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Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized

June 2, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Alexandria Wilson, executive director of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, was grilled by lawmakers during a budget hearing, April 15, 2026. | Photo: Jared Strong / The Center Square

By Jared Strong | The Center Square

State lawmakers failed to reform the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion this legislative session despite bipartisan criticism of its performance and calls to disband it.

Moreover, the seven highly paid commissioners who lead it are getting raises along with numerous other executive branch appointees, and their requested $5.6 million budget was approved.

The budget allocation and pay increases were included in the early Monday morning votes to ratify a new, $55.9 billion state budget.

And they belie the considerable critiques that lawmakers aired during public budget hearings in recent months. House lawmakers initially said they intended to summon the commission’s staff for a third hearing to continue their questions, but that didn’t happen.

Lawmakers have seized on The Center Square’s investigation of the commission to question their salaries of about $150,000, given that they are allowed to work side jobs for extra pay and have overseen a sizable decline in the number of businesses owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities that are certified by the state.

Certified businesses are preferred for state contracts. The primary goal of the commission — which was created in 2022 — is to increase the amount of state contract money that is awarded to the businesses.

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, a Shelbyville Republican, said it was wrong to approve more money for the commissioners without further review. He is among those who want to eliminate the commission.

“Lawmakers were asked to fund an agency without receiving the additional scrutiny and answers that many members believed were necessary,” he told The Center Square. “In a state facing significant fiscal challenges, that is not how responsible budgeting should work.”

No Republicans voted to approve the new budget.

Report continues here.

Posted in 220, 300, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

June 2, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • FOIA Reports
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Student Disciplinary Committee Report
  • Hazardous Crossing Resolution
  • List of Authorized Depositories
  • Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Report
  • Renew Treasurer’s Bond
  • Consideration to Approve Summer Break 2027 BHS Choir Trip to Italy, Slovenia, and Austria
  • Consideration to Approve Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Barrington
  • Consideration to Approve Transform 220 Bid
  • Consideration to Approve Modification of Project Work Order #12 to the Pepper Construction Company Master Agreement
  • Communications Department Update

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency”

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Organizations, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Snowflake Effect, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | Leave a Comment »

After being rejected in Naperville, company could build data center in Hoffman Estates

June 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Hoffman Estates plan commissions Wednesday will hear will hear a request to rezone to manufacturing the 186-acre Plum Parms property northwest of Higgins Road and Route 59, potentially a third data center campus in the village. This view looks south towards Higgins Road, with Old Sutton Road at the center of the image. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

A company that saw its plans for a Naperville data center rejected in January is now looking to rezone the 186-acre Plum Farms property in Hoffman Estates.

The village’s plan commission will hear the rezoning request Wednesday.

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod announced at his state of the village address in February 2025 that Florida-based Karis Critical had bought the property at Higgins Road and Route 59 with an interest in developing the village’s third data center campus.

Now doing business as H.E. Holdings LLC, the property owner is currently only asking for a rezoning from the vacant site’s commercial mixed-use and traditional neighborhood classifications to manufacturing.

If the rezoning is approved, the owner plans to contract with a developer for a detailed proposal.

This news has sparked opposition from residents in nearby Barrington Hills. They have sent letters to the plan commissioners and to state representative Martin McLaughlin, a former Barrington Hills village president.

Article continues here.

Related: “South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie posts information regarding June 3 Hoffman Estates (Plum Farms) Plan Commission meeting,” “(Plum Farms) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 3,” “Hoffman Estates could see third data center campus with sale of Plum Farms property,” “Hoffman Estates approves sewer, water for development of 185 acres west of The Arboretum,” “Hoffman Estates approves tax incentive at routes 59, 72,” “District 220 lawsuit against Hoffman Estates, Plum Farms developers dismissed,” “South Barrington residents sue over Hoffman Estates development,” “Editorial: Listen to agencies that would feel consequences of Hoffman Estates development”

Posted in AI, BACOG, Daily Herald, Data Center, Hoffman Estates, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Plum Farm development, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Sears, South Barrington | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Posts Traffic Alert: Route 59 Utility Work Begins June 2

June 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

 

“Starting tomorrow, June 2, AT&T crews will begin utility relocation work along northbound Hough Street/Route 59, just south of Route 14, as part of the Route 14 underpass project.

To accommodate the work, one right lane will be temporarily closed. The closure is expected to remain in place through Friday, June 12, weather permitting.

Drivers, please plan for possible delays and use caution when traveling through the area.”

Posted in Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass | Leave a Comment »

Illinois lawmakers fail to pass Bears bill despite goal line push

June 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois

Despite a Hail Mary heave from the Illinois Senate in the final hours of the spring legislative session, state lawmakers ultimately failed to reach the end zone on a bill incentivizing the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Illinois.

The Senate voted to approve the amended measure 37-17 with bipartisan support around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning after working through the night. Acknowledging the late hour, Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, the bill’s sponsor, said just before the vote that “some of the best, most memorable victories have been in double or triple overtime.”

But across the rotunda nearly an hour later, the House adjourned without taking up the Senate proposal. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, told members that “there’s a lot of work still ahead of us.”

“We’ll continue discussions on a number of issues, including our approach to the Bears stadium question, this summer,” Welch said.

In a brief interview with Capitol News Illinois after the House adjourned, Welch said he believes the legislature will tackle the stadium question “sooner than later,” but not in a special session. He also defended the decision not to move forward with a vote on the hastily crafted bill.

“I think our caucus is used to processes,” Welch said. “Our caucus is used to taking our time and doing it right.”

But in a statement released minutes later, the Bears said they have no plans to adjust their timeline for deciding on a future home. The team has a standing offer from Indiana to move across the state line to Hammond.

Report continues here.

Posted in Capitol News Illinois, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield | Leave a Comment »

Barrington UMC garden ministry growing fresh produce for local food pantries

June 1, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Submitted by Barrington United Methodist Church

Food pantries across Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties report that hunger remains a serious and persistent concern, as surrounding communities are stretched increasingly thin financially.

Members of Barrington United Methodist Church are reminded that their Christian faith calls them to “feed the hungry.”

Since its inception, the BUMC Congregational Garden has produced more than 290,746 pounds of vegetables, all distributed to seven local food banks. In anticipation of growing needs in the coming months, members of the garden team are preparing for a successful season.

Soil samples have been collected from multiple areas of the expanding garden and sent for analysis to ensure the right nutrients are added. Approximately 1,000 tomato plants, 400 pepper plants, and 1,000 broccoli plants have been started at Horchers Florist and Greenhouses in Wheeling, a longtime partner in this ministry.

In addition, 1,000 zucchini, 250 cucumber plants, 500 winter squash and 100 pumpkin seeds will be planted directly into the garden. The planting schedule is carefully staggered over several weeks to allow for a steady harvest throughout the summer.

The seedlings are brought to the church garden to acclimate before being planted in May and June. Throughout the growing season, members and friends of the church will work together to plant, weed, water, and ultimately harvest the crops. With God’s help, this effort will once again yield thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for distribution to neighbors through local food pantries.

Anyone interested in helping with the garden are welcome to volunteer. Whether you have a green thumb or simply a willingness to lend a hand, your help is welcome. For details, contact the church office at (847) 836-5540.

Posted in Barrington United Methodist Church | Leave a Comment »

Photo Gallery: Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Wheeling and Glenbard West graduation ceremonies

May 31, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Paul Valade | Daily Herald

Barrington High School senior Celia Shaheen, right, takes a photo of fellow graduates before their commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Barrington High School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Barrington High School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Barrington High School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Find more photos here.

Posted in Barrington High School, Daily Herald | Leave a Comment »

Downtown Barrington Streetscape Project Update, May 29

May 31, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project Phase 2 Update

The streetscape project is moving along as scheduled, and Phase 2 demo and concrete replacement are complete.

Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project Moved to Phase 3 This Week

On Tuesday, Phase 3 of the streetscape project began, which includes:

  • Paver removal and new concrete sidewalks on the northwest section of Park Avenue and part of East Station Street
  • An expanded outdoor dining space outside of the restaurants on Park Avenue
  • New landscape beds

Landscaping and clay brick banding will be installed throughout all phases of the project simultaneously, beginning the week of June 8.

All businesses remain open throughout construction. We appreciate your support of our local businesses, always and especially during the construction season.

To stay informed and receive project updates, please visit the construction updates page on the Village’s website or watch for email notifications.”

Posted in Road construction, Topics Of Interest, Traffic | Leave a Comment »

POWER Act data center regulation won’t move forward this spring

May 31, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, and Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, speak at a rally for the POWER Act, a bill regulating data centers, about the bill’s next steps after the session ends. | Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock

By Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR)

Article Summary

  • The POWER Act, an expansive bill to regulate data centers, will not pass the General Assembly this spring, but the bill’s leaders say the measure isn’t dead and negotiations will continue through the summer.
  • In the meantime, they and other lawmakers who have signed onto the POWER Act said the legislature should pause data center tax credits that have been in place since 2019.
  • According to a 2024 report, at least 27 data centers had received incentives totaling $983 million in estimated lifetime tax breaks and benefits.
  • Lawmakers said negotiations will include multiple stakeholders, from utility companies to energy advocacy groups, labor unions and the data center lobby.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

Read the article here.

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

Explore the Forest at Crabtree Nature Center tomorrow

May 30, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Source

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Entertainment, FPDCC | Leave a Comment »

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