Kane County Lifestyle
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Best bets: Local live music to warm up cold winter nightsDec 29, 2025 11:39 am - Guitarist Scott Tipping celebrates the release of his second album at The Venue in Aurora, the annual Women’s Jazz Festival returns to Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, and Brookfield Zoo offers free admission through Feb. 28.
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New businesses, fond farewells and historic preservation: A look back at the top stories of 2025 in Talk of the TownDec 29, 2025 9:57 am - New businesses and developments, historic preservation, museums and a fairy garden were among the top stories in Dave Heun’s Talk of the Town column in 2025.
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Why gray squirrels and black walnuts go together so wellDec 28, 2025 3:00 am - For many years, we’ve been finding black walnut bits on the benches surrounding our campfire circle. I know where the walnuts come from and I know gray squirrels are eating them.
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Dealing with unwanted gifts takes a little creativity — and a lot of tactDec 26, 2025 8:26 am - Whether it’s a Big Mouth Billy Bass, a cherub tchotchke or a crime scene pen holder, recipients should remember when it comes to gifts it’s the thought that counts. That said, there’s always regifting ... if you are careful!
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The ‘best birds’ of 2025: Snowy Owl, Mountain Bluebird and more arrived this yearDec 26, 2025 2:00 am - As 2025 comes to a close, “Words on Birds” columnist Jeff Reiter takes a look back at the year in birding.
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Dog tests positive for rabies in Cook CountyDec 23, 2025 1:10 pm - Cook County is reporting a dog has tested positive for rabies, the first in more than 60 years.
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DuPagePads opens new warming center in WheatonDec 23, 2025 12:18 pm - Due to increasing demand for emergency winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness, DuPagePads is offering a new overnight warming site in Wheaton.
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DuPage Foundation awards $100,000 in emergency food response grantsDec 22, 2025 2:37 pm - DuPage Foundation has awarded $100,000 in emergency food response grants to five agencies to help fight food insecurity.
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Brookfield Zoo animals celebrate the holidays with enriching treatsDec 22, 2025 1:29 pm - Guests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago “Holiday Magic” show aren’t the only ones getting into the holiday spirit. The animal care specialists keep things fresh for the animals with holiday-themed treats or fun activities.
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‘A breath of fresh air’: Years after losing to Casten, ex-Rep. Marie Newman backs his latest challengerDec 22, 2025 10:25 am - Former U.S. Rep. Marie Newman has endorsed a politcal newcomer over U.S. Rep. Sean Casten in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 6th District seat.