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Archive for the ‘Topics Of Interest’ Category

Bell House Books Celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting ceremony in Barrington

Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Education, Entertainment on July 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Bell House Books with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently in celebration of the bookstore’s opening. Located at 200 Applebee St., Suite 117, in the Barrington Ice House Mall, the new independent bookstore brings a thoughtfully curated and community-centered literary experience to the area.

Bell House Books is a woman-owned, independent bookstore dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The store offers books for readers of all ages and creates a welcoming environment for both lifelong book lovers and those just beginning their reading journey.

The grand opening marks an exciting addition to Barrington’s downtown, with Bell House Books designed to serve as more than a retail space. The bookstore aims to foster connection and creativity by providing a place where the community can gather, explore new stories and share a love of literature.

In addition to its curated selection, Bell House Books plans to host community-focused events and experiences, encouraging engagement through storytelling, conversation and discovery. The store’s mission emphasizes the power of books to bring people together and build meaningful connections.

Montana Bellagamba, a mother of two, recently returned to her hometown of Barrington with her husband, Thomas. She believes that community helps shape who we are, and opening Bell House Books is incredibly meaningful to them. What began as a pop-up bookshop has grown into a permanent space where readers can gather, explore and connect.

“We started Bell House Books because we knew that there was a need in this community,” Montana said. “We were both raised here and really wanted to make a special space for this community that really helped shape us.”

For more information about Bell House Books, including store hours and upcoming events, visit their website at bellhousebooks.com or stop by the store.

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Barrington Hills Estate Sale This Weekend

Posted in Estate Sale on July 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

July 18 & 19 – 9 AM to 4 PM
109 Remington Dr.
Barrington Hills, IL 60010

“HOUSE IS IN BARRINGTON HILLS LOCATED OFF BATEMAN RD, CLOSE TO THE INTERSECTION OF ALGONQUIN. WE WILL BE CHAUFFEURING PEOPLE UP AND DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.

Schimmel Grand Piano Sports memorabilia Signed Baseballs Game Bats 1980 Miracle on Ice signed by all the members & coach with cert Tom Brady sign superbowl poster Rosenthal Cups created for Versace Rosenthal Sunburst china Villeroy china Stanley water bottles Kitchenware All clad cookware Stanley water bottles – new Cutco knives Home decor Kate Spade purses – new Women’s clothes & shoes Men’s clothing & shoes Girls’ clothing & shoes Linens Toys Books Legos Stuffed animals Late VictorIan griffin leg dining table Sideboard Chairs Barstools Cabinets Twin Beds Children’s raised bed with…”

See listing here.

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Editorial: Our neighbors are rethinking income taxes. How about it, Illinois?

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Chicago Tribune, Commodius Maximus, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, IDOT, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Tollway, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions on July 17, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Lawmakers work in the Missouri House chamber on April 21, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Missouri is asking voters whether to gradually eliminate its income tax and shift more toward taxing consumption. (David A. Lieb/AP)

Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin all are thinking creatively about taxes

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

Illinoisans often assume high taxes are simply the unavoidable cost of living in the Land of Lincoln. But just across our borders, states are making some very different choices.

Missouri is asking voters whether to gradually eliminate its income tax and shift more toward taxing consumption. Indiana continues to emphasize fiscal restraint and has approved further tax reductions. Wisconsin used part of a multibillion-dollar surplus to enact income tax cuts and has continued debating additional relief. Iowa phased out its graduated individual income tax in favor of a flat rate of 3.8%.

Maybe you think Missouri is making a mistake or Iowa has gone too far. Maybe Wisconsin will reverse course. That’s not our point here. What stands out for us is that our Midwestern neighbors are at least practicing some creative taxation thinking.

Take what is going on in Missouri. On Aug. 4, voters get the chance to weigh in on whether Missouri should fundamentally rethink how it taxes its citizens; specifically whether the Show-Me State should gradually shift its tax burden away from income and toward consumption.

Ironically, Missouri currently has the very tax structure Illinois progressives have long sought: a graduated income tax. Even so, its top marginal income tax rate (4.7%) is lower than Illinois’ flat rate (4.95%).

Missouri’s average combined state and local sales tax rate also remains far below the rate in Illinois. Approval of the amendment could eventually narrow that gap, depending on how lawmakers implement the shift. Even then, Missouri would have a long way to go to match Chicago’s 10.25%.

Article continues here.

Related: “(Meanwhile) Income tax CUT on Missouri ballot; Illinois may see more outmigration”

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Illinois’ first-in-U.S. crypto transaction tax applies even to losing trades

Posted in BOHICA, Economy, Elections, Fat Bastard, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way, The New Normal? on July 16, 2026| 1 Comment »

The tax also risks being challenged in court.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois’ new tax on digital asset transactions risks hurting trading volume and market liquidity, making the state unfriendly for the industry and prompting legal battles.

The fiscal 2027 state budget, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed in June, puts a 0.2% tax on the value of transactions in assets such as NFTs, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, starting Jan. 1. Such transactions include exchanges, transfers or custodial services.

It’s the first such tax in the country. Affected businesses include crypto exchanges, trades, wallet and custody providers holding customer assets and firms transmitting digital assets between accounts. The law applies to any digital asset broker with a place of business in Illinois and to any brokers that gross $100,000 or more in annual digital asset receipts with Illinois residents.

Compliance will require brokers to collect and retain customers’ personal online transaction history, account information, mailing address, IP address and other data to indicate Illinois is the customer’s place of primary use.

Because the tax targets transactions rather than profits, brokers must collect it even when a trade loses money or when assets are transferred between accounts. For gains, the new tax will be an addition to Illinois’ current 4.95% individual income tax, which applies to capital gains.

Lawmakers expect the tax to generate $60 million a year.

Read more here.

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Illinois State Board of Education issues AI guidance, written with help from AI

Posted in AI, Capitol News Illinois, Education, School Districts on July 15, 2026| 2 Comments »

The Illinois State Board of Education has released a 409-page document offering guidance to schools and districts about the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 education. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

By Peter Hancock | Capitol News Illinois

The Illinois State Board of Education released new guidelines recently on how schools should and should not use artificial intelligence in K-12 education.

One of the most notable aspects of the AI guidelines, however, is that it was written with help from popular AI programs including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

Bill Curtin, Illinois policy director for the nonprofit advocacy group Teach Plus, one of the groups that pushed for the guidance, called that an example of how AI should be treated in academic fields.

“Upfront, they said, ‘We did use AI,’ and they were very clear and specific about how they used AI,” Curtin told Capitol News Illinois. “And that actually builds trust because these days you can look at almost anything that anyone writes and wonder if it’s AI. It’s much better when, upfront, you say: ‘We did use AI, and here’s where, and here’s where the human element is really still seen in this guidance.’”

Growing concerns over AI

The guidance was issued after the General Assembly passed legislation in 2025 requiring ISBE to develop guidelines on using AI in education. Senate Bill 1920 came amid growing concern about students using AI programs like ChatGPT to help them with research or even to write essays.

At the same time, teachers and administrators were also looking for guidance on constructive ways they could use AI for things like developing lesson plans or grading students’ work.

Report continues here.

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Fix for chronic flooding on Route 59 in North Barrington set to begin

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Daily Herald, Taxes, Traffic on July 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A $2.17million drainage project about to get underway will reduce chronic flooding on Route 59 south of Route 22 in North Barrington. | Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald

A project years in the making to address chronic flooding along Route 59 and neighboring streets in North Barrington is set to get underway.

Village officials announced the start of the $2.17 million GHO Stormwater Drainage Project, designed to address 20 years of flooding on Route 59 south of Route 22.

The road in that area has been closed six times due to stormwater impacts, most recently on April 18, as hazardous driving conditions resulted from water overtopping the road, according to the village.

Village streets also have seen severe flooding for many years. The failed system to be replaced has negatively affected more than 40 properties and 250 acres within the watershed area.

When completed, a drainage construction project will reduce the flooding problem on Route 59 south of Route 22 in North Barrington. | John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

GHO stands for the Grassmere Farms, Haverton and Oaksbury neighborhoods in the area. The genesis of the regional project began in 2023 when the village approved an engineering agreement to develop plans for flooding relief.

On April 22, the village approved a contract with Copenhaver Construction Inc., for the project. The village was notified last week that all necessary permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission had been approved.

Article continues here.

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Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on July 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Spending was $25,000 per student in 2022-23, almost $5,000 above the national average.

By Jessica Rehberg | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois spends more per public school student than nearly every other state.

During the 2022-23 school year, the state spent $25,000 per student, adjusted to 2024 dollars, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s almost $5,000 more than the U.S. average of $20,039 per student. The figure includes local and state money.

Illinois’ spending ranked seventh-highest in the nation and highest in the Midwest. Despite that, the state has struggled to show strong academic outcomes.

In the 2024-25 school year, only about half of Illinois public school students in grades 3 to 8 and in 11th grade met state reading proficiency standards. In math, just 39% were proficient.

The poor results were much more pronounced in some groups. Low-income students scored 16 to 19 percentage points below the statewide average in both reading and math.

Among Black students, 32% of those in grades 3 to 8 and 26% of 11th-graders were proficient in reading, while 14% to 15% met proficiency standards in math.

For Hispanic students, 39% to 41% were proficient in reading and 24% to 25% proficient in math across grades 3-8 and 11th grade.

These figures come after the Illinois State Board of Education lowered its proficiency benchmarks in 2025 and made student performance appear stronger on paper.

Report continues here.

Editorial note: States spending the same of more than Illinois are New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey.

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A Getaway That’s Not Far Away: Northwest Cook County

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, Education, Entertainment, FPDCC, Taxes on July 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Forest Preserves of Cook County

Who needs a long drive to feel like you’ve escaped? In Northwest Cook County, some of the best adventures are right in your own backyard like paddling across sparkling water, spotting elk grazing beneath towering oaks and exploring miles of scenic trails. Make the Forest Preserves of Cook County the starting point for a staycation packed with outdoor recreation, family fun and memorable experiences across the northwest suburbs.

Start your getaway at Busse Woods, one of the Forest Preserves’ most iconic destinations and a place where an entire day can disappear before you know it. Covering more than 3,500 acres, Busse Woods offers nearly 13 miles of paved trails perfect for biking, walking or an early morning run. Along the way, keep an eye out for herons, turtles and one of the preserve’s biggest attractions: the resident elk herd, which has called Busse Woods home for more than a century.

When the summer sun starts warming up, head to the Busse Lake Boating Center and rent a kayak or canoe. Anglers can also cast a line into Busse Reservoir, one of the largest fishing lakes in Cook County.

If your perfect getaway includes a golf club in hand, spend part of the afternoon at Highland Woods Golf Course before heading back out to explore. Less than a 15-minute drive from Busse, Highland Woods in Hoffman Estates features rolling hills, a driving range and an on-staff PGA professional.

Looking for a quieter escape? Make your way to Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington, which is a 15-minute drive from Highland Woods, where winding trails wrap around peaceful ponds known for their waterfowl. Inside the nature center, interactive exhibits, native wildlife displays and knowledgeable staff make it a great stop for visitors of every age. Just outside, the nature play area encourages children to climb, explore and connect with nature. Check Crabtree’s calendar before your trip and you might discover a program or event that becomes the highlight of your weekend.

For those who prefer exploring on foot, northwest Cook County offers plenty of options beyond Busse Woods. Wander the rolling trails of Deer Grove, the Forest Preserves’ first preserve, where oak woodlands, savannas and restored wetlands create a beautiful backdrop for a morning hike. You can also visit nearby Paul Douglas Preserve or Poplar Creek to explore their trails.

When it’s time for a meal, nearby downtowns offer plenty of ways to recharge. Enjoy wood-fired pizza or patio dining in downtown Arlington Heights, grab authentic Mexican cuisine in Elgin, or cool off with homemade ice cream while strolling through the shops in downtown Barrington or Mount Prospect.

Want to add even more to your staycation? The surrounding communities are packed with opportunities for family fun. Spend an afternoon browsing Woodfield Mall, visit the colorful exhibits at Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg, catch a minor league baseball game or plan your visit around one of the many local summer festivals happening throughout the northwest suburbs. For much more on events, sights, dining and other ideas in the area, go to Chicago Northwest.

It’s easy to put together a local trip that is all outdoors or a hybrid that is as fun, educational, relaxing or exciting as you want. Extend your stay with an overnight at Camp Reinberg, where cabins, campsites and modern amenities let you wake up surrounded by nature. Learn more and plan your visit here. Come out to the northwest suburbs for a summer weekend far from the everyday routine but close to home.

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Special meeting of the Barrington Hills Park District Board Monday

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Cell Towers, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Massbach Hounds, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Transparency, Unions on July 12, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Cult of Barrington Hills will hold a special meeting Monday at 6:30 PM. The sole topic on their agenda is:

  • “Intergovernmental Agreement between the Barrington Hills Park. District and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County”

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here and the meeting will not be available via Zoom.

Related: “Special Closed Session Meeting of the Barrington Hills Park District Board Monday, June 22nd”

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‘We’re all pretty proud’: Equine Guardians taking care of displaced Palatine Stables horses

Posted in Animal Welfare, Daily Herald, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Topics Of Interest on July 12, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Relocated Palatine Stables horses are settled in at a Wauconda farm. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Behind a weathered, split-rail fence skirting a solitary gravel driveway, Cadence Gehrke reaches into a clear bag and feeds carrots to a gray Appaloosa mare.

It’s feeding time for Tinker Bell and her cream-colored leopard-spotted Appaloosa gelding companion Fuzzy at Birch Hill Farm in Wauconda.

The farm, with its peaceful pasture teeming with tall grass and wildflowers, is where the two horses are spending their twilight years.

They were among the roughly two dozen school horses and ponies displaced following the controversial closing of the Palatine Stables in late 2024. Now they are among 17 under the care of the nonprofit group Gehrke started, Equine Guardians.

Fuzzy, left, and Tinker Bell share a tender moment at Birch Hill Farm in Wauconda. Steve | Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

The organization, which is run by former instructors, boarders and longtime riders, has an online fundraising site. Several horses are listed on the website, equineguardians.org.

Equine Guardians is also holding a reunion and fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at SOUL Harbour Ranch in Barrington. Proceeds will go toward the horses’ care.

Article continues here.

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