Good morning, Aurora.

On Thursday, July 3, Metea Valley High School student-athletes from Aurora presented a service member's daughter with a new bike ahead of the Fourth of July — part of Buddy's Helpers efforts to honor military families.

Master Sgt. Devin Persaud, his daughter Cadence, and Jonny Rodriguez joined the event — sharing their experience with the program.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hosting free fishing clinics at Oakhurst Forest Preserve (1680 Fifth Ave) where instructors teach casting, knot tying and fish identification from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 10, Aug 5 and Sept 3, and participants may bring their own gear or borrow loaner equipment (supplies available while lasts).

The Rotary Club of Batavia has launched its 37th annual car raffle to support local projects — tickets cost $100 and are limited to 1,200 participants.

The drawing for a grand prize of $50,000 or a voucher and nine additional $500 prizes will be held at 5 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Gerald Ford in North Aurora.

Grocery stores in the Chicago area have adjusted hours for today’s Fourth of July—Aldi will close at 4 p.m., Sam’s Club at 6 p.m. and Trader Joe’s at 5 p.m., while Costco remains closed and other chains like Jewel-Osco, Target and Walmart keep regular schedules with some pharmacies reporting shorter hours.

Fox Valley Court Watch seeks volunteers to observe domestic violence cases in Kane and Kendall counties so that court procedures can be better assessed — a training session is scheduled for August 22 at Grace Lutheran Church in St. Charles with applications available online or by mail.

The 2025 Kane County Chronicle All-Area Baseball Team was released to recognize high school players who excelled in batting and pitching in the DuKane Conference season — selections include Ben Auer, Joey Arend, Mason Breusch, Brodie Curry, Joey Gainer, Nolan Galla, Preston Popovich, Chase Powrozek, Keaton Reinke, Matt Ritchie, Peter Sollaway, and Connar Temple, with honorable mentions also noted.

St. Francis senior Nolan Galla was named Kane County Chronicle Baseball Player of the Year after leading his team to 18 straight wins with strong pitching and hitting.

He finished the season with a 6-2 record and a 2.38 ERA — key markers of his valuable two-way role that helped the Spartans reach the sectional title game.

Always Loretta - The Ultimate Loretta Lynn Tribute Show

5-6:30 p.m. — Arcada Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the legacy of Loretta Lynn with an intimate evening of songs and stories from the legend herself.

Chris Knight Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Venue — Ticket prices vary — Experience Chris Knight's return with heartwarming storytelling and his latest album Almost Daylight.

MJ Live - Michael Jackson Tribute

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the thrill of Michael Jackson's greatest hits performed live with stunning visuals and talented artists.

Live & Uncorked – Brady Lee

7-9 p.m. — Blackberry Farm — $10/$12 day-of — Enjoy a BYOB evening filled with great music in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Heartless - A Tribute to Heart

8-9:30 p.m. — The Venue — $20-$25 — Heartless revives the classic hits of Heart for an unforgettable night of rock nostalgia.

Frida Fest

10 AM – 8 PM — Fox Valley Mall — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant life and artwork of Frida Kahlo with art, music, and dance performances.

All Pets Wellness Center Adoption Event

11 AM - 3 PM — All Pets Wellness Centers — Adoption fees may apply — Discover your new furry friend at this community-focused pet adoption celebration.

Free Outdoor Show with Yankee Cowboy

7-10 p.m. — The Piazza, Aurora — Free admission — Enjoy a boot-stompin' night of high-energy country hits and Southern rock under the stars.

Paint a Birdhouse Workshop

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Growing Place Garden Center — $20 — Decorate a wooden birdhouse and add charm to your garden with paints and embellishments.

WWE Trivia Night at The Piazza

7-10 p.m. — The Piazza — Free to play — Test your WWE knowledge in an epic trivia night featuring themed prizes and a full bar.