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Clear skies for lunar eclipse tonight

August 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Mike Caplan | FOX 32

CHICAGO – There were exactly zero severe storms anywhere in our viewing area yesterday.

For the next several days it’s all about a pattern change toward warmer weather to close out the month.

Highs today with abundant sunshine will be right around normal — not far from 80°. Skies will be mainly sunny.

Lunar eclipse

Tonight looks ideal for a great view of the lunar eclipse. It’s not quite total but it should be enough to give the moon that reddish glow with peak eclipse arriving at 11:12 p.m.

What’s next

On Friday it will be a near carbon copy of today.

Saturday looks terrific when highs will be in the low to mid 80s under mostly sunny skies. The warmup begins in earnest on Sunday when highs soar into the upper 80s.

Monday, the last day of meteorological summer and August, looks downright hot with a high of 90°. Humidity levels will be up there too. The heat continues well into next week with the chance for occasional showers and storms.

Read on here.

Posted in Fox News, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

Editorial: The AI vultures are monetizing the dead. Your old emails might be worth millions.

August 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Spirit Airlines data has never been more valuable | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

If you recently left a job, it’s likely you lost access to your old inbox and the saved records of those tedious Zoom or Teams meetings. Leaving such digital detritus behind now is part of life. But we doubt you anticipated your employer being able to make money from what you had to say while gainfully employed.

Consider what just happened with the remains of what used to be Spirit Airlines, the bankrupt ultra-low-cost air carrier. Earlier this month, Google was the winner of a highly competitive auction not for the dead airline’s planes or equipment but for the corpse’s data trove. Reportedly, the treasure included 100 million emails and 500 million Teams messages, not to mention a ton of lines of code.

Why did Google blow $10 million on such seeming scrap? To train its artificial intelligence agents.

We’ll try not to get too in the weeds here, but in essence the Spirit purchase was like buying a massive business-school case study with bots as the intended students.

By seeing what humans did in actual life, the AI creepy-crawlies can learn about, well, what humans did in actual life. It doesn’t matter if they did what they did well (and, in the case of Spirit, it all failed in the end). It’s all about using this specific business as a way for AI to learn how an airline actually operates in real life or, yet more generally, how humans typically work together in organizations.

And you thought those AI agents were merely ingesting books and newspapers. Nope. They are looking at your old out-of-office replies and ill-considered rants on Teams.

Read on here.

Posted in AI, Chicago Tribune, Data Center, OP/Ed, Privacy | Leave a Comment »

Putting on the brakes: New Illinois law establishes rules for e-bikes, scooters

August 27, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois

New rules governing who can use electronic bikes and scooters, including where and how fast they go, will go into effect next year following Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature on Wednesday.

Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3484 which establishes regulations on “micromobility” transportation that include age requirements, speed limits and rules on where they can be operated. The bill takes effect Jan. 1.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” bill sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), said in a statement. “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents — jeopardizing community safety.”

The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support on June 1 following several amendments throughout the spring session.

The new law was one of Secretary of State Alex “Ali G”i Giannoulias’ top priorities during the legislative session. The Chicago mayoral candidate said unregulated micromobility devices have become a problem in the city.

“As these high-powered devices become faster and more common on our streets and sidewalks, the stakes are simply too high to leave them unregulated and outpacing public safety,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “This law brings accountability and common-sense safety standards to our roads while helping prevent serious injuries and ensuring riders, parents and communities understand how to safely share the road.”

The state already has some regulations for low-speed electric bikes and scooters, but regulation often varies at the local level. The bill creates new statewide standards for high-speed electric bikes and scooters, electric motor bikes, and electric unicycles and skateboards.

“Municipal leaders have been responding in real time as new electric devices appear on local streets, sidewalks and bike paths,” Illinois Municipal League CEO Brad Cole said in a statement. “A statewide framework gives communities greater consistency while providing local officials and law enforcement with clearer guidance.”

Law enforcement groups were also in support of the bill.

Report continues here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Bicyclists, Capitol News Illinois, E-bikes, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Public Safety, School Districts, Springfield, Traffic | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker record: Illinois loses tens of thousands of residents during his tenure

August 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Illinois’ population has shrunk under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s leadership and is predicted to fall further.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

While population growth is a basic measure of effective governance, tens of thousands of people have left Illinois under Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The state’s outmigration challenge is expected to worsen, with Illinois projected to lose 600,000 residents by 2033, driven by a drop of 450,000 in Illinois’ prime-working-age population.

And from 2020 to 2025, Illinois’ population of residents under 20 fell by 6.8%, more than three times faster than the national average of 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Net loss of 168,000

Since 2018, the state has lost a net of more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population. Illinois ranks 48th in population growth rate among the 50 states.

The rest of the Midwest grew by 2.1% during the same time period.

Of the nearly 83,000 residents who left in 2024, almost all of them went to states with lower taxes. Florida alone claimed a net of over 11,000 Illinois residents that year, while a net of nearly 37,000 left for Illinois’ neighbor states.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick in population, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ total would have declined in 2025.

Report continues here.

Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

‘Not 1984’: Flock cameras watching millions of Americans spark bipartisan revolt

August 26, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A pigeon perches on a Flock Safety camera, mounted high on a traffic signal pole at the intersection of Chapman Avenue & Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove, Calif., on Aug. 14, 2026. | Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

By Elizabeth Elkind, Alex Miller | Fox News

There’s a new frontier in the national privacy debate that’s uniting people on the right and left, and it’s a tool that millions of Americans encounter every day without even realizing it.

Automatic license plate reader (ALPR) companies have been brought under scrutiny by lawmakers in Washington as privacy hawks warn that the growing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is testing the bounds of what ALPR devices can legally learn about drivers on the road.

One company in particular, Flock Safety, has been taking hits in the media and political sphere as news of Flock cameras’ misuse — and occasional success — dominates headlines.

“There’s cameras everywhere, people know that, but if law enforcement has the ability to monitor the comings and goings of citizens, I think that’s wrong. I mean, we’re not the CCP, we’re not 1984 and an Orwellian society, and Americans have rights,” Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital.

LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS ARE TRACKING DRIVERS EVERYWHERE

He pointed to a recent incident in his district where a now-former Sarasota police officer was fired and arrested after being accused of misusing Flock camera technology, using it to spy on one particular license plate over 300 times.

FLOCK SAFETY CAMERAS NEED CONSTITUTIONAL GUARDRAILS BEFORE FURTHER DEPLOYMENT, TENNESSEE MAYOR ARGUES

“I don’t think you’re gonna be able to stop these cameras from being out there, but at the very least, there should be some type of legal parameters put in place to protect people’s Fourth Amendment rights,” he said.

ALPRs automatically capture and analyze vehicle and location data on public roads without drivers’ consent. Supporters have argued that it’s a critical tool for public safety that only collects minimal information, while opponents labeled it an alarming expansion of the mass surveillance state.

LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS AT HOME DEPOT AND LOWE’S SPARK PRIVACY FEARS

Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital, “These cameras are well beyond an automated license plate reader today. AI has made them so capable that they are now capable of facial recognition, of seeing what you’re doing inside your car. So it’s well beyond the license plate reader…that’s the problem. Technology has moved these beyond just looking at the back of a car.”

On the other side of the aisle, a spokesperson for progressive Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., pointed Fox News Digital to her recent comments responding to news that Flock was updating its oversight standards. Ramirez wrote on X, “Private tech companies have amassed record-breaking profits off our pain and the use of technology for mass surveillance is a threat to our democracy, civil liberties, and privacy. Congress must stop the ever-expanding surveillance state.”

The debate even exploded onto the campaign trail ahead of November’s midterm elections, where ALPRs join AI data centers as Big Tech’s big boogeymen.

Article continues here.

Posted in AI, Big Brother, Cell Towers, Clown Car, Data Center, Deception, Flock Cameras, Fox News, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Transparency, VBHPD | 1 Comment »

Correction: Board of Trustees meets tonight, August 25

August 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Board of Trustees meets this evening at 6:30 PM in the Cecola Room. Yesterday we posted the meeting would be Monday, the day it typically takes place.

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here.

Posted in ePacket Agendas, Village Board | 1 Comment »

Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

August 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM.

The only item of significance on their agenda appears to be recognition of William Walsh for 33 years of service. A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Big Red, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Economy, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Flock Cameras, Heritage and Environs Committee, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lennie, One Barrington Hills, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker defends 57% toll hike approved by board he appointed

August 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The governor also tried to distance himself from the increases by pointing to the board — which he appointed.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker both defended the toll hikes that were approved last week and sought to distance himself from them.

Pritzker appointed all eight Illinois Tollway board members who signed off unanimously on the increases, which include the largest passenger hike in state history.

Asked about the rate increases last week at the Illinois State Fair, Pritzker said they were necessary to ensure Illinois has proper road infrastructure to keep the state competitive for commercial activity.

“Let’s be clear. We want to make sure that our roads are pothole-free, that we’re making sure to build more so we can build our economy across the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.

He also defended the hikes in June at an unrelated event.

“It’s something that they need to do in order to make sure that we have the best roads, the best infrastructure, and I think that’s something that you may overlook may when you contemplate why they would consider this,” Pritzker said.

But also at the fair, he said, “That was something voted on by the tollway authority.”

Under Illinois law, the governor appoints the nine-member tollway board (it’s currently eight members) and serves as an ex-officio member along with the state Transportation Secretary.

Pritzker and the transportation secretary did not vote.

Report continues here.

Posted in Appointments, Clown Car, Deception, Elections, Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | 1 Comment »

The Nest Schools to open new East Dundee location

August 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Brittany Madonna, The Nest Schools

The Nest Schools recently announced plans to open a new school at 850 E. Main St. in East Dundee this fall. The location will mark The Nest Schools’ fourth school in the Chicago area, joining locations in Barrington, Crystal Lake and Vernon Hills.

The former childcare center will undergo renovations to the interior of the building along with upgrades to its outdoor play spaces. The Nest Schools of East Dundee will serve approximately 125 children, ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, and is expected to create 30 jobs in the community.

“We’re excited to welcome East Dundee families to The Nest Schools,” said Jessica VanHoose, CEO of The Nest Schools. “Everything we do is grounded in creating meaningful experiences for children and supporting the families who count on us every day. We look forward to bringing that commitment to East Dundee and building strong connections within the community.”

The East Dundee school will offer The Nest Schools’ Nest Play Curriculum, which blends purposeful play with kindergarten readiness, along with enrichment programs focused on wellness, art, music, and practical life skills, all included as part of every child’s experience.

Pre-enrollment is now open for The Nest Schools of East Dundee. Families who enroll as Founding Families and begin care within 30 days of the school’s opening will receive 10% off tuition for their first year.

The school is expected to open in fall 2026. Families interested in learning more, pre-enrolling, or receiving updates can visit thenestschool.com/locations/east-dundee/.

Posted in Education | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

August 25, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) Executive Board is scheduled to meet this evening at 7:00 PM at the Tower Lakes Village Hall, 400 North Rt. 59.

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

Posted in Animal Welfare, BACOG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Government | Leave a Comment »

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