A new school year is underway at Geneva District 304. What's new in the district?

McHenry County is looking to collect storm damage data while towns begin debris clean-up from the strong thunderstorms that knocked out power to thousands.

Those who take advantage of McHenry County's dial-a-ride services known as MCRide and MCRide Connect could see higher out-of-pocket costs next year.

Most of the McHenry County Board members whose seats are up next year are planning to run for reelection.

The McHenry County Fair returns next week, running from July 29 to Aug. 3 at the fairgrounds in Woodstock. Here’s what you need to know.

An assortment of new food options are popping up in Crystal Lake this summer, including a bakery that has already opened and authentic Mexican restaurants.

By the numbers: A plan headed to the Geneva City Council for vote in July would address aging facilities and could cost millions of dollars. How much would a new Geneva Police Department cost?

Where you can watch fireworks in Kane County.

Many Illinois communities are adding back a 1% grocery tax that will otherwise expire on Jan. 1. Is your town among them?

Three people died in McHenry County car crashes between Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, and a fourth person was flown in a serious crash earlier Monday. Here’s what we know.

Heat indexes in McHenry County could climb to the triple digits in the coming days.

Algonquin residents are seeing major upgrades to the village’s parks as finalized plans for Willoughby Farms Park are unveiled and Presidential Park re-opens Wednesday.

A developer constructing single-story apartment homes in Crystal Lake and Fox River Grove will start seeing their first residents move in this summer.

Several McHenry County-area mayors and village presidents faced and fended off ballot-box challenges – but not all. Here's a look at who won and lost and who got a free pass for another term.

Huntley 158 school board candidates have weighed in on social issues the board has waded through.

Ten people are running for five seats on the Huntley Community School District 158 board in the April 1 election. What do they have to say about balancing well-funded schools with the concerns of taxpayers?

Construction to widen Randall Road to three lanes from McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake south to Polaris Drive/Acorn Lane in Lake in the Hills is about to begin. Here’s what you need to know.

From killings to arrest: A timeline of the multi-agency police investigation into the brutal 2016 killings of Patricia Wilson and Robert Wilson, of Sycamore. A murder trial begins Thursday for the man accused in their deaths.

Here’s a look at the 24 most-read stories in the Northwest Herald online in 2024.

The McHenry VFW's Queen of Hearts jackpot is once again topping $2 million and has rolled over yet again in the latest drawing. Here's all you need to know about the game.

The wideining of Route 47 through Woodstock is near. Here's what you need to know.

Are you or someone you know in an abusive relationship and aren’t sure how to safely leave? Workers from Safe Passage DeKalb said they’re here to help.

According to the Illinois Report Card, 42.2% of students were chronically absent during the 2023-24 school year.

It’s just been a week since that other election, but for many McHenry County communities, filing begins Tuesday for the next one – the local election, which takes place April 1.

The polls in McHenry County have closed. Here are five things to watch for as the results come in.

Tuesday is the last day to cast a ballot in the November election. Here's what to know about voting.

Search our table to see what designation your DuPage County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your Kane County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your Kendall County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your DeKalb County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your Morris or Grundy County school received on the 2024 school report card.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of Will County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

Search our table to see what designation your La Salle County school received on the 2024 school report card.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of Kendall County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of Grundy County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of La Salle County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of DuPage County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

Search our table to see what designation your Carroll, Lee, Ogle or Whiteside county school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your Bureau County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Search our table to see what designation your McHenry County school received on the 2024 school report card.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of McHenry County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of Carroll, Lee, Ogle or Whiteside county students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement.

This week, the Illinois State Board of Education released school- and district-level data showing what percentage of Bureau County students were considered proficient in math and reading last year. Check out this chart to see if that's an improvement over the prior year.

Search our table to see what designation your Will County school received on the 2024 school report card.

Nearly 50 years ago, a skull was found in the wall of a Batavia home during a renovation. This year, the identify of the woman it belonged to was discovered, her great grandson was found and her skull was interred.

Early voting is expanding in McHenry County countywide Monday. Here's all you need to know to cast your ballot in the Nov. 5 election early or by mail.

After a sobering report on the condition of Sterling Fire Department’s apparatus, many have asked: “How did we get here?” To answer those questions, we need to go back a few years, writes Shaw Local reporter Brandon Clark.

How the Northwest Herald covered the Woodstock explosion that damaged about 20 buildings and displaced about the same number of residents one year ago Wednesday.

Looking back at an explosion in Woodstock one year ago that damaged many buildings and what has happened since then to those affected.

Daiso, the Japanese discount store, is due to open its first Illinois locations in Crystal Lake and Oswego early next year.