Elgin Courier-News

Illinois’ 8th District: Melissa Bean seeks comeback vs. newcomer Republican Jennifer Davis

Former Rep. Melissa Bean, a centrist Democrat, seeks a comeback in a solidly Democratic northwest suburban district, but Republican newcomer Jennifer Davis hopes to win as a "political outsider."

Democrat Melissa Bean, left, and Republican Jennifer Davis, both shown Oct. 1, 2026, are vying for the 8th Congressional District seat. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Republican nominee for governor Darren Bailey gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a press conference near McCormick Place on Sept. 4, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/baiduhai)

Illinois Democrats accuse Darren Bailey of failing to disclose who provides rent-free Chicago apartment

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk at the Republican convention on Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. Kirk brought her “America: Love it or Leave It” tour to Elgin's Judson University Tuesday. (Julio Cortez/AP)

Erika Kirk draws big crowd for Elgin appearance, some protesters

Junior defensive back/receiver Semaj Collier gets ready for practice at South Elgin on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (Paul Johnson / The Beacon-News)

South Elgin’s Semaj Collier, who says ‘I feel like I can do it all,’ stars at receiver, cornerback and safety

By Paul Johnson

September 24, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Semaj Collier, a junior, turns into South Elgin's leading receiver, but he's also a standout...

Anna Wittcoff exits the voting booth at the Chicago Loop Super Site, 137 S. State St., Chicago, on March 17, 2026. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Illinois voter guide to the 2026 midterm elections in November

By Kori Rumore

September 24, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois voters will soon decide their party’s nominees for races at the federal and state...

A man fills out a ballot on the first day of early voting at the DuPage County Fairgrounds on Feb. 10, 2026, in Wheaton. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

Early voting begins Thursday in collar counties but not until Oct. 1 in Chicago and Oct. 7 in suburban Cook

By Rick Pearson

September 24, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The launch of mail-in balloting in the collar counties and beyond in Illinois begins after...

“Toy Story 5” will be shown Oct. 2 in the parking lot of Dundee Township Park District's Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center in Carpentersville. (Pixar-Disney via AP)

Elgin News Digest: ‘Toy Story 5’ to be shown at Dolphin Cove; Carpentersville police move to temporary location

By Mike Danahey

September 23, 2026 at 6:03 p.m.

Roundup of small news items for the Elgin area.

Ada County sheriff's office cold case Detective Tim Cooper addresses the media during a press conference on Sept. 23, 2026, announcing that his investigation, although not complete, has connected Mathew Betkouski to the 1982 Tylenol poisoning deaths. Betkouski was found dead in the 1980s at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise, known only as the “Unknown Wanderer.” (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman)

Idaho authorities say they have a new lead on the Tylenol murders. Illinois investigators are skeptical.

By Rebecca Johnson

September 23, 2026 at 6:53 p.m.

Idaho authorities say they may have solved the Tylenol murders. Illinois investigators say they're wrong.

Oktoberfest returns to downtown East Dundee Friday and Saturday, offering food, drink, live music, kids' entrtainment and a scarecrow display. (Village of East Dundee)

Elgin News Digest: East Dundee Oktoberfest set for this weekend; ‘Hollywood Revisited’ at Hemmens Center

By Mike Danahey

September 23, 2026 at 5:10 p.m.

Roundup of small news items for the Elgin area.

Chicagoland high school football rankings: Get Mike McGraw’s Top 25 for Week 6

By Mike McGraw

September 23, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Lincoln-Way East, Loyola and Mount Carmel continue to lead the way as Huntley and Lincoln-Way...

Oswego linebackers Christian Walsh, left, and Caden Cooney, right, who lead the team in tackles with 38 and 40, respectively, pause during practice on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Rick Armstrong / The Beacon-News)

Oswego’s Christian Walsh, whose older brother calls him ‘a big boy,’ grows into starting role at linebacker

By Rick Armstrong

September 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Christian Walsh, a junior linebacker, emerges as one of Oswego's leading tacklers so far in...

St. Charles North's Mya Mikos (16) reacts to a point against Batavia during a DuKane Conference match in Batavia on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

St. Charles North’s Mya Mikos, who steps into shoes left by Penn State’s Haley Burgdorf, overpowers Batavia

By Paul Johnson

September 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Mya Mikos Mikos delivers signature performance in 25-17, 19-25, 25-23 DuKane Conference win over Batavi...

Geneva's Blake Makowski watches the flight of his tee shot on the seventh hole during the DuKane Conference boys golf tournament at Bartlett Hills Golf Course in Bartlett on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Joe Lewnard / Daily Herald)

With all eyes on him, Geneva’s Blake Makowski delivers memorable ending to his DuKane championship

By John Lemon

September 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Geneva’s Blake Makowski wins playoff against Lake Park's Arjav Shah for the DuPage Conference Tournament...

Elgin Courier-News

Featured