DG 2026
From Downers Grove North to March Madness
Four former Trojans reunited on college basketball’s biggest stage By Bill Esbrook Call it serendipity, good fortune, or a happy twist of fate. More likely, it’s a combination of talent, ambition, and a strong work ethic. Ryann Wendt, Maggie Fleming, Kate Gross and Violet Mitchell were friends and teammates on the Downers Grove North varsity…
Read MoreA Tribute to Busy Bee Bakery
The sweetheart of Downers Grove By Gary King In the heart of Downers Grove, just steps from the town’s bustling Main Street, there once stood a little bakery that was bigger than its ovens. Busy Bee Bakery wasn’t simply a place to buy bread and pastries; it was a ritual, comfort, a daily joy, and…
Read MoreForty & Flourishing
Community Adult Day Center celebrates four decades of compassionate care and connection for local seniors By Valerie Hardy One-third of older adults have Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia by the end of their lives. Living with dementia is often challenging for individuals and their families. Thankfully, local compassionate care options are available, including…
Read MoreArtistic Accolades
District 99 students achieve top honors in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards By Valerie Hardy Most teenagers take a fine arts class only because it’s a high school graduation requirement. Likewise, most teens only write when assigned, with their primary goal being to earn a particular grade. However, Aili Flannery and Ananya Kharat…
Read More6 Chicago Restaurants Worth Experiencing
These Chicagoland destinations transform dinner into something memorable By Sophia Schiappa 2d Restaurant – House of Teriyaki 3155 North Halsted Street in Chicago The first surprise at 2D – House of Teriyaki isn’t the food – it’s the feeling that you’ve walked straight into a comic book. Located in Lakeview, this restaurant is one of…
Read MoreJoining Forces
Local agencies work together in a unique task force to tackle crime BY ANNA HUGHES DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively…
Read MoreOak Brook’s Healing Field
Memorial flags will return to Oak Brook to commemorate the event that changed the country forever By Sophia Schiappa | Photo courtesy of the Village of Oak Brook Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of Oak Brook once again this summer to honor military personnel, first responders, and victims of 9/11. Arranged in…
Read MoreFINS UP!
The Chicago Parrot Head Club channels the fun and philanthropic spirit of late music legend Jimmy Buffett BY VALERIE HARDY It’s always island time for the Chicago Parrot Head Club. Instead of simply wasting away in Margaritaville, though, this group of local Jimmy Buffett superfans operates under the motto, “Party with a purpose.” They always…
Read MoreBetter Together
Inside the Chicago Area Tandem Society BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY Two seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust. Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of…
Read MoreIs Your Charitable Gift Making an Impact?
How to evaluate not-for-profit organizations before you give BY DAVE MCGOWAN You just received a request to make a gift to a not-for-profit organization and, while you are interested in and believe in the cause, you wonder if your charitable gift would be a good investment. So, how will you know? Well, there are many…
Read More