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AURORA—On the morning of April 15 Aurora Police officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Charles Street for a disturbance inside a residence. While officers responded to the scene, a 911 caller reported a male inside the residence was armed with a gun. As officers arrived on scene, they heard a gunshot from within the residence. The front door of the residence opened, and a 43-year-old female exited, stating she had been shot. Aurora Officers rendered aid to the female and turned her over to Aurora Fire Department paramedics. AFD transported the female to a local hospital for treatment, where she remains in serious condition. As additional officers responded to the scene to establish a secure perimeter around the residence, the male fled the scene. Officers requested further assistance from members of the Aurora Special Response Team (SRT). SRT ultimately entered the residence and found no one inside. Officers identified the vehicle the offender fled in within minutes of the shooting. That information was disseminated to police agencies statewide. At approximately 10:30 AM, the offender’s vehicle was located by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle in the 2100 block Cottage Road in Wilmington, Will County, Illinois. At that time, the man exited his vehicle, fired a weapon at himself, and was pronounced deceased. The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Will County Coroner’s Office will release the man’s identity following an autopsy on April 16, 2024. Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene on Charles Street and began investigating the specific circumstances of the incident. Evidence Technicians also responded to the scene to identify and collect forensic evidence from the shooting. Based on information available at this time, detectives determined this is a domestic related issue and there is no threat to the community. The investigation into the incident remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500. Source: Aurora Police Dept

NAPERVILLE MAKES THE 'BEST PLACES TO LIVE' LIST AGAIN IN 2024, THIS TIME AS #45 SAN JUAN–Personal finance digital platform Money today announced Best Places to Live 2024, the newest iteration of their decades-old franchise highlighting the best communities across America. In partnership with the #1 smart home security provider in the U.S.1, ADT, this annual editorial flagship helps readers discover some truly hidden gems. MONEY ANNOUNCES BEST PLACES TO LIVE 2024 - ADT Security Adds Safety Index to the Money List Money and ADT Announce Best Places to Live 2024 "Finding a place to plant your roots is about so much more than location – it's about making connections, feeling comfortable and safe in your surroundings and finding common ground with your fellow neighbors," says Money's executive editor Mike Ayers. For the first time, the 2024 list showcases the outstanding lives small and big towns are creating for their residents — and models for how communities can create lasting impacts together. This year's list includes five new categories: Suburbs with a Soul: These suburbs stand out for their vibrant community spirit, offering a blend of traditional suburban comfort with unique cultural, artistic, and historical depth. New Boomtowns: Emerging as the new frontiers of economic and population growth, these areas are rapidly transforming with innovative industries and offering plentiful job opportunities. Culture Hubs: These cities are renowned for their rich cultural landscapes, boasting an array of museums, theaters, music venues, and diverse culinary scenes that attract artists and culture enthusiasts alike. Not Just College Towns: Beyond their academic institutions, these towns offer a dynamic living experience with a youthful vibe, cutting-edge research, thriving local economies, and vibrant social scenes. Best Kept Secrets: Hidden gems scattered across the country, these places offer an unmatched quality of life with their serene beauty, close-knit communities, and affordable living, yet remain under the radar. When determining which towns made the list, Money reviewed the top characteristics that make a community stand out from the rest, including: Economic Opportunity for Individuals--the availability of jobs across various sectors, upward mobility, and income growth potential, highlighting areas where individuals can thrive financially. Small Business Vibrance--the support and success rate of small businesses, reflecting the health of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and the community's commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for startups. Government Policies that Favor Growth--the role of local and state government policies in stimulating economic development, including tax incentives, investment in infrastructure, and support for key industries, contributing to a conducive environment for business and residential expansion. Safety--the overall safety of a community, considering crime rates, public safety initiatives, and the presence of emergency services, to determine the well-being and security of its residents. "At ADT, we are committed to working with local communities like the ones highlighted in this report to help ensure people feel safe and protected in their homes and businesses," said DeLu Jackson, ADT's chief marketing officer. "Our National Safety and Security Index analysis showed that, adjusting for population density, and crime related alarm triggers, this Best Places list also includes some of the safest towns in the country," said Tammy Green, director of analytics at ADT. "Using official crime data and our own exclusive customer alarm incident, we are able to see that ADT customers in these areas, whose alarm was triggered due to crime, had, on average, half the number of incidents than the national average." To explore the full Best Places to Live list, visit the hub here. Started in 1987, Money's Best Places to Live is the brand's longest and most well-known franchise. It's been featured in movies, shared by prominent politicians, and shaped national discourse around what citizen's value most in a place to live. This year's Best Places to Live uses numerous data sources that featured cost of living and job growth, along with hundreds of hours of research to create a spotlight of 50 communities across the country. Money has a 50-plus-year legacy of guiding people to financial victories with up-to-date information, education, and tools. Money.com, a digital destination, helps create richer lives for everyone—in every sense of the word. Signature franchises include a bevy of Best-In categories such as Best Places to Live, Best Colleges, Best Life Insurance, Best Auto Insurance and Best Homeowner Insurance, with an aim to improve your finances and promote your well-being. About ADT: ADT provides safe, smart and sustainable solutions for people, homes and small businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety and a premium customer experience, all delivered by the largest networks of smart home security professionals in the U.S., we empower people to protect and connect to what matters most, every second, every day. For more information, visit adt.com.

Illinois Association of Museums Celebrates Innovation at DuPage Children’s Museum NAPERVILLE–The sensory-friendly Wonder Room at DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) received a prestigious Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM). Annually, IAM hosts a peer reviewed and highly competitive award competition. This is the first year IAM featured an innovation category, celebrating museums who have ventured out of their customary practices to try something new in the last year, and DCM earned top honors. As an independent museum network, IAM supports the work of the American Alliance of Museums, and various local and regional museum networks across Illinois. IAM seeks to collaborate with all museum professional groups to promote best practices around the state. With this recognition, DCM is synonymous with best practice in the museum field, this time for Innovation. The challenge in designing the space was how best to create a calming experience in the bustling museum environment that would provide guests an opportunity to slow down and regroup yet remain engaged in active wonder. Through creativity, experimentation, and strategic partnerships, the immersive concept for the Wonder Room brought together the best of DCM’s in-house exhibit team as well as partnering artists. The resulting exhibit is a multi-sensory experience which incorporates tactile panels linked to sensors that trigger a variety of life-size nature images projected onto the room’s curved wall. Creating an interactive projection that encouraged “slow” engagement was challenging, but the team was motivated by the potential to have the Wonder Room live up to its name while also being a place of peace and reflection. The tactile panels were themed to match the projections. The clouds and sunlight, the earth with its trees and rocks, and the sunset shimmering over a lake could be seen and felt, creating the unique potential for children to work together to create their own landscapes. Original musical composition to correlate with the tactile panels and imagery was also developed. For instance, when guests interact with the night sky sensory panel they start to hear a piano expressing a dreamy melody. The sound design not only brought another calming sensory input, but also allowed guests with low/no vision to interactively feel and hear the art. “We work hard every day to create a dynamic play environment where children and families feel welcome, safe, and inspired! Our exhibits aim to build creative problem-solving skills in children, as we know that the solutions the world needs are nestled in their young minds,” explained Kimberly Stull, DCM Chief of Building and Making. “The work we did creating the Wonder Room emulates this grand notion of education and embodies our mission. We truly came together to push the boundaries of our skill sets to create an environment that is unique and exciting, but primarily, exactly what our guests needed – a calming space.” DCM’s dedication to playful learning demands creativity and innovation, and the team is committed to take what they know and can do into all kinds of directions to inspire museum guests – and museum peers. The Wonder Room is supported by the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and a grant from City of Naperville Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Fund. www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org

THE PERFECT GIFT or TREAT YOURSELF The Ashy Nova Bundle Bracelet Set is Simplistic and Adorably Chic, Perfect for that Friday Night Out or a Day of Play ~ Also Makes a Fun Gift by Madison Charmed On Trend Essentials for the Stylish at Heart Located Inside The Rustic Fox 1790 Town Centre Dr., North Aurora • Vendor #3 www.urbanechoshop.com

OUTER SPACE–We gathered the evidence -- you uncover the truth. More than two-thirds of Americans believe intelligent lifeforms exist and that percentage is about to increase in Chicago when close encounters of the fun kind come to the heart of the city this summer. Area 51 Encounter (www.area51encounter.com) debuts June 14 on the first floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Center) and will welcome fans of everything outer space, ufologists, skeptics and families to an all-encompassing immersive exhibition where even star people feel at home, and leaves you questioning what’s real and what is science fiction. More than just an exhibit and as entertaining as it is immersive, Area 51 Encounter is designed to pique the interest and curiosities of earthlings of all ages, if they aren’t abducted first (the attraction includes a simulation of an alien abduction). Guests will grab their boarding passes and launch themselves into seven galleries, bringing them face-to-face with original and reproduced alien artifacts while they explore everything from fastwalkers to foo fighters, modern-day sightings, military involvement, life on an alien spacecraft, and pop culture's fascination with extraterrestrial life. The journey continues with interactive elements including video and audio recordings of famous sightings, a 3D short film, alien hunt laser shooting game and discover new worlds with a fascinating deep dive into the James Webb Space Telescope. There is also a virtual reality moon explorer for the younger lifeforms in attendance. “We couldn't be more excited to share this unforgettable experience with the people of Chicago for the first time ever,” says Brian Bouquet, President of The Event Agency, Inc. (the attraction’s producers). “In a world where the possibility of life beyond Earth is becoming more plausible thanks to recent revelations of classified U.S. government files on UFO sightings and human-alien contact, Area 51 Encounter offers an unparalleled in-person experience that will ignite your curiosity and spark discussions about our place in the universe.” Area 51 Encounter is located on the first floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue. Tickets are on sale to the general public beginning April 12 and are $27 for adults and $22 for children (children three and under are free). All presale tickets are $20 and will be available from April 10-11 only. Area 51 Encounter’s hours of operation include Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last ticket is sold one hour prior to close). For more information, visit www.area51encounter.com and follow @area51encounter on Instagram and Facebook.

A FUN & EASY WAY TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY $$$ We're looking for dynamic women with strong networks and a love for marketing & PR who want to add a spark to their routine by becoming a Glancer Ambassador. If this is you, you’re invited to join the Glancer Ambassador team and explore your town while earning some extra cash! It's basically the limitless affiliate program that you've been waiting for, especially if you LOVE local. As a Glancer Ambassador, you'll have the exciting task of Glancing Around Town with your family and friends, all while promoting the vibrant community around you, and this includes Glancer! You’ll enjoy connecting local businesses to our award-winning digital platform to help them gain spectacular exposure, while adding to their current marketing efforts. Our Local Plans are tailored to support small local businesses, ensuring they stay in the spotlight all month long. Propelled by a team of innovative marketers who know local, the Glancer platform is unlike anything else locally. Promote Glancer’s Local Plans* Match One to their Marketing Needs Give them Your Ambassador Code Receive 20% of the Plan they Choose We'll Set Up Onboarding & Start Marketing them Locally *additional marketing opportunities available here If you're passionate about your community, love connecting with people, and want to turn your network into a powerful tool for local businesses, then this role is perfect for you! Join us on this exciting adventure and let's make a positive impact together. Contact our founder, Lindy Kleivo, today for more details and let's get Glancing! lkleivo@glancermagazine.com

Explore a Variety of Stylish Cover-ups and Resort Wear NAPERVILLE–Get ready to dive into summer in style because Everything But Water is making a splash in downtown Naperville! With a wide range of swimwear and accessories tailored to all styles and body types, this is the place to be for your summer essentials. From trendy bikinis to chic one-pieces, versatile tankinis to protective rash guards, Everything But Water has you covered. They even offer specialized swimwear options for fuller busts, tummy control, bra-sized fits, and plus sizes, ensuring everyone can find their perfect fit. But that's not all - their collection doesn't stop at swimwear. Explore a variety of stylish cover-ups and resort wear including tunics, caftans, and kimonos to take your poolside look to the next level. Complete your ensemble with their selection of bags, hats, footwear, jewelry, and sunglasses for a head-to-toe beach-ready outfit. At Everything But Water, sustainability is key. They provide a Perfect Fit Finder to assist customers in finding the ideal swimsuit for their body, ensuring both style and comfort. And if you need a little extra help, their in-store personal fit and styling assistance are there to make sure you feel fantastic in your new swimwear. Don't forget to sign up for an account to start earning loyalty points and stay updated on new arrivals and exclusive offers. Plus, with in-store returns available, shopping at Everything But Water is not just convenient but also a delightful experience. So mark your calendars and get ready to soak up the sun in style with Everything But Water's upcoming store opening in downtown Naperville - where your summer essentials await! 🌞👙🌴 www.everythingbutwater.com

COMMUNITY HAS DONATED OVER $50,000 FOR LOCAL FAMILY NAPERVILLE— A GoFundMe has been initiated to provide support for the family of Naperville Central freshman Aleksas Beiga, who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in Switzerland on Monday, as reported. The heartfelt description on the GoFundMe page, sourced from friends of Beiga's family, reflects on his vibrant spirit, contagious laughter, endless vitality, and kind-hearted nature that touched everyone around him. "Words cannot capture the depth of sorrow we feel, nor adequately express the profound loss of a young soul so full of promise, joy, and vitality. At the tender age of 15, Aleksas embodied the essence of youth – his infectious laughter, boundless energy, and compassionate heart touched the lives of all who knew him," the fundraising page reads. As of Thursday, the fundraising efforts have amassed over $50,000. For those willing to contribute and assist the Beiga family during this challenging time, you can donate through the GoFundMe link. NBC disclosed that Beiga was among the three individuals who sadly perished in the avalanche near a ski resort in Zermatt. This information is sourced from GoFundMe.com

Experience the Wild Rhythm of Roaring Nights: Brookfield Zoo Chicago's 90th Anniversary Summer Concert Series CHICAGO— Get ready to roar and rock as Brookfield Zoo Chicago continues its 90th anniversary celebration with Roaring Nights, a sensational summer concert series set against the backdrop of the Zoo's beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. Roaring Nights, presented by Meijer®, features three exhilarating nights of music, fun, animal experiences and dancing the night away on the Zoo’s East Mall. This year’s lineup includes The Fray, Barenaked Ladies, and Gin Blossoms, with each ticket sold directly contributing to the care of the Zoo’s animals, education programming, and global conservation efforts. June 22 (Saturday) The Fray kicks off the summer concert series with its chart-topping hits electrifying performances. Zoogoers are in for an unforgettable night of anthemic tunes and high-energy vibes when The Fray performs its classic hits like "How to Save a Life" and "You Found Me." Barenaked Ladies brings infectious energy and genre-defying sound to the stage along with playful lyrics and catchy melodies. Concert-goers will be on their feet dancing and singing along to their favorites, from "If I had $1,000,000" and "Pinch Me" to "One Week" and "Big Bang Theory Theme." July 27 (Saturday) Get ready to feel the nostalgia as Gin Blossoms brings its signature blend of rock and pop to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The band’s timeless hits, including "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down," will transport attendees back to the ‘90s with these melodic tunes and heartfelt lyrics. "Our 90th anniversary celebration with Roaring Nights not only offers incredible entertainment, but also fuels our mission and impact for wildlife conservation, education, animal care, and science," said Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. "Join us in making a difference while enjoying fantastic music and creating unforgettable moments. "On concert nights, several of the Zoo’s animal habitats will be open until 7pm., including the newly renovated Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery, Sea Lion Cove, Big Cats, Hamill Family Wild Encounters, Desert’s Edge, and Clouded Leopard Rainforest. And, zoogoers can meet some of the animal ambassadors on the East Mall between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. each evening. Additionally, guests can take a spin on The Carousel until 7pm, or view the Chicago skyline in the distance and the onstage entertainment from a whole different vantage point—110 feet up in the Zoo’s Anniversary Ferris Wheel—until 9 p.m. (extra fees apply). A wide selection of delicious food and beverage items will be available for purchase at the Tacos Caja and The Coop food trucks, Nectar and Graze, and the Beer Garden, sponsored by Coors Light. Guests can choose from a variety of ticket options, including a special 90th anniversary bundle that includes tickets to all three concerts for just $90. This promotional offer, which is a savings of $65, is available for a limited time only. Tickets purchased individually range in price from $45-$55. For every individual adult ticket purchased, one child 12 and under is free. VIP offerings for guests 21 and over feature a Brutus Package at $160-$170 and a Titus Package for $90-$100. Depending on the package, exclusive benefits include early access to the park, VIP lounge, and game space with giant Jenga, bags, and giant checkers; a Roaring Nights branded cooler bag; appetizers and drink tickets; and seating in Beer Garden with beverage and snack vending. Parking is $17-$20.For more information and to purchase tickets, beginning April 15 at 10 a.m., visit brookfieldzoo.org/roaringnights

WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO–Get ready to dance with the stars and witness the celestial show of a lifetime! On April 8, 2024, Chicago's western suburbs are turning into the ultimate hotspot for Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties. From nature-filled escapades to city-wide celebrations, mark your calendars for an astronomical extravaganza you won't want to miss! #SolarEclipseFun #ChicagoSuburbsCelebrate Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook: The Forest Preserve of DuPage County is hosting an all-ages Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Fullersburg Woods from 12:30 to 3:30. Join the community for a memorable eclipse experience surrounded by nature. Source: Daily Herald Aurora, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Joliet, Naperville, and Kankakee: These Chicago suburbs will witness peak totality around 2:06 p.m. Enjoy the celestial event at one of these locations and witness the magic of the solar eclipse. Source: Fox32Chicago Solar Eclipse 2024 Events in Chicagoland: Families are invited to various events across Chicagoland to celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Dive into the festivities and witness the awe-inspiring eclipse with your loved ones. Source: Chicago Parent Free Solar Eclipse Glasses at Select Chicago Public Libraries: Visit select Chicago Public Libraries across the city on April 8 to view the eclipse and receive free solar glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium. Don't miss this opportunity to safely witness the solar spectacle. Source: Time Out Chicago Adler Planetarium Celebrations: Join the Adler Planetarium for the Eclipse Encounter '24 event on Monday, offering free activities and eclipse viewing opportunities. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the eclipse with engaging celebrations at this renowned institution. Source: ABC7 Chicago Enjoy the solar eclipse viewing parties and celebrations in Chicago's western suburbs on April 8, 2024, for a day filled with astronomical wonder and community spirit.

PAT SAJAK WILL BE SAYING GOODBYE TO HIS ROLE AS TV HOST FOR 41 SEASONS IN EARLY JUNE Pat Sajak, the familiar face and voice of 'Wheel of Fortune' for over four decades, is gearing up for his final episode as host of the beloved game show. According to multiple news outlets, Sajak's farewell episode is set to air on Friday, June 7, marking the end of an era in television history. The Final Goodbye Today, Sajak tapes his last episode, which will also serve as the season finale for Wheel of Fortune's Season 41. This momentous occasion comes after Sajak announced in June 2023 that he would be retiring as the show's host, with Season 41 being his grand finale. Suzanne Prete, EVP Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, mentioned that Sajak would continue as a consultant on the show for three years post his hosting stint. A Legacy Remembered As one of the most enduring hosts in TV history, Sajak, along with his longtime companion Vanna White, has been an integral part of Wheel of Fortune since 1981. Over the years, he has garnered multiple accolades, including three Emmys for his exceptional work on the show. Notably, he was handpicked by Merv Griffin to succeed Chuck Woolery and has left an indelible mark on the game show landscape. Passing the Torch Following Sajak's departure, the baton will be handed over to Ryan Seacrest, who is set to take the helm as host in Season 42. Besides his hosting duties, Seacrest will also assume the role of consulting producer on the show, ensuring a smooth transition as the show enters a new chapter. What's Next As we say goodbye to a true icon in the realm of game shows, Pat Sajak's final episode promises to be a memorable moment for fans and industry insiders alike. Stay tuned as we witness the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter on 'Wheel of Fortune.' Watch June 7, 2024 on ABC-7 at 6pm CST

Popular River North Restaurant Damaged by Friday Night Fire CHCIAGO–Based on the search results for today's date, April 6, 2024, there was a fire incident at Smith & Wollensky restaurant in River North, Chicago. The fire broke out in the kitchen of the iconic steakhouse located at 318 N. State St. One Chicago firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the fire. Emergency crews responded to the scene to address the situation and contain the fire at the riverfront restaurant. Smith & Wollensky is an iconic steakhouse located in Chicago, specifically in Marina City. The restaurant is known for serving USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, premium seafood, and offering an extensive selection of award-winning wines. Smith & Wollensky Chicago Marina City provides a fine dining experience with a focus on high-quality meats and seafood. Recently, there was a fire incident at the Smith & Wollensky restaurant in River North, which resulted in minor injuries to one firefighter. The incident was attended to by Chicago firefighters, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in such establishments. For more information about Smith & Wollensky Chicago Marina City, you can visit their official website at Smith & Wollensky Chicago.