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Cloudy Monday in DuPage
Good morning, DuPage! It's a cloudy Monday with today's high reaching 47°F and a low of 37°F. It is Spring, isn't it? 😀
🐝 Top Stories
Naperville Native Candace Parker Headlines 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Class
Naperville Central graduate Candace Parker has been named a headliner for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The announcement, made on March 31, 2026, cements Parker’s legacy as one of the most decorated figures in the history of the sport. She is joined in this prestigious class by fellow icons Elena Delle Donne, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Doc Rivers.
Parker’s career is defined by groundbreaking achievements across every level of the game. After leading Naperville Central to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004, she won two national titles at the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt. In the WNBA, she became the first player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (2008) and went on to win three championships with three different franchises: the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces.
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in August 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Since retiring from professional play in 2024, Parker has remained a prominent figure in the basketball world, serving as a lead broadcaster for TNT Sports and the president of Adidas women’s basketball
Naperville Chorus Hits High Note with 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Naperville Chorus is marking a major milestone as it celebrates half a century of bringing choral music to the community. Founded in 1976 during the nation's bicentennial, the group began with roughly 40 singers eager to fill a void left when North Central College’s music department temporarily shuttered. Today, the chorus has grown into a powerhouse ensemble of approximately 120 voices, drawing amateur and dedicated singers from across the region to produce a "unified, uplifting sound."
Throughout its five-decade history, the chorus has expanded its reach far beyond local stages, touring internationally in countries like Austria, Poland, and Italy. At home, the group remains deeply rooted in service, performing at nursing homes and maintaining a scholarship fund for North Central College students to support the next generation of musicians. To celebrate their golden anniversary, the Naperville Chorus will perform a special concert titled "Opera Choruses & Great Choral Classics" on April 19, 2026, at Wentz Concert Hall, followed by a collaborative performance with the Naperville Municipal Band this July.
Steubenville Joliet Youth Conference Returns to Benedictine University this June
The Steubenville Joliet Youth Conference is set to return to Benedictine University in Lisle from June 26–28, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the Diocese of Joliet, Franciscan University of Steubenville, and Partnership for Youth, the three-day event is expected to draw thousands of high school students for a weekend centered on worship and community. The program includes keynote sessions, daily mass, eucharistic adoration, and specialized breakout sessions, alongside recreational time for games and small-group discussions.
Groups interested in attending must register by the May 5 deadline. Registration requires a $50 non-refundable deposit per ticket within two weeks of signing up, and the event is open for group registrations only. Further details regarding pricing and resources can be found through the official Partnership for Youth website.
🌿 Quick Hits
- Cubs at Tampa Bay: The Chicago Cubs start a new series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. First pitch is at 3:10 PM.
- White Sox vs. Baltimore: The Chicago White Sox host the Baltimore Orioles at Guaranteed Rate Field. Game time is 6:40 PM.
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