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AI restrictions spread as K-12 school year begins

Posted in 220, 300, AI, Illinois Federation of Teachers, School Districts, Springfield, The Center Square on September 11, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Photo: Immo Wegmann / Unsplash

By Esther Wickham | The Center Square

States and school districts across the country are tightening rules on artificial intelligence as the 2026-27 K-12 school year begins, with education leaders citing concerns over student learning, screen time and the risks of rapidly advancing technology.

As concerns about AI’s impact on K-12 education have grown, dozens of states have introduced or passed legislation aimed at regulating its use in schools.

Illinois

The Illinois State Board of Education launched an AI guidance package in June 2026, providing school districts with guidance on evaluating and using artificial intelligence products.

The roughly 400-page AI Blueprint emphasizes that AI should support teachers and student-teacher relationships.

“The guidance is not organized around artificial intelligence as a technology to be adopted for its own sake. It is organized around the enduring educational premise that the teacher-student interaction is the centerpiece of teaching and learning,” the document states.

“AI may assist with planning, access, feedback, communication, operations, and resource development, but it must remain a means to inform teaching and learning rather than a substitute for educator judgment, student relationships, or the developmental and civic purposes of public schooling,” the document said.

The Center Square reached out to ISBE for further information but did not receive a response.

Report continues here.

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Things to do Sept. 11-17: Festival of the Vine, Platzkonzert Germanfest, DuPage Comic Con and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment on September 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Enjoy wind and live music at Festival of the Vine Friday and Saturday in Geneva. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

By Luke Zurawski |Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 11

Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Truck pulls at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Multi-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.

Festival of the Vine: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on James Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, Geneva. Geneva restaurants create specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare,” partnered with wine and live music. Arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Third and Campbell streets. Merchant wine events, business booths, children’s activities and more. genevachamber.com/events/festival-of-the-vine.

The Glen Ellyn Park District and Charlie’s Corner Foundation invite the community to a Glow in the Park Lantern Walk Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. | Glen Ellyn Park District

Glow in the Park Lantern Walk and 2K Glow Run/Walk: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Benefits Charlie’s Corner Foundation. Music from Tres Moustache!, plus face painting and inflatables. At 7:20 p.m., attendees carry their glowing paper lanterns ($15, cash only) in a procession around the lake. Free. The 2K Glow Run/Walk will take place at Lake Ellyn Park starting at 7:45 p.m. Glow party with a DJ before and after the race. $30-$42. gepark.org.

Itasca’s Oktoberfest: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and 3-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Live music, German food, contests and a kids’ corner. Free admission and parking. itasca.com

Alpine Thunder performs on the main stage at last year’s Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates. This year’s event takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

Platzkonzert Germanfest: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Authentic German music, food and beer. Beer Olympics Friday and Saturday; Drone Show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. hoffmanestates.org

“The Lightning Thief”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-20, at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and featuring an original rock score. Presented by Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company. ASL performance Sunday, Sept. 13. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

Healing Field: Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost. Locations: Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road in Oak Brook, featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who died on 9/11, with a Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers; and a closing ceremony Sept. 13 featuring the reading of the names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. There will also be 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St., Carpentersville; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery items. eastdundee.net

La Fiesta de Elgin: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in downtown Elgin and Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Music, food, culture and community pride. The festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade, followed by El Mercado from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Riverside Drive featuring local vendors, food and live entertainment. elginil.gov.

Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 21: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Collectors, hobbyists and those who enjoy tinkering with the computers of decades past. Free. vcfmw.org.

Art on the Fox: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, along Main Street, downtown Algonquin. 75 original artists, live music, Kid Zone for art projects, games, spin art, sand sculpture, live painting classes, food and drink. Free. artonthefox.com.

The DuPage Comic Con comes to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton Saturday, Sept. 12. | Brian Hill/Daily Herald

DuPage Comic Con Fall Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 1, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. More than 150 comic book dealers; toy, collectible and trading card vendors; artists and guests. $10; free for kids younger than 12. mcconventions.com/dupage-comic-con.

Pet Event: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bartlett Gazebo Park, 120 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. For pets and their humans. Features over 15 area rescue organizations, over 20 pet-related vendors and animal demos. Food and treats for purchase. Free. artsinbartlett.org/pet-event.

Printers Row Lit Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, in Chicago’s Printers Row, on South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street, Chicago. Booksellers and authors across six different indoor and outdoor stages. Free. printersrowlitfest.org.

Richardson Sunflower Fields: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, plus 3-11 p.m. Fridays in September, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in October, Sept. 12 through Nov. 1, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, sunflower field, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $26, $22 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $32/$26 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

The Bubbler is Back: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Festival Field, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Glowby the Bubbler returns. Included in admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Illinois Brews: 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin. 15th annual fundraiser featuring local craft beer, food and live music. Proceeds provide at-risk Elgin youth with access to recreational programs and services. VIP Sneak Peek admission at 3 p.m. Register: elginparksfoundation.org/ilbrewsatbowes.

Rock the Block: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Main Street in Lake Zurich. Annual block party with music, food and activities. Free. lakezurich.org.

Bourbon & Beer Fest: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Vine, 101 Center St., Grayslake. Live bands, food vendors, cigars, and over 20 breweries offering more than 40 beers and 100 types of whiskeys and more. VIP Entry at 6 p.m., general admission at 7 p.m. $60.29, $92.11 for VIP, $28.46 for designated drivers. beerfests.com

The French Connection — Food, Wine and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Concert paired with cuisine from chef Andrew Brennan of Viridian Personal Chef and Catering and a selection of French wines. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass. $81.88. Tickets: barringtonswhitehouse.com

Paula Poundstone: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Iconic comedian known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit. $$38.50-$75. Rauecenter.org.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Buildings 1-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 300 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more for sale. $8 or free for kids 11 and younger. greenbergshows.com or dupagecountyfair.org.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72. Features local vendors (home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more). Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

Scandinavian Day Festival: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional food of five Nordic cultures, crafts, entertainment, vendor walkway, kids’ activities, free pony rides, and face painting. $15; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. scandinaviandayil.com.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on the historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Hispanic Connections hosts the 10th annual event with live music, dance, and food and beverages for purchase. Free. woodstockilchamber.com.

Festival of Cultures: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Entertainment, activities and authentic ethnic cuisines. Free. palatineparks.org.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Mid Atlantic will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com..

Monday, Sept. 14

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Sept. 14, 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, Sept. 15

Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free. waucondacruisenight.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire runs Wednesdays through Mondays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 31. | Gilbert R. Boucher II/Daily Herald

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, from Wednesday, Sept. 16, though Saturday, Oct. 31, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, pony and camel rides, Animal Land Zoo, corn maze, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

“Ride the Cyclone”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 25, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. The Spirits of St. Cassian High School Chamber Choir return in this musical. $25-$49. metropolisarts.com.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Musical Matinee featuring Andrew Blendermann: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. All-request show. $8. cuttinghall.org.

Third Thursday Art Night Out — 40 years of Kaleidoscope: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. Celebrate 40 years of local art at a special exhibition honoring Kaleidoscope school founder Jill Funk. Free. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Burning Red will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 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

“Jekyll & Hyde”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8; plus 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 11; and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesdays Oct. 14 through Nov. 4, at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping Gothic musical. Tickets start at $60.75. broadwayinchicago.com

“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

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From the Chicago suburbs to short line railroad companies, proposed merger heightens concerns

Posted in BACOG, Chicago Tribune, EJ&E/Canadian National, Politics, Road construction, TRAC, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass on September 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A Canadian National freight train stops traffic along U.S. Route 14 on Aug. 6, 2026, in Barrington. An underpass is being constructed at this location to allow traffic to flow better. The underpass is expected to be completed in late 2027. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

By John Lippert | For the Chicago Tribune

When Karen Darch started agitating in 2007 for an underpass so U.S. Route 14 can pass beneath the Canadian National railroad tracks in Barrington, she had six children and no grandkids.

Nineteen years later, as workers are shattering the affluent quiet of her suburban street by pounding retaining walls for the underpass into place, she has seven grandchildren.

Darch says she can’t say how many grandchildren she’ll have when the half-mile, $94 million underpass is finally complete, hopefully by the end of next year.

But now, Darch is confronting a problem that could aggravate her grandchildren for decades to come.

That problem is a new round of mergers that’s putting the ownership structure of North American railroads through a blender and triggering a prolonged period of tension and uncertainty.

Union Pacific, in tandem with its $85 billion takeover bid for Norfolk Southern, has agreed to start running more trains over Canadian National’s suburban Chicago network. At the outset, this will include rerouting some trains now running through inner-city Chicago.

Former Barrington Village President Karen Darch stands near construction for the new U.S. Route 14 underpass on Aug. 6, 2026, in Barrington. Darch spent years seeking solutions like this underpass to rail-induced traffic problems. The underpass will be routed under freight train rails where currently traffic gets blocked several times a day. | Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

Darch, an attorney who served as Barrington’s village president for 20 years until last year, says she believes that sooner or later, the railroads will build a second freight track through Barrington, a suburb 35 miles northwest of Chicago. That’s because Canadian National has already spent years double-tracking the line to within 10 miles south of Barrington, she said.

In theory, rail experts say, this second track could mean dozens of additional Canadian National and Union Pacific freight trains rolling each day through downtown Barrington at 40 miles an hour, up from 20 currently.

That’s in addition to the  50,000 cars and trucks that converge on Barrington each day, and 800 daily school bus trips. Barrington also attracts 70 Metra commuter trains per day. Each of these blocks the main north-south and east-west streets through downtown for a few minutes as passengers come and go.

“If they build another track, there’s going to be a much greater impact than we’re feeling now, so more has to happen in response. We may need another underpass, or maybe two other underpasses,” said Darch in an interview last month. “And a greater portion of the funding should come from businesses that are benefiting from traveling the rail.”

Report continues here.

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We remember: How the suburbs will honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11

Posted in Daily Herald on September 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

West Dundee’s Grafelman Park is once again hosting True Patriot Care Memorial Healing Fields. Shown here, 403 American flags fly in the park in 2025 to honor first responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001. | Rick West/Daily Herald

By Chris Gerke | Daily Herald

It’s been 25 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but that doesn’t mean we forget. Here’s how communities across the suburbs will observe this solemn anniversary.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Healing Fields: Wednesday to Sunday, Sept. 9-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be presented at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost, the heroes who rose in courage, and the enduring strength of our nation. This is the third year Oak Brook will host the Healing Field, having done so for both the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road, is featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who perished on 9/11, with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. A special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony features a wreath placement at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers with personal connections to 9/11. The Sept. 13 Main Event will feature the reading of names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. In addition, there will be Healing Fields of 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St.; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields/.

Thursday, Sept. 10

9/11 Remembrance Worship Service: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Immanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Remember those whose lives were lost, honor the courage and sacrifice shown that day. All are welcome. facebook.com/immanuelschooleastdundee/.

Friday, Sept. 11

A “last alarm” bell is rung during the 2025 Schaumburg Patriot Day ceremony at the Public Safety Memorial. | Rick West/Daily Herald

Schaumburg Patriot Day Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the public safety memorial near Fire Station 51, 950 W. Schaumburg Road. Retired Schaumburg Fire Capt. Rick Kolomay will serve as guest speaker, and retired Schaumburg firefighters who assisted at Ground Zero following the attacks will be in attendance. Fire and police personnel, village staff and elected officials will honor the memories of the fallen with a “last alarm” bell ceremony, three-volley salute, taps and the national anthem. For questions, visit villageofschaumburg.com.

9/11 Memorial Mass: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. During the Mass marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, first responders from the Inverness, Barrington, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates police and fire departments will receive blessings. Visit facebook.com/holyfamilyinverness.

Elgin Patriot Day observance: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the west steps of Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. Marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the program will feature remarks from Mayor Dave Kaptain, Fire Chief Robb Cagann, Police Chief Ana Lalley, and American Legion Post 57 Commander Jason Shanahan. Honor guards from the Elgin fire and police departments will post and retire the colors during the ceremony, and vocalists from Larkin High School will perform the national anthem. A recording of the ceremony will posted on the City of Elgin YouTube channel. In the event of inclement weather, it move to the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way. For questions, dial 311 in Elgin.

Palatine Patriot Day Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial, North Brockway and West Slade. Members of the Palatine fire and police departments will lower the flag, place a wreath at the memorial, and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify a firefighter’s last call of duty. Visit palatine.il.us.

Wauconda 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the 9/11 Memorial, East Liberty and South Main streets, Wauconda. The village and the Wauconda Fire Protection District mark the 25th anniversary with a presentation of colors, an invocation, presentation of wreaths, comments by Wauconda Fire Protection District Chief Curt Hanselman, and a moment of silence. Note: Main Street will be closed between Route 176 and the south entrance to the police department beginning at 7:30 a.m. Limited parking will be available in the police department lot. Those who are able to walk are encouraged to park on Main Street, Maple Avenue or in the municipal parking lot at the corner of West Mill Street and Maple Avenue. Visit wauconda-il.gov.

Harper College 9/11 ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Wojcik Conference Center Amphitheater (Building W), 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Speakers will include Itasca Fire Protection Chief John “Jack” Schneidwind, a fourth-generation firefighter who volunteered at Ground Zero in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City; and Tony Butler, Harper’s director of risk management, who will share the story of Rick Rescorla, a Sept. 11 hero who served as vice president of security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center and became known for helping evacuate thousands of people. Rescorla was a close friend of Butler’s uncle. Parking available in lot 14. Visit events.harpercollege.edu.

Hoffman Estates Patriot Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road. The village’s Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting a memorial ceremony with the theme “What Does it Mean to Never Forget?” with reflections from Hoffman Estates Fire Lt. Justin Schuenke, Hoffman Estates Police Sgt. Bryant Savage and U.S. Army veteran Jackson Lanners. The Salvation Army Band Ensemble, North & Central Illinois Division will perform. Visit hoffmanestates.org.

Crystal Lake Day of Remembrance: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Union Cemetery, 150 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Hosted by the city and American Legion Post 171, the ceremony will feature bagpipe music, three-volley salute, Marine Corps Color Guard, and bells rung in honor of those individuals and groups impacted by Sept. 11, 2001. Special floodlights will be set up in the city parking lot at Woodstock Street and Dole Avenue with two beams of light shining into the sky after 7:30 p.m. until midnight. Football programs at Prairie Ridge and Central high schools will pause for a minute of reflection during the Friday night games. Attendees will be asked to face the floodlights for a moment of silence. Visit facebook.com/AmericanLegionCrystalLake or downtowncl.org.

Elgin Police Department Sgt. Jim Lalley plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at the closing of the 2025 Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony outside of Elgin City Hall. | City of Elgin

Carpentersville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the new Riverfront Park, 155 S. Washington St., Carpentersville. As night falls, two beams of light will rise into the sky as a tribute. Throughout the evening, a9/11 memorial attendees can walk the paths of Riverfront Park, lined with full-size American flags and images from Sept. 11. The ceremony includes guest speakers, moments of reflection and candles for attendees. Visit facebook.com/villageofcarpentersvillepublicsafety.

Saturday, Sept. 12

9/11 Heroes Run 5K: 9:11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Community Park, 8 Bridges Drive, South Barrington. Join runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of that day and those who stepped up to serve in the wars that followed. $26-$51. Register: runsignup.com.

Sunday, Sept. 13

First Responder Sunday: 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 13, at Quentin Road Baptist Church, 60 Quentin Road, Lake Zurich. A free barbecue lunch honoring local first responders. It will open with a police K-9 demonstration, followed by a complimentary lunch featuring Carolina-style barbecue, including overnight oak-smoked ribs, pulled pork, turkey and beef, along with homemade sides and desserts. Children can enjoy giant inflatables. Visit quentinroad.org/event/first-responders-sunday/.

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Two deer deaths in East Dundee among 40 Illinois cases tied to midges

Posted in Animal Welfare, Chicago Tribune, FPDCC on September 6, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A deer grazes near a retention pond in Carpentersville in 2021. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is keeping track of the rising number of viral disease cases transmitted to deer by midges, with two confirmed cases so far in East Dundee. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

By Mike Danahey | For the Elgin Courier-News

Forty deer deaths in Illinois this year — including two confirmed cases in East Dundee — are being attributed to a virus transmitted by a tiny insect, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The two infected deer were found in the area of the Lakewood subdivisions, north of Barrington Avenue, according to a post on the village’s website this week.

Both died from Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, known as EHD, the result of midges biting white tail deer and other hooved animals, according to government resource websites. Such cases tend to occur in late summer or early autumn and during drought conditions, officials said.

Public Works Director Phil Cotter said this was the first time the disease has been detected in East Dundee in the more than nine years he has worked for the village.

“Village officials are in direct communication with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding this issue,” the village website post said. “EHD cannot infect humans. It poses no public health risk. Dogs and cats cannot contract the virus.”

According to the IDNR website, “drought conditions tend to exaggerate the impacts of EHD as deer tend to congregate around the limited water sources. Receding water levels around ponds, lakes, streams and rivers result in exposed muddy areas from which the midges hatch.”

Report continues here.

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The Beginning of Barrington Township

Posted in Cook, County, Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Quintessential Barrington on September 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Early settlers sought out groves along the prairie much like this Original Grove in Flint Creek Savanna Preserve. “The groves were God’s first temples,” wrote William Cullen Bryant in 1824 in “A Forest Hymn”. He lived and worked as a lawyer in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, for a time. He journeyed through parts of Illinois, including Sangamon County, which inspired his poem, “The Prairie.” For the families entering northern Illinois a decade later, groves were also landmarks, shelter, and the beginnings of community—a sort of natural architecture. Where prairie opened beneath the enormous sky, islands of oak offered timber, shade and protection from the wind. One such place became known as Miller’s Grove—and around it, the early life of Barrington Township began.

By Barbara L. Benson | Quintessential Barrington

When, in 1962, Arnett C. Lines’ “History of Barrington” was published in the Barrington Courier Review, then a broadsheet-sized locally owned and published newspaper, it opened with the following dedication:

“Lest we forget the fortitude, the fearless courage, the determination, the frugal living, the hard work with none of the facilities that are so abundant today, this history has been written as a record of the success of those who left the comforts of civilization in the East and came west to a wild country, and of those who came to America talking a strange language, having very little equipment but bare hands and willing hearts, to wrest from a wilderness or an uncultivated country a living for a large family in a land where they could enjoy freedom from oppression and from pursuit.”

Lines continued: “They came with sons in their teens who grasped the plow of good government, and, having done a masterful work in the Township, came to the new station when the railroad arrived, and repeated their success in the town (village) government and experiences in getting up the country school, by organizing and establishing a new village and its government.”

He followed with words to inspire future generations.

“They builded better than they knew. Today we are enjoying this American heritage. This record may keep the picture before us that we may not take for granted the blessings we enjoy today.”

Arnett C. Lines died in 1970, and his monumental history can be found online at the Barrington Area Library in their local history databases. His work was comprehensive and traced the geographical and governmental history of what would, eventually in 1850, be designated Barrington Township.

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The DSA’s socialist plans carry a $212T price tag — and every one of us will pay

Posted in Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, New York Post, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Springfield, Taxes, The Other Half, Unions, Village Code on September 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Adam Michel | New York Post

It started in New York, but now democratic socialism is on a winning streak around the country.

Months after Zohran Mamdani became mayor, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America nearly swept the city’s June Democratic primaries.

In Florida, DSA member Angie Nixon won the Democratic Senate nomination over the establishment favorite.

And it’s not just the DSA’s own candidates: Socialist ideas are being laundered into the mainstream Democratic Party.

In the upper Midwest, Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan rode Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement to win Democratic Senate primaries, campaigning on Medicare for All and expansive Green New Deal-like policies.

So I took the DSA platform — dubbed “A Day Without Capitalism,” it’s long on rhetoric and thin on details — and tallied up the costs.

The bottom line: The DSA wants somewhere between $71 trillion and $212 trillion in new spending over the next decade.

Continue reading here.

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Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani bringing two new restaurants to Barrington

Posted in Daily Herald, Economy, Entertainment, Property Taxes, Taxes on September 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani will open BOCADO in Barrington this fall. | Courtesy BOCADO

By Rick West | Daily Herald

Celebrity chef and suburban resident Fabio Viviani is bringing two new restaurants to downtown Barrington.

The first, BOCADO Tapas, will open this fall upstairs at 133 Park Ave. in the village’s downtown.

The eatery will focus on “shareable plates, bold yet approachable flavors and a thoughtfully crafted beverage program, all within a warm, energetic atmosphere designed for everything from weeknight dinners to cocktails and late-night gatherings,” according to a news release.

After BOCADO, Viviani plans to open Retoro downstairs in the same building in early 2027.

Read the full report here.

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Things to do Sept. 4-10: Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival, Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling, Buffalo Grove Days and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fundraisers on September 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 4

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Carnival, food and beer tents, live music, craft fair, car show and kids’ activities. Classic/custom car show from 5-9 p.m. Friday in Sunset 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; followed by community picnic from noon to 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, Sunset Market featuring artisans, crafters and businesses from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Music lineup — Friday: Aberdeen Drive at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: SINGO at 1 p.m., Brass From The Past at 4 p.m., Heartache Tonight at 6:30 p.m. and Dirty Pop at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Cadillac Groove at 3 p.m., 28 Days at 5:30 p.m., and Tennessee Whiskey at 8 and 9:15 p.m. Free. summersunsetfest.com.

The Buffalo Grove High School Marching Band Flag team performs in the Buffalo Grove Days parade Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 in Buffalo Grove. This year’s parade steps off at at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Buffalo Grove Days: Carnival hours 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6; and 1-6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 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 noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; kids’ entertainment; Rotary Duck Race at 5:15 p.m. Sunday and more. Music lineup — Friday Hi Infidelity at 6 p.m. and The Brothers Gibb at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 7th heaven at 3:30 p.m., Sounds of Seattle at 6 p.m. and 16 Candles at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday Nashville Electric at 3:30 p.m., LP Vinyl at 6 p.m., and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday Turning Down Today at noon. Free. bgdays.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Curated by comic and radio personality John DaCosse with headliner Chastity Washington, featuring Jack Baker and hosted by Ted Willson. Tickets start at $29. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 5

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sept. 5 through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Long Grove Irish Days: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, in downtown Long Grove. Irish music, food and drinks. Free. longgrove.org/festival/irish-days.

Schaumburg Septemberfest runs Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center in Schaumburg, and includes a Labor Day Parade. | Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald

Septemberfest: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Live entertainment on two stages, carnival, arts and crafts show, craft beer and wine area, Taste of Schaumburg, bingo, drone show on Sunday night, and a Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday. Music — Saturday: Cheap Foreign Cars at 6:30 p.m. and Night Ranger at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: White Lion at 6:30 p.m. and Warrant at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday: Krysten Knievel at 5:30 p.m. and Max Weinberg’s Jukebox at 7:30 p.m. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

TheosoFest Mind, Body, Spirit Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Theosophical Society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. Mind-body-spirit festival featuring meditative practices from several traditions, Labyrinth Walk, Qigong and Tai Ji, Kids Korner, a drumming circle, exhibits and vendor booths, hands-on demonstrations, vegetarian food and more. Free; lawn parking is $5 (cash or credit card). theosophical.org/theosofest.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. Starts at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park. summersunsetfest.com.

Taste of Schaumburg: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, on the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus grounds, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Not-for-profit organizations partner with restaurants and food vendors to sell food and beverages. Part of Schaumburg’s Septemberfest celebration. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

The Great American Lobster Fest comes to Chicago’s Navy Pier Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6. | Daily Herald

The Great American Lobster Fest: 1-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Navy Pier, 900 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Live lobster flown in from the East Coast, live music, vendors, nonseafood and dessert items and more. Tickets start at $74. greatamericanlobsterfest.greencurtainevents.com

Hanover Park Fall Fun Fest: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Taste of Hanover, featuring a variety of food trucks and vendors, live music and more. Free. hpparks.org/specialevents.

Love On the Lawn Festival: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Music, food and community. R&B superstar MÝA will perform. “American Idol” season 24 Top 10 finalist Philmon Lee is a featured performer. All-day celebration of “50 Years of Chicago House” with DJ Slugo, DJ Sundance, DJ Roszay, DJ Rodney B, DJ Way and DJ CZR. Food trucks, a Kidz Zone, local talent and a vendor village. Gates open at 2 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. $30 for 10 or older. Tickets: lotlfest.com

Wauconda Street Dance: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, on Main Street in Wauconda. Annual dance with music, food and more. Free; over-21 wristbands $5. waucondachamber.org.

Green Room Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $13-$20. greenroomimprov.com

Trains & Tunes: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Blues by The Stephen Hull Experience. Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic dinner; on-site vendors. Fireworks at around 8:30 p.m. Museum admission: $16-$20. irm.org/trains-tunes.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular and special occasion soundtracks. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale (Shrooms): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Exhibits 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members will answer questions about mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items are for sale. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Battle of the Bags: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Cornhole tournament. Registration begins at 11 a.m. The competitive division will offer up to $5,000 in cash prizes. The social division features a variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates. $80 per team for the competitive division, $40 per team for social. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Summer Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Semple will perform. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Wauconda “Big Bang” fireworks show: Dusk Sunday, Sept. 6, at Homer T. Cook Memorial Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Originally scheduled for July 3. wauconda-il.gov.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival fireworks: 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. summersunsetfest.com.

Monday, Sept. 7

Schaumburg Septemberfest Labor Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 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

Labor Day trolley rides: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Last train leaves between 4 and 4:15 p.m. $10, $8 for 62 and older, veterans and first responders; $5 for kids 3-11; free for kids 2 and younger. foxtrolley.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 9-11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. The VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Harness racing at 11 a.m. and Illinois State RC Car and Truck Racing Championships at 7 p.m. Wednesday, truck pulls at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Wednesday: Darrell Data and Bob from 1-4 p.m. and 13 Days from 7-10 p.m.; Thursday: Two Girls-One Guitar from 1-4 p.m. and Back Paiges from 7-10 p.m.; Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Five-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.

Teatro Popular-Identidad: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Comedy about family, culture and identity. Presented in Spanglish. A conversation with multimedia artist Karina Chavez follows. gailborden.info.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music, drinks and food. Jagged Little Pill will perform. Free. eastdundee.net.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Semple Band will perform. Food Truck Wednesdays: 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Jane Don’t Does America: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race. $46.19-$77.23. improv.com/chicago

Thursday, Sept. 10

Brown Bag Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Linda Rock shares the history of neighborhood grocery stores in Elgin and tells the story of grocer Libbie Samuelson. Free. RSVP: elginhistory.org.

Wrigleyville Night Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Vendors offer specialty foods, vintage clothes, crafts, artisanal goods and more, with live music and special offers. Free. gallagherway.com

“Betsy Ross and the Making of America”: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, on Zoom and in Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Presenting via Zoom, historian Marla Miller describes the life and times of Betsy Ross. Register: gailborden.info.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Ongoing

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 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

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day 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.

Minecraft Experience, Villager Rescue: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays; and noon to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Sept. 7, at EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont. The world of Minecraft comes to life in an immersive experience. Tickets start at $28. minecraftexperience.com.

“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, except Sept. 5-6, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

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Illinois Attorney General sues ABC Plumbing, alleges deceptive practices

Posted in CBS News, Springfield on September 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Adam Harrington | CBS News

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit Thursday against ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric Inc., alleging deceptive business practices.

Raoul’s office said the company misled consumers, most often senior citizens, so that they signed contracts for home repairs at inflated prices by unlicensed technicians, while the consumers unknowingly waived their rights to cancel the contracts.

“ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric’s deceptive business practices are not only illegal but also disheartening because those practices target senior citizens,” Raoul said in a news release. “When consumers reach out to home repair companies like ABC, they trust the company will present honest prices for complete work. Instead, ABC took advantage of its customers. I will continue to defend the rights and peace of mind of Illinois consumers by ensuring home repair companies uphold Illinois law that protects our consumers.”

The lawsuit alleged that ABC Plumbing technicians walk into consumers’ homes to review the home repair issue for which they were hired, but then inspect other areas of the house without permission and find additional issues. The technicians call these issues emergencies or claim they are life-threatening hazards, and say they must be fixed right away, Raoul’s office said.

Consumers are asked to sign a digital tablet to initiate the work, but are not allowed even to read what they’re signing, Raoul’s office said. Consumers sometimes did not realize that they were signing a contract, or that the contract had language waiving their three-day right to cancel, Raoul’s office said.

Raoul said these practices are often aimed at senior citizens who call ABC Plumbing for urgent work they can’t complete themselves.

Once ABC Plumbing finishes the overpriced and often unnecessary work, it is often sloppy or incomplete, and the technicians who perform it are sometimes unlicensed, Raoul’s office said.

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