Carolyn Stein

Carolyn Stein covers news for the Naperville Sun. She is a recent graduate of Stanford University, where she studied communication and East Asian studies. She has previously worked for the San Francisco Chronicle, Mercury News and Mission Local.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the last float of the night at the annual Holiday Parade of Lights held in downtown Naperville on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. According to a city staff report, the Rotary Club of Naperville has canceled the 2026 parade. (Troy Stolt/For the Naperville Sun)

Naperville’s 2026 Holiday Parade of Lights canceled, city staff report says

February 24, 2026 at 11:19 a.m.

The 2026 Holiday Parade of Lights, a tradition since 2003, has been canceled by the Rotary Club of Naperville, officials confirmed.

The Martin Avenue Apartments at 310 W. Martin Ave. in Naperville provides affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income seniors. Naperville is exploring options for improving the city's affordable housing stock. (Naperville Sun)

Naperville council resurrects efforts to create more affordable housing options

February 19, 2026 at 5:23 p.m.

The Naperville council is revisiting affordable housing strategies as it continues to grapple with city housing stock disparities.

The opening date for the Free People store at 55 S. Main St. is scheduled forr Feb. 20. The company sells clothing designed for mature women in their mid-20s, its website says. (Carolyn Stein/Naperville Sun)

Lilly Pulitzer store now open; Free People, Ruth’s Chris Steak House coming soon

February 17, 2026 at 2:37 p.m.

The newest businesses now open or soon to open in Naperville are Lilly Pulitzer, Free People and Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Nichols Library in Naperville served as a polling place for the DuPage County primary election in March 2024. Three democratic candidates are running for the four-year DuPage County District 5 seat, which represents Naperville. (Tess Kenny/Naperville Sun)

DuPage District 5 Dem candidates discuss county clerk, property tax levy

February 17, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.

DuPage County Board primary candidates running for a Dist. 5 seat in the Naperville-area weigh in on county clerk, property tax levy.

The Matrix Club was evicted from its location on Route 59 in Naperville Thursday after failing to pay rent for many months and facing liens from vendors, the building's owner said. (NCTV17)

Matrix Club in Naperville evicted after not paying rent, liens, building owner says

February 13, 2026 at 6:59 p.m.

The Matrix Club, a live entertainment venue, banquet hall and restaurant, has been evicted from its Naperville location on Route 59.

Sebastian Zylstra, 17, lunges to hit the ball Thursday at Naperville North High School during KidsMatter's attempt at setting the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous pickleball lesson. (Carolyn Stein/Naperville Sun)

Naperville’s KidsMatter breaks Guinness World Record for largest pickleball lesson

February 12, 2026 at 8:47 p.m.

Hundreds of Naperville-area students Thursday set a new Guinness World Record for largest simultaneous pickleball lesson.

District 5 Dem candidates for DuPage County Board discuss affordable housing

February 12, 2026 at 1:32 p.m.

The three candidates running in the Democratic primary for DuPage County Board District 5 offer opinions on affordable housing.

Naperville Fire Department staff learn how to use the SAM junctional tourniquet on Jan. 13, 2026. The SAM Junctional Tourniquet is frequently used within military combat zones. (Naperville Fire Department)

Military-style tourniquet now available in Naperville for some emergency situations

February 12, 2026 at 12:58 p.m.

The SAM junctional tourniquet, a military device to control hemorrhages in the groin and armpit, added to Naperville EMS toolbox.

Spring Brook Elementary School students jump roping for the annual Kids Heart Challenge celebration in 2023. The Naperville school has participated in the nationwide challenge since 1997, raising thousands of dollars for the American Heart Association. (Rich Vine)

Spring Brook Elementary teacher channels personal loss into heart-healthy mission

February 10, 2026 at 2:39 p.m.

Spring Brook Elementary School in Naperville is ranked No. 10 in the state for the money it raises for the American Heart Association.

Voters head to the Naperville Municipal Center polling place on Nov. 5, 2024. With the March 17 election right around the corner, Democratic voters will be asked to narrow the number of DuPage County Board Disrict 5 candidates from three to one. (Tess Kenny/Naperville Sun)

District 5 Dem candidates for the DuPage board discuss county’s biggest issue

February 10, 2026 at 2:56 p.m.

The DuPage County Board District 5 candidates in the March 17 Democratic primary discuss what they see as the most pressing issue.

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