DeKalb

Former NIU running back LeShon Johnson was charged in connection to illegal dog fighting after federal authorities seized 190 dogs from his Oklahoma property, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.

Erin Grych on top issues facing the DeKalb school district: Potential loss of federal funding and lawsuits if not compliant in getting rid of DEI, Supporting Title IX, and ending radical sexualization of our children

Doug Eaton: The DeKalb Park District’s top three most pressing needs are to approve a new pool, complete a Comprehensive Master Plan, and to revitalize the Buena Vista and River Heights golf courses and the Haish Gym

Motorists whose southbound commute includes Annie Glidden Road at the underpass could soon see smoother roadways after DeKalb city action this week. Plans to repave the southbound road at the underpass could be complete by August, city officials said.

From the questionnaire: Some candidates running for the DeKalb Park District’s Board of Commissioners recently shared their views on priorities if elected. Read more to find out what they listed as the district's most pressing needs.

This spring, DeKalb County voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Video: Candidates for DeKalb City Clerk, Brad Hoey, Lynn Fazekas and Steve Kapitan talked about the main issues facing the clerk’s office ahead of the April 1 election. All are running write-in campaigns.

Candidates for DeKalb City Clerk: Brad Hoey, Lynn Fazekas and Steve Kapitan debated the issues in the race ahead of the April 1 election with Shaw Local's Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead

Candidates for DeKalb City Clerk: Brad Hoey, Lynn Fazekas and Steve Kapitan talked about the main issues facing the clerk's office ahead of the April 1 election. Read the transcript from our podcast here.

Steve Kapitan: With a zero salary for an administrative position, such as the City Clerk, it is especially important for the voters and the press to scrutinize the motives and any conflict of interest that the candidates may have

A Northern Illinois University weather researcher, whose forecasts are regularly used by storm chasers across the U.S., will help lead a study for scientists to better understand hailstorms, impacts and their role in severe weather patterns.

Public safety and infrastructure were among hot topics discussed by DeKalb Ward 2 aldermanic candidates during a recent Daily Chronicle forum. Incumbent Barbara Larson seeks reelection against candidate Michael Embrey.

Check out some of the top pictures captured by Daily Chronicle photographers for Shaw Local News Network this week, March 14-21, 2025.

Dean Bourdages on a pressing need for the DeKalb Park District: The pool renovation project needs to be monitored. The board and staff need to make sure the project stays within the budget and is finished on time

Monday, March 24 is National Cocktail Day. Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Northern Illinois University‘s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host a discussion featuring journalist and author Naomi Klein as part of its final Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series for the season.

A portion of South Second Street in downtown DeKalb will close temporarily starting Monday for utility work, the city announced.

The DeKalb Public Library will host a performance of the Lightbeam Players production of “The Cowardly Lion and the Quest for Oz” as part of its World of Reading event on March 29.

The late Barbara Peters not only documented women’s history at Northern Illinois University, she became a beloved part of it. From the moment she and her husband, former NIU President John Peters, set foot on campus, she felt an instant connection.

The DeKalb Public Library will host World of Reading event on March 29 for residents to explore literature.

The DeKalb School District 428 school board has named DeKalb High School sophomore Maria Bello Rodriguez as its next student board representative.

A new downtown art gallery owner is inviting the community to the grand opening of Artifex Studio later this month. The event will showcase work from artist and gallery owner Elisa Boughner. All are welcome.

Read the transcript: Barbara Larson and Michael Embrey, candidates for DeKalb City Council Ward 2 talked about housing and more issues that face DeKalb ahead of the April 1 election

Barbara Larson and Michael Embrey, candidates for DeKalb City Council Ward 2 debated the issues facing DeKalb ahead of the April 1 election in a Shaw Local candidates forum with Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead

DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputy Christina Musil will be memorialized on March 29, a year and one day after she was killed while on duty when her parked vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial truck.

After closing its doors temporarily in January, La Salsa Restaurant in DeKalb returned to serving up its popular tacos, salsa and carnitas this week.

A DuPage County jury on Thursday found a DeKalb man guilty of shooting a man in the face during his dinner break from work in 2021, prosecutors said.

Directors from Illinois Head Start centers, the federally supported child care and early education program, said they fear cuts, as it targeted in The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025.

eKalb Ward 7 residents are invited to a meeting on March 27 led by Alderman John Walker, where members of the public can expect to talk about local issues of the day.

Should students be able to use AI in schoolwork? Twangie Smith: Our students are expected to complete their required school assignments using the skill and knowledge they are gaining. Those skills and their competence must be shown/proven

A two-car crash on a snowy first day of spring sent two men, one from DeKalb and the other from Malta, to the hospital Thursday, authorities said.

Some of the candidates for positions on the DeKalb School District 428 board were on hand for the DeKalb Area Rental Association and DeKalb Area Builders Association School Board Candidates Forum Thursday night at Faranda's Banquets in DeKalb.

DeKalb School District 428 won’t move forward with plans to consider creating a new associate superintendent job, the board member who proposed the idea said this week.

Dag Grada on Hopkins Pool: My personal opinion has been that the park district should have proceeded with the design we had a handful of years back

Tia Anderson, candidate for DeKalb Park District Board, on Hopkins Pool: We needed a new pool. The pool was old and in disrepair. A hefty price tag was inevitable. However, I am concerned of the timeframe for completion.

Michelle Foster on top priorities for the DeKalb Park District: Hopkins Pool Construction First, we must focus on the new pool construction project to ensure it stays on pace for construction this year

Candidates seeking to represent Ward 2 on the DeKalb City Council, incumbent Barbara Larson and Michael Embrey, talked top issues and goals for the office in a virtual forum this week with Daily Chronicle news staff.

Daily Chronicle news staff recently interviewed DeKalb mayoral candidates ahead of the April 1 election. Watch the full video here.

Here are some concerts happening in DeKalb, DuPage, La Salle, Lee, Kane, McHenry and Will counties happening in March. From classical music to high-energy rock shows, there's something for everyone.

Video: Seven of 10 candidates seeking three full-term seats on the DeKalb School District 428 school board recently spoke with Daily Chronicle news staff about their campaigns and top issues facing the district. Watch the full forum here.

The Kishwaukee College horticulture program recently hosted Iowa master florist Julie Poeltler as part of the college’s Artist in Residence program.

Election: While the majority of candidates voiced strong support for programming and initiatives centered around diversity, equity and inclusion, one DeKalb School District 428 board hopeful said she’s concerned about potential lost federal funding. Read more:

The former Illini Tire Co. building in DeKalb will soon be demolished, paving the way for potential future redevelopment at the intersection of West Lincoln Highway and Annie Glidden Road.

Column: A new program offered in DeKalb this summer will invite high schoolers to learn more about potential career choices, visit active job sites and training facilities, and gain firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed in skilled trades, writes Matt Duffy.

Transcript: John Walker, a candidate for Mayor of DeKalb, answered questions about his positions on the issues facing the city, including roundabouts, from Shaw Local’s Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead

John Walker, a candidate for Mayor of DeKalb, answered questions about his positions on the issues facing the city from Shaw Local’s Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead. Get the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts

Listen: DeKalb School District 428 candidates vying for three open full-term seats on the board debate the issues ahead of the April 1 election. Seven of the 10 candidates were present for the candidate forum

Bradley Hoey: I am running for the office of City Clerk to bring continuity, professionalism, integrity, and respectability to the office

Lynn Fazekas: I have a long track record of being able to work with anyone who is dealing in good faith with me

Some of the candidates running for spots on the DeKalb School District 428 board shared their thoughts on addressing DeKalb students' academic achievement during a recent virtual forum hosted by Shaw Local News Network.