Posted in Community Alerts, Topics Of Interest on April 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »
The Barrington Police Department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This free, drive-thru event helps keep our community safe by giving you an easy way to dispose of unwanted medications—right from your car.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Barrington Public Safety Facility
400 N. Northwest Highway
Posted in Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, Wirepoints on April 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »
By Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Wirepoints
Illinois lawmakers continue to complain about the lack of housing across the state, in particular affordable housing. “We must build more housing in every Illinois community from Cairo to Chicago,” Gov. Pritzker said last year. But lawmakers have no one but themselves to blame for the shortage.
Their very own policies limit the growth of multi-family housing. Restrictive zoning laws mean fewer opportunities for more housing. And burdensome building regulations and permits – not to mention the country’s highest property taxes – make Illinois a national outlier in home building.
A Wirepoints analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows just how far behind Illinois has fallen. Just 44,600 net housing units have been added in the state since 2020 – an increase in the housing stock of less than 1%. That makes Illinois 49th in the nation when it comes to increasing its supply of homes.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Lawmakers have reacted to the lack of market-built housing not by opening up more zones for multi-family housing or by reducing property taxes or by easing regulations – like getting rid of silly rules that impose restrictions on how landlords must handle security deposits – but by passing more affordable housing programs subsidized by the government.
These subsidized homes end up incredibly expensive because the projects must comply with increasingly more demanding regulations and zoning rules, including green energy, environmental rules and diversity requirements.
That’s led to eye-watering costs to build affordable housing in places like Chicago. The Chicago Tribune, the Sun-Times and Crains have all complained about the massive per unit cost to build affordable housing in the Windy City.
The Sun-Times points out: “that’s much higher than market-rate developments and more than double the cost of new affordable units in Houston” and the Tribune noted: “a $38 million project cost amounted to an eye-popping $884,000 per taxpayer-subsidized rental unit, [compare that to] an existing 21-unit building nearby on the market now for $150,000 per unit.”
Read more here.
Posted in Topics Of Interest on April 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »
A Tesla Model 3 sedan with autopilot in a file photo. Connecticut State Police say a 19-year-old from Garden City, N.Y., was arrested after he was asleep at the wheel of a Tesla traveling on autopilot on Interstate 91 early Friday. | David Zalubowski/Associated Press
It’s not a matter of if, but when in IL…
By Christine Dempsey | CT Insider
Friday’s DUI arrest of a 19-year-old slumped over behind the wheel of a Tesla that made its way down the highway on autopilot is believed to be the first of its kind in Connecticut, state police say.
“I think it’s the first one that we’ve seen,” said Connecticut State Police Trooper Daniel Hill.
The New York resident is charged with driving offenses even though he wasn’t touching the steering wheel. That’s because the person in the driver’s seat is in control of the car — or at least is supposed to be, Hill said.
Troopers hope news of the unusual arrest will keep drivers from relying on the high-tech feature if they’re not fit to drive.
Drivers are allowed to use the autopilot feature of the so-called self-driving cars, but “you have to be prepared to hit the gas or the brake at any time,” Hill said. “You still need to be, basically, driving without driving, in a sense.”
The arrest happened early Friday. Shortly before 12:30 a.m., 911 calls started coming in to the Troop H barracks in Hartford about a Tesla traveling far below highway speeds. More callers reported that the driver was slumped over.
More here.
Posted in Entertainment, The Morton Arboretum, Topics Of Interest on April 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »
The Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale ends Saturday
By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald
Friday
Arbor Day Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shop for a variety of plants chosen by experts for success in Chicago-area gardens. Tickets include a credit to be applied toward a purchase at the sale. $27-$32. mortonarb.org.
“Bye Bye Birdie”: 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Bernotas Middle School presents the classic musical. $15; $12 for kids and seniors. Rauecenter.org.
“Assisted Living: The Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. This uproarious musical follows a cast of colorful characters navigating life after retirement, with two actors bringing 18 different characters to life. $25-$30. woodstockoperahouse.com.
The College of Lake County presents its annual Fear No Art Festival Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. | Courtesy of the College of Lake County
CLC Fear No Art Festival: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Annual celebration features a variety of emerging choreographers, dancers, musicians, singers, actors, photographers, artists, graphic designers and poets. $5-$12. jlcenter.clcillinois.edu.
“Disaster!”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, April 25 to May 11, at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the music of the ’70s take center stage in this humorous homage to classic disaster films. $24-$35. bignoise.org/disaster.
ECC Theatre’s “That Day in Tucson”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, April 25 through May 4, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. ECC Theatre’s production of a drama centering around a congresswoman and a young intern who helps save her life in a shooting and the aftermath. $12-$14. eccartscenter.org/events/theatre.
Saturday, April 26
BSA Troop 209 50th Annual Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26, at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. All-you-care-to-eat breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage and beverages prepared and served by the Troop 209 Scouts. Plus, a silent auction featuring themed baskets and gift cards. $10, $5 for kids 4-12, free for kids 3 and younger. https://my.cheddarup.com/c/t209pancakebreakfast/items
Lake County Home & Garden Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. See and interact with thousands of home improvement and lifestyle products and services, with new and unique displays. Free admission. lakecountyhomeshow.com.
The Cor Corps Horn Ensemble will perform Saturday, April 26, at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. | Courtesy of Cor Corps
Cor Corps Horn Ensemble: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. The McHenry County area French Horn choir. Free. mchenry.edu.
Sunday, April 27
Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at The Dole, 400 Highland Ave., Crystal Lake. Over 50 farmers, food purveyors and artisans, with live music presented by BCU, food trucks, a kids’ entrepreneur booth and more. Free entry. farmersmarketatthedole.org.
The Great American Songbook: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Chicago-based jazz guitarist, vocalist and composer Andy Pratt plays and sings the Great American Songbook. Free. rmlib.org.
Masterpieces of Chamber Music: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Elgin Symphony string quartet performs chamber music in an intimate concert. $30, free for students 18 and younger with a paid adult. barringtonswhitehouse.com
Sharp, Shacht & Choi: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Community Presbyterian Church, 39 N. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills. Featuring John Sharp, principal cello of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Liba Shacht, violinist in the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the principal second violin in the Grant Park Orchestra; and Winston Choi, associate professor of piano and the head of the piano program at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Free. chcpc.org.
“American Songs & Stories”: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. The Palatine Concert Band 2025 Spring Concert. $3-$10. cuttinghall.org
An Afternoon with Michael Bridge: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Building R, Palatine. An intimate concert with the classical accordion wizard Michael Bridge, supporting the Annual SAI Elsie Sterrenberg String Scholarship Competition. $25. hsai-oakpark.org
Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. Freewill offering. fcc-elgin.org/organ-tour.
Tuesday, April 29
“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, The Music of Julie Andrews”: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. An all-star cast brings songs from Julie Andrews’ repertoire to the stage for a loverly afternoon. $32. eccartscenter.org.
Wednesday, April 30
The James Callen Jazz Trio: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Pop and rock tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, including songs by The Eagles, The Beatles, Al Kooper, Bob Dylan, The Lovin’ Spoonful, John Denver, Queen, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Eric Clapton and Cyndi Lauper. Free. eapl.org.
Thursday, May 1
Threads Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon: 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Lindy’s Landing, 115 Park St., Wauconda. Women in Business Spring Preview Fashion Show and Luncheon. $30. waucondachamber.org
CLC International Film Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in Room A011 at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. See the Academy Award-nominated 2023 UK/Poland film “The Zone of Interest.” The film has adult content and is not suitable for kids. Free. clcillinois.edu
“Rock of Ages”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 1-25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. High-energy musical featuring the rock anthems and power ballads of Styx, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Poison and Twisted Sister. $20-$49. metropolisarts.com
Ongoing
“Art of the Parks — Paintings of the National Parks”: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with select evening and weekend hours through May 2, at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. A solo exhibition by artist Fred Moss with over 25 oil paintings inspired by the scenic beauty of America’s National Parks. prairiecenter.org.
Kuipers Midwest Tulip Fest runs through mid-May at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park. | Daily Herald File Photo
Kuipers Midwest Tulip Fest: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays at Kuipers Family Farm, 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park. Estimated end date is May 18. Eight acres of tulips, live entertainment, attractions, food and more. Admission starts at $20.99 weekends, $16.99 weekdays. kuipersfamilyfarm.com.
Find more here.
Posted in Clown Car, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, WBEZ Chicago on April 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »
In an interview with WBEZ, Sen. Dick Durbin said that he has spoken to more than a dozen people who are exploring runs for his Senate seat. | Jim Vondruska/For Sun-Times
Reporting by Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney | WBEZ
Durbin derby: One of the most competitive Senate primary races Illinois has seen in decades kicked into gear following Sen. Dick Durbin’s announcement that he will not seek reelection for the seat he has held since 1996. Durbin said more than a dozen people have expressed interest in the role.
Stratton steps in: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first prominent Democrat to launch a bid for Durbin’s Senate seat, painting herself as a new leader who can speak for the “working people” and stand up to President Donald Trump.
Who else to watch: Expect Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Lauren Underwood to launch bids soon. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs are also expected to jump into the race. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said he’d be open to running for a local post, though he’s got his eye on the governor’s race should Gov. JB Pritzker opt out.
Money matters: The question for Stratton is whether she can compete with Krishnamoorthi’s $19 million and counting campaign war chest — and whether Pritzker will pour in a little or a lot to support her. Should she lose the Senate bid, Stratton is also in a position to run for governor in the future.
GOP push: Republican donors, party officials and elected officials are encouraging U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood to run in the Republican primary race to succeed Durbin — and he’s interested.
The stakes: Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Underwood could lose their House seats if they go all in on the Senate race and lose. For now, the three could circulate petitions for both positions, then make a game time decision before a deadline later this year. With polling in full force, they would be able to decide whether to hold onto their House posts.
Read more here.
Posted in Entertainment on April 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »
“Well, Spring is finally here! We have had some very nice rainfall lately and some warmer days and our tulips have been lovin’ it. We will open the tulip fields on Saturday, April 26! 10am – 6:30 pm. Open every day except Monday while the tulip blooms last. Each day more and more tulip blooms pop out and we expect at least 150,000 will be open for this weekend. Just take a look at a few of the ones from Wednesday: This first block is yellow Fosteriana.
The block of purple tulips right behind this block are sooooo close. And the yellow ones behind the purple are looking great also.
These Purple Dream are a double peony type and will be opening in the next couple days!
These tulips are Light and Dreamy- (that’s the name!) One of the taller- stemmed early Darwin hybrids – a two-toned lavender!
We have more pictures but, you get the idea – beautiful colors and beautiful weather coming up for this weekend. The food trucks are setting up. The band is confirmed, and the gift shop is almost ready to go! New this year in the gift shop – Morning Mimosas – All Day!
We will offer mimosas all day in a keepsake 9 oz. stemless fluted glass with a unique ‘Love in Bloom’ graphic printed on them. Goes great with our freshly made donuts, fudge, roasted nuts, caramel corn, and, well, just about everything!
Hope to see you soon!”
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram or visit our website for more information on upcoming events.
Richardson Farm, LLC | 909 English Prairie Rd | Spring Grove, IL 60081
Posted in Entertainment on April 24, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Submitted by Grimaldi Public Relations
The much-anticipated Long Grove Craft Beer Fest returns on April 26, bringing the best of Chicagoland’s vibrant craft beer scene to one of the region’s most scenic and historic villages. This tribute to handcrafted brews features 22 breweries and cideries. Just announced participants include: 9th Hour Brewing Co, Almond Ridge Brewery, Alter Brewing Company, Art History Brewing, Black Horizon Brewing Company, Crystal Lake Brewery, Half Day Brewing Company, Illuminated Brew Works, Kishwaukee Brewing Co., Liquid Love Brewing, Maplewood Brewing, Mikerphone Brewing, Nik & Ivy Brewing Company, Obscurity Brewery, Old Irving Brewing Co., Phase Three Brewing Company, Pipeworks Brewing Company, Scorched Earth Brewing, Sew Hop’d Brewery, Spirit WATER Brewery & Distillery, Tighthead Brewing Company, and Unpossible Mead. Limited tickets are currently available through longgrove.org/festivals/craftbeerfest.
For fans of craft beer, this event is a golden opportunity to enjoy bold, locally brewed beers and ciders while soaking in the charm of Long Grove’s storybook setting. This year’s fest will unfold at Brothers’ Field, Long Grove’s latest outdoor hot spot, tucked right in the center of its historic downtown. With 30,000 square feet of lush green space, vintage barns, cozy fire pits, and big tents, Brothers’ Field is the perfect springtime backdrop for a day of sipping and celebrating.
From noon to 4 p.m., attendees will enjoy unlimited 2-ounce pours from some of the top breweries in the region. Each pour is a taste of passion and craft, brewed with care to deliver something truly special. Whether it’s a crisp lager, a bold IPA, or a rich, smooth stout, the lineup reflects the diverse talents of local brewers. Many will also be debuting limited-edition seasonal releases, capturing the spirit of spring in every sip. With just one ticket, guests get access to endless tastings, fresh air, and an unbeatable vibe shared with fellow beer lovers.
The Sunflower Headlights
Craft Beer Fest 2025, presented by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, isn’t just about great brews, it’s an all-around experience. Folk-rock band Sunflower Headlights will take the stage, infusing the festival with retro-inspired energy and live music that channels the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s. Their vibrant performance will keep the crowd moving and the energy high all afternoon. Food vendors will also be on site, dishing up tasty bites to pair with the pours, ensuring guests have everything they need for the ultimate outdoor fest.
Brothers’ Field is at 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.
A full access ticket is $60, which includes a Long Grove Craft Beer Fest commemorative taster glass. Nondrinker/designated driver tickets are $10, which includes unlimited water.
For more information, visit longgrove.org/festivals/craftbeerfest.
Posted in Capitol News Illinois, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield on April 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock
Newsom, Emanuel argue the party is focusing too much on ‘bathroom’ issues
By Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois
When Gov. JB Pritzker tells audiences how he became interested in politics, it often starts with stories about his mother.
As a child growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pritzker often shares, he’d attend marches, rallies and protests with his mother in support of abortion, women’s rights and LGBTQ issues. Those experiences, Pritzker says, set the foundation for many of his progressive beliefs.
“I’m living proof that introducing your kids to the gay agenda might result in them growing up to be governor,” Pritzker told a crowd at a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles in March.
Pritzker has made supporting LGBTQ rights a regular part of his platform as governor, including speaking at dinner events for the HRC and Equality Illinois in recent months. He’s set to speak to the New Hampshire Democratic Party on Sunday – one of the first Democratic presidential primary states.
But some Democrats, who are often named as possible 2028 Democratic presidential candidates alongside Pritzker, think the party needs to talk less about LGBTQ issues such as transgender athletes.
“We weren’t good on the kitchen table issues; we weren’t really good on the family room — the only room we really did well on in the house was the bathroom,” former ambassador to Japan and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said on a podcast with California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week. “We not only look like we were on the cultural periphery, we look like that’s what was front and center for us.”
Read more here.
Posted in Commodius Maximus, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), John Kass, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, Wirepoints on April 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »
By John Kass | John Kass News
When we were young raising our family, pinching pennies to pay the mortgage and take care of the children, we’d see news stories about rising violent crime in my hometown of Chicago.
We’d breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that we were no longer in the street gang neighborhoods where murders were commonplace.
Yeah, we paid high property taxes in the suburbs—too high because the Chicago Teachers Union dictated the state’s politics—but at least we thought we were safer.
We thought we’d escaped. That lasted until it didn’t. Now we’re gone.
And I see Illinois residents running as fast as they can for the exits, not only retirees and geezers like me fleeing to Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
But young people with good incomes—the kind a place can’t afford to lose—are fleeing Illinois as if from the plague.
“We couldn’t have planned it this way,” write Ed Dabrowski and John Klingner of wirepoints.org. “But our seven most-read stories in 2024 each captured a different facet of what’s wrong with Illinois.
“Failing schools. Murders. Closing businesses. A bloated, overpaid government sector. Election interference. Population-loss denial. And Chicago’s twisted equity priorities.”
Read more here.
Posted in Entertainment on April 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »
All concerts for Ravinia’s 2025 season go on sale to the public this Thursday, April 24 at 8:00AM CDT—exclusively at Ravinia.org.
Here’s our guide to securing your tickets quickly and easily:
Read more here.
 | joefargo3767 on Waukegan joins school district… |
 | Partisan politics on… on 5 things to know about Illinoi… |
| joefargo3767 on 5 things to know about Illinoi… |
 | Thomas Paine on Despite widespread local oppos… |
| joefargo3767 on IRS: Illinois led nation in ra… |
 | Tomato, tomahto on Despite widespread local oppos… |
 | mXc on Despite widespread local oppos… |