homepage
Get Smart About Smart Meters
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today issued a consumer alert urging Illinois residents to do their homework on smart meters – how they work, what type of data they collect, how the data can be used and if you authorize it, who can access it. Smart meters may help households lower electricity bills if the data is monitored and used properly, but Madigan warned that special packages that utility companies market don’t always result in savings.
American Heart Association and Macy’s Launch National Fitness Challenge to Inspire and Help Women Get Fit for Life, Reduce Heart Disease
The American Heart Association and Macy’s are proud to announceGo Red Get Fit- a free online fitness challenge to help women to get fit for life and reduce their risk of heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of women.
Reps. Kelly, Watson Coleman, Clarke Announce Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls
Congresswomen Robin Kelly (IL-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) recently announced the creation of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, the first caucus devoted to public policy that eliminates the significant barriers and disparities experienced by Black women.
Chicago Teachers Union Plans1-day Strike on April 1, Potential Scabs Warned
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has scheduled a one-day strike on Fri., April 1 and CTU members have been warned that if they cross picket lines, they could be booted from the organization. Many including CTU members are asking why a one-day strike billed “A Day of Action” has been planned in the first place.
Eddie Johnson Named New Interim Police Chief; Citizens Protest
In what will more than likely become the final decision in identifying a chief officer for the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Mayor Rahm Emanuel named Eddie Johnson as interim superintendent for the embattled city unit.
Madigan Issues 2015 Public Access Report
Attorney General Lisa Madigan this month (during Sunshine Week) released the Public Access Bureau’s annual report detailing more than 4,700 new matters received in 2015. The Bureau works to foster transparency and openness in Illinois government by resolving disputes regarding compliance with the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA).
A Better Approach to Selling Your Business
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price for U.S. homes as of November 2015 was $220,300. If you think about it, it becomes apparent that the family home is most likely a family's greatest asset. There are exceptions, of course, but this holds true for most American families. The process for selling the average home is well understood and usually straightforward: A realtor evaluates the property, suggests a fair selling price based on recent comparable sales in the neighborhood and lists the property for sale. An interested buyer makes an offer and, following some negotiations, an agreement is reached and the sale is completed.
What if You Haven’t Filed Taxes in Years?
Most people that have IRS problems haven’t filed in a few years. It’s a common problem. You are not alone. Don’t be embarrassed. Nearly 10 million people have delinquent tax returns. In all my years of practicing before the IRS I’ve seen people that had a rough patch in their life that kept them from filing and paying their taxes. IRS Problems happen to good people. Someone gets sick and they can’t work, someone loses their job. It’s terrible. There’s no money to pay the taxes one year so they don’t file, and the person is afraid to file after that.
‘Economic Despair’ May Lead Boys to Drop Out of High School
The question of why income inequality continues across generations is difficult to answer. But two economists may have found a link that could provide some information, writes Josh Zumbrun for The Wall Street Journal.
Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Beale and Community Residents Announce Whole Food Distribution Center Coming to Pullman
Continuing its resurgence and becoming one of the Chicago’s largest industrial employment centers, the historic Pullman community will be the new home to the Midwest Region Distribution Center for Whole Foods.
Calumet City, Ill. Native Serves with Naval Beach Group TWO
A 2009 Thornton Fractional North High School High School graduate and Calumet City, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2).
Cook County Sheriff’s Office Announces Hiring, Participation in Upcoming Job Fairs
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced a round of hiring for correctional deputies as well as the Sheriff’s Office’s participation in no less than 17 job fairs through the end of the summer.
Sen. Raoul Reflects on Five Years Since Abolition of Death Penalty
“The struggle against the discriminatory, unreasonable or ineffectual application of our laws did not end with the abolition of capital punishment… The case for reform is clear.”
Department of Insurance Helps Consumers Navigate Mental Health Insurance Plans
In an effort to help Illinois residents better understand mental health and substance use disorder insurance coverage, the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is offering assistance through its Office of Consumer Health Insurance (OCHI). The OCHI helps consumers navigate health insurance plans to ensure the plan meets their needs.
