural depicting Wheaton’s history was unveiled Saturday. Created by Wheaton College art professor Jeremy Botts and his former student, Jeffrey Swider-Peltz, the public art piece features images from prehistoric mastodons and Native American-inspired designs to local icons such as Red Grange and the Grand Theater.

Director James Watkins, left, and Tom Rhys Harries promote “Clayface” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Birdie Thompson/Invision/AP)

Can DC blend horror with a superhero movie? ‘Clayface’ wants to blur genres.

“Clayface” is a darker detour for DC. And, if it proves successful, it just might open up a darker frontier for comic book movies.

FILE - The Savannah Bananas celebrate their win over the Firefighters during their "Banana Ball World Tour" on Sept. 19, 2025, in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

Savannah Bananas coming to Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2027 — and tour bringing ‘360’ game to Notre Dame Stadium

Banana Ball is headed to Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2027 for the first baseball games to be played at the 102-year-old stadium.

Bub City in Rosemont will be serving up Halloween-themed Jell-O shots during Parkway Bank Park’s Crawl-O-Ween bar crawl Friday, Oct. 30. (Madeleine Lyman)

Boo bashes: Eerie eats and spooky spirits await at suburban restaurants and bars

Halloween season is upon us, and suburban restaurants and bars are getting ready with frighteningly fun holiday bashes, hauntingly tasty dishes and spooky specials from now until the end of the month.

David Spade attends the world premiere of Apple TV’s “Outcome” at AMC Lincoln Square on Monday, April 6, 2026, in New York. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Tickets on sale now for David Spade’s show at Aurora Hollywood Casino

David Spade, a former SNL cast member, comedian and actor, recently announced his “I Got a Feel for It” national tour, which includes a performance Feb. 27, 2027, at the new Aurora Hollywood Casino resort. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Oct. 16.

Nicole Dore of Downers Grove and her husband, Michael Schmitt, brought their daughter to Blackberry Farm in Aurora on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, during the farm’s Pumpkin Weekends celebration. The event was open on Monday because of Columbus Day. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Blackberry Farm’s Pumpkin Weekends all about autumn

Nikki Katris of Western Springs said she is a big fan of Blackberry Farm in Aurora and said it was the perfect place to spend a day with her children on Monday since schools were closed. The Pumpkin Weekends celebration at the farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25.