Denise Crosby

Prisco’s Family Market President Andy Guzauskas stands inside the Aurora grocery store on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Prisco's is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. (Troy Stolt/For The Beacon-News)

Column: Prisco’s Family Market in Aurora celebrating 100 years of giving customers ‘what they want’

July 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

In a world where the rich get richer and the big get bigger, surviving as a family-owned business can seem like an act of defiance - or a downright miracle.

In the age of social media, unanswered questions are often addressed by people who put out theories rather than verified facts, columnist Denise Crosby says. (AP)

Column: On social media, rumors spread faster than facts

July 24, 2026 at 11:44 a.m.

In the age of social media, unanswered questions rarely stay "unanswered" for long. Instead, they are often replaced by theories that spread faster than verified facts.

As of May, Tricia Jackson, a nurse practitioner from Oswego, is running the Kendall County Food Pantry's free healthcare clinic. (Tricia Jackson).

Column: New head of Kendall County’s free clinic is passionate about healthcare for all

July 22, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Tricia Jackson has poured her heart into volunteering.

Abandoned cars trapped on impassable roadways were a common sight in Aurora when nearly 17 inches of rain fell on the city in 24 hours in a historic storm on July 17-18, 1996. (Aurora Historical Society)

Column: After 30 years, memories still strong of 1996 Aurora flood that ‘closed the city down’

July 17, 2026 at 5:51 p.m.

Aurora was hit with almost 17 inches of rain in a 24-hour period on July 17-18, 1996, unleashing flooding that devastated the city.

A customer shops in the produce section of a grocery store on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. Whether it is on the West Coast or in the Chicago area, the price of groceries has been an issue for consumers. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Column: Grocery talk speaks volumes about price of everyday life

July 14, 2026 at 3:37 p.m.

Unfortunately, the grocery store is where inflation feels personal.

A rehearsal takes place recently for the upcoming City of Lights Theatre and Cabaret production of "Annie," to be staged at Aurora University's Perry Theatre. (Kirsten Currie Tait)

Column: Family’s love of theater plays big role in upcoming ‘Annie’ production in Aurora

July 12, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

When City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret presents “Annie,” audiences will also be watching the efforts of a nonprofit built by a single mom and her family.

Lore Baker is executive director of the Association for Individual Development, a nonprofit based in Aurora. (Association for Individual Development)

Column: Community response needed after technical glitch closes doors to AID’s crisis intervention program

July 10, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

AID's Living Room center in Aurora not only serves southern Kane County but also northern Kendall County, including Oswego and Montgomery, officials said.

The Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora on May 29, 2026. The Aurora Civic Center Authority owns the Paramount Theatre, the Copley Theatre, Paramount School of the Arts and North Island Center in Aurora, and also manages the city-owned RiverEdge Park and Stolp Island Theatre. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Column: It’s showtime for Aurora mayor’s new ACCA board

July 8, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

he applause or the criticism will come not from who was cast but how they perform.

Jason and Carrie Lever turned their Aurora front yard on Biltmore Circle into an intricate piece of artwork displaying their patriotism for the Fourth of July. (Jason Lever)

Column: Aurora couple’s patriotism on full display in their front yard

July 3, 2026 at 8:58 a.m.

Every summer, Jason Lever transforms the entire front lawn of his Aurora home into a giant American flag.

Column: Fox Valley’s ‘Love Letters to America’ focus on blessings to we the people

July 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

"Love Letters to America" project a perfect fit as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

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