These flower-filled events in the Midwest go beyond the blooms, offering everything from artisan markets and live music to garden tours and family-friendly activities.

From Capitol News Illinois: The Illinois House voted to approve a constitutional amendment that would make a new priority list for lawmakers as they redraw legislative district lines. Even if the Senate agrees to support the amendment, voters would still need to approve it

The Fox River expected to crest Thursday night in McHenry County, according to the National Weather Service, and hold that level through Saturday before starting to slowly recede.

Drafting at 25 doesn’t have the sex appeal of prior years, but it may be the most important one we’ve had in the Ryan Poles era, Marc Silverman writes

Jacob Conover led off the game with a solo home run, and helped keep the lead by allowing two runs through 5-plus innings to help Wheaton Warrenville South avoid a three-game sweep with a 10-3 win over Geneva.

Celebrating the Baker Community Center’s 100th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate its legacy and those who have helped ensure its continued use, the St. Charles Park District writes.

From Capitol News Illinois: A 2025 nationwide report on statewide early childhood education found that Illinois stalled in efforts to expand preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. A flat budget for the upcoming fiscal year may further stall Illinois’ progress

Illinois lawmakers took a major step toward keeping the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana on Wednesday night. The Illinois House passed a Bears-backed megaprojects bill by a 78-32 vote that would help the team build a new stadium in Arlington Heights

The single-family house located at 3N441 Vachel Lindsay Street in St. Charles was sold on April 10, for $780,000, or $237 per square foot.

A person was flown via helicopter following a vehicle crash in Hampshire involving the vehicle rolling over multiple times before trapping the person inside.

From Capitol News Illinois: In response to the nationwide school bus driver shortage, a partnership emerged between Illinois schools, transportation providers and the secretary of state

The Chicago Bears will be on the clock starting Thursday night during the first round of the NFL draft. Shaw Local's Michal Dwojak and Joe Aguilar break down what they think the Bears will do in the first round

Singer John Waite, known for the smash hit "Missing You," will perform at the Arcada Theatre in dowtown St. Charles April 23.

From Capitol News Illinois: JB Pritzker signed an executive order Tuesday barring state employees and elected officials from using information obtained in their official capacity to place bets on prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi

From Capitol News Illinois: Facing the specter of losing the Chicago Bears to Indiana, the Illinois House unveiled a new version of property tax legislation that the team says is a prerequisite for building a new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights

St. Charles police say there is no threat to the public after a bank robbery.

Tyler Fecht, who picked up the save with an inning of work during the Blackhawks’ 2-0 win over Bartlett on Monday, returned to the mound Tuesday and tossed a four-hit complete game in West Aurora’s 3-1 victory.

Making her first career varsity start, Shannon Reid scored the lone goal in the 19th minute to help St. Charles North take a 1-0 victory over Batavia in a Tri-Cities matchup.

Ali Kowall assisted Grace Brown's goal in the 29th minute, Kenzie Lorkowski made a leaping save on a free kick in the 52nd minute, and Burlington Central held off Jacobs for a 1-0 shutout victory in Fox Valley Conference girls soccer action Tuesday night.

Addi Edlen hit a no-doubt home run in a six-run fourth inning, and Alexa Schuring delivered a clutch two-run double in the sixth as Hampshire held off Burlington Central 11-10 in their Fox Valley Conference softball game Tuesday.

Burlington Central faces Hampshire in a Fox Valley Conference softball game on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Hampshire High School.

The St. Charles Public Library will host a presentation of “The Presidents Club” for adults featuring professor Gary Midkiff.

A father of five -- now six -- working a second job as an overnight gas station clerk in Marengo was shot during a robbery where $42 were taken. Two of three men charged took plea deals; the other is on trial in McHenry County.

From Capitol News Illinois: Democrats are also considering asking voters to approve a millionaires tax amendment in November, but it’s not clear if they will be able to pass that resolution before a May 3 deadline

Free, family-friendly fun will also include youth cultural performances, live music and DJ services from A Positive Image, tacos from Taqueria Aurora and door prizes.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and assistant general manager Jeff King met with reporters at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Tuesday a couple days before the start of the NFL draft. Here are four of the most interesting things the Bears said Tuesday.

Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland were named the recipients of the team's Brian Piccolo Award on Tuesday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.

Former Burlington Central star Drew Scharnowski announced over the weekend his commitment to Duke from the transfer portal. Scharnowski spent the previous three seasons at Belmont.

From Capitol News Illinois: A bill that cleared the Illinois House would give the state’s EPA emergency rulemaking powers to address plastic pellet spills and their affect on stormwater runoff

A pedestrian killed by a vehicle in Montgomery on April 16 has been identified as Javier Diaz, 40, of Chicago. Diaz was identified by the Kane County Coroner.

The Citizens Utility Board is calling for the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject a proposed merger between the parent companies of the state’s two biggest private water utilities

The Tequila Dinner is Thursday, May 7, and the Spring Wine Tasting event is Saturday, May 9.

Third Eye Blind will perform Aug. 23, while Six One Five Collective takes the stage July 25.

A Plainfield business reported paying $3,500 to help it be reinstated to Facebook, plus a $50 wire transfer fee to a Batavia bank. But the business never got a refund or back on Facebook, the owner says.

From Capitol News Illinois: A federal judge on Monday officially closed the book on a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration last fall when the White House ordered 500 National Guard troops to Chicago as the “Operation Midway Blitz” mass deportation campaign escalated

Natalie Naab launched a two-run home run off the scoreboard in the top of the eighth inning to lift Kaneland to a 3-1 victory over La Salle-Peru.

Abby Zawadzki hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and was an out away from a no-hitter, but finished with a one-hit shutout to help St. Charles North to a 10-0 victory over Wheaton Warrenville-South.

Traffic backups are expected in the South Elgin area as workers close Hopps Road west of Randall Road on Wednesday, April 22. All drivers must follow the posted detour route.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and some teammates met with reporters at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Monday as the team started its offseason workout program. Here are four of the most interesting things the Bears said Monday.

The city of Geneva is inviting children to create artwork for a community calendar focused on the benefits of trees.

The Illinois State Board of Elections released final vote totals Friday in the March 17 primary. Here are the results for Kane County races.

The Chicago Bears will reportedly pick up the fifth-year option of right tackle Darnell Wright.

Across the suburbs and throughout the region, you’ll find fascinating spots dedicated to art, history, science and unique local stories.

The house at 758 Riverbank Drive in Geneva was sold on April 2. The purchase price was $650,000

The Fox River isn't set to crest until later this week as people deal with rising waters and flooded conditions and watch to see how high it gets.

Catch up on the week’s top Kane County news in minutes. Listen to the week’s 5 most popular stories for April 12-18, read aloud for you

In addition to the regulations on e-bikes and e-motos, the bill also places restrictions on e-scooters, electric skateboards, and motorized unicycles. They could not exceed 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, bike paths or sidewalks

From Capitol News Illinois: An Illinois House committee got an overview this week of how data centers are driving up energy demand and threatening potential shortfalls in the second of three planned hearings on the matter.

A single-family home in St. Charles that sold for $1.13 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Kane County over the past week

Hampshire scored 35 runs over three games in cruising to the title at the Larkin Slugfest on Saturday.