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Village Board of Trustees meets tonight

November 18, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

A copy of their agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Related: “’Agricultural Experience’ application meets a similar fate as ‘Agritourism’ did in August,”  “Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing tonight,” “Village Board votes down ‘Agritourism as a Special Use’,” “August Board of Trustees meeting recording released,” “Sitting ducks,” “Special Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled Tuesday”

Posted in Agendas, Aunt Fat Ass, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Conflict of interest, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Dumb and Dumber, Elections, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Financial Reports, Goat Rodeo, Insurance Committee, Land Use, Legal Expenses, Mac's Property Management, Minutes, OMA, One Barrington Hills, Open Meetings Act, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Roads & Bridges Committee, Special Use Permits, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village Government, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board | 2 Comments »

Woman fatally shot in Barrington, police say

November 18, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

A 42-year-old woman was fatally shot Sunday on West Russell Street in Barrington, police said.

By ABC7 Chicago Digital Team

A woman was fatally shot Sunday in the north suburbs.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 5:40 p.m. in the 400 block of West Russell Street in Barrington, police said.

When officers arrived at the location, they found a 42-year-old woman who had been shot, police said.

The woman was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The victim’s identity was not immediately known.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not yet known.

The Barrington Police Department and the Major Case Assistance Team continue to investigate.

No further information was immediately available.

ABC7 Report

Posted in Crime | Leave a Comment »

Gov. JB Pritzker vows Illinois will boost sex changes after decisive Trump victory

November 17, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Jasmine Baehr | Fox News

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pledged Saturday to keep his state open to transgender treatment after the issue, particularly regarding minors, became a bone of partisan contention during the presidential election.

The billionaire governor, whose family is deeply involved in the transgender movement, posted the tweet to mark Transgender Awareness Week.

“This Transgender Awareness Week, I want you to know that I see you and have your back as governor,” wrote Pritzker. “Illinois has enshrined protections for gender-affirming care to meet this moment — and because of that, you will have a home here always.”

His state is one of several, including Minnesota and California, critics say foster a climate that encourages some children to seek so-called “gender-affirming care.” 

Pritzker’s cousin, Jennifer, was born a male but now identifies as a female and is an outspoken proponent of transgender treatment. Jennifer (née James) Pritzker was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army National Guard and is a father of three. 

Jennifer Pritzker also leads the Chicago-based Tawani Foundation, which awards grants to organizations that support “gender and human sexuality,” according to its website. The Pritzker family fortune was made in Hyatt Hotels.

Col. Jennifer Pritzker, the first openly transgender billionaire, poses for pictures at Hyatt Hotel. (Vince Talotta/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

“Continuing my family’s tradition of putting personal philanthropy into service for the public good, the Tawani Foundation strives to make grants that empower the organizations we support to realize and build on their missions,” Jennifer wrote on the foundation’s website.

More here.

Posted in Clown Car, Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fox News, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, WTF | 1 Comment »

Pritzker Appoints Self As Democracy’s Superhero

November 17, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Mark Glennon* | Wirepoints

t would be comically hypocritical if weren’t so tragically destructive. Gov. JB Pritzker last week appointed himself co-chair of a new group to save democracy.

It’s called Governors Safeguarding Democracy, formed to counter the incoming Trump Administration and Republican Congress. “What we’re doing is pushing back against increasing threats of autocracy and fortifying the institutions of democracy that our country and our states depend upon,” Pritzker said of the effort. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: No attempts to restrict the freedoms and opportunities of Illinoisans will be tolerated.”

No governor in memory in any state has thumbed his nose at democratic norms and constitutional rights more consistently and flagrantly than has Pritzker. Examples of how Pritzker earned his reputation as a “hard-left culture warrior who is happy to silence political opponents,” as the Wall Street Journal put it, are too numerous to fully list here, but consider a few:

  • Through 43 consecutive, monthly emergency orders, he suspended ordinary government function and ruled by executive fiat, trampling on a list of constitutional rights, justified through censorship and suppression of opposing scientific views. Similarly, he issued 38 consecutive emergency orders enforcing his personal decisions about assistance and protection for illegal immigrants.
  • He says he wants there to be a legal cause of action against anybody who says something false, which would be a flagrant violation of established First Amendment law.
  • He has signed off on multiple policies and bills that violate constitutional rights to free speech, such as Illinois’ new law banning discussion of political or religious matters at company meetings, now being challenged in federal court. Another example is a Pritzker-signed law attempting to muzzle pro-lifers that was ridiculed by a federal court as “stupid” as well as unconstitutional, prompting Attorney General Kwame Raoul to give up trying to defend the law.
  • He stood aside while his party’s operatives filed lawsuits to keep Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. off the ballot for the presidential election.
  • He meddled in a Republican primary by contributing $24 million that was used, successfully, to achieve the nomination of who Pritzker thought would be a weak opponent, Darren Bailey, in his race for governor.
  • Even the Democratically slanted Illinois courts couldn’t accept a law Pritzker signed earlier this year attempting to knock only Republican candidates off the ballot through a retroactive change in slating procedures. The Illinois Supreme Court in August upheld a lower court ruling that the law flatly violated the constitutional right to vote.
  • Most importantly, nearly every major element of the policy agenda successfully implemented by Pritzker and his supermajority of allies in the General Assembly has no popular support. Thanks to the most gerrymandered election maps in the nation (which Pritzker signed off on in violation of campaign promises), Pritzker’s millions spent on elections and general mastery of the election process, we have an overwhelmingly undemocratic result.

Think about that last one. Poll after poll says Illinoisans want things like school choice, smaller budgets, lower taxes, biological men out of women’s sports, political indoctrination removed from classrooms and a balanced energy policy that includes fossil fuels and rejects the goal of 100% renewable energy.  They want violent criminals prosecuted and they opposed the SAFE-T Act. But Pritzker and his allies have delivered the opposite of all that. Illinois is a moderate state where corrupted democracy has somehow delivered radicalism.

Most relevant to Pritzker’s new effort, the public overwhelmingly opposes sanctuary and welcoming policies for illegal immigrants, which Pritzker intends to use as a centerpiece in “safeguarding democracy.” Even in Chicago, most voters want sanctuary policies ended and the border enforced. Yet Pritzker said, in response to the Republican election sweep, that if “they come for my people they come through me.”

Read more here.

*Mark Glennon is founder of Wirepoints.

Related: “Pritzker doubles down on rhetoric after Trump’s stronger Illinois performance”

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, Wirepoints | 1 Comment »

2025 Forest Preserves calendars available

November 16, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

They’re here!!!  Forest Preserves of Cook County 2025 calendars are available for free pick up at Crabtree. The calendar features the breathtaking winning photographs of the preserves’ photo contest.    One per person please.

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC | Leave a Comment »

Thanksgiving 2024: Suburban restaurants ready to welcome you or help you host your meal

November 16, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Capital Grille’s Thanksgiving feast features slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans and cranberry-pear chutney. | Courtesy of The Capital Grille

By Rick West | Daily Herald

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it’s time to start shopping for ingredients or start making reservations.

Suburban restaurants have you covered for dine-in, so you can relax and let others do the work. There’s also myriad carryout options that can help you with sides, desserts or the whole meal. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Capital Grille

87 Yorktown Center, Lombard, (630) 627-9800; 5340 N. River Road, Rosemont, (847) 671-8125; 2000 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 969-0290, thecapitalgrille.com/events/thanksgiving-dinner-menu. Dine in includes slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans, cranberry-pear chutney and Sam’s Mashed Potatoes. Or order sides for four to enjoy at home for $135. Order by Tuesday, Nov. 26, for pickup between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, or 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.

Chandler’s Chophouse and Grille

401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, (847) 885-9009, chandlerschophouse.com/thanksgiving-menu. Open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, Chandler’s offers a full menu of traditional Thanksgiving dishes and, of course, pumpkin pie.

Chez Hotel

519 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, chezhotel.com/. The Thanksgiving Take Away Feast for four for $120 includes harvest salad, sliced turkey and sides. Order by Tuesday, Nov. 26, by emailing nat@chezhotel.com or calling (847) 437-5590. Pickup is 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, or 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.

Cooper’s Hawk restaurants offer takeout and dine-in specials for Thanksgiving. | Courtesy of Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk

Locations in Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Downers Grove, Naperville, South Barrington, St. Charles and Wheeling; chwinery.com/. Cooper’s Hawk has you covered at home or at any of their suburban locations. The Thanksgiving Take-Home Kit features a heat-and-serve package for six for $199.99 that includes slow-roasted turkey slices with pan gravy, traditional stuffing, Mary’s potatoes and more. Enjoy Eli’s Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake for dessert. Quantities are limited and the deadline to order is Friday, Nov. 22. Pick up is by 1 p.m. Wednesday or Thursday, Nov. 27-28. The same in-restaurant Thanksgiving menu is $34.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids 12 and younger.

austo’s Italian Kitchen and Catering

16 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, faustositaliankitchen.com/. Hosting eight to 12 for Thanksgiving? Fausto’s $380 meal includes a roasted whole turkey, sides and pumpkin pie. Order by Nov. 26 for pickup between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, (847) 793-0333, flemingssteakhouse.com/. Fleming’s is hosting a dine-in, three-course Thanksgiving menu featuring herb-roasted turkey breast, prime bone-in rib-eye or filet mignon, salad or lobster bisque, sides to share and harvest New York cheesecake or carrot cake for dessert. Prices start as $65. A kids’ three-course menu is $31. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving. Reservations required.

Fox & Turtle

400 E. Orchard St., Itasca, (630) 773-1801, foxandturtle.com/. Make reservations now for Thanksgiving, when Fox & Turtle will be serving a special menu from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a roast turkey platter with sides ($36), Cajun Chilean sea bass ($50), prime rib ($35/$45), baked ziti Genovese ($25) and pumpkin pie ($12). Or order a family meal for four to-go by Tuesday, Nov. 26, that includes roast turkey and sides for $155. Add on a pumpkin pie for $24.

Francesca’s

Locations in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Elmhurst, Naperville, Northbrook and St. Charles; miafrancesca.com/. Thanksgiving Day specials, including an oven-roasted turkey and sides dish for $25.25, are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all locations. The Thanksgiving buffet, which is $53 for adults and $17 for kids 12 and younger, is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Arlington Heights and Barrington.

Maggiano’s

1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville, (630) 536-2270; 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 368-0300; 1901 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, (847) 240-5600; 307 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, (847) 918-0380; maggianos.com/thanksgiving2024/. The dine-in family-style dinner includes salads, two entrées (choice of roasted turkey, country-style smoked ham, or lemon and herb salmon), two pastas, two sides and dessert (pumpkin praline cheesecake, warm apple crostata or tiramisu). The Thanksgiving Carryout Bundle that feeds four to five includes Caesar salad, roasted turkey, smoked ham, spaghetti and meatballs, four-cheese ravioli, sides, bread and pumpkin praline cheesecake. Order by 8 p.m. the night before pickup. Cold bundles ($210) can be picked up on Tuesday or Wednesday, Nov. 26-27; hot bundles ($220) can be picked up on Thanksgiving.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

1751 Freedom Drive, Naperville, (630) 577-1372; 699 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, (847) 205-5111; 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, (847) 678-5155; and 1470 McConnor Parkway, Schaumburg, (847) 413-8771, mortons.com/event/thanksgiving-2024/. Make reservations now to dine in on Thanksgiving. The four-course menu starts with a butternut squash bisque followed by a fall harvest salad, oven-roasted turkey roulade, sides and pumpkin spiced cheesecake. It’s $69. Reservations are required.

Perry’s is offering a special Thanksgiving dine-in meal featuring butternut squash soup or salad, smoked turkey breast and sides for $49. | Courtesy of Perry’s Steakhouse

Perry’s Steakhouse

5 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 571-1808; 1780 Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 648-7451; and 1050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (224) 842-4620, perryssteakhouse.com/specials/thanksgiving/. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, Perry’s is offering a special Thanksgiving dine-in meal featuring butternut squash soup or salad, smoked turkey breast and sides for $49. Add pumpkin cheesecake for $9. The kids’ dinner for ages 12 and younger is $19. Perry’s Caramelized Prime Rib Thursday Dinner ($49) is available, as is the full dinner menu. The individual dinner to-go is $49. Or, if you’re feeding a group of four, the family-style Thanksgiving dinner, which includes soup or salad, an entrée and sides, is $149. Order now for pickup from 11 a.m. to close Wednesday, Nov. 27, (heat and eat) and Thursday, Nov. 28 (ready to serve).

Port Edward

20 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, (847) 658-5441, portedward.com/. The Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes traditional favorites. It’s $68 for adults, $20 for kids 5-11, and free for kids 4 and younger.

Seasons 52

3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 571-4752, and 1770 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-5252, seasons52.com/. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner is $44 for adults and $18 for kids for dine in, or you can order up the to-go Thanksgiving dinner box, which serves four to six. The $230 meal includes roasted turkey, gravy, sides and six pumpkin pie mini indulgence desserts. Last day to preorder is Monday, Nov. 25. Pickup is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg is offering traditional Thanksgiving dishes as well as tableside king crab service. | Courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Shaw’s Crab House

1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com/schaumburg/. Shaw’s will offer their full a la carte menu of seafood favorites as well as a traditional Thanksgiving meal of herb-roasted turkey breast with brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy and cranberry relish for $37. It’s available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Dining with a bigger group? Shaw’s will be serving a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving feast featuring the whole king crab “carved” tableside. The menu is priced at $100 per person and is available for parties of six to 12. Reservations required.

Three Embers

10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 634-0100, threeembersrestaurant.com/. The steakhouse located inside the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort will be offering a full buffet that highlights their wood-fired stove. Options include a carving station with roasted turkey, herb-crusted strip loin of beef and ham, a seafood display with oysters and shrimp, baked salmon, pumpkin and spinach ravioli and seasonal sides and desserts. Reservations are available from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28. It’s $63 per adult and $22 for kids younger than 12.

Weber Grill Restaurants

2331 Fountain Square, Lombard, (630) 953-8880, and 1010 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, (847) 413-0800; webergrillrestaurant.com/thanksgiving/. The three-course, dine-in Thanksgiving meal includes soup or salad, smoked turkey, sides and pumpkin mousse tart. It’s $42.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids younger than 12. Reservations are recommended. For dining at home, offerings include a whole smoked turkey ($99.95), a carved smoked turkey (full is $115.95), plus sides, salads, pumpkin pie ($24.95) and apple pie ($26.95).

Wildfire will be serving a family-style Thanksgiving menu on Thursday, Nov. 28. | Courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Wildfire

1300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, (847) 657-6363; 235 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 279-7900 232; Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 586-9000; and 1250 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 995-0100, wildfirerestaurant.com/. Wildfire will be serving a family-style Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring roasted turkey, cedar-planked salmon, sliced roast tenderloin of beef and traditional sides. It’s $69.95 per adult and $29.95 for kids 12 and younger. Reservations requested. The Thanksgiving carryout menu is similar and features individual dinners or family platters in half (serves 4-5) and full sizes (serves 8-10).

Find more here.

Posted in Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

The Arboretum Tree Lighting ceremony is today

November 16, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

“The holiday season is just around the corner!

We have several upcoming events in our community starting with the Arboretum’s annual Tree Lighting event tomorrow, Saturday, November 16 from 5 to 7 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus along with The Grinch, Elves and many others will parade down Main Street in style on firetrucks and escorted by South Barrington Police cars. There will also be a DJ dance party, balloon artists, face painting and more! Calibre Coffee will be selling hot chocolate for a nice warm treat.

For information on this event, and other upcoming holiday festivities click here.”

Village of South Barrington

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

Northwest Golf Academy opens in Barrington

November 16, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Daily Herald report

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Northwest Golf Academy in Barrington.

Local officials, chamber members, and community supporters were present to mark the occasion.

Northwest Golf Academy, founded by Brad Ray, a Class A PGA professional, is located at 756 W. Northwest Hwy., Suite A. It offers a PGA-driven experience combining top-notch instruction with the latest in golf technology.

With more than 20 years of experience, Ray has taught golfers of all levels, helping them improve their game through personalized coaching.

“Northwest Golf Academy is all about providing golfers, young and old, with a place to learn, grow, and enjoy the game,” Ray said. “We’ve created a space where beginners can build a solid foundation, and seasoned players can continue honing their skills using the latest technology. Golf has given me so much, and I’m excited to share that with our community.”

Before launching Northwest Golf Academy, Ray worked at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, particularly in youth golf development. As a U.S. Kids Certified Coach, he has coordinated successful youth golf programs, including the Makray summer camps.

“We are thrilled to welcome Northwest Golf Academy to our community,” said Suzanne Corr, president of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. “Brad Ray brings a wealth of experience and passion to the game, and this new academy is an exciting resource for golfers of all ages. We look forward to seeing the impact Northwest Golf Academy will have on the growth of the sport in our area.”

For more information about Northwest Golf Academy, visit nwgolfacademy.golf or call (224) 385-3066.

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

“Barrington’s News You Can Use” by Karen Darch

November 15, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

Village of Barrington President Karen Darch

Season of Gratitude and Community Spirit

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for this vibrant and caring community we are fortunate to call home. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives—especially the gift of family, friends and the connections we share. It’s also a reminder of how important it is to take time to celebrate and appreciate those around us.

This season, let’s also remember those in need. The Village is hosting several donation drives to support local families, and I encourage you to participate in these efforts. Your generosity can make a real difference in someone’s life and help ensure everyone in our community has a joyful holiday. Information on ways to help is detailed below.

The holidays in Barrington are a special time, and we have several events planned that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. One of the highlights is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Barrington. This beloved tradition is a time for families and friends to gather in the heart of our Village, enjoy festive music and family-friendly activities, and visit with Santa. In addition, you won’t want to miss the wonderful cultural events taking place through the end of the year at Barrington’s White House. See the articles below for more information.

I am pleased to announce a new holiday shopping promotion that starts today. When you spend $200 or more at Barrington retail stores, you’ll receive a $50 gift card* to a local restaurant of your choice. This is a great way to support our local businesses and enjoy a delicious meal at one of Barrington’s many fantastic restaurants. By supporting our local merchants, you’re helping to ensure the continued success of Barrington, while also enjoying a unique and personalized shopping experience.

On behalf of the Village of Barrington, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyous start to the holiday season. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Karen Darch
Village President

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

Politicians’ five-step guide for making parents think all’s well in Illinois schools

November 15, 2024 by Barrington Hills Observer

By Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Wirepoints

Illinois’ educational establishment has been doing it for more than five decades. Year after year they’ve automatically advanced kids that can’t read or do math at grade level. They’ve graduated kids that are nowhere near proficiency levels on the SAT. And they always tell parents all is well.

They just did it again this month when the State Board of Education and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the new state 2024 education results. This time to give the illusion of success, they conflated record graduation rates with improved elementary scores. Gov. Pritzker told parents: “This year’s report card shows we’ve reached the highest grad rate in 14 years at 87.7% AND the highest-ever proficiency rate in English Language Arts in grades 3-8.”

Tricky. When bragging about record graduation rates, it’s not elementary scores but rather high school SAT scores that matter. And those SAT scores are at or near all-time lows. Student reading proficiency statewide is down nearly 9 percentage points and math is down by over 10 points compared to 2017 when Illinois began using the SAT.

Note that the scores on the SAT – a requirement for all juniors in Illinois – were trending down even before the pandemic began.

But few parents are going know about those collapsing scores thanks to a five-step process Illinois education officials use to make public education look better than it really is:

Step 1. Lead with lofty statements to set the stage. Use phrases like “reaching new heights”…“powerful example of success”…”delivering real results.” Make sure to throw in the word “investment” several times. From ISBE:

“Students are reaching new heights & educators are setting a powerful example of success…our investments in students are delivering real results as Illinois continues to bounce back stronger from the challenges set by the pandemic. ~ @GovPritzker.

Step 2. Highlight “positive” stats and conflate the data where needed. In this case, tie record graduation rates to higher elementary-level reading scores.

Step 3. Ensure the media echoes the same message throughout the state. Use sympathetic traditional media sources to spread official talking points.

Step 4. Name-call anybody that challenges the narrative. Use terms like “carnival barker” and “denier” for groups that reveal the truth. Gov. Pritzker did exactly that in a gubernatorial debate in 2020 when challenged about Illinois’ school results (see Instagram Reel here).

Step 5. Rinse and repeat. Push the same narrative regarding “improvements” and “investments” just like in 2023, and 2022, and 2021 and 2019…

That’s how politicians perpetuate the system. It’s what prompted the Wall Street Journal to write: Illinois’s Shocking Report Card: The Land of Lincoln is failing its children and covering it up.

Read more here.

Posted in 220, 300, District 220 referendum, Education, Elections, Ethics, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, Wirepoints | Leave a Comment »

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