The Small Business Tax Freedom Plan would apply to new companies earning under $5 million annually. It features simplified annual filing, reinvestment incentives and partnerships with states that streamline start-up regulations.
PARK RIDGE - U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek is calling for a five-year federal income tax holiday for new small businesses, a proposal he says would help revive struggling local economies and ease the financial pressure on first-time entrepreneurs across Illinois. The plan was released Monday as part of Pillar Five of his MAGNA Agenda, a platform he describes as focused on restoring economic opportunity.
The proposal, called the Small Business Tax Freedom Plan, would eliminate federal income taxes for newly registered small businesses earning less than $5 million annually during their first five taxable years. Start-ups launched in high-poverty ZIP codes, rural distressed counties, Opportunity Zones and other underserved areas would qualify for an automatic extension to seven years.
“Small businesses don’t need another handout—they need Washington to get out of the way,” Chlebek said in the announcement. “If you have the courage to start something in this country, the government shouldn’t punish you for trying.”
Chlebek pointed to what he called a steep loss of Illinois small businesses since 2020, citing figures showing the state has shed more than 63,000 during that period. He said the trend continues to hit communities from Peoria to Rockford and throughout southern Illinois, where residents tell him they want to work and invest but can’t afford the costs of starting a business.
Key components of the plan include a simplified one-page annual federal filing, a tax credit for owners who reinvest early profits into hiring or expansion, and matching grants for states and counties that lower fees or streamline permitting. The campaign said revenue caps and ownership rules would prevent corporations, subsidiaries and major chains from accessing the program.
According to independent estimates referenced by the campaign, early-stage tax relief of this kind could stimulate between $85 billion and $100 billion in annual economic activity nationwide. Those estimates also project the potential for 300,000 to 450,000 new jobs and renewed growth in rural towns, main street corridors and immigrant-owned business districts.
“People want to work, build and contribute—but the cost of opening a business has become impossible,” Chlebek said. “My plan unleashes local entrepreneurship and puts opportunity back into the hands of ordinary Americans.”
The tax-holiday proposal fits into a broader set of economic ideas within Chlebek’s MAGNA Agenda. Other elements include eliminating federal taxation of Social Security benefits and retirement income, abolishing property taxes through federal-state partnerships, offering no federal taxes for Americans under 23 and providing free prescription drugs for seniors, disabled residents and veterans.
Chlebek often ties his economic message to his own background as an immigrant from Poland, saying he arrived during the Cold War with limited resources and a belief in the American Dream. In the announcement, he said his proposal is designed to give today’s entrepreneurs the same opportunity.
“Entrepreneurs are not asking for special treatment—just a fair chance,” he said. “My plan gives them that chance.”
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TAGS: federal tax relief plan for new Illinois small businesses, Casey Chlebek small business tax holiday proposal, Illinois entrepreneurship support under MAGNA Agenda, seven-year tax holiday incentives for underserved communities, economic growth plan for start-ups in high-poverty Illinois areas
Once a one-day shopping event, Black Friday has evolved into a month-long season of rolling discounts and online deals. Research from TopCashback shows most shoppers now prefer the flexibility of longer sales.
Family Features - Once a one-day shopping extravaganza defined by long lines and doorbuster deals, Black Friday has transformed into a season of rolling discounts and fading excitement.
Photo: Ashkan Forouzani/Unsplash
Shoppers are changing tactics for taking advantage of Black Friday deals. The emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains while shoppers have become more aware of the marketing tactics to get them to buy more.
According to new research from TopCashback, nearly 7 in 10 Americans no longer consider Black Friday a one-day event, viewing it instead as a month-long shopping season. Only about one-third still see it as a single-day tradition. More than half of respondents said they now shop online instead of in stores, and 43% start scouting deals in early November.
Findings suggest Black Friday's sense of urgency has shifted, replaced by a steady flow of rolling discounts and digital promotions. What was once a race for the best bargains has become a marathon for savings.
The evolution of Black Friday appears to be changing how people spend, too. While 18% of shoppers said they spend less now than they did five years ago, another 18% said their habits haven't changed much. Only 3% reported spending more. For many, the shift seems to be less about budget and more about timing.
Asked whether they'd prefer Black Friday return to a single-day event, 44% said they like having more time to shop, while 26% said a one-day version would feel "less overwhelming." The rest simply don't mind either way.
"Consumers are rethinking how they approach major sales events," said Destiny Chatman, consumer analyst at TopCashback. "They still want value, but they're less willing to be rushed. The new Black Friday is about planning, timing and feeling in control of spending."
Photo: CardMapr.nl/Unsplash
Black Friday shopping has morphed into a strategic, less impulsive shopping event. Nearly one-third of shoppers say they are proud of the deals they score from Black Friday sales.
The research also found shoppers are increasingly aware of the marketing tactics behind the hype. Two-thirds said they believe brands create fake urgency around Black Friday, and another 30% said they think it happens "sometimes." Despite the skepticism, most still admit deep discounts drive their decisions - nearly 87% said upfront savings are their top motivator, compared with just 6% who said they're most influenced by cash back or rewards.
Still, money-back incentives aren't without impact. Four in 10 respondents said they've made a purchase specifically because cash back was offered, and about half said they'd consider choosing a smaller discount if it came with meaningful rewards. Electronics and tech ranked as the top categories where shoppers expect to earn the most cash back, followed by fashion and beauty.
Even with the season stretching longer, the emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains. Most respondents said they feel neutral after shopping while 33% said they feel proud of the deals they scored. Smaller groups reported guilt or regret after their purchases.
For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit.
Impulse buying persists with more than 62% saying they occasionally buy things they didn't plan to, and nearly 1 in 5 said it happens most years. Still, only 5% said they always feel pressured by sales, though 39% said they sometimes do.
For 68% of shoppers, seeing a huge percentage off is what makes them feel best about spending. Another 8% said they enjoy feeling like they "beat the system" and 7% said earning cash back brings them satisfaction.
"People want to feel proud about their spending," Chatman said. "They're realizing that a good deal isn't just about price in this economy. It's about timing, confidence and getting something that feels worthwhile."
If Black Friday disappeared altogether, 55% of Americans said they'd be indifferent. Only 31% said they'd be disappointed while 13% admitted they'd feel relieved to skip the pressure.
For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit. Experts say shoppers can make the most of the season by planning ahead, comparing prices over time and focusing on rewards that add long-term value rather than chasing every flash sale.
"Black Friday isn't gone; it's simply grown up," Chatman said. "Today's shopper is more strategic, less impulsive and more aware of what makes a deal truly worth it."
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TAGS: Black Friday 2025, Holiday Shopping Trends, Retail Consumer Behavior, Online Shopping Statistics, Cash Back and Rewards
Self-employed professionals can qualify for a mortgage, but the process differs from traditional borrowers. Proper documentation, such as tax returns and profit/loss statements, is key.
Photo: Kraken Images/Unsplash
StatePoint - If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a mortgage.
The short answer is yes, you can, but the process will look different. You’ll need to provide documentation verifying your employment and lenders will be analyzing your financial situation and the financial situation of your business to see how likely you are to pay back your loans in a timely manner.
To help you put your best foot forward, Wells Fargo is offering guidance on navigating the home loan process.
What does it mean to be self-employed?
Typically, lenders consider an applicant self-employed if they meet any of the following:
They own at least 25% of a business
The ownership of a business is their major source of income
They complete a 1099 tax form during tax filing instead of a W-2
They’re an entrepreneur or sole proprietor whose income is filed under Schedule C of their tax returns
They’re an independent contractor or service provider
If you fit into these categories, you’ll also need to show lenders verified employment records or proof of self-employment during the past two years. Lenders are ideally looking for your business to have been active for at least 12 consecutive months. They review the overall health of the business, looking at both net income and expenses.
What employment documentation is needed?
When lenders review your application, they’re analyzing items like how stable your income is, if your business has strong finances, and what the future may look like for you and your business. Any of the following forms of documentation can help lenders show proof of your employee verification:
Business licenses and/or DBA certificates
Proof of correspondence with CPAs and/or clients
Proof of business insurance
Profit/loss statements or balance sheets reflecting your business’s performance
Lenders’ requirements vary. Check with yours for what will be required for your situation.
What tax return requirements are needed?
Personal tax returns under IRS Form 1040 include various schedules. Commonly used schedules are:
Schedule B (Form 1040) – Interest and ordinary dividends
Schedule C (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Business (Sole proprietorship)
Schedule D (Form 1040) – Capital Gains and Losses
Schedule E (Form 1040) – Supplemental Income and Loss
Schedule F (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Farming
For business tax returns, a business may choose to report taxable income either on a calendar year or fiscal year basis. Commonly used forms include:
IRS Form 1065 – U.S. Return of Partnership Income
IRS Form 1120S – U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
IRS Form 1120 – U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
What factors show the strength of your borrowing ability?
Having a favorable debt-to-income ratio and credit score. A strong credit history shows lenders your ability to repay debts and utilize credit responsibly.
If you are self-employed, there are methods available to help make your goal of homeownership a reality
Staying organized. Keep expenses separate if you have multiple income sources, and separate business and personal accounts so that lenders can more easily tell which assets are which.
Having additional support, especially for closing. Certain factors may lower your risk for lenders, like utilizing a co-signer or borrower or paying a higher-percentage down payment than what’s required.
What’s next?
If you are self-employed, there are methods available to help make your goal of homeownership a reality. For example, eligible self-employed borrowers with Wells Fargo may have access to a variety of loans, such as VA or FHA loans or Wells Fargo products like Dream. Plan. Home. and the Homebuyer Access grant. Information can be found online about the eligibility requirements and personal tax implications of these products.
Talk to a home mortgage consultant to learn more about what your mortgage process may look like. Also, check out Wells Fargo’s home lending portal for personalized rate quote tools and for its content library featuring helpful articles. These can be found at https://www.wellsfargo.com.
“While self-employment makes obtaining a mortgage a bit more complex, your lender will walk you through the process, step by step,” says Rulon Washington, mortgage sustainability, Wells Fargo.
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Tags: self-employed mortgage process, Wells Fargo home loan guide, mortgage approval for business owners, freelance home loan requirements, entrepreneur home financing tips
Without truckers, local economies would take serious hits. Shelves, like pictured above, would be empty if it wasn't for the work of long-haul truckers.
by Casey Cartwright Contributor Writer
Imagine walking into your grocery store only to find rows of empty shelves. What if the fuel at your local gas station suddenly ran dry? This is the reality we would face in a world without long-haul trucking. Long-haul truckers form the backbone of supply chains, moving goods swiftly and efficiently across the nation. Without them, essential industries would grind to a halt, and the ripple effects would reach every corner of society. How the end of long-haul trucking would affect communities like yours is a question we rarely think about—but, as the industry faces substantial change, it’s worth considering.
The Lifeblood of Commerce
Long-haul trucking ensures that communities of all sizes stay connected. Whether it’s fresh produce, consumer electronics, building materials, or medical supplies, the logistics of modern life depend on a seamless trucking system. Supply chains function under tight deadlines, relying on drivers to move products from manufacturers and warehouses to cities and towns. To paint a clearer picture of the immediate effects, let’s talk about two ways that long-haul trucking has an immediate, visible impact.
Enabling Local Economies
Without truckers, local economies would take serious hits. The corner stores, diners, and markets that give towns their charm rely heavily on goods transported by trucks. Farmers’ harvests wouldn’t make it beyond local roads without long-haul routes to distribute their produce regionally and nationally. Big cities wouldn’t fare much better; major urban centers would face delays in stocking grocery stores, hospitals, and retail hubs.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses would struggle to adapt if trucking slowed down. Many independent business owners count on timely deliveries to meet customer demand. For those selling perishable items like fresh flowers, dairy products, or baked goods, even short delays could result in major financial losses. The absence of dependable trucking networks could isolate small businesses and leave them unable to compete with larger corporations.
Current Challenges in the Long-Haul Trucking Industry
Despite how crucial it is, the long-haul trucking industry is under pressure. A combination of economic shifts, legislative demands, and difficult working conditions has made it hard to recruit and retain drivers. Understanding these challenges is essential to grasp why the industry faces a potential crisis.
Economic Pressures
Fluctuating fuel costs and limited compensation packages make trucking a tough sell. Despite the critical role truckers play in the economy, many earn wages that fail to reflect the long hours and sacrifices the profession requires. The unpredictable costs of maintenance, fuel, and insurance further strain the financial health of small trucking operations. These economic pressures ripple through the supply chain, increasing costs for both businesses and consumers.
Labor Shortages
A growing driver shortage is compounding the problem. The trucking industry faces one of the most significant workforce gaps in recent history, with thousands of vacant positions left unfilled. The grueling demands of the job play a part in this shortage. Spending weeks away from family, enduring long hours, and navigating complex regulations discourage many from pursuing trucking as a career.
Regulations and Safety Measures
Complex regulations, like different axle weight limits for semi-trucks and other safety measures, make compliance—and innovation—challenging. While these measures are crucial for safety, they add layers of bureaucracy that can deter new entrants into the field. Additionally, shifting state and federal requirements mean that drivers and fleet owners must constantly adapt, increasing stress for those working long hours.
The realities of life on the road take a toll on drivers’ physical and mental well-being. Long hours behind the wheel with limited opportunities for exercise lead to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and back pain. The isolation of being away from loved ones for extended periods compounds stress, contributing to burnout among even the most experienced drivers.
The Ripple Effects of Trucking Stopping
If long-haul trucking stopped, these challenges wouldn’t just affect the industry. Communities and their residents would face significant hardships. Critical infrastructures like hospitals, schools, and emergency services would be jeopardized due to supply interruptions.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Essential items like medications, clean drinking water, and protective equipment rely on trucking logistics. Supply chains are fragile ecosystems where delays in one link can cause cascading effects throughout the system. Without long-haul trucking, delays would become widespread, leading to shortages, inflation, and economic downturns.
Public Services at Risk
Emergency response systems rely on supplies transported by truckers to function effectively. Ambulances, fire departments, and police stations regularly need fuel, medical devices, and protective gear. These lifesaving services would face overwhelming challenges if trucking networks disintegrated.
Everyday Convenience
The everyday goods we take for granted might suddenly become scarce. Everything from fresh milk to electronics would be harder to access, with shipping times greatly extended. Communities without reliable access to products would highlight the great divide between urban centers and rural towns. Unfortunately, remote areas would likely bear the brunt of these disruptions.
A Path Forward
The question isn’t just what happens if trucking stops; it’s how we ensure it doesn’t. Investing in solutions to support long-haul trucking could help address these challenges head-on while protecting communities.
Reframing the Industry
Promoting trucking as a rewarding, essential career could help alleviate the workforce shortage. Offering competitive wages, addressing driver health needs, and improving the work-life balance are essential steps. Leveraging technology, such as improved GPS systems and automated loading processes, could also ease the workload.
Policy Solutions
Policymakers can play a pivotal role by simplifying regulations while maintaining safety standards. Providing grants for truckers to upgrade to fuel-efficient or electric fleets, for instance, would serve both economic and environmental interests. Ensuring fair compensation structures could attract new talent to the industry while keeping experienced drivers on the road.
Community Collaboration
When communities step up to support truckers, everyone benefits. Truck stops with healthier food options, fitness facilities, and parking for overnight rest could improve drivers’ quality of life. Public campaigns to recognize drivers’ contributions might also help illustrate the crucial role they play in daily life.
Communities Without Trucks? A Sobering Thought
How the end of long-haul trucking would affect communities like yours is more than just an abstract question. It’s a potential wake-up call for how much we depend on these essential workers. From local businesses to global supply chain networks, the effects of losing long-haul trucking would be disruptive and far-reaching.
Preserving this industry isn’t just about keeping commerce on track; it’s about ensuring that communities continue to thrive. By confronting today’s challenges with thoughtful solutions and community support, we can safeguard the pivotal role trucking holds in modern society. The next time you see a semi pulling into town, it’s worth considering the vital importance of what they bring to your community.
Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
Opponents say repealing the Roadless Rule would harm pristine forests, worsen climate change and endanger Midwest water supplies.
Photo: Tienko Dima/Unsplash
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Public News Service CHICAGO - Environmental advocates are urging residents in Illinois and across the Midwest to oppose the Trump administration's proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule. The conservation policy safeguards more than half a million acres of undeveloped land in National Forests across the Midwest from road construction and logging.
Kelly Thayer, senior policy advocate with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, said these lands have remained untouched for decades and represent some of America's most pristine wilderness. He stressed that cutting them down to allow logging, mining and roads would accelerate climate change and threaten the water source for many communities.
"So, ironically, the rule is preventing fires," he explained. "The Trump administration wants to repeal it in the name of fighting fires. The truth is that roads and people who use them are the greatest cause of forest fires."
Thayer added that the law includes flexibility for things like fire management, making the proposed repeal unnecessary. He emphasizes how critical it is for people to voice their concerns now given the U.S. Department of Agriculture only provided a 21-day public comment period which ends Friday. People can submit comments online at Regulations.gov.
The Roadless Rule was established in 2001. Thayer said after more than 600 public meetings and a record 1.6 million public comments, an overwhelming majority of people supported the protection of these natural lands. So far, more than 133,000 comments have been submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the proposed repeal.
"We have some fantastic wild gems right in our midst," he said. "These areas are in our backyard and they can be lost, and lost forever if we don't stand up and take action now."
Those include Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. Thayer stressed these wildlands would be at risk should the Department of Agriculture move forward with ending the Roadless Rule. Supporters of the rollback say more roads will help firefighters reach hard-to-access areas and provide economic opportunities through logging.
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The First Amendment ensures speech, not paychecks. From TV hosts to pastors, free expression at work often collides with financial realities.
The first amendment protects our free speech but employers will protect their bottom line.
However, to some extent, there are some limitations and barriers for all of us. When he began his career, national radio personality Howard Stern couldn’t keep a job. His content was so raw and shocking that station owners and managers couldn’t afford to keep him on because advertisers couldn’t afford to risk supporting him. Things changed. He eventually became acceptable to enough listeners that he was hugely profitable. A massive contract with Sirius XM radio gave him a huge audience, allowed him to say whatever he wanted and paid him handsomely. Since 2004, they have paid him hundreds of millions of dollars. His employer found him to be profitable and accepted by many.
Stearns’ contract recently expired and his deal hasn’t been renewed. The renewal won’t be based on Stearns’ freedom of speech but it will be based on whether he will be profitable for Sirius XM radio which means he probably won’t be returning.
Glenn Mollette
Jimmy Kimmel is off the air, for now. He has been making a nice $15M a year salary from the Disney corporation who owns ABC and the ESPN network as well. He has had a nice job with them for 20 years and come out five nights a week saying whatever he wanted to say. After some recent comments made about Charlie Kirk that have been replayed numerous times on national TV, Disney decided to take his show down for a while, possibly forever.
Stations across the country let it be known to Disney they weren’t going to air Kimmel’s show after his remarks about Kirk and Disney listened. It was about money. Disney is in the business to make money, big money. The Stephen Colbert show was losing $40M a year and Colbert’s show had better ratings than Kimmel. The idea of losing millions of dollars on Kimmel was unacceptable to Disney. If TV station chains, cable companies and local stations around the country had applauded Kimmel, if ratings and profitability had soared, Disney would have kept Kimmel on.
No employer is going to keep you on the payroll if your mouth is bankrupting the business. You may have the right to speak but you may be speaking on the street corner somewhere without a paycheck if the employer doesn’t like what you are saying.
The minister of your local church may have the freedom to preach the Bible. Yet, he or she could find themselves unemployed if they ruffle enough feathers of the congregation’s leadership. A politician may speak freely but only has a job if he or she can sway enough voters. You can walk into wherever you work and say whatever you want about the company or your boss. Most likely, you’ll end up in the unemployment line. Plus, you will not be able to obtain a reference or recommendation for your next interview.
Yes, we have freedom of speech but it has limitations and consequences. Charlie Kirk was his own employer. That seems to be about the only way you can really pull off free speech. He said just about whatever he wanted and there wasn’t anyone to fire him, so someone killed him. Sadly, Charlie Kirk’s free speech cost him his life.
There is almost always a price to be paid for freedom of speech. It is important and it is American, but your employer doesn’t have to agree with you or keep you on the payroll.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Charlie Kirk assassination legacy, history of assassinated American leaders, free speech and violence in America, political debate versus violence, legacy of voices after tragedy
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Artificial Intelligence, AI, is a wonderful tool for research and information. However, I don’t want my deepest relationship to be with a chatbot, chatgpt, robot or anything related to AI.
Glenn Mollette
There is a mega billion-dollar AI movement that is connecting people with their own personal AI bot who will be their dearest and best friend. Someone who cares, who is attentive and fulfills all their conversational needs regardless of the topic. I hope our planet doesn’t become so desperate for companionship that everyone starts spending hours every day talking to “something” that doesn’t really exist but is able to hold a conversation about any topic for hours on end without stopping.
So much of our world already lives in isolation. Millions, perhaps billions of people live in seclusion with their faces continually focused on their phones or tablets. We don’t call people on the telephone or visit them in person like we used to do. Now people can socialize even less as they may find their AI bot, configured to any personality or gender they desire, more interesting than talking to real people.
I am grateful that I have Jesus, my beautiful wife, family and people associated with my work to talk with. I would surely be sad if I felt that I had to turn to something mechanical for conversation.
Japan is already in a sad situation. Over 3000 men have married virtual girlfriends since 2017. One man, reportedly married his robot girlfriend, Gatebox’s Hologram Girl, in 2018. Japan does not recognize these as legal but symbolic marriages. Between now and 2065 Japan’s population is supposed to drop from 128 million to 88 million people.
There are several reasonsfor this including an aging population, low birth rate and limited immigration. A love life that is centered on a virtual character will do nothing to help their dwindling population.
In America our choices are growing. Realbotix robots are supposedly fully interactive and mobile. Lovot is a soft warm robot for emotional connection. Aibo is Sony’s AI-powered robot dog that learns and adapts to owners. Elliq is a robot that keeps elderly users active and engaged. Vector is a small robot that responds to voice commands. Kiki is an AI powered pet robot that recognizes faces. Ami is a caregiving robot that assists with daily activities. Amazon has Astro which is a home monitoring and smart assistant robot. The list goes on. Maybe, you are more interested now in one of these or something different that is certain to come.
The AI market is expected to reach $1.81 trillion by 2030, growing at a rate of 35.9 percent.
Artificial Intelligence is here and we can make it a great tool or allow it to become a negative influence in our lives. It’s kind of like television, pizza and candy bars. A little bit is good but we can overdo it as we can with most anything.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
The goal of the bill is to make it easier for police to enforce criminal trespassing. State law does not explicitly give police the power to remove a person squatting in another person’s home without an eviction.
Photo: Juan Giraudo/Unsplash
Until new law that takes effect in January, removing squatters from a home meant homeowners would have to go through the eviction process in Cook County court, which can take months. New law makes it easier to kick squatters off an owner's property.by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - A new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday will make it easier for police to remove squatters who are illegally staying at a residence.
Squatters are people who enter and occupy a place for a long period of time with the intention of staying there, rather than a trespasser who enters without intentions to stay.
Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1563, which clarifies that a court-ordered eviction is not required for police to remove squatters from a person’s home. The bill stipulates that police can enforce criminal trespassing charges against a squatter.
“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” bill sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, said in a statement. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners.”
The bill passed through the General Assembly nearly unanimously, with only Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, voting against it.
Law enforcement, real estate and property owner organizations supported the bill.
Collins, who represents much of the West Side of Chicago, said the bill came from concerns her constituents expressed and said the goal was to make it easier for police to enforce criminal trespassing. State law does not explicitly give police the power to remove a person squatting in another person’s home without an eviction.
A lawmaker’s encounter
Pritzker signed the bill after Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, had a first-hand encounter with squatters this summer.
ABC7 Chicago reported last week squatters moved in next door to Evans’ Avalon Park home on Chicago’s South Side. The owners of the house had put the home up for sale, but last week found strangers living inside without buying or renting the home.
According to ABC7, Chicago Police told homeowners they couldn’t remove the squatters from the home and the homeowners would have to go through the eviction process in Cook County court, which can take months. Evans told ABC7 he would call Pritzker directly to ask him to sign the bill, which was sponsored in the House by Rep. Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago.
“My community is full of hardworking, mortgage- and rent-paying citizens who believe in working, not stealing and scheming,” Evans said in a Facebook post Monday. “We don’t support crooks who prey on hardworking people.”
The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Chlebek returns to the 2025 Illinois Senate race with no-tax pledges for youth, retirees, and first-time homeowners.
Casey Chlebek
PARK RIDGE - Casey Chlebek, a Polish-American business owner and public policy supporter, is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois as a Republican in the 8th Congressional District. His campaign focus is on cutting taxes and putting more money in the pockets of working-class families through tax cuts.
Chlebek calls his plan the MAGNA Agenda - short for Make America the Greatest Nation Again. Campaigning for the open seat vacated by Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement earlier this year, he says he wants to take power away from government officials and give it back to families in Illinois. His plan includes ending property taxes for certain groups and reducing or removing several federal taxes.
“If you’ve worked hard, played by the rules, and still feel like you’re falling behind—this campaign is for you,” Chlebek said in a statement. “It’s time for bold solutions that put Illinois families first and bring American greatness back where it belongs: at the kitchen table, not in the halls of bureaucracy.”
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022.
The MAGNA Agenda has seven main ideas to help bring respect, fairness, and chances for all Americans.
Abolish Property Taxes for seniors, veterans, disabled Americans, and first-time homeowners using a mix of federal credits and state incentives.
Eliminate Federal Taxes on Retirement Income, including Social Security and pension benefits.
End Social Security Payroll Taxes, allowing workers to retain more of their earnings.
No Federal Taxes for Americans Under 23, with an extension to age 26 for students and young married couples.
Five-Year Tax Holiday for New Small Businesses, offering automatic extensions to encourage entrepreneurship.
Free Prescription Medications for Seniors, Disabled Citizens, and Veterans** through the elimination of middlemen and redirected spending.
Restoration of Dignity Through Work and Ownership, including a vow by Chlebek to forgo a Senate salary if elected.
The campaign also introduces a foreign policy initiative under the acronym MULA - Make the U.S. Loved Again. Chlebek's global vision, which he calls the PTCS Doctrine (President Trump’s Calling Shots), promotes a strategy of reciprocal relationships and restrained diplomacy. The doctrine includes:
Parity in trade and alliances
Trust in global outreach
Cooperation when in America’s interest
Stability by avoiding unnecessary sanctions and interventions
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022. He returns to the race now with a broader platform and renewed focus on economic relief for everyday Americans.
“This isn’t about left or right, it’s about right and wrong,” Chlebek said. “Illinoisans are being crushed by taxes, ignored by politicians, and forced to settle for broken promises. I’m not here to play games. I’m here to fight for your home, your freedom, and your family’s future.”
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Tags: Casey Chlebek U.S. Senate campaign Illinois 2025, MAGNA Agenda tax reform plan for working families, Illinois Republican Senate candidate Polish-American, Free prescription drugs proposal for seniors and veterans, No federal taxes for students and young adults policy
Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade.
Photo: Tung Lam/Pixabay
Democrats are pushing a bill at the federal level, clarifying that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against merchants who overprice goods to American consumers. Critics say it could make issues worse.
By Brett Rowland.::. Investigative Reporter The Center Square
CHICAGO - Democrats are pushing a bill prohibiting price gouging at the federal level and giving the Federal Trade Commission another $1 billion and new tools to go after companies charging "grossly excessive" prices.
Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade. A tariff is a tax on imported goods that the importer pays to the federal government. That importer can then absorb the loss, or try to pass the added costs on to consumers through higher prices.
Critics say the measure could actually make shortages of key products worse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.
A group of Democrats reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act "to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration's chaotic tariff policies," they said. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against "grossly excessive price increases."
"Donald Trump's reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary," said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. "My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse."
Ryan Bourne, of the Cato Institute, said the measure was just as bad as it was the first time it was introduced.
"This 'anti-price gouging' bill is a reheated version of Elizabeth Warren's earlier misguided proposal. Back then, Democrats found it politically convenient to blame greedy corporations for an inflation overwhelmingly caused by excessive government spending and loose monetary policy," he told The Center Square. "Now, the same politicians are using the price-inflating effects of Donald Trump's tariffs to revive their anti-corporate legislation."
This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities.
Bourne said the measure could exacerbate shortages at critical times, such as after a natural disaster.
"The results of such a federal law would be disastrous. Capping prices below what people are willing to pay for goods would produce shortages and empty shelves during volatile periods," he said. "Firms today face ever-shifting trade barriers, unpredictable demand conditions, and evolving supply chains – all factors that increase price volatility. This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities. Firms fearing prosecution would hesitate to raise prices even when those higher prices accurately reflect genuine scarcity or increased risks. The price controls would thus risk making goods' shortages far more severe and prolonged."
Democrats first introduced the measure in 2024, but it failed to advance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.
The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The measure would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network, according to a news release.
"Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. "While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table."
The bill would give the FTC an additional $1 billion in funding to do the work. It would establish when price gouging occurs during a significant shift in trade policy. It lists a set of market shocks – including an "abrupt or significant shift in trade policy" – and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices, according to Democrats.
Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The measure would also create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Sponsors noted that "small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers." That affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show "legitimate cost increases."
The bill would further require public companies to disclose costs and pricing strategies.
"During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings," according to the sponsors.
Warren and Schakowsky face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House and Senate. Republicans have been moving in the opposite direction. The Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency created after the 2007-08 financial crisis to establish a single agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris promised to introduce a federal anti-price-gouging law during the 2024 presidential campaign.
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Tags: federal price gouging prevention legislation 2025, Elizabeth Warren anti-gouging bill against corporate pricing, Democratic response to Trump tariff price hikes, FTC funding increase to fight excessive pricing, impact of trade policy shifts on consumer goods prices
For the first time, states will have to take on a significant share of funding SNAP. New work requirements for SNAP will have little effect on employment, but will cause more children to go hungry.
Photo: Use at your Ease/Pixabay
Hundreds of thousands of lawfully present immigrants, including children, will lose access to Medicaid
bySarah Anderson and Lindsay Koshgarian OtherWords
The GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which narrowly passed Congress and was recently signed by President Trump, represents the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich since chattel slavery.
Here are just 10 of the worst things about it.
1. It’s going to kill people.
Cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, combined with new administrative hurdles, could result in an estimated 51,000 preventable deaths per year. The new law and other actions by the Trump administration will strip health insurance from 17 million people.
2. It will be an apocalypse for rural hospitals.
The budget restricts the provider taxes that many states use to fund Medicaid. The threat is particularly severe for rural hospitals, which rely heavily on Medicaid revenue. More than 700 rural hospitals are already at risk of closure — and at least 338 are at increased risk due to changes in this budget.
3. It takes food from the mouths of hungry people.
New work requirements for SNAP benefits will take food assistance from millions, including children and veterans. As with Medicaid, new work requirements for SNAP will have little effect on employment, but will cause more children to go hungry.
4. It squeezes states on SNAP.
For the first time, states will have to take on a significant share of funding SNAP. This unprecedented shift will likely lead many states to cut enrollees or even terminate food aid altogether.
5. It bars lawfully present immigrants from aid.
Hundreds of thousands of lawfully present immigrants, including children, will lose access to Medicaid, the Children’ s Health Insurance Program, Medicare, ACA tax credits, and SNAP benefits. And 2.6 million U.S. citizen children who live with only an undocumented adult are expected to lose their Child Tax Credit.
6. It terrorizes immigrant families.
The GOP budget provides $170 billion to arrest, detain, deport, and wall off migrants. That includes $45 billion for new immigration detention centers, including family detention facilities — a vast increase that will primarily benefit private companies contracted to build and run them.
7. It takes from the poor to give to the rich.
The bill’s tax policies will overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest households. A Yale analysis of the bill’s combined tax and spending policies finds that the poorest 20 percent of households will suffer a net income loss of $700 per year on average, while the top 1 percent will get a $30,000 increase.
8. Corporations will take the spoils for themselves.
The budget keeps the corporate tax rate at 21 percent, a drastic reduction from the 35 percent rate from before the first Trump tax cuts in 2018 — despite the fact that ordinary workers have not benefited from this rate reduction.
9. It rewards polluters while raising energy costs.
The budget also includes more than $1 billion in new tax breaks and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, accelerating climate change while costing taxpayers. It also allows oil and gas companies to avoid paying fees for polluting methane leaks, a major cause of climate change.
Meanwhile, cuts to clean energy subsidies could raise household energy bills by $415 a year over the next decade.
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski/Pixabay
The Big Beautiful Bill gives the Pentagon billions of dollars to spend with private contractors.
10. It funds war and enriches war profiteers.
The bill gives the Pentagon a $150 billion boost, bringing overall Pentagon spending to over $1 trillion — a record high. That includes $25 billion for the “Golden Dome,” a missile defense system that’s economically and physically impossible but would enrich wealthy Pentagon contractors like Elon Musk.
Instead, Congress should harness America’s abundant wealth to create a moral economy that works for all of us. By fairly taxing the wealthy and big corporations, reducing our bloated military budget, and de-militarizing immigration policy, we could free up more than enough public funds to ensure we can all survive and thrive.
We have no excuse for not investing our national resources in ways that reflect our Constitutional values: to establish justice, domestic tranquility, real security, and the general welfare for all.
Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies. Lindsay Koshgarian directs the IPS National Priorities Project. They produced a longer version of this analysis for Repairers of the Breach. This version was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Filming day-in-the-life content for social media developments skills for video editing, branding, and audience engagement. Using the summer to learn how to use platforms like TikTok not only for fun but as a tool for a business tool.
Already on Tiktok or Instagram? Teens can get real-world skills by blending business and their social media platforms into a unique venture this summer where they can learn valuable business experience as entrepreneurs.
Summer in central Illinois is finally here.
For many teens, they will have a lot of unstructured time on their hands. With fewer summer jobs available, limited funds for sports camps or travel, and long days stretching ahead, many young people are left looking for purpose, income, or just something to do. But instead of drifting through the break, a growing number of students are learning to turn free time into opportunity by becoming their own bosses and discovering that entrepreneurship is more than just a way to earn extra money, it’s one of the most effective ways to learn.
Teen entrepreneurs are applying what they learn in class or teaching themselves new skills to build businesses that reflect their heritage, passions, and problem-solving instincts. They’re not waiting until college or the workforce to think about leadership, innovation, or financial independence. They’re learning all of it in real time, by doing. For Latino, Asian, and African-American teens, launching a business not only builds confidence and technical skill, but also reinforces cultural pride and community connection.
Some of the most popular ventures among these students are culturally-themed e-commerce shops. These online stores, often built using platforms like Shopify or TikTok Shop, serve as hands-on lessons in design, marketing, budgeting, and logistics. Teens are developing everything from Afro-futurist phone cases to DÃa de los Muertos digital templates, applying their creativity to build brands that resonate with both local and global audiences.
These students aren’t just developing products—they’re mastering the principles of entrepreneurship: identifying a niche, understanding customer needs, pricing goods, and using social media to grow an audience. The act of launching and maintaining a store becomes a real-world business lab where theory and practice intersect.
Photo: Olena Bohovyk/PEXELS
With fewer summer jobs available, limited funds for sports camps or travel, and long days stretching ahead, many teens around town are looking for something to do. Learning to run their own business, be their own boss can be rewarding.
Bilingual content creation and tech tutoring is another space where students are turning learning into leadership. By offering tutorials on AI tools, resume building, and coding in Spanish, Mandarin, or African American Vernacular English, teens are actively teaching others while sharpening their own understanding. These ventures promote not only digital literacy but also communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and empathy—all essential traits in a modern business environment.
Six YouTube channels perfect for a high school content creator
1. Small Town Hustles
Make videos for fellow high school students who have side gigs like lawn mowing, flipping thrift store finds, or selling homemade crafts.
2. Country Life Challenges
Make a series of funny videos about the struggles - no Uber Eats, slow internet, or "cows escaped AGAIN" - of life in a small town.
3. Small Town Mystery Stories
Make videos about local urban legends, abandoned places, or interview elders about town history.
4. Small Town Food Reviews
Create a video series rating local restaurant and gas station food and establishments. Include a few neighboring towns, too.
5. AI for Boomers
Teach 40 and 60-year-old people all the tricks you know on how to use AI.
6. Small Town Music & Bands
Interview local musicians, make hype videos, or teach someone how to play an instrument.
Running a YouTube channel or Zoom class requires planning, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Teens learn to navigate technical platforms, script engaging lessons, and respond to feedback from viewers. These aren’t just hobbies; they’re dynamic, evolving learning environments that prepare students for more complex challenges ahead.
In the food space, entrepreneurship is a blend of tradition, creativity, and real-world economics. Teens who launch cloud kitchens or Instagram-based snack shops—featuring dishes like Filipino turon or Jamaican beef patties—learn the value of budgeting ingredients, tracking orders, setting price points, and managing digital storefronts. These ventures require a deep understanding of time management and customer service, and they offer repeated opportunities to assess what works and what doesn’t.
Filming “day-in-the-life” content for social media adds another layer of skill development. Students gain practice in video editing, branding, and audience engagement, learning how to use platforms like TikTok not just for fun but as a tool for growth and reach.
Financial education is also coming from within. Some teens are taking it upon themselves to become "finfluencers", young content creators who break down money topics for their peers in a way that’s relevant, digestible, and culturally attuned. They explore topics like credit building for first-generation immigrants or affordable side hustles that align with family values. In the process, they’re not only absorbing financial literacy but translating it into relatable lessons for others.
Creating content on platforms like Reels or TikTok teaches these young entrepreneurs how to research, communicate clearly, and build trust. They learn what it means to be responsible with information, how to comply with platform guidelines, and how to manage affiliate partnerships or brand sponsorships. These are transferable, career-ready skills being developed years ahead of traditional job training.
Photo: Ionut Roman/Unsplash
As a content creator teens can build a loyal community of followers and get paid for it. There are no limits, dress codes or an overbearing boss to make a workday miserable.
Even event planning—a complex, often underestimated form of entrepreneurship—is becoming a learning platform for teens. By organizing cultural expos, college prep fairs, or K-pop dance battles, students gain experience in logistics, team coordination, sponsorship outreach, and digital promotion. These experiences teach project management, negotiation, and community engagement, all of which are vital in both business and civic life.
To support these ventures, students are also learning to seek funding and resources through identity-based organizations like the Latino Startup Alliance, Asian Hustle Network, and Black Founders. Applying for grants and mentorships teaches them to craft persuasive proposals, outline business plans, and articulate their mission and value. These experiences provide an early introduction to professional networks and expectations.
The process of starting and sustaining a business introduces students to one of entrepreneurship’s most important lessons: learning through failure. A product that doesn’t sell, a campaign that flops, or a cost that exceeds the budget—these aren’t dead ends; they’re opportunities to regroup and rethink. For young entrepreneurs, mistakes are data points. They’re the foundation of growth.
Tools like BizKids and Greenlight, along with old-fashioned piggy banks or play money ledgers, help students of all ages track revenue, analyze spending, and see where adjustments are needed. By engaging with these tools, students come to understand complex financial concepts through firsthand experience. Success is no longer abstract—it’s measured in saved allowances, sold hoodies, or repeat customers.
Even those who don’t end up pursuing entrepreneurship long-term walk away with a toolkit that applies to nearly every profession. They’ve developed problem-solving instincts, built resilience, practiced communication, and cultivated the confidence to try again after setbacks. These are not just business skills, they’re life skills.
Photo: Tung Lam/Pixabay
Event planning is fun business for teens to learn critical skills they can build on as they get older and establish their careers.
Parents and educators can support this learning journey in many ways. Encouraging students to select electives like marketing, computer science, or psychology gives them foundational knowledge. Helping them connect with part-time jobs at local businesses adds context and responsibility. And pointing them toward national youth programs like Junior Achievement’s Company Program or the Future Bound competition provides platforms where they can test and present their ideas.
Mentorship also plays a critical role. Students benefit from regular contact with adults who model entrepreneurial thinking and provide honest feedback. Even the act of building a vision board—laying out aspirations and breaking them into smaller goals—teaches strategic planning and long-term thinking.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a business pursuit for today’s students. It’s an immersive, student-driven form of education. It teaches by doing, sharpens through failing, and empowers through creating. It’s a method as much as a mindset—and one more young people are embracing as they prepare for a fast-changing future where adaptability, creativity, and self-direction will matter more than ever.
