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Choice is clear for state representative

October 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

One of the hardest working state representatives we have is a nice guy by the name of Marty McLaughlin. His goals are to cut spending and lower taxes. We couldn’t have a better representative.

Yet his Democrat opponent, Maria Peterson, is running a big money campaign to try to unseat him. She has ads all over TV, for a state rep position. And the ads are nasty, vicious and a distortion of reality.

She does not deserve to represent the people of District 52. And the Democrat party has well established itself as the party of more spending and higher taxes. Illinois property taxes are the highest in the nation, although I guess we are actually temporarily tied with New Jersey for that honor!

So if you want more and higher taxes, then vote for Marty’s opponent Maria Petersen.

If you want lower spending and lower taxes, vote for businessman Marty McLaughlin.

Bill Hartman, Barrington

Daily Herald LTE

Posted in Daily Herald, Elections, Letters to the Editor | Leave a Comment »

When Blue States Chase Away Their Billionaires – WSJ

October 5, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

America’s Governor Ron DeSantis (R., Fla.) cheers Citadel founder Kenneth Griffin at the announcement of Carnegie Mellon University Miami on Thursday. | Jack Dempsey/AP Content Services for Griffin Catalyst/Associated Pres

By James Freeman | Wall Street Journal

An editorial in the Chicago Tribune laments what might have been had “Kenneth C. Griffin not become so frustrated with the state of Illinois as to move himself and much of the financial company he founded, Citadel, to Miami.” The Tribune is responding to the news that Mr. Griffin is moving a whole lot more to Florida after departing the expensive dysfunction of Illinois governance.

The Journal’s Deborah Acosta reported on Wednesday:

Hedge-fund titan Ken Griffin is donating $2 billion to start a Carnegie Mellon University campus in Miami, part of the largest-ever individual gift toward higher education.

The Pittsburgh-based university, known for its expertise in computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics, will open a 35-acre campus in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood that will focus on technology and innovation.

“The students who graduate and the tech companies that come to Miami to leverage those skills will change the very fabric of Miami for decades if not centuries to come,” Griffin said in an interview.

Citadel’s chief executive is also giving $1 billion to Carnegie Mellon’s main Pittsburgh campus. Griffin’s combined $3 billion donation is the largest single gift toward higher education from any individual, according to an announcement from Carnegie Mellon University.

The donation helps advance Griffin’s aim to establish South Florida as a leading global-business and technology hub.

Back in the Windy City, kudos to the Tribune editorial board for explaining the opportunity cost of driving away the state’s most successful people: “After all, persons who are willing to donate $3 billion to an institution of higher education are not to be found on every street corner.”

Of course New York politicians in general and the mayor of New York City in particular have also been unwelcoming and in some cases downright hostile to wealth-creators like Mr. Griffin. Leftists who enjoyed the mayor’s nasty media stunt outside Mr. Griffin’s Manhattan apartment can now reflect on whether it was worth removing the city as a possible landing spot for the largest individual gift in the history of U.S. higher education.

Article continues here.

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Crime, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Ethics, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Wall Street Journal | Leave a Comment »

Lake County Forest Preserves October Newsletter

October 4, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

In this issue:

Native Plants

Migratory Birds

Fall History Walks

Click here for more activities this month.

Posted in Education, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Property Taxes, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Your vote can make a difference in Illinois elections

October 3, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Illinoisans can vote on races ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to state lawmakers and local officials in the Nov. 3 election.

By Jon Josko and Lilly Rossi | Illinois Policy Institute

Some recent Illinois state legislative races have been decided by just dozens or hundreds of votes.

A look since 2022 shows where the closest races have been, how few votes separated the candidates and what voters in competitive districts identified as their biggest concerns.

Casting a ballot gives Illinoisans a voice in who represents them, while understanding voters’ concerns gives lawmakers a clearer picture of what their constituents want addressed.

How close are races in Illinois?

In 2024, a mere 47 votes out of nearly 59,000 decided who represents Illinois’ 52nd House District. State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Lake Barrington, held onto his seat over Democrat Maria Peterson by less than one-tenth of 1% of the votes.

That was the slimmest margin in Illinois’ most recent two election cycles, but not the only close one. Nine other state House and Senate races since 2022 were decided by fewer than 1,700 votes apiece — and they were concentrated in a handful of places worth knowing if you live nearby.

10 closest state legislative races 2022-2024

Margin of victory in the 10 closest Illinois House and Senate races, 2022-2024

Seven of the 10 sit in Chicago’s outer suburbs and exurbs, stretching from Lake and McHenry counties through DuPage, Kane and Will. The other three are downstate: one anchored around Danville and Champaign, one around Springfield and Decatur and one in the Metro East region across the river from St. Louis.

10 closest state legislative races 2022-2024

Margin of victory in the 10 closest Illinois House and Senate races, 2022-2024

How many people does it take to decide these races?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your vote matters in a state regarded as relatively uncompetitive, consider this: Among the 175 contested state House and Senate races since 2022, half were decided by a margin smaller than 1-in-10 of the eligible adults in that district. A quarter of contested races came down to fewer than 1-in-17.

90 contested legislative races decided by fewer than 1 in 10 adults

Number of contested state legislative races, 2022-2024, by win margin as share of district’s eligible adult population.

That pattern held across both chambers and both years, though state Senate races have generally been decided by a somewhat smaller share of eligible adults than House races. Roughly 6-in-10 Senate races came in under that 1-in-10 mark, versus about 46% of House races, consistent with Senate districts being larger and drawing more votes.

What do Illinoisans care about?

In districts with tighter election margins, candidates will have to make sure they are addressing their constituents’ major issues.

In the Illinois Policy Institute’s statewide tracking poll, fielded quarterly since 2025, high taxes has been the single most-cited concern every time, named by 52% to 60% of respondents as one of their top two issues, roughly double the next-closest answer.

In the most recent poll, from August 2026, 58.1% named high taxes as their No.1 or No. 2 issue, compared with 32.5% for the economy generally and 20.7% for state governance.

Property taxes in particular seem to be the aggravation behind that number. The May 2026 version of the same poll asked residents how satisfied they are with the value their community receives for the property taxes paid. Over 61% said they were dissatisfied, against just 23.5% satisfied.

Article continues here.

Posted in AI, Cost of Living, Data Center, Deception, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Land Use, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Village Code | Leave a Comment »

‘The community wants this place open’: Catlow owner donates theater to foundation

October 2, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington’s Catlow Theatre has seen many changes since the Long family purchased the iconic movie house.

Now, in addition to the dramatic cosmetic changes that are transforming the Catlow, the theater is seeing a change in ownership.

The Long family is donating the theater to the Catlow 1927 Foundation, which will handle the theater’s management and programming. All proceeds from performances, events, movie showings, and private rentals will support operations, according to the foundation’s website, catlow1927.org.

Barrington businessman and property owner Brian Long, the foundation’s president, made the announcement Tuesday during a tour of the nearly century-old theater, which followed a reception at Barrington’s White House.

Long said the foundation will operate the theater on a business basis, believing it will survive for generations to come. The foundation keeps about five years of operating expenses in reserve, he said.

He said it was always the master plan to have the theater foundation owned and operated. Now that the fundraising effort has raised half its $6 million goal, the family is comfortable the foundation can stand on its own.

Brian and Julianne Long purchased the theater for just under $500,000 in 2022.

Article continues here.

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Nostalgia, Resident Spotlights | 1 Comment »

State House District 52 candidates debate taxes, budget and AI

October 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, and Maria Peterson debate issues at a League of Women Voters forum in Barrington on Tuesday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. | Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun

By Steve Sadin | For the Lake County News-Sun

A mere 27 votes separated state Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, from his 2024 Democratic challenger and current reelection opponent, Maria Peterson of North Barrington.

While Peterson and McLaughlin agree that making changes in the tax laws is legislation they will attempt to tackle in the 105th Illinois General Assembly, their approach to easing taxpayers’ burdens is different.

McLaughlin said he lowered the real estate tax levy seven of the eight years he served as mayor of Barrington Hills. He sees providing municipalities the 10% of state income taxes they once received instead of the current 5% as giving the towns an alternative source of revenue.

“That money would come back to your community and your community could lower your property taxes,” he said.

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, left, talks to a voter before a League of Women Voters forum in Barrington on Tuesday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. | Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun

McLaughlin and Peterson shared views on taxes, artificial intelligence, reduced federal funding, and more, campaigning for the Nov. 3 election before more than 150 people Tuesday at a Barrington forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

After the moderator asked the candidates what they would do to reduce property taxes for homeowners, she queried them several questions later about their top priorities should they be chosen to serve in the 105th General Assembly. Taxes were on both their lists.

Using tax credits as a form of relief, McLaughlin said he had ideas for both younger people and seniors. He would push for a tax credit for young families to “make life more affordable for young families so they can afford a home.”

“I will push for the senior tax credit to be increased to $75,000,” McLaughlin said. “If two seniors are in a home with Social Security, it’s too low. It should be higher, at least $95,000 so seniors can get a break on their property taxes.”

Read the full article here.

Related: “League of Women Voters 52nd District Candidate Forum recordings released”

Posted in AI, BACOG, Chicago Tribune, Data Center, Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Elections, Lake County News-Sun, Land Use, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Code | 2 Comments »

Editorial: Chicago considers charging suburbanites more to park. How neighborly

October 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

People walk along North Michigan Avenue as tulips bloom April 12, 2026, in downtown Chicago. | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

The last dumb idea from City Council

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

A new parking meter deal is done and dusted, as City Council on Tuesday approved a $2.53 billion agreement allowing Stonepeak Partners to take over the remaining 57 years of Chicago’s parking meter lease. Good. We were tired of writing about this historic disaster.

But that doesn’t mean there cannot be another one just ahead.

Now, aldermen are looking to the future. And as some gaze into their crystal ball, they see a brave new world in which suburbanites pay more to park.

An idea is floating around to bifurcate parking meter prices, adding a surcharge of 25 to 50 cents an hour for non-Chicagoans who park in the city, according to Ald. Walter “Red” Burnett, 27th.

Ald. Walter “Red” Burnett – Remember his face because we highly doubt this will be the last dumb idea he’ll have.It’ll raise revenue, he says, though he couldn’t say how much, and encourage public transit, though that doesn’t take into account the frequent inadequacy of those options from the suburbs, especially on evenings and weekends.What we know for sure is that such a move is crazy-town nonsense.

Ald. Walter “Red” Burnett – Remember his name and face since we highly doubt this will be the last dumb idea he’ll have.

“It’s easy to track, they already have the data now,” Burnett said. “We want our suburban counterparts to help when they’re clogging up the system.”

Clogging up the system? Oy.

We have an altogether different view of our neighbors to the north, south and west.

We view them not as bumbling annoyances from which to extract extra cash for the privilege of parking their car on the street, but value their awe and enjoyment of our city, even if they only stick around for a little while.

Editorial continues here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Cost of Living, Democratic Socialists of America, Dumb and Dumber, Dumb Bunny, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Taxes, The New Normal?, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Barrington High School 2026 Homecoming Is This Weekend

October 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Masquerade Theme

Join fellow Broncos and Fillies on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Barrington, Illinois! Come home to Barrington and celebrate—all alumni are welcome to attend!

Saturday’s Schedule

  •  10:15 AM — Homecoming Parade
    Departs from the Barrington Metra Station and marches to BHS
  •  11:00 AM — Barrington High School Tour
    Explore your alma mater and see what’s new!
  •  11:00 AM – 3:00 PM — BHSAA Tailgate Party
    For all BHS alumni and friends at Chessie’s (200 Applebee Street)
  •  12:00 PM — Homecoming Football Game
    Broncos vs. Conant @ BHS Community Stadium
  •  Evening — Individual Class Reunion Events
    For classes ending in 1 and 6

The “Taste of 220” mobile food truck will be serving food during homecoming.”

Source

Posted in Barrington High School, Community Alerts, Nostalgia, Traffic | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Oct. 2-8: Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, Cider & Ale Festival, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns and more

October 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival includes two large pumpkin walls, pumpkin carving, live music, food, costume contests and more. | Ripple Public Relations

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 2

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival and Skeletons on Display: 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in downtown Highwood. Pumpkin carving, nightly lightings of pumpkin-filled walls, music, carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Black Diamond Sessions at 7:30 p.m. and Antler Chandelier at 8 p.m.; Saturday: Roger That at 5 p.m., Navy Band Great Lakes “Horizon” Rock Band at 6 p.m. and Davidson County at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday: Daddy Wasn’t There at 5 p.m. and Mr. Blotto at 6 p.m. Free. highwoodpumpkinfest.com.

Night at the Museum: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Screening of “Cars,” a flashlight scavenger hunt and more. Halloween costumes encouraged. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will host a train demonstration. $22.58. Register: dupagemuseum.org/events.

Comedian Bill Burr will perform Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at the Chicago Theatre. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Bill Burr: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $73.35. msg.com

“From Dust”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-3 and 9-10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Lodge Performing Arts Center, 18 Villa Court, Elgin. Eli Campbell’s original work about a doomsday prepper building an underground bunker performed by point2point productions. Donated pantry goods will be used as props to fill the production’s underground bunker and then be donated to PADS of Elgin after the production closes. $15 plus a $2 service fee per ticket. schaumburgonstage.org/point2pointproductions.

GreenRoom Productions First Friday Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Hemmens Theater in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Family-friendly improv show. $15-$22. greenroomimprov.com.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 3-25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. Included with admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

South Elgin Pet Costume Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. Parade begins at 10 a.m. along the sidewalk on South Water Street. Categories: scariest, cutest, funniest and best owner/pet costume. Pets must be leashed. Come early for the Pumpkin Patch Festival. Register on-site from 9-9:50 a.m. southelgin.com/petparade

Cider & Ale Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths offer more than 60 different ciders and ales from 30 local breweries and cideries along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk and the Frost Hill walking path. Tasting tickets include 20 3-ounce samples. No general admission. $75-$85; designated driver $35; and $12 for kids 4-17. Tickets: mortonarb.org

The Legions of Craft Beer Festival returns to Gurnee American Legion Post 771 Saturday, Oct. 3. (Village of Gurnee)

Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Over 50 craft beers, hard ciders and food trucks. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Net proceeds go to the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion. Advance tickets $50 or $60 with bourbon, $60 at the door, designated driver $10. gurneelegionsofbeer.com.

Melodeers Harmony Showcase: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 Algonquin Road, Building R, Palatine. The Melodeers will perform and the quartets, Prism and Stiletto, will join them. $20, $10 for kids 12 and younger. melodeers.org

Pumpkin Walk: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Over 100 lighted pumpkins, including two professionally carved pumpkins. Watch a live demonstration by a professional pumpkin carver, plus entertainment and a lightning bug craft. $10. Registration required. bgparks.org/pumpkin-walk.

Fleetwood Max re-creates the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. (Todd Heintz Photography)

Fleetwood Max: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. An authentic re-creation of the music and stage production of Fleetwood Mac. $59-$69. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. New and used motorcycle parts of all types and brands, leathers, sewing, jewelry, toys and more. Rain or shine. $10 for 15 and older. walneckswap.com.

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8, free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Autumn Harvest Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Demonstrations of 19th-century farm life, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and beverages and more. $5 per person or $20 per family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com.

Octoberfest: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Food, drinks and live entertainment. Free. parkfun.com.

Civil War Solider Encampment: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, on the lawn of the Durant House Museum located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Civil War reenactors from the 19th Illinois and 6th Wisconsin Units host displays of equipment and demonstrations of camp life and cooking rations. At this hands-on event, visitors can handle equipment, try on uniforms and taste 1860s cooking. At 2:30 p.m., kids can learn drills from experienced soldiers and practice as a regiment. Durant House and Sholes School Museums will be open. $3 or $1 for kids 18 and younger. ppfv.org/durant-house-museum.

Oktoberfest: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Twin Lakes Recreational Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine. Games, hayrides, raffles and more. Live music by Die Musikmeisters. Food for purchase includes bratwurst with sauerkraut, German potato salad and Oktoberfest beer. Donate five nonperishable food items to receive a free pumpkin, or buy one for $5. Free. saltcreekpd.com.

Annual Authors Fair: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Gail Borden Public Library’s Alft River Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Meet local authors, who will be signing and selling their books. gailborden.info/authors.

Concert Pianist Drew Petersen: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Solo recital. $39.19, free for kids 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Watch What Crappens: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Bravo recap and gossip podcast presents the “In The Mix Tour.” Tickets start at $69.16. jamusa.com

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Feelin’ Groovy: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Michael Mahler sings Paul Simon. $45. metropolisarts.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Joan Curto’s “Both Sides Now”: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The acclaimed vocalist and her all-star band celebrate the timeless artistry of singer-songwriters from the 1960s to the ’80s. $35. tickets.eccartscenter.org.

Cantigny’s Live Music in the Beer Garden: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 7-11, at Cantigny Park South Grove, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Live music in the beer garden, near the Visitors Center. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Beer garden hours: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday: Craig Allen, Thursday: Downtown Charlie Brown, Friday: Return 2 Soul, Sunday: The Thomas Linsk Trio (3 p.m.) Included with admission. cantigny.org.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns returns Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. (Chicago Botanic Garden)

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-11, 14-18 and 21-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway featuring characters and live pumpkin carving. $20-$24 for adults, $13-$17 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest: 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Century Park Pavilion, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Build and decorate a scarecrow; bring clothes and accessories to decorate with. Snack is included. $25 per group. Register at vhparkdistrict.org/event/scarecrow-fest.

Witches Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Check in at The Village Tavern, 135 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Downtown businesses will offer specials, discounts, giveaways and more. Register at longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Chelsea Handler brings “The High and Mighty Tour” to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on Thursday, Oct. 8. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Chelsea Handler: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. “The High and Mighty Tour.” Tickets start at $85.10. geneseetheatre.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays, $24 in advance online, and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkin enrichments for the animals, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3. $7; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: Fridays through Sundays, through Nov. 1, at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Tickets start at $45. For dates and hours, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Find more here.

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Barrington High School Alumni News: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Pays Illegals $575 to Take Political Activism Class, U.S.-Born Residents Not Allowed

September 30, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Warner Todd Huston | Breitbart News

Critics are bashing Boston’s Democrat Mayor Michelle Wu* for funding a program that trains migrants in political activism.

Wu’s funding benefits the city program called Immigrants Lead Boston operated by Wu’s Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement designed to identify and give aid to “emerging leaders” in the migrant community, Fox News reported.

The program is taking heat for explicitly excluding U.S.-born residents from being qualified to win one of the scholarships while using tax dollars for the sole benefit of migrants.

Wu’s administration is paying migrants $575 to enroll in a ten-week civic-engagement and community-organizing course to help migrants grow their political power to replace Americans.

Registration documents tell enrollees that no legal status is required to earn a grant.

“Classes cover organizing, public narrative, city government, immigration history, racism, and equity,” according to the New Bedford Guide.

The program is also sponsored by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, which funds deportation-defense lawyers and opposes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Report continues here.

*”One of four children, (Michelle) Wu graduated from Barrington High School in 2003 as the valedictorian of her class.[14] Wu received perfect scores on the SAT and ACT and in 2003 was selected as a Presidential Scholar from Illinois.[15][8] Wu’s parents hoped that she would pursue a career in medicine; in part due to their experiences of the Chinese Civil War, they discouraged her from a career in politics. Wu has also recounted that prior to university, she had not known whether she aligned with the Democratic or Republican parties.[8]”

 

Posted in Barrington High School, Breitbart News, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Immigration, Politics | Leave a Comment »

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