Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for August, 2025

District 220 posts Notice of Tentative Budget Public Hearing

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions on August 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Barrington Community Unit School District 220, in the County of Lake, State of Illinois, that a Tentative Budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the Administrative Offices located at 515 West Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010, beginning August 2, 2025.

NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on said Budget will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd day of September, 2025, at the Administrative Offices, 515 West Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010.

Barrington Community Unit School District 220
County of Lake, State of Illinoi
Diana Clopton
Secretary
Board of Education

Read Full Post »

WATCH: ‘Partisans’ who want to should ‘GET UP and MOVE’ from Illinois, Pritzker says

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Elections, Fat Bastard, Fat Man Walking, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, The Center Square on August 31, 2025| 1 Comment »


Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in Southern Illinois on Aug. 28, 2025 | Illinois.gov

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

If you’re not willing to stick around and help make the state better, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says you can “get up and move.”

Pritzker made the comments Thursday afternoon in Southern Illinois when asked about the movement to split the state into two.

“Look, if you want to leave the state, I would like you to stay, I’d like you to get involved and make it a better place by working together with us,” Pritzker said. “But if you want to leave, then get up and move.”

G.H. Merritt, the chairman of New Illinois, a movement to split the state in two, said 70 of the 102 counties in Illinois have a state split movement growing.

“One would think that if you’re at the helm of a state and this is going on, you would at least be a little curious about why are these people thinking this,” Merritt told The Center Square. “Why are these people wanting to do this? He has no curiosity about that.”

Pritzker said splitting the state was a partisan idea and won’t ever happen.

“That’s not how it works. You know, if they really want to get involved, they should show up, vote, make sure that their voices are heard,” Pritzker said.

Read more here and watch the YouTube video here.

Read Full Post »

Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible 

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, FOIA, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, RINO, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Village Board, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 29, 2025| 5 Comments »

Following our recent posts Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED! and D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign we understand some believe Erin Chan Ding has the right to sit dually on both the D220 Board of Education (BOE) and as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 52nd District. This is unequivocally false (and we didn’t need to consult any high paid lawyers on the taxpayer dime to figure that out).

While a person may be able to serve certain government positions dually, say Village of Barrington Hills Trustee simultaneously with Illinois State Senator for the 26th District, Illinois law recognizes that certain positions, including that of serving on a School Board and as a member of the House of Representatives, are deemed legally incompatible under Illinois law. Illinois law holds that the duties of those two offices conflict such that an individual cannot fully and faithfully perform the responsibilities of both. Illinois courts have applied this doctrine to prevent dual officeholding in cases where conflicts of interest or overlapping duties arise and have emphasized that incompatibility does not require an actual conflict but rather the potential for conflict between the duties of the two offices.

The duties of a school board member involve overseeing local education policies, budgets, and contracts, while a state representative is responsible for broader legislative functions, including education funding and policy at the state level. These overlapping responsibilities could create conflicts of interest, particularly in matters where state legislation impacts local school districts. Even if no actual conflict has arisen, the potential for conflict is sufficient to render dual officeholding incompatible.

One may look to the very partisan League of Women Voters who has previously provided context for this conflict, stating: “Recusal is not a sufficient remedy where two public offices have conflicting duties because public officials are elected to be the voice of the citizens and abstaining from a vote deprives the citizens of their voices. Also, public policy demands that an office holder must discharge his duties with the actuality of impartiality and undivided loyalty. Such conflicts of duty are public conflicts and cannot be cured by recusal. However, private conflicts of interests may be cured by recusal.”

To put this in perspective related to our prior posts about BOE Member Chan Ding,: She is currently violating her Oath of Office and the BOE Code of Conduct; BOE President Ficke-Bradford has effectively silenced Chan Ding, depriving the citizens of her voice, by removing her from the majority of her BOE committees; and, Chan Ding’s run for the 52nd has additionally raised the specter of partiality to the Democratic Party and divided loyalty between it and the BOE.

Related: “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Read Full Post »

Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon to open Barrington’s White House’s fall season

Posted in Entertainment on August 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Barrington’s White House proudly announces its fall 2025 season opener with internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon performing her newest project, Beneath the Skin, on Sunday, Sept. 7. | Courtesy of village of Barrington

By Village of Barrington

Barrington’s White House’s fall 2025 season opener will be internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, who will perform her newest project, Beneath the Skin, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.

A seven-time GRAMMY® Award nominee and one of the most compelling jazz vocalists of her generation, Freelon has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence and fearless artistry. She has performed with legendary artists including Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Ellis Marsalis, and George Benson, and has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

In Beneath the Skin, Freelon departs from the American Songbook standards that have defined much of her career to present her first album of original compositions — an intimate, deeply personal collection that explores themes of love, loss and the power of the feminine gaze.

The album has earned praise for its honesty and emotional depth. In late October, Nnenna’s intimate and personal recording will be joined by her equally profound memoir, “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss.”

This performance offers a rare opportunity for Barrington audiences to experience a jazz icon in the intimate setting of the historic Barrington’s White House, where every seat is close to the music. Guests will also have the unique chance to meet Nnenna Freelon in person at a reception following the concert.

“Hosting an artist of Nnenna’s caliber in Barrington is an exciting opportunity for all music lovers,” said Brian Coyle, director of cultural affairs for the village of Barrington. “Her artistry is world-class, and the intimacy of Barrington’s White House will make this an unforgettable afternoon for every guest. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to see a living legend who recently sold out a six-night run at Dizzy’s Jazz Club at Lincoln Center in New York City.”

General admission to the event is $45; free for students 18 and younger. Barrington’s White House is at 145 W. Main St., Barrington. For tickets and details, visit seasonopener25.eventbrite.com.

For information on Barrington’s White House, visit barringtonswhitehouse.com or call (224) 512-4284.

Read Full Post »

A bat collected from Cary home tests positive for rabies, marking first McHenry County human exposure of 2025

Posted in Lake & McHenry County Scanner on August 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

File Photo | Photo by Nils Bouillard (via Unsplash)

By LMCS Staff Reporter

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has confirmed that a bat collected from a Cary home on August 28 has tested positive for rabies, marking the first human exposure of the 2025 season in McHenry County.

Two people and one animal were exposed after the residents awoke in the middle of the night to find a bat in a room with them, health department officials said.

The individuals are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is the recommended course of treatment following potential rabies exposure.

The animal in the house is also receiving follow-up care, officials said.

Rabies is a deadly virus, but preventable with timely medical care, health department officials said.

Bite and scratch exposures from a bat can be very small and may go unnoticed.

More here.

Read Full Post »

Things to do Aug. 29 to Sept. 4: Buffalo Grove Days, Long Grove Irish Days and more

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on August 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Riders take a spin on the carnival rides during a previous Buffalo Grove Days. This year’s fest runs through Monday, Sept. 1, at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2022

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Starts before Friday

Buffalo Grove Days: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28; 5-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29; 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at Mike Rylko Community Park, Buffalo Grove. Carnival, live entertainment, bingo, blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, craft fair and business expo from 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, kids’ entertainment, Buddy Baseball, Rotary Duck Race at 5:15 p.m. Sunday and more. Music lineup: Friday: Hi Infidelity at 6 p.m. and 90s Pop Nation at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7th heaven at 3:30 p.m., LP Vinyl Escape at 6 p.m. and Dancing Queen at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: Fearless at 3:30 p.m., Beyond the Blond at 6 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 8:30 p.m.; Monday: Blackberry Jam at noon. Free. bgdays.com.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28-29, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press will perform Thursday, culminating with a musical fireworks display. Bee Gees Gold & The Wayouts will perform Friday. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar

Chicago Jazz Festival: Various times Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 28-31, at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and various locations in Chicago. Hear all forms of jazz from local, national and international artists. Headliners at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion include Friday: Patricia Barber at 6:10 p.m. and Monty Alexander at 7:45 p.m.; Saturday: Kermit Ruffins & the Barbeque Swingers at 7:45 p.m.; Sunday: Eliadas Ochoa at 7:45 p.m. Free. For a schedule, visit chicago.gov.

Friday, Aug. 29

Downtown Elgin Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Farmers, makers, live music, Sip N’ Shop, kids’ activities. Dog-friendly. LINK Matching program. downtownelgin.com/market.

Battle of the Bands: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave., West Chicago. Local bands compete for the title of 2025 WeGo Rockstar. Finalists will compete, with the winner announced Saturday night. Music from Serendipity on Saturday. Food trucks, drinks and bounce houses. we-goparks.org.

Classic rock cover band ARRA will headline the Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival Sunday, Aug. 31. | Courtesy of ARRA

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Carnival, food and beer tents, live music, craft fair, car show, wine tasting and kids’ activities. Classic/custom car show from 5-9 p.m. Friday at Sunset Skate Park. Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park. On Saturday, community picnic from noon to 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, Sunset Market featuring local artisans, crafters and businesses from noon to 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Music lineup: Friday: MDR at 8 p.m.; Saturday: Dueling Pianos at 1:30 p.m., No Turn on Red at 4 p.m., The Jolly Ringwalds at 6:30 p.m. and Disco Circus at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: PriSSillas at 3 p.m., Kickin’ It With Carol line dancing lessons at 4:30 p.m., In the Stix at 5:30 p.m. and ARRA at 8 p.m. Free. summersunsetfest.com.

Meet On Main Street Business & Craft Fair: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Local businesses and crafters will be selling a variety of items. Free. bgdays.com/activities.

Janus Theatre Company’s “School For Lies”: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 29-30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. David Ive’s comedy transforms Molière’s 17th-century classic “The Misanthrope” into a satire written in witty couplets with physical comedy. $25. janusplays.com

Saturday, Aug. 30

The Bristol Renaissance Faire ends its season this weekend. | Courtesy of the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1, off I-94 at the Illinois/Wisconsin border, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha. Travel back in time for 30 acres of jousting, arts and crafts, food, music, dance, rides, games, entertainers and more. $40, $15 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Septemberfest: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Entertainment, Taste of Schaumburg from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, carnival, arts and crafts show and more. Music lineup: Saturday: Semple at 6:30 p.m. and Danny Seraphine & CTA at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: Hairbangers Ball at 6:30 p.m. and Cinderella’s Tom Keifer at 8:30 p.m.; Monday: Just Like Pink! at 1:30 p.m., Foo Fighters Experience at 5:30 p.m. and Sister Hazel at 7:30 p.m. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

Long Grove Irish Days features Irish music and more Saturday through Monday, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. | Courtesy of Long Grove Irish Days

Long Grove Irish Days: 10:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, in downtown Long Grove. The celebration of Irish culture, music, food and drinks includes dog contests, Men’s Best Legs in a Kilt contest, live music, food vendors, Irish dance groups and the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band. Free. longgrove.org/festival/irish-days

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in Lake in the Hills. Steps off from Sunset Skate Park and heads along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park. summersunsetfest.com/parade.

Buffalo Grove Days Parade: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in Buffalo Grove. Heads south on Buffalo Grove Road (from Thompson), west on Deerfield Parkway, ending at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road. Free. bgdays.com

Taste of Serbia Food & Music Festival: Noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, at St. Basil Serbian Orthodox Church, 27450 N. Bradley, Lake Forest. Traditional Serbian food and entertainment. $5 per car. tasteofserbia.org.

Love On the Lawn Festival: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Food, vendors, kids’ corner, and DJs featuring Kid Capri, Sundance, DJ Slugo, Rod Boogie and DJ CZR. $33.39-$52.24. Tickets: lotlfest.com.

Wauconda Street Dance: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in Wauconda. Annual dance party with bands (Bluewater Creek, Big Boss & The Toes, Wichita Jacks, and Glory Days) on two stages, line-dancing lessons by Kickin’ It With Carol, food, drinks and more. The Lounge Puppets headline at 9 p.m. The bags tournament starts at 6 p.m. Free; wristbands for adult beverages: $5. waucondachamber.org.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Fifth Third Bike The Drive: 6:30-10:30 a.m. ride; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. festival Sunday, Aug. 31, at Butler Field in Grant Park, 235 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago. 24th annual event hosted by Active Transportation Alliance. The 30-mile course along DuSable Lake Shore Drive is family-friendly and for all abilities. Ride as little or as much of the course as you’d like, then enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park, which includes live music, beer and kids’ activities. Tickets: $74, $18 for kids 17 and younger. Register at bikethedrive.org.

Bennet Taft Wiffle Ball Classic: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at the baseball fields, 650 N. Rohlwing Road, Itasca. Third annual charity tournament for all ages benefiting the BT8 Foundation, with proceeds going toward awarding a high school scholarship, helping the food pantry and other community needs. $100 per team of four. Register at bt8foundation.org/register-for-the-bennet-classic.

Elmhurst French Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, in a city parking lot at Park and Prospect avenues, Elmhurst. European-style market. bensidounusa.com/elmhurst.

Paws in the Park Dog Walk: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 31, at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. All dogs are welcome; dogs must be leashed and current on vaccinations (proof of rabies vaccination required). $40; $10 for kids 12 and younger. Registration required. thebuddyfoundation.org.

Bloomingdale Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, in the parking lot of Old Town, Third and Franklin streets, Bloomingdale. Rain or shine. Features local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more), entertainment, food trucks and more. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

The Illinois Mycological Association Mushroom Show & Sale returns Sunday, Aug. 31, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. | Courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Linnaeus Room and Design Studio, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members will answer questions regarding mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items for sale. $16.95-$26.95. chicagobotanic.org.

Dog Show: 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Amateur dogs can enter events such as best costume, biggest or smallest dog, best groomed, best trick, best treat catcher, best tunnel run and waggiest tail. Prizes and raffles are included. Free; no advance registration required. bgparks.org/dog-show-2.

Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, at Wheeler Park, 822 N. First St. (Route 31), Geneva. 49th annual festival with six stages of live music and storytelling with 20 featured performers. Hands-on workshops, kids’ zone, arts and crafts vendors and food vendors. Featured performers: John Gorka with Joe Gorka, Katie Dahl, Joe Jencks, Katie Macleod, Joel Mabus, Deidre McCalla, Dennis Stroughmatt et l’espirit Creole, Curtis & Loretta, Tim Grimm with Sergio Webb, Jennifer Munro, Anne Harris with Ernie Hendrickson, Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, Annie Capps Trio, Bobcat Opossum and more. Sunday: Old-fashioned barn dance from 6-7:30 p.m. and “Spine-tingling Tales” at 7:30 p.m. Two-day pass: $60 or $30 for students and seniors; day pass $35 or $20; $80-$140 for a family; free for kids younger than 12. fox-valley-folklore-society.square.site.

‘Cue for a Cause: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at York and Vallette streets, Elmhurst. 11th annual fundraising barbecue contest for Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network. Food and drink, live music, raffles and entertainment. elmhurstwalkin.org/cue.

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food from local restaurants, family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Fiesta Ravinia: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. Celebrating Mexican culture with a day of music, activities, food trucks, pop-up performances and more. Music from La Original Banda El Limón, Como La Flor: The Ultimate Selena Tribute and more. $31-$95. visitchicagonorthshore.com.

Monday, Sept. 1

Schaumburg Septemberfest Labor Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, lining up on Wise Road, between Roselle and Plum Grove roads, Schaumburg. Parade travels northbound on Summit Drive toward the festival grounds. Free. villageofschaumburg.com

Wednesday, Sept. 3

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. The Eric Case Band performs Americana, classic country and soulful rock. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Thursday, Sept. 4

South Elgin Lunch Time Concert Series: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Comstock Lode Band will perform. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

“Recognizing the Latina Heritage of Illinois”: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Lilia Fernandez, history professor at University of Illinois Chicago and author of “Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago,” explores the century-long history of Latinas in Northeastern Illinois. Register: gailborden.info.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Louie in the Middle will perform. Food and beverages from local restaurants. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Ongoing

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Free. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Patterned by Nature: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Celebrates the universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations. Admission: $19.95-$21.95 for adults, $13.95-$15.95 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/patterns.

Find more here.

Read Full Post »

Parents blast blue state governor for extending student financial aid to illegal immigrants

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Fox News, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Taxes, Topics Of Interest on August 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Parents’ rights activists told Fox News Digital that Illinois parents are enraged about a new law signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker extending student financial aid eligibility to illegal aliens. | Mark Wilson/Getty Images; Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

By Peter Pinedo | Fox News

Parents in Illinois are enraged about a new law signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker extending student financial aid eligibility to illegal aliens.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Michelle Cunney, an Illinois mother and local Parents’ Rights in Education chapter leader, called the new law a “nightmare.”

“To be honest, it’s terrifying that not only are we having to pay for this, as you know, tax-paying citizens … But also, as parents, not knowing how it will really truly end up affecting our children and their education,” explained Cunney.

Parents in Illinois are enraged about a new law signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker extending student financial aid eligibility to illegal aliens.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Michelle Cunney, an Illinois mother and local Parents’ Rights in Education chapter leader, called the new law a “nightmare.”

“To be honest, it’s terrifying that not only are we having to pay for this, as you know, tax-paying citizens … But also, as parents, not knowing how it will really truly end up affecting our children and their education,” explained Cunney.

Read more here.

Related: “New Illinois law guarantees immigrant students access to public education”

Read Full Post »

Hundreds of police departments use camera company accused of breaking state law

Posted in Big Brother, Privacy, Public Safety, Topics Of Interest, VBHPD on August 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Automated license plate readers such as this one are installed throughout Barrington Hills.

By Andrew Adams | Capitol News Illinois

An automatic license plate reader company used by hundreds of police departments around Illinois broke state law by allowing federal border enforcement officers to access Illinois license plate camera data, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

The company, Flock Safety, was also allegedly used by out-of-state police earlier this year to look for a woman who recently had an abortion. That situation sparked the secretary of state’s office to audit Flock.

License plate readers are cameras which can automatically detect the license plate, make, model and other details of cars while they’re driving. These details are logged and entered into a database that can be searched and shared between law enforcement agencies, governments and private companies.

A 2023 state law, which was backed by Giannoulias, prohibits operators of license plate readers from sharing the data they collect for the purpose of enforcing immigration or abortion-related laws.

Giannoulias alleges that Flock gave U.S. Customs and Border Patrol access to Illinois data as part of a pilot program. Flock also didn’t have any safeguards to prevent other out-of-state police from violating Illinois’ license plate reader law, according to Giannoulias.

Giannoulias said the company’s actions “put them in direct violation of Illinois law” in a video statement Monday.

“We will not tolerate any violations to our data sharing and privacy laws,” Giannoulias said. “Moving forward, we encourage local law enforcement to closely examine their relationship with Flock and ensure that their use of this technology is compliant with the law.”

The law prohibiting this kind of data sharing does not contain any specific penalties for violating it.

Read more here.

Related: “Barrington Hills Police Department: Automated License Plate Readers,” “Privacy concerns raised over proliferation of license plate cameras,” “Barrington considers installing cameras to read license plates”

Read Full Post »

‘It just doesn’t seem very Barrington’: Commission opposes gated community at former PepsiCo site

Posted in Barrington High School, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Plan Commission, Real Estate, Traffic on August 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Vintage Luxury Homes is seeking approval for the redevelopment of the former PepsiCo site. The Claremont development would include 88 custom luxury single-family homes. | Courtesy of Barrington

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington plan commissioners unanimously opposed a proposed 88-home gated community, the Claremont, on the former PepsiCo property.

The village board will make the final decision, possibly at its Sept. 22 meeting.

While commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting supported residential development at the former commercial site at 617 W. Main Street, they rejected the gated community concept as inconsistent with Barrington’s character.

“It just doesn’t seem very Barrington,” Plan Commission Chairperson Anna Bush said. “It just doesn’t seem community focused.”

Commissioner David Holtermann added: “I think gated community promotes things we don’t like. It promotes a sense of division. It reduces social cohesion.”

Resident Daniel Penkava echoed Bush’s view in public comment.

“It’s like they’re elite and we’re just the peons of Barrington,” Daniel said.

Read more here.

Related: “Special Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing regarding proposed 88 single-family home development at former PepsiCo site continues tonight (Round 3),” “‘It is an enclave’: Developer defends concept of gated community on former PepsiCo site in Barrington,” “Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing regarding proposed 88 single-family home development at former PepsiCo site continues Tuesday,” “Barrington luxury home proposal draws criticism from plan commissioners, residents, park district,” “Barrington Plan Commission Public Hearing tomorrow night regarding planned 88 single-family residential homes at former PepsiCo site,” “Barrington posts further information on proposed Claremont development,” “Barrington posts Public Hearing notice regarding proposed 88 home development at former PepsiCo site,” “88 custom home development planned for former PepsiCo Research & Development Center property in Barrington”

Read Full Post »

Long Grove Irish Days returns with music, pop-up pub, dog contest

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on August 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Shannon Rovers will play at the Long Grove Irish Days festival. | Submitted by Jody Grimaldi

Submitted by Jody Grimaldi

The luck of the Irish will land in Long Grove on Labor Day weekend as Irish Days returns for three days of culture, community, and craic.

Taking place Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1, this annual festival turns Fountain Square into a lively celebration of all things Irish — with music, dancing, food, contests and family fun. Whether you come for the bagpipes or the beer, Irish Days offers a blend of small-town Americana and Celtic spirit.

Festival hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, in and around Fountain Square, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Parking and admission are free.

What’s new in 2025

This year’s festival features extended hours on both Saturday and Sunday, new evening entertainment, and a pop-up pub: the Lions Club “Fibber MaGee” Pub, serving up spirited pours and local personality.

The live music lineup is stacked with fan favorites, including returning headliner Without U2 (Saturday night) and the high-energy Dirty Wellies (Sunday night). Add to that traditional folk bands, pipe-and-drum performances by the Shannon Rovers, and multiple Irish dance schools taking the stage each day and the weekend is packed with nonstop entertainment. The full event schedule is posted on the website.

Returning favorites

Guys pose during the Best Men’s Legs in a Kilt contest at Long Grove Irish Days. | Courtesy of Long Grove Irish Days

  • Best Men’s Legs in a Kilt Contest

Back and bolder than ever, this hilariously charming competition invites brave lads to strut their stuff for bragging rights — and some serious laughs.

The Irish dog competition is a traditional part of Long Grove Irish Days. | Courtesy of Long Grove Irish Days

  • Best Irish Dog contest

Pups parade in themed attire and compete for titles like King, Queen, Prince, and Princess of Irish Dogs. Registration is free on-site.

  • Kids’ craft tent

A dedicated space for little ones to get creative while families enjoy the sights and sounds of the fest.

  • Mass with Irish music

Start Sunday morning with a beautiful outdoor Catholic Mass accompanied by the voice of Gavin Coyle.

  • Live Irish music and dance

Featuring The Tooles, The Dooley Brothers & Jimmy Moore, The Larkin & Moran Brothers, Kathleen Keane & Jim Conway, and more throughout the weekend.

Spend local, sip in style

Shoppers who spend $150 or more (pretax) at any of Long Grove’s local shops or restaurants over the weekend can redeem receipts for a free Irish Days pint glass at the Visitors Center or event booth, available while supplies last.

For details, visit longgrove.org/festivals/irish-days.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »