Former Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego will end his 22 years as a state lawmaker Wednesday, two days after a new GOP governor is sworn in. Republicans were the legislative minority during Cross' entire time as leader. Taking ove...

Mersiha Abdic: School counselor at Larkin High School in Elgin. Started her professional career as a teacher in Elgin U-46 in 2008 and became a counselor in the fall of 2013. Holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Northeastern Ill...

Abbie Boswell is no one-note performer. Naperville North's third all-time goal scorer in girls soccer, the two-time all-state forward is a reachable 25 goals away from program leader Eileen Guiney. A probable four-year starter, Boswell helped the Hu...

Blending styles Chicago roots/Americana band Old Shoe makes original music by blending disparate styles like bluegrass, rock and jazz. Old Shoe has played numerous local venues and festivals throughout the Midwest, and its 2013 album “Family” w...

“Difficult to see ... always in motion is the future.” — Master Yoda, “The Empire Strikes Back” Yoda wasn't kidding, and his words rang particularly true in 2014 with CTA train cars flying off the tracks, sabotage at an FAA center in Aurora and a p...

The Art Institute of Chicago may be one of the world's most acclaimed art museums, but it doesn't hold a monopoly on art worth viewing in the region. Throughout the suburbs, art of all forms is on display - both permanently and on rotation - at publ...

The year 2014 has been momentous for many Fox Valley area towns, from the settlement of Elgin Area School District U-46's discrimination lawsuit to a celebrity wedding in St. Charles. Here's a recap of some key events this past year. U-46 settle...

Rock standards See the Wisconsin-native rock band the BoDeans at two locations this weekend: first at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, $39-$89, (888) 695-0888 or oshows.com; then with guest singer Taylor Hicks at the Genesee Th...

Chicago house Groove out with Chicago-based J2K and Autobot as Flosstradamus brings the Hdynation Tour home to the Aragon Entertainment Center, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. $30. (312) 833-9331 or aragon.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26 FRIDAY...