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Hey Naperville, hope your week’s off to a good start! In case you missed yesterday’s email, BaseLocal Business went live last week… and it’s going way better than I ever could have imagined!
If you run a local business and haven’t signed up, you can join here for free.
The more businesses we have on the platform, the more events, announcements, news, cool spots to check out, and deals we’ll have to share with you all every week. So if you know of a local business that belongs in the newsletter, forward this email to them or send ‘em here so they sign up too! The more the merrier 🙂
That’s all for today – let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Community salutes a centenarian: Naperville WWII veteran John Prescott turned 100 on New Year’s Eve, honored with a parade and celebration. The former VFW Post 3873 commander served in the Battle of the Bulge — see how they honored him.
Urban wildlife safety tips: With coyote calls rising this season, Naperville Police are warning residents and urging hazing tactics like noisemakers and sticks to scare them off, as Illinois has an estimated 30,000 coyotes — learn how to deter coyotes.
Recognition amid fiscal challenges: Illinois ranks No. 3 nationally and tops the Midwest for 2026 workforce development, as Chicago-Naperville-Elgin climbs to No. 4 on North America’s Tech Hub Index, despite lowest credit rating and pension burdens — see the rankings and context.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
More than just meals: CAVA is now open in Naperville, serving Mediterranean-inspired bowls and pitas with a focus on community. The fast-casual chain has raised over $600,000 for food security and plans to employ 25 to 40 local team members with competitive pay, PTO, healthcare, and mental health support. See how they’re giving back.
Foot-happy upgrade: If your daily miles or dog walks feel meh, Naperville Running Company pairs you with shoes that match your stride, no pressure. Expect smart fit advice, lots of options, and a painless stop that spares you blisters later… and avoids buyer’s remorse.
Wine night, leveled up: Slide into Barrel & Heritage for Lynfred Winery pours, small-batch whiskey finds, and charcuterie that gets your glass. Cozy vibe, rotating tastings, and just enough variety to turn “let’s have one” into “maybe a flight.”
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🏞 Trail Club: January @ Whalon Lake | Tuesday (1/20) at 10:00 AM – Trade the treadmill for Whalon Lake’s 1.6-mile loop, a brisk, free weekly walk that makes January bearable. Meet at the Lakeside Shelter, dress for whatever arrives, the path is paved, not shoveled. Show up three times, earn a sticker, brag a little.
🧶 Chunky Knit Blanket @ Pinot’s Palette | Tuesday (1/20) at 6:30 PM – Bring that yarn stash you swear you’ll use to this Naperville paint and sip, and turn it into a chunky blanket you will actually keep. Cozy, crafty, and sanctioned adult beverage time, also known as self-care that matches your sofa.
❄ 2026 Kathy Baids Winter Weekend Crop @ Hampton Inn and Suites Aurora IL | Friday (1/23) at 12:00 PM – This winter weekend crop in Aurora is basically adult summer camp for scrapbookers, crafters, and anyone who hoards pretty paper. Claim a 6 foot table, sip coffee, get a massage, emboss albums, then crop in PJs at the Hampton. Registration is $75, PM Kathy Baids.
This weekend
🌮 Winter Mercado @ Society 57 | Saturday (1/24) at 8:00 AM – Craving comfort that actually sticks to your ribs? Swing by Society 57 for Mercado in Aurora’s winter pop-up, with Pariente Mix tamales, warm horchata coffee, and a lineup of local vendors that makes gift shops jealous. Free, family friendly, and very Aurora.
🦥 Paint with a Live Sloth @ Color Me Mine | Saturday (1/24) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re fueled by caffeine or pure curiosity, come paint sloth pottery while a real sloth, Rico, supervises in the studio at a glacial pace. There’s an in-studio meet and greet with his mammal buddies, plenty of photo ops, and blissfully unrushed energy.
🧸 Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale @ Chicago Marriott Naperville | Sunday (1/25) at 8:30 AM – Naperville’s long-running doll and teddy bear show returns with 10,000 square feet of antique, vintage, and modern finds, plus appraisals and door prizes. Go early if you like first picks. Bring cash, a tote, and the kind of focus you save for estate sales.
🐶 Bluey’s Family Fun Trivia @ Tapville Social | Sunday (1/25) at 6:00 PM – Grab the kids and your Bluey trivia chops, and head to Tapville Social in Naperville for family fun that actually lets parents sit. Little legends snag cookie prizes and mocktails, you enjoy cheeky cocktails, friendly competition, and plenty of Wackadoo moments. Reservations recommended.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Naperville report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 22°F – Low: 16°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny. High near 22, with temperatures falling to around 20 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -8. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 16. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 30°F – Low: 12°F – Precip: 18%
A slight chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This house is wild
Prairie-style craftsmanship by JB Architecture and Muellner Construction shows in Sequoia redwood doors, a slate and stained-glass foyer, and a great room with a 20-foot ceiling and wall of windows. Main-floor living includes both primary and secondary ensuites. The chef kitchen features red birch, granite, and Sub-Zero and Wolf.
The primary wing adds an executive office and a private spa suite with hot tub and sauna. Outside, a half acre offers a porch and fire pit. A 3,600-square-foot radiant lower level delivers a sixth bedroom, wet bar, and theater. A whole-house generator and Vantage lighting join a four-car garage with radiant floors in a Naperville cul-de-sac near Riverwalk, parks, trails, and SD 203.
Take a peek inside →
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