At the Forefront of AI, Rooted in Elmhurst

Professor, entrepreneur, and local dad Birju Shah on technology, teaching, and life in Elmhurst By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of Northwestern University Birju Shah calls Tuesdays his “AI day.”  With a few monitors and a list of priorities, Shah uses artificial intelligence tools to tackle everything from business strategy to lecture content to vacation…

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United in Song, Connected in Community

LIFT is Building Community Through Music, Learning, and Connection By Julia Mazurek / Photos courtesy of Ingrid Bonne Photography A conversation about community evolved into something much bigger for Elmhurst residents Bill and Jenny Riddle.  Last fall, the couple wondered: How could they bring people together in a meaningful way while also introducing their vision…

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The Influence Economy

How social media, creators, and Gen Z behavior are reshaping suburban retail By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Not long ago, suburban shopping centers largely followed a familiar retail formula: national brands, department store anchors, and established dining concepts designed to appeal to broad consumer audiences. Today, however, the brands and restaurants gaining momentum with younger…

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Lombard’s Lilac Legacy

The history and heritage of Lilacia Park BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOMBARD PARK DISTRICT For over a century, lilacs have been synonymous with Lombard. Each spring, countless lilacs, tulips, and more bloom across the historic 8.5-acre Lilacia Park. Lilacs have a long and well-traveled history, dating back to their origin…

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The Class of 2000: 25 Years Later

Reflecting on the high school years, which were anything but ordinary By Maureen Callahan High school is a significant time. A lot happens in the four years that transpire between middle school and college, or the start of your adult life. It’s the beginning of figuring yourself out, yet it’s over in the blink of…

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Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Photos by Victor Hilitski The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held on March 8, celebrating Irish culture with colorful floats, marching bands, and festive participants. It drew thousands of spectators to downtown Elmhurst for a fun-filled family event and showcased local community spirit, Irish heritage, and lively entertainment. This year, Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry was…

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Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot

Supporting Elmhurst nonprofit organizations with every step BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF The inaugural Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot, a 5K fun run benefiting four local Elmhurst organizations, will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This exciting event is a new addition to the long-standing tradition of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot,…

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COMEDY FOR CANCER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE H FOUNDATION In February, the H Foundation hosted Comedy for Cancer at The Tivoli Theatre in downtown Downers Grove. The star-studded event featured a comedic conversation with Chelsea Handler, which was led by ABC 7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott and Ji Suk Yi, co-host of WGN’s Spotlight Chicago. Stand-up comedians Brian Hicks…

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Modern Medicine

From data to diagnosis, AI is augmenting medical professionals’ training and practice by VALERIE HARDY Medical training programs and practices in Illinois are on the cutting edge when it comes to considering how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance patient care and physician functionality. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Bioengineering was…

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