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Flock camera map: How many are in your neighborhood?

August 12, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A Flock Safety camera is shown mounted to a light pole on August 03, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

By Spencer Gustafson, Alix Martichoux | WGN9 News

Flock Safety, a surveillance equipment company, says it partners with more than 5,000 law enforcement agency partners across 6,000 communities. Is your city one of them (answered here)?

The Flock cameras are solar-powered license plate readers that collect data as they record. Agencies that partner with Flock can then search the database for license plate numbers, car make and models, or identifying features like bumper stickers.

Proponents argue the cameras help law enforcement solve crimes, but critics say they data could be misused to track anyone, even those not accused of crimes, with little oversight.

“They’re just collecting data as an active surveillance system, and every car that passes through, the data is collected from that car license plate, using AI. They make a vehicle fingerprint of the car that includes distinguishing features, make, model, color, bumper stickers, roof racks, all these different things,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs in an interview with NewsNation.

“And then it’s retained for sometimes 30 days or more and then in a searchable database, which really turns the whole concept of a license plate reader on its head in that they’re not looking for one specific vehicle or specific vehicles. They’re just pulling everything in.”

Founder Garrett Langley said his surveillance equipment manufacturing company started out of frustration with crime rates in his home city of Atlanta.

“Crime felt too easy to get away with,” Langley said during a TED talk in April. “It didn’t make sense that you could steal someone’s car … or you could kill someone and have a 50 percent chance of getting away with it. … So I did what engineers do. I built a license plate-reading camera.”

How can I check the location of Flock cameras?

According to Flock, nearly 100,000 cameras are in place across more than 6,000 communities in 49 states. The company, however, doesn’t have a detailed list of camera locations publicly available.

That’s where DeFlock comes in. The organization says it wants to raise awareness about automatic license plate readers and “the threats it poses to personal privacy and civil liberties.”

DeFlock maintains a crowd-sourced map showing the alleged location of Flock cameras around the U.S. “Camera locations come from volunteers and the OpenStreetMap community, not a private company or government agency,” DeFlock says. Nexstar could not independently verify the camera locations.

You can zoom into the map below (ACTUALLY, to open the map below in a new tab, click here) to explore the reported locations of cameras in your neighborhood, according to DeFlock’s crowdsourced data.

The map includes cameras made by other tech companies, not just Flock.

Report continues along with video and survey here.

Related: “What are Flock cameras and where are they in the Chicago area? What to know”

Posted in AI, Big Brother, Data Center, Privacy, Public Safety, Transparency, WGN9 | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills Park District (Riding Cult) meets tonight

August 12, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Cult of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Donation by Jenny Drecol Kalaway Cup to replace the BHPD bleachers
  • Conservation Gathering with Trail Ride, Oct. 24

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Countryside Elementary School, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Taxes, Transparency, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Juliana Stratton Takes Chinese Communist Cash While Denouncing Dark Money

August 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By: Mark Glennon* | Wirepoints

Juliana Stratton, Illinois’s lieutenant governor and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, spent this campaign season lecturing voters on campaign finance reform and keeping dark money out of politics. “I’ll work tirelessly to end the corrupting influence of special interest money in [politics],” she has said, and “I think that we have to end dark money. I think that is really infecting all campaigns at this point.” That message has been central to her political identity.

But that hasn’t stopped her from cashing checks from a man who has been repeatedly honored by his company as an “Outstanding [Chinese] Communist Party Member” and credibly described as an influence peddler for China.

The hypocrisy is brazen, but so is Stratton’s indifference to what are called Chinese “subnational incursions” – Chinese influence or operations inserted directly into American government –the battle against which has been a top federal priority under both the Biden and Trump Administrations. Questions of legality loom as well or, if they don’t, holes in our campaign donation laws are apparent and the spirit of the law is being shattered.

The man is China-born Pin Ni, who has been living in America for some 30 years. Among the positions he holds is president of Wanxiang America and chairman of Karma Automotive, both U.S. subsidiaries of Wanxiang Group, a China-based conglomerate. During the current campaign cycle, Ni has given $52,000 to Stratton’s campaign. Ni has been a prolific political contributor across America, primarily to Democrats but not exclusively.

Those central facts about Ni and how he operates were described in a Washington Free Beacon column last week and multiple earlier articles about other political contributions that have appeared in Newsweek and the Washington Examiner, among others. Here is what they reported:

Based on the facts alleged in those articles, Ni’s CCP allegiance is neither trivial nor a fringe theory. Wanxiang’s own corporate materials from last year state that Ni is a CCP member, and the company has named him an “Outstanding Communist Party Member” fifteen separate times. We can find no indication that he has resigned from the party.

Lu Weiding, who now runs Wanxiang and is Ni’s brother-in-law, has said flatly: “Everyone here is a Communist Party member…. Wanxiang’s hallmark is to promote cadres from among its members and recruit party members from among its cadres.” Xi Jinping himself praised Wanxiang’s founder for a company that “always actively does what our Party committees and governments at all levels advocate.”

CCP members are personally obligated to advance the party and its agenda. Among those obligations, as stated in the party’s constitution, are to be “ready to make any personal sacrifices,” put “the interests of the Party and the people above everything else,” execute the Party’s decisions” and “accept any job and actively fulfill any task assigned them by the Party.”

Is there some quid pro quo attached to Ni’s giving? Decide for yourself based on experience.

According to the Washington Examiner, Ni gave Mikie Sherrill’s (D-NJ) gubernatorial race $60,000 and her political action committee another $5,800. Sherrill refused to vote on the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, a bill to cut the flow of lethal, Chinese-manufactured drugs. She also voted against the DETERRENT Act, a bill to curb the CCP’s influence over America’s higher education.

Article continues here.

*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints.

 

Posted in Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Illinois State Board of Elections, Taxes, Wirepoints | Leave a Comment »

Village Adjudication Hearing(s) today

August 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The monthly Village Adjudication Hearing(s) is scheduled for today at 11 AM in the MacArthur Board Room.

Posted in Adjudication Hearing, Village Attorney, Village Code, Village Government | Leave a Comment »

What are Flock cameras and where are they in the Chicago area? What to know

August 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Flock camera/Shutterstock

By Alex Dvorak | NBC 5 Chicago

If you’ve heard about Flock cameras lately, you’re not alone.

The controversial technology has been at the center of debate in recent years, with some touting the technology and others questioning what it means for privacy.

The cameras have been the target of criticism from Illinois officials, but they remain present around numerous suburbs.

Here’s what to know:

What are Flock cameras?

Flock cameras are license plate readers operated by Flock Safety, the nation’s largest automated license plate reader system.

“Flock is designed to help authorized users find relevant evidence for investigations without compromising safety and compliance,” the company’s website states.

What is the debate over Flock?

Advocates of the system said it was designed to aid law enforcement by capturing vehicles on camera and using those images to help with investigations.

“We build technology that helps law enforcement, businesses, schools, and communities find relevant information, respond faster, and make better-informed decisions,” Flock’s website states.

But while the systems are touted as a tool for good, some question the privacy concerns surrounding such technology.

“Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are a powerful surveillance tool increasingly being purchased and deployed across many communities and on expressways across Illinois. It is clear that for-profit manufacturers and operators of these cameras systems are aggressively marketing them to law enforcement and elected officials as a means of reducing violent crime,” the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois said in a statement earlier this year. “While some observers question the claim of reducing crime, there is little doubt that these cameras systems require careful attention to address privacy concerns. But many communities are deploying these systems without appropriate privacy policies or practices for protecting personal information.”

Those concerns came to a head last year when Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the camera company allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access reader data in violation of state law.

Report continues here.

Posted in AI, Big Brother, News Media, Privacy, Public Safety, Transparency | Leave a Comment »

83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes

August 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Illinois Tollway board could vote as soon as next week on a proposal that would include the largest passenger toll increase in state history.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Public commenters online overwhelmingly oppose the Illinois Tollway’s proposed rate hikes.

Of the nearly 9,000 online responses received from July 12 to 24, approximately 7,500 opposed the proposal, 1,000 supported it, and 500 were neutral. The Illinois Policy Institute obtained the results via a Freedom of Information Act request.

The public comment period has closed, but you can still let the board and Gov. J.B. Pritzker know you oppose the hike here.

 

The tollway board could vote as soon as next week on the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history. The plan would increase fees by 57% for passengers, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027.

Commercial vehicles would pay 30% more in toll fees, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.

Starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board votes.

Report continues here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Family Fest aims to bring community together

August 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

The public is invited to enjoy a day of outdoor fun, giveaways, music, and more at the Barrington Area Family Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Citizens Park, 511 N. Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. Admission and parking are free. The community event is hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Family Fest brings the community together in a fun and meaningful way,” said BACC president and CEO Suzanne Corr. “It’s the perfect way for residents to explore the variety of resources, businesses and organizations that make Barrington a great place to live.”

More than 50 vendor booths will showcase local businesses and community organizations, offering attendees the chance to explore products, services and resources. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, and attendees can enjoy kids’ activities, giveaways, music, and interactive experiences for all ages.

The event will feature a full lineup of activities, including SOUL Harbour Ranch Mini Horses from noon to 1 p.m., face painting from noon to 3:30 p.m., and a Skyward Fencing demonstration from 12:30-1 p.m. There will be a performance by the Barrington Children’s Choir from 1-1:30 p.m., followed by visits with SOUL Harbour Ranch therapy dogs from 1-2 p.m.

Entertainment continues with the Magic of Mike DiDomenico from 2-2:30 p.m., and the always popular pet parade and prizes from 2:30-3 p.m. There will be live DJ music throughout the event, keeping the energy high and the celebration going all afternoon.

For information, visit BarringtonChamber.com.

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Education, Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Forest Preserve District of Cook County invites 2026 photo contest submissions

August 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Orland Grassland by Jason Sokol

The 2026 Photo Contest is underway where winning photographers will have their images featured in the 2027 Forest Preserves calendar.

Winners will receive 10 copies of the calendar plus a prize package filled with Forest Preserves experiences, including tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden and GoApe Zipline & Adventure Park, a free cabin stay, canoe and kayak rentals, a round of golf and more!

Up to 24 runners-up may also be featured on our website, social media and in the Forest Way newsletter throughout the year.

Already have a favorite photo from the Forest Preserves? Submit it before August 16!

Contest rules & submission info: fpdcc.com/photocontest

Posted in Contests, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm | Leave a Comment »

PJM’s big new data center plan: Make the states figure it out

August 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

A data center owned by Amazon Web Services, front right, is under construction next to the Susquahanna nuclear power plan in Berwick, PA on Jan. 14, 2025. | AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey

By Jeff St. John and Canary Media | Capitol News Illinois

PJM Interconnection, the biggest grid operator in the U.S., has finally settled on a plan to prevent data centers from causing other customers’ utility bills to soar further in its 13-state territory.

That plan relies heavily on states themselves, and the utilities they regulate, to force data centers to secure their own power supplies — or face the possibility of getting their power cut off during grid emergencies.

Last week, PJM’s board of managers sent proposals along these lines to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which must grant the grid operator permission before it can implement the new plan for its system, which serves about 67 million people from Virginia to Illinois. The multipart plan is PJM’s attempt to quiet down months of mounting pressure from state governors and the Trump administration to contain skyrocketing costs while staying within its regulatory limits.

“Historically, PJM has been very nervous to step into what it considered — or what are legally — the states’ rights,” said Julia Hoos, who leads coverage of Eastern U.S. power markets for Aurora Energy Research. But with its new proposals, PJM is “making a definitive request to the states to accomplish what it needs.”

PJM forecasts that data centers and other “large loads” will add 30 gigawatts to 34 gigawatts of new demand by the early 2030s and as much as 70 GW by 2038. Building enough new energy resources to meet that demand would push enormous costs onto utility customers.

State lawmakers and environmental and consumer advocates have been demanding that PJM instead require that new data centers get cut off from the grid when electricity demand is especially high, unless those facilities can pay for and build the resources required to keep them online.

But states, not PJM, are in charge of deciding which customers can connect to the grids operated by state-regulated utilities. That constraint played a role in PJM backing off last year’s proposal to create a “non-capacity-backed load” program to force new large loads to submit to being cut off during grid emergencies. Data center industry groups and other stakeholders warned that the plan could face legal challenges.

PJM’s new proposal, dubbed the Interim Resource Adequacy Service, or IRAS, largely re-creates that structure, only with states and utilities as the primary responsible parties, said Tom Rutigliano, senior advocate for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. In that sense, “it’s almost like they got to not too far off from where they started,” he said.

Article continues here.

Posted in AI, Capitol News Illinois, Data Center, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Property Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Route 59 to close in North Barrington next week for a month (ish)

August 8, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE
GHO STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT 

ROADWAY CLOSURE:    IL Rte. 59 from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 (northbound & southbound).

CLOSURE DATES: August 13, 2026 through September 15, 2026

The Village of North Barrington wants to advise motorists that IL Rte. 59 will be closed for thirty-four (34) days from Cuba Road to IL Rte. 22 from Thursday, August 13th through Tuesday, September 15th.

The closure is necessary to replace the large box culvert under the highway and is part of the GHO stormwater drainage project currently underway by the Village of North Barrington.

DETOUR ROUTE:  Rte. 59 to Cuba Rd. to Ela Rd. to IL Rte. 12 to IL Rte. 22.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, use caution near the work zone, and follow the posted detour signage.

The Village of North Barrington appreciates everyone’s patience while we work to improve the safety for the motorists.

See press release here.

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Press Release, Road construction, School Districts, Taxes, Traffic, Unions | Leave a Comment »

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