Local Lens

Thank You, But Also: A Complicated Goodbye to Becky Hume
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — On July 18, 2025, Becky Hume officially retired as Village Clerk of Arlington Heights, concluding 14 years in that role and

Over $1M GONE, Legal Bills Climb — and the Manager Gets a Raise
Arlington Heights, IL — Over the course of nearly a decade, more than $1.1 million quietly leaked out of Arlington Heights’ public funds, and no

Possible Conflict of Interest Between Arlington Heights Mayor and Bears Stadium Plan
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — After months of flirting with Chicago’s lakefront, the Chicago Bears are once again eyeing a familiar option: the 326-acre Arlington Park

AH Town Square Responds to “Recurrent Requester” Classification
Arlington Heights, IL – On April 22, 2025, I received a letter from the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Bureau, authored by Caleb L. Briscoe,

Village Grudge? Journalist’s FOIA Delayed 20 Days Despite Fast-Track Norms
Arlington Heights, IL — On March 24, 2025, the Village of Arlington Heights received FOIA Request 25‑546, submitted by Northwest Central Pulse LLC in my role

Crowd Rallies in Arlington Heights: ‘Hands Off’
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — North School Park came alive Saturday as local residents gathered to take part in the national “Hands Off” day of action,

When Asking for FOIA Clarification Becomes a Wall of Silence
Update (April 14, 2025, 6:14 AM):An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Mr. Recklaus received a $10,000 annual bonus. This is not accurate.

Delayed Reporting: No Evidence Found in Alleged Dog Poisoning Cases in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, IL — A series of disturbing reports alleging intentional poisoning of dogs in an Arlington Heights neighborhood drew swift response from local police

Hundreds Rally in Arlington Heights as Part of Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Protests
Arlington Heights, IL — Hundreds of residents gathered along Northwest Highway on Saturday afternoon for a spirited “Hands Off!” rally, joining similar protests across the country

After the Election: Martin Bauer Reflects on Arlington Heights, Civic Engagement, and What’s Next
Arlington Heights, IL – As the dust settled from Arlington Heights’ April 2025 local election, I caught up with former village board candidate Martin Bauer