Good morning, DuPage! It’s a cozy Saturday with today's high reaching 66°F and a low of 38°F, so you might want to grab a light jacket before heading out.

Elmhurst University’s student newspaper, The Leader, earned 12 honors at the 2026 Illinois College Press Association (ICPA) conference held in Chicago. Competing for the first time in the "Mid-sized Schools" division, the publication secured five awards and seven honorable mentions for work produced during the 2025 calendar year. Notably, the staff achieved third-place rankings in the General Excellence category for both its print and web platforms, a milestone that Editor-in-Chief Ian Murphy described as a significant improvement for the team.

Individual students were also recognized for their specific contributions to journalism and design. Vanesa Arenas-Rubio took first place in Front-page Layout, while Ian Murphy and Isabella Gonzalez secured first place in In-depth Reporting. Other accolades included recognition for feature writing, editorial columns, film reviews, and digital media projects such as video storytelling and podcasts. The awards reflect a broad range of talent across the editorial board, highlighting the paper's transition into a more competitive division.

Faculty advisor Eric Lutz and instructor Dennis Watkins accompanied nearly a dozen student reporters to the conference, which included workshops led by industry professionals. Murphy emphasized that the event was not only about the awards but also about fostering growth and encouraging students to become more engaged with the world through high-quality reporting. The success at the ICPA reinforces The Leader’s role as a vital training ground for aspiring journalists at Elmhurst University.

Pan American Bank & Trust is set to broaden its footprint in DuPage County with the opening of its sixth location on April 6, 2026. Situated at 1110 Jorie Blvd. in Oak Brook, the new branch is strategically positioned near major interstates to serve the high-traffic commercial corridor of the western suburbs. This expansion represents a significant milestone for the bank as it positions itself to meet the growing financial demands of the area’s thriving business community.

The Oak Brook office will distinguish itself by specializing in commercial lending, offering local entrepreneurs a unique advantage: direct access to the bank's senior leadership team. By providing a high-touch environment where business owners can consult directly with executives, the branch aims to offer more agile and personalized financial solutions than larger, more traditional institutions. This focus on executive-level accessibility underscores the bank's commitment to supporting the region's economic growth through specialized commercial support.

The Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting its annual Lake Ellyn 1-Mile Classic and Kid's Dash on Sunday, April 12, 2026. This community-focused event at Lake Ellyn Park features a scenic one-mile loop around the lake for participants aged 6 through adult, as well as a 0.25-mile "Kid's Dash" for children aged 12 months to 5 years. The Kid's Dash begins at 8:00 a.m., followed immediately by the 1-Mile Classic at 8:15 a.m.

Registration for the event is $20 and includes a commemorative t-shirt. Online registration is open through April 6, though participants can also register in person on the morning of the race starting at 7:30 a.m. Packet pickup will be available on April 8 and 9 at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, or at the park on race day. Awards will be presented to top finishers in various age groups for the one-mile race, and additional details can be found at gepark.org/register.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 1985, Canadian paraplegic athlete Rick Hansen embarked on an incredible journey, circumnavigating the globe in a wheelchair to raise awareness for spinal cord injury research. Talk about determination and inspiration!

The founding of Carol Stream is unique because, unlike almost every other town in Illinois, it wasn't named after a local landmark, a pioneer, or a Founding Father—it was named after the founder's daughter, Carol Stream.

In 1952, Jay Stream, a local developer and veteran, began buying up farmland in the area to create a planned community where people could both live and work. During the early stages of planning, his 14-year-old daughter, Carol, was seriously injured in a car accident that left her in a coma for four months. Doctors were uncertain if she would survive or walk again.

As a tribute to her and to encourage her recovery, Jay decided to name the new village after her. When the town was officially incorporated on January 5, 1959, Carol Stream herself was there to cut the ribbon, having made a remarkable recovery.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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