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Credit & Debit Cards May Not Work For Tips, Starting July 1
Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The IFPA—the Credit Card Chaos law—could hurt Illinois’ tipped workers. Servers, stylists, rideshare drivers and other gig workers who rely on tips could see their income drop if customers can’t tip on cards and are limited to the cash they carry. Before chaos hits on July 1, lawmakers should reverse course and repeal the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Learn more at: guardyourcard.com/Illinois
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Hospitals And Patients Are Struggling: Charity And Unreimbursed Care Are Up
Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Hospital charity care continues to rise along with unreimbursed care from patients unable to pay. Midwestern hospitals have been hit particularly hard, squeezed financially as they work hard to provide around-the-clock, high-quality care all communities deserve. Recent data from Kaufman Hall show charity and unreimbursed care jumped 72% between January 2023 and January 2026 at hospitals in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In contrast, the nationwide increase was 40% and just 19% in southern states. These increases come despite the uninsured rate falling with implementation of the Affordable Care Act and remaining steady since. As providing healthcare has become increasingly costly for hospitals, paying for healthcare has become increasingly difficult for many patients. Rising costs, unreimbursed care and reduced funding in H.R. 1 have fueled the perfect storm threatening the very survival of many hospitals across Illinois. Others will be forced to make difficult decisions, including eliminating services and cutting jobs. Restoring the federal 340B program in Illinois is an important step forward in supporting hospitals that care for patients 24/7 and regardless of their ability to pay. House passage of House Bill 2371 SA 2 will help struggling hospitals that serve many low-income and uninsured patients. Vote YES on HB 2371 SA 2. Learn more.
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Illinois Credit Unions: Building Smart Money Habits Early
Thursday, Apr 23, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] During National Financial Literacy Month, we’re reminded that strong financial habits don’t start in adulthood; they begin early. For Illinois credit unions, youth financial education is a priority that continues to grow year after year. The goal is simple: start conversations early and keep them going. Through programs designed for students from kindergarten through high school, credit unions help build age-appropriate financial understanding. For younger students, financial literacy begins with everyday concepts. “With those younger kids, it’s talking about the needs versus wants. They’ll understand it’s something that they need to do versus something that they want to do,” states Jessica Obiala, Senior Manager of Community Partnerships at Great Lakes Credit Union. Those early lessons carry into real‑life moments at home, helping kids understand financial choices as they grow. This Financial Literacy Month, we celebrate the power of early education. Informed conversations today help build confident, financially capable adults tomorrow. Learn more at https://betterforillinois.org/ Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League.
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When RETAIL Succeeds, Illinois Succeeds
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] At Fit Foundation in Crest Hill, founder and owner Angie Aegerter is redefining grab-and-go with healthy, homemade meals designed for busy lives. Built from her background as a personal trainer, Angie created Fit Foundation to give customers convenient, nutritious options without sacrificing quality or flavor. Come check out the four-time “Best Lunch Restaurant in Will County” and wellness community favorite. Findings of a recent economic study are clear: the retail sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and crucial to our everyday lives. Retail in Illinois directly contributes more than $112 billion in economic investment annually – more than 10 percent of the state’s total Gross Domestic Product. Policies that support small businesses help communities thrive as retailers like Angie in Crest Hill are better equipped to meet local needs. We Are Retail and IRMA are showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Please visit https://WeAreRetail.IRMA.org/.
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It’s Time To Bring Safer Rides To Illinois
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Waymo is ready to bring safe, reliable, autonomous rides to Illinois – but we need your help! Waymo is already mapping Chicago’s unique streets and traffic patterns to lay the groundwork for operations. Never tired or distracted, Waymo provides hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous rides every week across ten major U.S. cities, from Los Angeles to Atlanta — from multi-lane expressways to dense city streets, including the demands of winter weather. The data shows Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are involved in thirteen times fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans (as of 3/20/26, see waymo.com/safety). Let’s bring safer rides to Illinois. ![]()
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Credit Unions Help Our Community Move Forward
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] April is National Financial Literacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of education, guidance, and support in building financial confidence. At Illinois credit unions, financial literacy isn’t just about learning concepts; it’s about helping people navigate real life situations. It can also involve everyday financial decisions, purchasing a new or used vehicle, replacing an essential appliance, or using a bridge loan to get through a transition. Financial literacy comes to life when members understand their options and feel confident choosing what’s best for them. Credit unions’ commitment extends beyond individual needs to the greater good. Shannel Jackson and Sharon Jackson of Park Manor Christian Church Credit Union state, “We are there to help our members. We are there to help our community…. we are a credit union of people who are working together.” Credit Unions celebrate the power of education, teamwork, and compassion. When we work together, everyone can move forward financially and successfully. Learn more at https://betterforillinois.org/ Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League.
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