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Data centers have moved into rural America. So have the concerns.

July 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A schematic drawing shows how a Hub 8 data center site near Latham in rural Logan County might look. The project, still seeking approval, has faced pushback. | Courtesy Hub 8 Corp

New survey results show rural residents are more worried than urban and suburban Americans about the impacts of data centers, especially when it comes to electricity costs and the changing use of farmland, as AI infrastructure expands.

By Lauren Cross | Investigate Midwest

Data center construction is shifting toward rural America. At the same time, rural residents report greater concern than urban and suburban Americans about what those projects could mean for their electricity costs and farmland use.

That’s according to a survey released June 26 by researchers at the University of Illinois and Purdue University. The survey of about 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted in February, found rural residents expressed the highest average level of concern overall. Their greatest concern was rising electricity costs, followed by the use of agricultural land for data centers and overuse of water.

“Many unknowns remain about the full impacts associated with data center growth and expansion,” according to researchers.

By 2030, the energy requirements for data centers are projected to more than double in Illinois and triple in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, researchers added, citing the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

According to a separate April analysis of mapping data by the Pew Research Center, a major shift is underway. Nearly 90% of all existing data centers are in urban areas, but 67% of planned facilities are slated for rural communities and 39% are planned in counties without an existing data center.

Report continues here.

Posted in AI, Capitol News Illinois, Data Center, Land Use, Politics, Public Safety, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Pritzker doubled your gas tax and is sitting on the money

July 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The law promised major infrastructure improvements, but the state’s roads aren’t in any better shape than when it took effect seven years ago.

By Jess Plowman | Illinois Policy Institute

The state has collected billions of dollars in taxes for road improvements from the massive 2019 Rebuild Illinois law, but drivers aren’t seeing the benefits.

Illinois is taking in tax dollars faster than it’s spending them on improving infrastructure, and the roads are in no better shape than they were seven years ago, when the hallmark legislation of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first term took effect.

Despite Road Fund revenue growing an average of 14% a year under the bill, fund expenditures grew by an average of just 5% yearly.

What’s more, most of that increased spending was front-loaded in the first two years of the program. Since 2022, Road Fund outlays have increased just 1.3% a year on average, not even the rate of inflation.

In other words, since passing Rebuild Illinois, the state is collecting more money for roads, but it isn’t spending more money on roads.

The Illinois Department of Transportation did not respond to the question of why spending on state roads and bridges appears to have leveled off.

Meanwhile, a “lockbox” provision in the Illinois Constitution prevents Road Fund money from being diverted to non-transportation spending (in theory). That, coupled with the imbalance between revenues and expenditures, has left the fund flush with cash. At the end of fiscal 2025 it held $3.7 billion.

Report continues along with video here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, BOHICA, Commodius Maximus, Deception, Fools and their money, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way | Leave a Comment »

Chicago Law bans phones and laptops from first-year classes to combat AI

July 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A girl uses her mobile phone in Sydney, Australia, November 22, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

By Karen Sloan | Reuters

Incoming law students at the University of Chicago will be barred from using phones and laptops in required first-year courses in a bid ​to curb their AI usage under a new AI policy, opens new tab the school unveiled Thursday.

The laptop and phone ‌ban is part of a broader AI strategy the law school developed over the past year to ensure that “students actually learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on AI,” before teaching them to use those tools later on, according to the new ​policy.

The classroom device prohibition appears to be among the most restrictive AI rules adopted by a U.S. ​law school. Chicago Law Dean Adam Chilton told Reuters he was unaware of any ⁠other school with a blanket first-year laptop and phone ban.

The University of California, Berkeley School of Law in May debuted ​rules that drastically limit how students may use AI. Critics have said Berkeley’s policy prohibits too many legitimate AI ​uses at a time when legal employers expect newly minted attorneys to know how to use the technology.

Chilton said it was important to prepare students for situations in the classroom and in practice when they must answer legal questions on the spot without consulting ​AI.

Article continues here.

Posted in AI, Education, Ethics, Reuters, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington police release data from road safety crackdown

July 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Daily Herald report

South Barrington police arrested three people and ticketed dozens of others during an Independence Day safety campaign that ran June 19 through July 6, authorities announced Thursday.

One arrestee was driving while impaired, police said, and another had a suspended license. The third was wanted on a warrant.

Officers issued 50 tickets for seat belt violations, 48 for distracted driving, seven for speeding and 30 for other issues, police said.

More than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state participated in similar campaigns.

Posted in Daily Herald, Public Safety, South Barrington | Leave a Comment »

Things to do July 10-16: Windmill City Festival, Kane County Fair, Vernon Hills Days and more

July 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Nikko and Katie Faciano of Crystal Lake share a brisket sandwich during the 2025 Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest. This year’s fest runs through Sunday. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, July 12, 2025

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, July 10

Taste of Chicago: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 10-12, in Grant Park, Chicago. Dozens of Chicago restaurants, chefs and food trucks, and live music, family-friendly activities and more. Music headliners: Friday: Common at 7 p.m.; Saturday: Babyface at 7 p.m.; and Sunday: Julieta Venegas at 7 p.m. Free. chicago.gov

Windy City Smokeout: Friday 1-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, outside the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Music, barbecue from over 20 vendors and more. Headliners: Friday: Lainey Wilson at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Jordan Davis at 8:20 p.m.; and Sunday: Blake Shelton at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $84.99, free for kids 10 and younger with a paying adult. windycitysmokeout.com.

20th annual Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest: 4:30-11 p.m. Friday, July 10; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 11; and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Professional pitmasters and vendors, carnival and more. Music lineup: Friday: Y2K at 6:45 p.m. and Too Hype Crew at 9 p.m.; Saturday: Loudernow at 6:30 p.m. and Mr. Speed at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Hello Weekend at 4:30 p.m. Rib judging at 3:45 p.m. Sunday. Ribfest Market for crafters, creators, local entrepreneurs and more from 4-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $10, $5 for seniors, and free for active military with ID and kids 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. rockinrotaryribfest.com.

Dog Days of Summer: Noon Friday, July 10, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Dock Dogs Big Air competitive pool jumping, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Iron Dog and more. Free entry; competition registration $39 in advance, $42 on-site for adults; $19/$22 for Big Air, $38-$40 for other events for kids. libertyville.com.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 10, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce and other goods. Free. wdundee.org.

First Friday Summer Dances: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Schaumburg’s Towne Square, 200 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Dance lessons by Schaumburg Arthur Murray Dance Studio from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; swing with music from The Stingrays and dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. parkfun.com

Sounds of Summer Friday concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Fortunate Sons will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Saturday, July 11

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Open to all years and makes of stock or modified cars, trucks and motorcycles. $20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cars will be on the front lawn and on Park Street. Top 50 judged awards at 3 p.m., plus 25 selected vehicle awards. Food trucks and two live bands. Rain date: Sunday, July 12. elginhistory.org.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is open weekends starting Saturday, July 11, and running through Labor Day in Kenosha, Wisconsin. | Courtesy of the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, July 11 through Sept. 7, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Algonquin Unplug Illinois: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Family event with bubbles, a balloon artist, and games and activities hosted by local sponsors. algonquin.org/recreation.

Blind Flight Outdoor Beer Tasting: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Carpentersville Morning Rotary Club hosts a picnic-style craft beer tasting fundraiser with live music and raffles. Participating breweries: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, Sew Hop’d Brewery, Moor’s Brewing Co., Emmett’s Brewing Co., Black & Gray Brewing Co., More Brewing Co., Lucky Monk and Crystal Lake Brewing. Food vendors No manches! and Duke’s Blues-n-BBQ. Beer tasting tickets: $40, includes a tasting glass. Tickets: carpentersvillerotary.org

Fox River Grove fireworks: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Picnic Grove Park, 598 Birch Lane, Fox River Grove. Fireworks at dusk. facebook.com/frgliving.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Sunday, July 12

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 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.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72, Hoffman Estates. Local vendors selling home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more. Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Monday, July 13

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, July 13, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, July 14

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Horizon will perform. Food trucks. Free. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Dundee Township Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Grafelman Park, 112 N. 5th St., West Dundee. Throwbacks will perform. Food and drinks sold by Dundee Township Lions Club, with proceeds benefiting the community. Free. dtpd.org/concerts-in-the-park.

Wednesday, July 15

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. 7th heaven will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Kids ride the caterpillar roller coaster during the 2024 Kane County Fair in St. Charles. This year’s fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, July 15-19. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, July 18, 2024

Kane County Fair: 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 15-16; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 17-18; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 157th annual fair featuring a carnival, 4-H show, kids’ events, racing pigs, vendors, JP Classic Car Show on the weekend and livestock auction at 1 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday is a carnival only. On the Sound Stage (free): Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Tripping Billies at 8 p.m. Friday; and Mark Atkins at 5 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m. Saturday. Professional Championship Bullriders & Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; advance tickets are $22.24 or $11.75 for kids 10 and younger at rodeoticket.com or at the grandstand starting at 6 p.m.; and Demolition Derby at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday for $10. Fair admission (cash) at the gate: $5 for 3 and older on Wednesday and Thursday; $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12 Friday through Sunday; and free for kids younger than 3. Free for seniors over 62 and military with ID until 5 p.m. Thursday. Season pass $25. Free parking. kanecountyfair.com.

Palatine Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Thursday, July 16

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Geneva’s Classic Cars Under the Stars takes place Thursdays through Aug. 27 behind the historic Kane County Courthouse in Geneva. | Courtesy of Keeping Moments Photography

Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, around the historic Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music by The Fishin’ Buddies, food, and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle, arrive after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Cherry Tree will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Vernon Hills Days: 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 16-17; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Carnival, bags tournament, kids’ events and fireworks on Thursday. Lineup: Thursday: Radio Gaga; Friday: ARRA and Blood, Sweat & Tears; Saturday: Hello Weekend and James Barker Band; and Sunday: The Boy Band Night. vhdays.com.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Towne Park’s Jerry Kautz Pavilion, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Reckless will perform. Food trucks. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Cary Summer Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Industrial Drive will perform. Free. carypark.com

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Burning Red will perform. Concessions. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 25, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Find much more here.

 

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Editorial: Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicagoans want a ‘revolution.’ How about competence, Mr. Mayor? (OUCH!)

July 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Mayor Brandon Johnson points to where he signed his name and wrote “The greatest frickin’ city in the world!” at a ceremonial beam-signing event at the construction site of the new Concourse D project at O’Hare International Airport on April 23, 2026. | Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

We met recently with Robert Isom, the chief executive officer of American Airlines Group. Isom was in Chicago to reinforce his airline’s newly expanded commitment to Chicago, as writ large by the coming return of his airline’s nonstop flight from Chicago’s O’Hare airport to Tokyo Narita, a vital dual-hub addition to our city’s international connectivity that had been gone for seven years.

Isom told us he had met with some of the city’s business and political leaders and had many productive conversations. When we asked him what his airline needed from Chicago, he answered, in essence, that it was crucial the city remain a major business center. There will be connecting passengers at either end of that Tokyo flight, of course, but connections can be made at several hubs, many of which have cheaper landing fees than Chicago. Isom was making the point that the route needed substantial hometown demand, too. And that was dependent on the health of business in Chicago.

An American Airlines jet taxis at O’Hare International Airport on April 23, 2026. | Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune

That upbeat meeting was in our heads when we read this truly unfathomable statement by Mayor Brandon Johnson, from a recent press conference:

“The progressive movement is alive and well. We just have a few obstinate individuals that are more aligned with the interests of corporations that are ultimately stalling what could be a full-out revolution in this city, and the people of Chicago want it.”

We suspect we’re on the list of Johnson’s “few obstinate individuals,” along with assorted aldermen who do not enjoy mayoral favor, and we take pride in that. And, for the record, we agree with the mayor that the progressive movement is alive and well. Look no further than New York City to confirm that claim.

But Johnson didn’t stop there: He simply cannot stop trashing a business community that is trying like heck to promote growth and public safety even as City Hall insists on demonizing its honorable intentions.

Editorial continues here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune, ComEd Four, Cook, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb Bunny, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Overhead, Politics, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest

July 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The indictment of state Rep. Carol Ammons is a reminder that Illinois still relies on the honor system in conflicts of interest.

By Joe Tabor | Illinois Policy Institute

The federal indictment this week of a state representative is a reminder that Illinois lawmakers are on the honor system when it comes to conflicts of interest.

Rep. Carol Ammons was indicted July 7 on charges of wire fraud, making false statements to a federal investigator and obstruction of justice in an alleged apparent scheme to divert state grant money to herself and her daughter.

Key to the case is the alleged conflict of interest of Ammons aiding in arranging appropriations for state grants to go to Hood Votes Neighborhood Transformation, where her daughter was program director.

Voting for appropriations that will go to pay a close family member is a clear conflict of interest, but in Illinois, lawmakers are on the honor system there. State law reads:

When a legislator must take official action on a legislative matter as to which he has a conflict situation created by a personal, family, or client legislative interest, he should consider the possibility of eliminating the interest creating the conflict situation. If that is not feasible, he should consider the possibility of abstaining from such official action. (Emphasis added.)

Most states require lawmakers to disclose any conflict of interest before a vote, to recuse themselves from voting on any legislation where they have a conflict of interest, or both.

In those states, lawmakers who violate the requirements can face stiff civil and criminal penalties.

With such a recusal provision in place, Ammons’ alleged corruption might have been caught earlier.

Report continues here.

Posted in 220, Barrington Hills Park District, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Deception, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions, Village President | 1 Comment »

Mild earthquake reported in Lake Michigan off the shore of northern suburbs, officials say

July 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Map: Kori Rumore Source: USGS Created with Datawrapper

By Tess Kenny | Chicago Tribune

A mild earthquake occurred off the shore of the northern suburbs Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

A 2.9 earthquake was recorded in Lake Michigan near the Illinois-Wisconsin border at around 2:38 p.m., the United States Geological Survey reported.

The earthquake, which stretched about 3.1 miles deep, took place 13.8 miles northeast of Evanston, officials said.

USGS in a tectonic summary online wrote that most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains has infrequent earthquakes.

Report continues here.

Posted in Chicago Tribune | Leave a Comment »

Illinois loses young people at more than 3 times the U.S. rate

July 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The number of state residents under 20 fell 6.8% from 2020 to 2025.

By Bryce Hill | Illinois Policy Institute

A sharp decline in young people in Illinois and other newly released age data should concern state leaders and spur work on solutions.

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.

The number of state residents under 20 fell by over 36,000 last year and nearly 214,000 since 2020.

Meanwhile, the population of older Illinoisans saw a large increase in that time. The number of those 60 and older rose by more than 46,387 last year and more than 240,000 since 2020.

Both nationally and in Illinois the number of residents in their 50s declined as the large Baby Boomer generation has aged. The population of those 60 and over increased by 11% nationally and 8.2% in Illinois from 2020 to 2025.

Other younger age groups also are growing far faster across the nation than in Illinois. From 2020 to 2025:

  • The population of those in their 20s grew by 4.3% nationally but only 1% in Illinois.
  • The number of 30-somethings grew by 4.7% in the U.S. but a mere 0.5% in Illinois.
  • The population in their 40s grew by 5.5% nationally but only 1.2% in Illinois.

The state’s median age has increased to 39.7, slightly above the national median of 39.4.

While the population changes by age trends in the U.S. and Illinois are similar in directionality, the state is seeing more substantial shifts in its age profile. These differences are likely due to outmigration trends in Illinois, as a net number of retirees and younger families are moving out of the state. Thus while Illinois’ median age might closely track the national figure today, the state’s population changes are much more concerning than what the nation as a whole is experiencing.

Report continues here.

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Illinois Policy Institute, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, School Districts, Springfield | 1 Comment »

Pritzker Embraces Democratic Socialists of America as Part of Democrats’ Recipe to Win – Wirepoints

July 7, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By: Mark Glennon* | Wirepoints

Gov. JB Pritzker left no doubt about where he stands in the growing schism within the Democratic party about its surge toward the radical left. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked him directly on June 30 if it’s good that Democratic primary voters recently chose Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates over more moderate Democratic incumbents.

Pritzker answered that as long as they are talking about affordability and oppose Trump, “those are the people who are winning” and embracing progressive/in Democratic Socialist candidates is “the recipe for winning in 2026 and beyond.” Here’s the clip:

Many key Democrats are revolting against the growing elements of socialism in their party.  As the left-leaning Guardian put it:

Over the last few days, prominent party figures have moved away from unifying under a “blue no matter who” banner to push for a more formal break with their left flank, and said the moment may have arrived for Democrats to confront their more socialist wing.

No less than veteran Democratic political advisor James Carvill recently said “it’s time for Democrats to talk the S-word: schism,” He added that some DSA-aligned candidates “have no place in the Democratic party” and, of the broader coalition: “I’m not in that fucking political party.”

Other prominent Democrats speaking up against the party’s growing leftism include Jaime Harrison, the former chair of the Democratic national committee, former New York governor David Paterson and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. And the left-leaning Atlantic wrote that, while the DSA is “anything but Democratic,” its clever subversion of the Democratic Party will be difficult to stop.

In case you don’t already know – and you should – here’s some of what the DSA supports:

  • Abolishing ICE, demilitarizing the border, ending all deportations, granting immediate amnesty to all immigrants regardless of status and guaranteeing access to jobs, labor rights and social services
  • Abolishing the Senate, expanding the House, voting rights for noncitizens and people with criminal convictions, statehood to the District of Columbia, replace the two‑party system with proportional representation,  limit the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review, and replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote
  • Medicare for All with no health care premiums, co‑pays or deductibles, including reproductive and gender‑affirming care
  • Tuition‑free public higher education, eliminating out‑of‑pocket costs for room and board, and canceling all student loan debt
  • Universal rent control, guaranteed legal representation for tenants, and major public investment in social housing
  • Free universal childcare and pre‑K, expansive paid family leave, a 32‑hour workweek with no loss in pay or benefits
  • Higher rates on the wealthiest earners, for‑profit corporations, large inheritances and private colleges and universities, as well as a wealth tax on the ultra‑rich
  • A Green New Deal to end fossil fuels, guarantees for displaced workers and public ownership of major transportation, energy infrastructure and natural resources
  • Ending mandatory minimums and cash bail, demilitarizing police departments and treating drug addiction as a public health issue

For the sake of the nation, we can only hope that, on this, America agrees with James Carville: “I’m not in that f-ing party.”

*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints. 

Source

Editorial note: Maria Peterson (pictured below with JB Pritzker) appears to have made a profession for years running for offices with the financial backing of JB Pritzker, among others. In 2022 she ran unsuccessfully for Illinois State Senate and in 2024 she lost her bid for Illinois House 52nd District Representative.

Maria Peterson and JB Pritzker | Courtesy Maria Peterson’s Facebook page

Currently she is feverishly campaigning again for 52nd District Representative, and there is absolutely no doubt if successful, she will back all of JB Pritzker’s initiatives and likely those of the Democratic Socialists of America.  This includes Pritzker’s stalled “BUILD Initiative” which would strip property rights from residents and place all zoning controls in the hands of Springfield politicians and unions.

Please don’t consider this as our being negative, as some might. Instead, think of it for what it is – fact.

Posted in Clown Car, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Guest Essay, Immigration, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Lipstick On A Pig, Look For The Union Label, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Snowflake Effect, Taxes, The New Normal?, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, Village Code, Wirepoints | Leave a Comment »

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