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Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Board meets tonight

October 20, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) Board of Trustees meets tonight at 6:30 PM at 22222 N. Pepper Road in Lake Barrington. Topics on their agenda include:

  • Consideration and possible approval of an Ordinance imposing lift assist fees for the Barrington Fire Protection District
  • Consideration and possible approval of a Resolution approving and authorizing execution of the Infectious Disease Specialist Memorandum of Understanding with Northwest Medical Association

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here.

Posted in Agendas, BCFPD, Jewel-Osco, Pension Funding, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Taxes, Transparency, Unions | Leave a Comment »

South Barrington installs welcome signs at some Village borders

October 19, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

“You may have noticed something new in our community! Our Village has a new way of saying ‘welcome home.’ The modern design celebrates growth while staying true to the community spirit that makes this place so special.”

We have no comment except to wonder how these monuments will fare in a few months when IDOT crews plow snow at their typical speeds. Our experience has been they might view them as something of a challenge.

Posted in IDOT, South Barrington | 3 Comments »

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposes $21 per employee corporate “head tax”

October 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $21-per-employee monthly tax on large companies to help fill a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall. Business leaders and even a former mayor say the “head tax” could kill job creation and new investment.

By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is staring down a projected $1.19 billion budget shortfall for 2026. His solution? Reviving a tax that punishes job creation: a corporate “head tax.”

What is a “head tax?”

A “head tax” charges businesses a fixed fee for each of their employees Under Johnson’s proposed budget, this would cost businesses with over 100 Chicago-based employees $21 a month per worker.

While Johnson’s budget proposal estimates this new tax on job creation would generate about $100 million in revenue next year, and potentially more over time as the fee increases with inflation, business leaders and city officials have long warned it’s “a job killer.”

This wouldn’t be the first “head tax” in Chicago or the first time Johnson has pushed it. Chicago previously levied a $4 per employee “head tax” on businesses with 50 or more workers between 1970 and 2014.

Read more here.

Posted in Cook, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way | Leave a Comment »

Lawmakers push DoorDash, Uber Eats delivery tax statewide for Chicago transit

October 18, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Lawmakers may approve a statewide delivery tax on Doordash and Uber Eats to fund Chicago transit, hitting all Illinoisans who shop online, even those who don’t use CTA, Metra or Pace.

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch says a controversial charge on DoorDash and Uber Eats deliveries could still be used to help fund Chicago’s mass transit system.

Though he clarified it wouldn’t be as high as the initial proposal of $1.50, he would not eliminate it as a possibility.

That means a delivery tax is still in play as lawmakers try to cover a financial hole at the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees CTA, Metra and Pace.

RTA is facing a $230 million shortfall in 2025, climbing to $790 million in 2027 and nearly $890 million by 2028 as federal COVID aid dries up and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The proposed delivery tax, along with other proposals, has drawn criticism from some Republicans.

More here.

Posted in BOHICA, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | Oct. 17, 2025

October 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

“Temporary Route 14 Closure Update: Progress Continues

Construction has been in full force to complete the temporary four-lane Route 14 roadway and the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes over the past two weeks:

  • Completion of grading, stone placement and temporary Canadian National Railway (CN) train track construction
  • Shifting of train traffic onto the temporary CN tracks
  • Utility main relocations
  • Continued excavation, grading, compaction and construction of the temporary roadways and sidewalk

What’s still to come?

  • Remaining grading and compaction work
  • Asphalt installation for the temporary rail crossing
  • Completion of both temporary road surfaces and lane line markings

The expected opening is still currently anticipated by the end of October.

Thank you for your continued patience and support of all Barrington businesses during this time.

Below are some aerial shots of the transformation. Things continue to look great from above!”

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, IDOT, Politics, Taxes, TRAC | Leave a Comment »

Things to do Oct. 17-23: Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest, Pet Costume Parade, Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade and more

October 17, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Long Grove Pet Costume Parade steps off Sunday at noon | AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Oct. 17

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19 and 22-26, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. See hand-carved, LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns staged along a festive paved pathway where visitors will encounter characters and can watch live pumpkin carving. $22-$27 for adults, $15-$18 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/halloween.

Military Miniature Society of Illinois Show: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, 50 Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Exhibition featuring the work of modelers from around the world displaying painted miniature figures and original sculptures from historical to fantasy, armored and other vehicles, airplanes, ships, dioramas and vignettes. Vendor area offers model kits, paints, tools, books and more. $10, free for kids 12 and younger and active military with ID. military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com/about-the-show.

Boo Bash Spectacular: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Clauss Rec Center Maple Room, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Halloween party for kids 3-5 featuring a costume contest, spooky crafts and making a treat. Register by Oct. 14. $18-$23. rparks.org.

Boo Thru: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee. Drive through the park for candy and surprises in a reverse trunk-or-treat. Fee is $6-$9 per vehicle. Register: dtpd.org/boo-thru

Inflatables, games and a magic show are a part of Boonanza Friday, Oct. 17, at the Community Recreation Center in Wheeling. | Daily Herald file photo

Boonanza: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Magic show, carnival games, a balloonist, inflatables and crafts for kids. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Hayrides at Hoffman Park: 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 5:15, 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the dog park at Hoffman Park, West Main Street, Cary. Hayride and campfire under the stars. $10 per person. Register: carypark.com

Zombie Fun Run: 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 17, at Volkening Lake, 900 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Run or walk in your Halloween costume for nearly two miles while being chased by zombies. Fee includes a hot dog or brat, chips and a drink. $10-$15. parkfun.com/event/zombie-fun-run

Teen Night “The Nightmare Before Christmas”: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Open swim, open gym, pizza and a movie for sixth to eighth graders. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Space is limited. ahpd.org.

The Silhouettes: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Hemmens Cultural Center Main Stage Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. “LOVE Happens” is a family-friendly shadow dance story. $20-$39. Tickets: (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Hampshire Farmers and Outdoor Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hampshire Commons, 113 W. Oak Knoll Drive, Hampshire. Farm-to-table goods, handmade items, packaged food, sweets, artisanal gifts and more. Free. facebook.com/HampshireFarmersMarket.

Boo Bash: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Costume parade, pumpkin painting, snacks and more. $20-$30. Register: carypark.com.

Reenactors fire a cannon during the Civil War Encampment and Battle at the Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. | Daily Herald file photo

Civil War Encampment & Battle: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, by the Northbrook Sports Club, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as period-garbed reenactors re-create battles, bivouacs, battlefield surgeries and historical presentations of the American Civil War. Meet Abraham Lincoln, General Grant and others. Free. hainesville.org/civil-war-event

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Live entertainment, Story-Walk Scavenger Hunt, carnival games, bounce house, mini golf, scenic hayride, pumpkin patch food drive, and meet members of the Hoffman Estates Fire and Police Departments. Register for the Trick or Treat Path to collect goodies and meet characters such as Elsa, Anna, Bluey, Chase, Big Bird and more. Free; Trick or Treat Path is $9 in advance, $12 on-site. heparks.org

Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Contest: 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Dan Schimmel Pavilion in Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. Canine costume contest and doggy egg hunt. Prizes and awards for the most unique and creative costumes. Free. bgparks.org/howl-o-ween

Frights & Delights: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. Trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Dog-friendly event will feature a doggy costume contest and puppy adoptions. $8. vhparkdistrict.org

Harvest Hoot: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Oakton College, Parking Lot A, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment, an inflatable corn maze, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, family activities, a harvest artisan market, food trucks and more. No alcohol or pets. Free. desplaines.org

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale | Courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

Midwest Daffodil Society Bulb Sale, Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Lily Bulb Sale: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Burnstein Hall, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hundreds of varieties of daffodil bulbs will be available for purchase. Daffodil enthusiasts will be on hand to offer expert growing tips. Plus, see a display of freshly harvested fruit grown in the area by members of the Midwest Fruit Explorers, featuring apples, pears, paw paws, grapes, kiwis and more. The Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society will offer a variety of lily bulbs for sale. Free with general admission of $15.95-$25.95. chicagobotanic.org.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Kids and their guardians can walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary and receive candy and other goodies. Scare-free. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Haunted Trail: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca. Scares along the one-third mile loop. Family hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m., active scaring from 7-9:30 p.m. $10, $5 for a repeat trip. Tickets in advance at the recreation center or at the trail (cash only). itascaparkdistrict.com.

Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, off Route 31, South Elgin. Ride a spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve for family-friendly frights, including stories around the campfire with treats from Margie’s Girls’ Kitchen. A ghostly musician will lead campfire songs. Costumes welcome. $20. Register at foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The 18-piece big band performs a tribute to Tony Bennett. $45, $20 for kids 12 and younger. eccartscenter.org

Southern Avenue: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Blues, rock and gospel. $45-$53. prairiecenter.org

Sunday, Oct. 19

Calibre Car Show: 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Themed car show season closer. Free. shopthearb.com/events.

Chicago Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 34th annual show. $6, free for kids younger than 12. rrshows.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. Free. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Pet Costume Parade: Noon Sunday, Oct. 19, at Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Registration is not required, but recommended. Free. longgrove.org/festival/october-days.

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock features magic-themed activities and entertainment Sunday, Oct. 19. | Courtesy of the city of Woodstock

Witches & Wizards of Woodstock: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock. All-ages event filled with mystical activities and entertainment, including The Magical Talking Hat, a fantasy-themed trivia contest, interactive scavenger hunts, live music and performances, crafts and games, food and more. Free admission; some activities have fees. witchesandwizardsevent.com.

Pumpkin Splash: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. Pick a pumpkin in the pool and Halloween treats. For kids 2-7 accompanied by an adult. $13-$15. ahpd.org

Monday, Oct. 20

Adam Sandler: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “You’re My Best Friend Tour.” Tickets start at $50.15. unitedcenter.com

Tuesday, Oct. 21

“Stars for Sara”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Music, media and memories to honor the late Sara Janz. $37.75-$159.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Howl-A-Ween Dog Parade: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road, Cary. Costume parade and treats for dogs. $7 per dog. Register: carypark.com.

See a variety of pumpkins on display along with entertainment and activities at the annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26. | Daily Herald file photo, 2017

Pumpkin Festival: Various times Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 22-26, with many activities at Main and State streets and on the courthouse lawn, Sycamore. 64th annual festival with decorated pumpkins, carnivals, nonprofit vendors, craft shows, Saturday entertainment and activities. Autumn Craft and Treasures Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Sycamore High School Fieldhouse; $1-$3 entry. The 47th annual Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free; some activities have fees. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Ongoing

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on the weekends. $19 weekdays; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

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

Randall Oaks Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Pedal tractors, pumpkins and fall treats for sale, and on weekends, hayrides for $3 and animal shows at 1:30 p.m. $6; free for kids 1 and younger and U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/fall-festival.

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.

Boo at the Zoo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Family-friendly Halloween celebration with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations and more. On weekends, there’s trick-or-treating, a magician and other activities. Included with zoo admission. brookfieldzoo.org/BooAtTheZoo.

Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays, through Sunday, Oct. 26, at Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Amusement rides, shows, fall merchandise, pumpkin sales, fall treats and more. Free entry; fees for rides and attractions. happytimespumpkinfest.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest: 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Drive, Gurnee. Thrills by day and frights by night with haunted houses, scare zones, spine-chilling shows and rides. Plus, kids’ Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Tickets start at $45. sixflags.com/greatamerica/events.

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26 at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Jack O’Lantern World: Time slots start around 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park, 215 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, and The Forge, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont. See and explore thousands of pumpkins arranged in displays and more, plus a pumpkin patch, 30-foot inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden, mini golf and more. Tickets range from $17.99-$27.99. Thejackolanternworld.com.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience: Various times through Nov. 2 (except Oct. 20-21 and 27-28) at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Highway 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12, $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

Find more here.

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

SUV driver cited after video captures semi-truck rollover that left victim seriously injured, flown to hospital in Barrington

October 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

A two-vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington left the driver of the truck heavily trapped and seriously injured in his vehicle, requiring him to be flown to the hospital, while shutting down the busy intersection for hours on October 8. | Background Photo: Nick Rusin; Inset: Provided

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

An SUV driver has been cited after video captured him causing a crash in Barrington that left a semi-truck rolled over, trapping and seriously injuring the driver, who was flown to the hospital.

The Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Police Department responded around 2:35 p.m. on October 8 to Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.

Barrington Police Chief David Daigle said the crash involved a 2016 Acura MDX and a 1998 Western Star 5900 semi-truck, which was hauling a dump trailer.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

A dashcam video obtained by Lake and McHenry County Scanner showed the semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Dundee Road.

Photo provided

The semi-truck proceeded through the intersection at Barrington Road on a solid green light, the video showed.

Read on here.

Related: “Driver seriously injured, flown to hospital after being heavily trapped in semi-truck rollover in Barrington”

Posted in Accidents, Lake & McHenry County Scanner | Leave a Comment »

Report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois

October 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell

Attainment levels are growing, but proficiency rates stagnate despite billions in new spending

By Peter Hancock | Capitol News Illinois

A new report about education in Illinois suggests that overall, the state has made significant progress in key areas, from readying toddlers for kindergarten to helping young adults earn college degrees or industry certificates before entering the workforce.

But it also shows that despite billions of dollars in additional spending on K-12 education, proficiency rates in reading, writing and math have stagnated, and in some cases have declined, a fact that mirrors national trends.

Those findings are reported in the 2025 edition of “The State We’re In,” a biennial project of the nonpartisan research and advocacy group Advance Illinois.

The report looks at measurements across the entire spectrum of education, from birth through college and professional school. It examines inputs such as staffing and funding, as well as outcomes like proficiency rates and overall educational attainment.

Robin Steans, president of Advance Illinois, said in an interview that while there is significant cause for concern in some areas, “overall educational attainment in Illinois continues to move in the right direction, and it does so for every single group.”

Higher education attainment

In 2009, state lawmakers established the Illinois P-20 Council to bring together multiple state agencies, educational institutions, local schools, community groups, employers and citizens to identify needed reforms and make recommendations for improving the quality of education in the state.

The “P” stands for preschool and “20” refers to grade 20, or education after college.

The following year, the council put forth a goal that within the next 15 years, by 2025, 60% of Illinois’ adult population would have either a high-quality degree or industry credentials.

According to this year’s report, Illinois appears to have fallen just short of meeting that goal.

Read more here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Capitol News Illinois, Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Organizations, Springfield, Taxes | Leave a Comment »

Gov. JB Pritzker won $1.4 million via gambling, 2024 tax returns show

October 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Gov. JB Pritzker and his wife, MK Pritzker, greet supporters at a campaign rally at Crossing Park Field House in June. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

The governor and first lady MK Pritzker more than tripled their income in 2024 to $10.7 million, according to documents released by his campaign. A good chunk of that came at a casino.

By Mitchell Armentrout | Chicago Sun*Times

Last year brought good fortune to Gov. JB Pritzker in his investment portfolio — and at the casino, too, according to 2024 income tax returns released by his campaign Wednesday.

In his joint filing with first lady MK Pritzker, the billionaire Democratic governor reported an adjusted gross income of almost $10.7 million, more than tripling the roughly $2.8 million they reported in 2023.

The latest windfall was boosted by $1,425,000 in gambling winnings, their federal filing shows, in addition to $4.2 million in capital gains, nearly $3.9 million in ordinary dividends and more than $800,000 in taxable interest. Pritzker doesn’t take a salary as governor.

A campaign spokesman said Pritzker “had winnings and losses from a casino” in Las Vegas, but didn’t name his game(s) of chance, nor exactly where he beat the house.

Gambling options have proliferated in Illinois under Pritzker, who signed legislation in 2019 that legalized sports betting, authorized six new casinos and expanded the pool of tens of thousands of slot machines in bars and restaurants to help fund his signature $45 billion capital infrastructure upgrade plan.

Pritzker’s billionaire family, whose wealth is rooted in the Hyatt hotel chain, has held financial interests in casinos for decades. Before he was first elected in 2018, Pritzker previously invested in a company that had a 1% stake in Elgin’s Grand Victoria Casino.

The governor, with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, doesn’t own a piece of the action anymore, and he’s had his investments in a blind trust since taking office. That allows him to profit off the investments but removes him from decision-making in an effort to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Read more here.

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Commodius Maximus, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way | Leave a Comment »

DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and toll road hikes: $1.5 billion in potential taxes explained

October 16, 2025 by Barrington Hills Observer

Prices for DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and Illinois tolls might go up now to cover $1.5 billion for Illinois transit agencies. A real estate transfer tax for homes in the Chicago suburbs is also on the table.

By Ravi Mishra | Illinois Policy Institute

New tax and fee hike proposals on DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and toll roads could hit Illinoisans to cover shortfalls in the Regional Transit Authority budget. The RTA, which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, faces a looming budget crisis as federal pandemic funds run dry.

Revenue options include:

  • A $1 delivery charge for delivery orders over $100, excluding pharmaceuticals and groceries to fund public transit. Revenue estimate: $102 million
  • A 25-cent increase in CTA fares. Revenue estimate: $76 million to $78 million if 2025 CTA fare trends hold steady.
  • A 10% tax on all rideshare trips in the RTA region (Cook and collar counties) to fund public transit. Revenue estimate: $132 million to $291 million
  • A ticket price surcharge of $5-10 would be added to tickets at venues that contain more than 10,000 people. Revenue estimate: $150 million to $250 million
  • A 25% surcharge on tolls, charged once per day, which would increase the average cost of tolls by $0.60 to fund public transit. Revenue estimate: $438.5 million
  • A $1 surcharge on all tolls. Revenue estimate: $1 billion
  • A fee of $0.03 per kw/h tax on electric vehicle charging at public chargers to fund public transit. Revenue estimate: $3.2 million to $14.2 million with increased adoption of electric vehicles
  • An extension of the Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax to the collar counties, which taxes $1.50 for every $500 during the transfer of a property to fund public transit. Collar County dollars would be used for Metra and Pace transit needs, not for the CTA. Revenue estimate: $82 million
  • A one-time transfer of funds from the Illinois Road Fund to fund public transit.

The Regional Transit Authority has already seen dramatic growth in its budget even as ridership remains well below pre-pandemic levels. Spending was boosted by billions in emergency COVID funds, but with that money gone, the system is facing a $230 million fiscal gap next year.

Read more here.

Posted in Cost of Living, Economy, Entertainment, Illinois Policy Institute, METRA, Taxes, Unions | Leave a Comment »

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