The DuPage Children’s Museum’s Winter Break Wonderland will feature winter-themed activities for children and their families through Sunday, Jan. 4.

Children can slide in the museum’s indoor sock skating rink or use math and measurement skills to mix pretend cocoa. They can learn about ice and snow at the Zamboni table and experiment with buoyancy with icebergs and arctic animals at the water table, a museum news release said.

Other activities include a winter smells station, buckets of snowballs and a chance to build with blocks of ice or snowy bricks, no coats or mittens required.

Families looking for a quiet moment can relax in the Cozy Cabin with Northern Lights projections and campfire-inspired play, officials said.

The Naperville-based museum at 301 N. Washington St., designed for children up to age 10, offers hands-on exhibits and play. Wonderland activities are included with museum admission or membership.

For more information, go to www.dupagechildrens.org/winter-break.

Kane County offering free firearm restraining order classes

The Kane County Health Department, in partnership with Family Service Association of Greater Elgin, will host a series of free virtual training sessions to educate people about Illinois Firearm Restraining Orders.

Training is important for those who live with someone who owns a gun and are concerned about the person’s safety or the safety of others due to mental distress, instability or crisis, according to a news release. Restraining orders give families time to seek support, prevent harm and save lives.

Participants will learn how safe firearm storage practices can reduce risks, how restraining orders and the legal process work in Illinois, and how to recognize warning signs of self-harm or risk to others. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Upcoming dates and times for the classes include:

Thursday, Jan, 8, 6 to 7 p.m. (in Spanish);
Tuesday, Jan, 20, noon to 1 p.m.;
Thursday, Feb. 5,  6 to 7 p.m.;
Tuesday, Feb. 17, noon to 1 p.m. (in Spanish);
Thursday, March 5, 6 to 7 p.m.;
Tuesday, March 24, noon to 1 p.m.

To receive a Zoom link to attend, go to www.kanehealth.com/Pages/FRO.aspx.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/dupage-childrens-museum-plans-winter-themed-activities/ 

“No Arrests!” But More ‘Developments’…

Tyler Durden
Fri, 12/19/2025 – 16:20

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/no-arrests-more-developments 

Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen admitted to being nervous at the start of this season.

The sophomore forward knew that she would have to take the next step in her development in order for the Knights to be successful. But after preseason practice was over?

Brunscheen flipped the switch.

“I was kind of stressed out, but once we started the first few games, we got it out of the way and it came naturally,” she said. “I was able to take it in and not let myself get too anxious.

“Just play my game — not thinking of it like a test. Just play basketball.”

As a result, Brunscheen has progressed into the Kaneland’s closer. She scored 10 points in the  fourth quarter Thursday night to clinch a 54-51 nonconference win over host Burlington Central.

Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) pushes the ball up court the against Burlington Central during in the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

Brunscheen shot 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and finished with a game-high 19 points for the Knights (8-3). She also had seven rebounds. Kyra Lilly added nine points.

Audrey LaFleur led Burlington Central (8-2) with 17 points. Julia Scheuer followed with 12 points and Scarlett LaFleur added 10 for the Rockets, who had six-game winning streak snapped.

Kaneland coach Brian Claesson, meanwhile, confirmed he saw flashes of Brunscheen’s potential over the summer and before the season. As with any sophomore, though, confidence is the key.

But once she started putting it together in games, things came together rapidly.

Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) looks to pass against Burlington Central’s Jordyn Charles (2) and Alison Kowall (24) during a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

“Something clicked and she’s been unbelievable,” Claesson said. “For her, it’s a confidence thing. She’s the nicest girl, so polite. Everyone loves her. I think she needs a little more confidence.”

With that confidence comes the attitude of wanting the ball in key situations.

While Brunscheen has delivered in those tough spots for Kaneland, particularly during the past three games, Claesson thinks there’s even more in her tank.

“There are times where I’m telling her, ‘I need you to score a little bit more,’” Claesson said. “She’s such a team player. She’s trying to make the right play, but sometimes, I want her to be more selfish than she is.”

Burlington Central’s Julia Scheuer (3) and Kaneland’s Daniela Ridolfi (1) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

The Knights aren’t giving her much of a choice down the stretch lately. Claesson said the team makes sure she has the ball in situations when they know the opposing team is going to foul.

“For a sophomore to have that composure, everyone has confidence in her,” Claesson said. “We know when she gets the ball, we’re in a good situation.”

Kaneland was down eight points with 1:02 left in the third quarter but Brunscheen converted two putbacks as part of an 11-0 run that gave the Knights a 40-39 lead a minute into the fourth.

“She really had a good game,” Burlington Central coach Michael Carani said. “We didn’t see that in the scouting report. We tried to make adjustments throughout. She had a really nice game.”

Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) defends against Burlington Central’s Audrey Lafleur (5) during the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

Facing a 48-48 deadlock with 2:15 left, Brunscheen took over. Her driving layup gave Kaneland the lead for good. She then hit four free throws down the stretch to ice it.

“We do a lot of free-throw drills,” Brunscheen said. “I just get that routine down. When it comes to games, I don’t even feel like I have to put too much pressure on it.

“I know I can make it in practice. I sit back and trust my shot.”

Claesson feels like Brunscheen’s breakout season isn’t a weeklong hot streak, either. He believes it’s just the beginning.

“She’s just going to expand her role,” Claesson said. “She’s our best shooter, threes, free throws. She’s our best rebounder. She talks on defense.

“I don’t even think she realizes how good she can actually be. We see it. Her teammates see it. I’m hoping it just keeps getting better and better for the next three years.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/grace-brunscheen-kaneland-burlington-central-ihsa-girls-basketball/ 

The Justice Department on Friday began releasing its files on Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and wealthy financier known for his connections to some of the world’s most influential people, including Donald Trump, who as president had tried to keep the files sealed.

The total volume was not immediately clear, though Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a Fox News Channel interview that he expected the department to release “several hundred thousand” records Friday and then several hundred thousand more in the coming weeks.

The records could contain the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades’ worth of government investigations into Epstein’s sexual abuse of young women and underage girls.

Their release has long been demanded by a public hungry to learn whether any of Epstein’s rich and powerful associates knew about — or participated in — the abuse. Epstein’s accusers have also long sought answers about why federal authorities shut down their initial investigation into the allegations in 2008.

Bowing to political pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump on Nov. 19 signed a bill giving the Justice Department 30 days to release most of its files and communications related to Epstein, including information about the investigation into his death in a federal jail. The law’s passage was a remarkable display of bipartisanship that overcame months of opposition from Trump and Republican leadership.

What the law allows

That law allows for redactions about the victims or ongoing investigations but makes clear no records shall be withheld or redacted due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Nov. 14 that she had ordered a top federal prosecutor to investigate Epstein’s ties to Trump’s political foes, including former President Bill Clinton. Bondi acted after Trump pressed for such an inquiry, though he did not explain what supposed crimes he wanted the Justice Department to investigate. None of the men Trump mentioned in a social media post demanding the investigation has been accused of sexual misconduct by any of Epstein’s victims.

In July, Trump dismissed some of his own supporters as “weaklings” for falling for “the Jeffrey Epstein hoax.” But both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., failed to prevent the legislation from coming to a vote.

Trump did a U-turn on the files once it became clear that congressional action was inevitable. He insisted that the Epstein matter had become a distraction to the Republican agenda and that releasing the records was the best way to move on.

The Epstein investigations

Police in Palm Beach, Florida, began investigating Epstein in 2005 after the family of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at his mansion. The FBI joined the investigation, and authorities gathered testimony from multiple underage girls who said they had been hired to give Epstein sexual massages.

Ultimately, though, prosecutors gave Epstein a deal that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges involving someone under age 18 and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Epstein’s accusers then spent years in civil litigation trying to get that plea deal set aside. One of those women, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters, starting at age 17, with numerous other men, including billionaires, famous academics, U.S. politicians and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then known as Britain’s Prince Andrew.

All of those men denied the allegations. Prosecutors never brought charges in connection with Giuffre’s claims, but her account fueled conspiracy theories about supposed government plots to protect the powerful. Giuffre died by suicide at her farm in Western Australia in April at age 41.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought new sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but he killed himself in jail a month after his arrest. Prosecutors then charged Epstein’s longtime confidant, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, with recruiting underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

Maxwell was convicted in late 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence, though she was moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she was interviewed over the summer by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Her lawyers argued that she never should have been tried or convicted.

The Justice Department in July said it had not found any information that could support prosecuting anyone else.

Lots of Epstein records were already public

After nearly two decades of court action and prying by reporters, a voluminous number of records related to Epstein is already public, including flight logs, address books, email correspondence, police reports, grand jury records, courtroom testimony and transcripts of depositions of his accusers, his staffers and others.

Yet, the public’s appetite for more records has been insatiable, particularly for anything related to Epstein’s associations with famous people including Trump, Mountbatten-Windsor and Clinton.

Trump was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling out. Neither he nor Clinton has ever been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.

Mountbatten-Windsor denied ever having sex with Giuffre, but King Charles III stripped him of his royal titles this year after Giuffre’s memoir was published after she died.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/justice-department-faces-deadline-to-release-files-on-epstein-sex-trafficking-investigation/ 

The Lake County Plan commission heard an initial presentation Wednesday about a proposed data center in Eagle Creek Township about six miles away from Lowell High School.

Sentinel Data Centers, a New York-based company with established data centers on the east coast, is proposing to build a data center on 160 acres of land outside of Lowell, on the south side of Indiana 2 just east of Clay Street, said project attorney David Westland.

The area is about two miles away from the nearest residential neighborhood and about six miles away from Lowell High School, Westland said. The data center would be near other industrial uses, like a nearby battery storage facility, he said. Tenaska, a Nebraska-based renewable energy company, received county zoning approval last year to develop a 300 megawatt battery storage facility on 35 acres of land near the same intersection, according to Post-Tribune archives, and NIPSCO would be interconnected to the grid.

The proposed data center follows the county’s comprehensive plan, Westland said. The due diligence period for the project will last through 2026, Westland said.

“We believe it fits,” Westland said. “I would argue that, but for maybe one other site in the entire county, this is the single best place for this.”

Andy Qunell, with VRQ LLC, who is assisting with the project, said project leaders have started conversations with NIPSCO to be involved in the data center, though he couldn’t disclose more information because of a nondisclosure agreement.

For water usage, Qunell said the site would have an air-cooled system, as well as septic and well systems for personnel use. The site would also have power generators, he said.

If the data center were established, it would bring a $5 billion investment, create more than 2,500 construction jobs, more than 250 on-site jobs, as well as increased business and vendor spending and expand the county’s tax base, Qunell said.

Right now, Qunell said project leaders don’t plan to file for a tax abatement, but that could be negotiated as part of the development agreement.

Lake County Plan Commission Director Ned Kovachevich said the next step for the project will be for the project leaders to apply for a zone change to an industrial zoning district. Once the rezoning application is filed, the Plan Commission will hold a public hearing about the zone change application, he said.

On Wednesday, the Plan Commission held a study session about the project, which meant no public comment because no formal requests have been filed yet, Kovachevich said. It’s likely the project will be heard by the Plan Commission at least four times, the County Council at least two times, and the Board of Zoning Appeals at least once, he said.

Plan commission member Randy Niemeyer said data center projects across the state have seen a lot of opposition “because of the secretive nature of how business has been conducted.”

“I want to make sure that we have a really high standard and expectation of transparency in this process,” Niemeyer said. “It’s so important that we lift the veil on this entire process.”

The NIPSCO information is under a nondisclosure agreement because the project hasn’t even received rezoning yet, Westland said. But, moving forward, the project will have a public process, he said.

“We’d want to be as transparent as possible,” Westland said.

Lisa Vallee, organizing director with Just Transition Northwest Indiana, said in a statement that she watched the plan commission meeting and was glad that the commission raised concerns about “secretive and misleading tactics” that surround data center projects.

For example, data center projects in Michigan City and Hobart have been tainted with the use of nondisclosure agreements and lack of transparency, Vallee said.

“Lake County is one of the most industrialized counties in the country, and we deal with the health and safety impacts of that every day. Data centers not only add to the burden of industrial pollution, but also to our power grid, Lake Michigan, and our beloved wildlife,” Vallee said.

akukulka@post-trib.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/lake-county-plan-commission-mulls-data-center-proposal-near-lowell/ 

On Dec. 10, classical station 98.7 WFMT announced that Peter van de Graaff would take over its long-running program “Exploring Music” from its founding host, the conductor and composer Bill McGlaughlin, next year.

McGlaughlin worked for the station on yearly contracts since he was hired to host “Exploring Music” in 2003. Both a WFMT spokesperson and McGlaughlin confirmed that his present contract expires on Dec. 31.

However, in an interview with the Tribune, McGlaughlin claims the terms of his departure were not mutual. He says WFMT management first approached him with a transition plan in the summer, but says the station offered no feedback or rationale for the change. “Some of the reasons you get from stations are, ‘too much vocal music,’ ‘too much new music,’ ‘too much talk’ — none of that. … I’m getting a lot of no-answers,” McGlaughlin says. “It’s just a strange way to end a 22-year-long commitment.”

McGlaughlin additionally claims he is negotiating a copyright disagreement regarding the program’s theme music, which he composed. A WFMT spokesperson declined to comment on those claims. (In disclosure, this reporter was formerly employed at WFMT as an intern from June to September 2015.)

Based in New York, McGlaughlin, 82, is also a composer, former orchestral trombonist and conductor, leading the Kansas City Symphony as its music director from 1986 to 1998. He was head-hunted by former WFMT general manager Steve Robinson to host the program that would become “Exploring Music” in 2003.

Genially erudite, “Exploring Music” episodes hinge on a subject or composer, with McGlaughlin sometimes demonstrating concepts at the piano. The syndicated program’s popularity — with 400,000 U.S. listeners at its peak, in 2013 — led to praise from the Chicago Business Journal and from former Tribune critic John von Rhein, who wrote that McGlaughlin’s “folksy but informed manner has pulled thousands of listeners into the classical experience.”

McGlaughlin’s final “Exploring Music” episodes will delve into the Belle Époque, France’s cultural flowering between the Franco-Prussian War and World War I, for a to-be-determined air date. The series will end at five episodes, rather than the planned 10.

“I made it from Berlioz to Bizet’s ‘Carmen,’” McGlaughlin says.

His successor van de Graaff assumes host duties on March 30, 2026. Van de Graaff is a longtime WFMT fixture who has hosted nationally syndicated programs through the station’s Beethoven Network programming since 1989, most recently its late-night program. He is also a professional bass-baritone who was an early fixture at the Haymarket Opera Company and has performed with the Chicago, Utah and Houston symphonies, among others.

In addition to van de Graaff’s new post, the station announced Jan Weller and Kristina Lynn as its new weekday and weekend morning hosts, respectively. Weller, who began his shift on Dec. 15, is a three-decade veteran of WFMT, most recently serving as a Saturday afternoon and fill-in host. In addition to various live hosting duties, Lynn co-hosted “Sounds Classical,” a program that was canceled earlier this year, according to a social media post made by Lynn in September. (A WFMT spokesperson declined to confirm the program’s cancellation to the Tribune.) She begins her new shift on Dec. 20.

“The voices of our hosts are the heart of WFMT,” said WFMT head of programming and operations Roger Wight in a written statement announcing the appointments.

McGlaughlin’s departure makes him the fifth on-air host to depart from, or change relationships with, the historic station in the calendar year. John Nasukaluk Clare, hired to succeed weekday mornings host Dennis Moore, and “Sounds Classical” co-host LaRob K. Rafael both left the station in the spring. Veteran host Kerry Frumkin and former “Introductions” host Robbie Ellis shifted from full-time to part-time earlier this year, the latter transitioning into a new role managing the suburban Northbrook Symphony.

Clare left the station in June after just five months on the job. In an interview at the time, he told the Tribune that he felt “micromanaged” by WFMT leadership.

“It’s not, at this moment, a very healthy environment, to my perception,” Clare said.

Amid discontent at classical station, WFMT employees announce intent to unionize

The staffing changes follow other upheavals at the station. Moore, the former weekday mornings host, filed an ongoing EEOC complaint against the station last year, alleging that WFMT management failed to negotiate medical accommodations prior to his termination last August.

This March, eligible WFMT employees submitted a petition to unionize with SAG-AFTRA, the union representing broadcast media professionals. A station spokesperson and a bargaining unit representative confirmed negotiations were ongoing but declined to comment further.

Hannah Edgar is a freelance writer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/wfmt-host-departs/ 

Por AMY TAXIN

SANTA ANA, California, EE.UU. (AP) — Los Angelinos de Los Ángeles resolvieron el viernes una demanda por la muerte por sobredosis de drogas del lanzador Tyler Skaggs.

La decisión de llegar a un acuerdo se tomó después de un juicio civil de dos meses en el sur de California sobre si los Angelinos deberían ser considerados responsables de la muerte de Skaggs en 2019, después de que inhalara una pastilla con fentanilo proporcionada por el director de comunicaciones del equipo, Eric Kay.

La viuda de Skaggs, Carli, y sus padres presentaron una demanda alegando que el equipo de Grandes Ligas sabía o debería haber sabido que Kay era un adicto a las drogas y que distribuía analgésicos a los jugadores. El equipo argumentó que los funcionarios no sabían que Skaggs estaba consumiendo drogas y que habrían buscado ayudarlo si lo hubieran sabido.

Los jurados comenzaron a deliberar a principios de esta semana.

La jueza del Tribunal Superior del Condado de Orange, H. Shaina Colover, agradeció a los jurados por su diligencia. “Es por eso que este asunto pudo resolverse hoy”, afirmó, antes de liberarlos.

Hace seis años, el lanzador zurdo de 27 años fue encontrado muerto en la habitación de un hotel suburbano de Dallas donde se hospedaba, ya que los Angelinos debían comenzar una serie de cuatro juegos contra los Rangers de Texas. Un informe del forense indicó que el jugador se ahogó con su propio vómito, y se encontró una mezcla tóxica de alcohol, fentanilo y oxicodona en su sistema.

Kay, un empleado de larga trayectoria con los Angelinos, fue condenado en 2022 por proporcionar a Skaggs una pastilla de oxicodona falsificada con fentanilo y sentenciado a 22 años de prisión. Su juicio penal en Texas incluyó el testimonio de cinco jugadores de las mayores que dijeron haber recibido oxicodona de Kay en varios momentos entre 2017 y 2019.

En California, jugadores de Grandes Ligas, incluido el jardinero Mike Trout, el presidente de los Angelinos, John Carpino, y los familiares de Skaggs y Kay testificaron durante el juicio en una sala de Santa Ana. Los testigos de los demandantes describieron cómo Kay actuaba de manera errática en el estadio y fue encontrado con múltiples bolsas de plástico llenas de pastillas en su casa y luego hospitalizado por una sobredosis de drogas. También relataron cómo Kay conseguía citas de masajes, horarios de golf e incluso medicamentos recetados para los jugadores, y era pagado por los jugadores por acrobacias como recibir un pelotazo en la pierna.

Los abogados de los Angelinos señalaron que Skaggs era adicto a los analgésicos antes de firmar con ellos en 2013. Dijeron que Skaggs hizo que sus compañeros de equipo tomaran pastillas y que Kay se las proporcionara, pero lo mantuvo en secreto por temor a que pudiera poner en peligro sus carreras en las mayores. Si los funcionarios del equipo hubieran sabido que Kay estaba distribuyendo drogas, o que Skaggs las estaba tomando, habrían hecho algo, dijeron.

Los testigos también discutieron durante el caso sobre cuánto dinero habría ganado Skaggs como lanzador si hubiera vivido. Los expertos de los demandantes dijeron que podría haber ganado entre 91 millones y 101 millones de dólares, mientras que los Angelinos estimaron la cifra en no más de 32 millones de dólares.

Skaggs había sido un habitual en la rotación de abridores de los Angelinos desde finales de 2016 y luchó repetidamente con lesiones durante ese tiempo. Anteriormente jugó para los Diamondbacks de Arizona.

Después de la muerte de Skaggs, la MLB llegó a un acuerdo con la asociación de jugadores para comenzar a realizar pruebas de opioides y remitir a aquellos que den positivo a la junta de tratamiento.

Antes de que la jueza anunciara el acuerdo el viernes, los jurados habían permanecido a puerta cerrada después de que los abogados de ambas partes fueran a hablar con Colover.

El miércoles por la noche, los jurados enviaron una nota preguntando si “pueden decidir la cantidad de daños punitivos”, diciendo que no hay un campo para ello en el formulario de veredicto. La jueza dijo que enviaría una nota respondiendo que si deciden que debe haber daños punitivos, decidirían cuánto en un momento posterior.

El jurado no trabajó el jueves y reanudó las deliberaciones el viernes por la mañana.

___

Deportes en español AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/los-angelinos-llegan-a-un-acuerdo-con-la-familia-del-fallecido-tyler-skaggs-por-sobredosis-fatal/ 

History was made on a December Wednesday night in Lake County with a first-time Vernon Hills holiday motorcade tradition.

Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills brightened up the immediate Vernon Hills community with what Rabbi Shimmy Susskind of Vernon Hills said was Lake County’s first Hanukkah evening lighted motor parade.

It took one hour for the parade on Dec. 17 to complete a route that was confirmed with local police with their support. The parade launched with 28 vehicles and numerous lighted menorahs.

Seen among vehicles staged before the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills Hanukkah parade on Dec. 17, 2025 in Vernon Hills. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Many of the heavily decorated cars were Jeeps, with drivers and owners representing regional Jeep clubs including the Lake County Jeep Club of Grayslake. Jeep enthusiasts came from as far as DuPage and Kane counties.

“Very proud,” to participate, said Frank Rolla of Antioch and of the Lake County Jeep Club (LCJC) of Grayslake, who spoke while affixing a menorah to illuminate on the back of the vehicle in the staging parking lot before the parade left the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills.

Joel Plotsky of Hawthorn Woods belongs to this Vernon Hills congregation and had a Jeep in the parade.

“We’re just proud and we’re spreading love and spreading light,” Plotsky said, adding about making history in Lake County that night, “I think it’s amazing.”

A rearview mirror look at decorated vehicles staged before the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills Hanukkah parade on Dec. 17, 2025 in Vernon Hills. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

The Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills at 204 US Highway 45 launched on Dec. 1, 2009 and was founded and is co-directed by Rabbi Shimmy and Rochel Susskind.

Chanukah or Hanukkah, depending on choice of spelling, is an annual eight day Jewish tradition called the Festival of Lights and began for 2025 on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14 with a conclusion of Monday, Dec. 22.

As the parade drove around Vernon Hills and surrounding communities like Indian Creek, one couple was seen waving lighted colorful batons.

Peter and Lilia Buchman of Vernon Hills, members of the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills, in 35 degree clear weather, stood along a sidewalk as they watched the parade as it began its route.

“It’s very important to show the world that we are united and that we are together and no matter what, we’re going to celebrate our holidays,” Lilia Buchman said. “No one can stop us.”

Peter Buchman said, “Light is always in my heart.”

The Hanukkah parade has just begun its route on Dec. 17, 2025 in Vernon Hills. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Passengers and drivers also wished spectators like the Buchman couple from open vehicle windows a happy Hanukkah with hand waves while pumped up festive holiday music accompanied the parade cluster.

After the parade, there was the lighting of the menorah inside the center and complimentary refreshments were served.

“In light of recent events, we felt a strong need to increase awareness of Jewish holidays and Jewish life in a visible and positive way,” Rabbi Shimmy Susskind said. “With the rise in antisemitism around the world, we believed it was important not to retreat, but to strengthen our efforts.

“For the first time, Chabad of Vernon Hills organized a Hanukkah menorah parade, with menorahs displayed on top of cars and jeeps, traveling throughout the entire neighborhood,” Rabbi Susskind added.

It is taking about an hour to drive through the Vernon Hills area by the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills during its Hanukkah parade on Dec. 17, 2025. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

“This initiative was created to bring Jewish pride, awareness, and visibility directly into the community.

“Especially following the recent terrorist attack in Australia, the need for more light, courage, and Jewish visibility feels even more urgent,” Susskind added.

“Hanukkah teaches us to increase light, to spread joy, and to remain resilient in the face of darkness.

“If there is one takeaway from this parade and the broader efforts surrounding it, it is the message of Hanukkah itself, to spread light, joy, happiness, and freedom, openly, proudly, and together,” Rabbi Susskind said.

Rabbi Susskind had hoped for 25 parade vehicles, “and we ended up with more.

“We have the community support for this,” Susskind said. “Everyone’s excited. We exceeded expectations and this is the beginning of many more years growing this activity.

“We plan to expand it,” the rabbi added, also indicating people of all faiths are welcome to join the new annual tradition.

“We encourage participation, we want everyone’s participation,” Rabbi Susskind said.

Andrea Swanson of Wood Dale installs a lighted menorah on the front of the Jeep Wrangler before the Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills Hanukkah parade on Dec. 17, 2025 in Vernon Hills. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Jeep enthusiast Stephen Narens, a Vernon Hills photographer, belongs to many Jeep clubs, including one in Vernon Hills.

“I am not a very religious person, I believe in God, my temple’s outdoors underneath the sun and on the water and on the trails,” Narens said with a smile.

“Light is light, we can’t live without light,” Narens added. “It’s the Festival of Lights.”

Elliot Cohen of Lincolnshire, retired from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police and a member of Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills, wore bright fluorescent clothing to help direct the staging area in the parking lot for everyone’s safety. The name of Eliot was embroidered on his neon hat.

About making history with this Lake County parade, “This rabbi is a wonderful rabbi,” Cohen said about Rabbi Susskind. “He and his wife work so hard, they are incredible people, they can relate to anybody.

“This is our home away from home.”

Visit https://www.chabadvernonhills.org/.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/vernon-hills-synagogue-hanukkah-parade/