Sentinel Article Archive for December 22
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 22
Here is a recap of the headlines published on this day in December in the Sentinel from Champaign‑Urbana and surrounding communities. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year. Read this day's articles like safe holiday travel trips, things to keep in mind when hiring a law firm, and how to spend less money during the holiday season.
The Sentinel On This Day | December 20
Here is a recap of the headlines published on this day in December in the Sentinel from Champaign‑Urbana and surrounding communities. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 20
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 19
Here is a recap of the headlines published on this day in December in the Sentinel from Champaign‑Urbana and surrounding communities. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 19
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 18
Here is a recap of the headlines published on this day in December in the Sentinel from Champaign‑Urbana and surrounding communities. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 18
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 17
Here is a recap of the headlines published on this day in December in the Sentinel from Champaign‑Urbana and surrounding communities. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 17
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 16
Discover the headlines published on this day in December in Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 16
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 13
With the month almost over, festive with bright colored lights and winter’s chill settling upon us, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 13
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Chlebek says Illinois has ‘No Excuse’ as Florida advances property tax plan
Florida voters may soon decide on eliminating property taxes. Casey Chlebek says Illinois should give voters the same chance.
PARK RIDGE, ILL - In a political moment where property taxes are usually treated as an unavoidable fact of life, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just cracked the door wide open and Illinois leaders are pretending not to notice. As DeSantis moves forward with a 2026 ballot initiative that would eliminate property taxes on primary residences in Florida, Chlebek is renewing his call for Illinois to let voters weigh in on whether the state should do the same. For Chlebek, the contrast between Florida’s momentum and Illinois’ silence is becoming harder to ignore.
Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. Florida does not rank in the top 20.
“Governor DeSantis just proved this isn’t a pipe dream,” Chlebek said. “Florida is putting this question directly to voters in 2026. Illinois should do the same.” DeSantis announced last week that Florida voters will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties. The proposal would require 60 percent voter approval and includes safeguards to protect funding for schools and law enforcement. It also lays out a phased approach that includes $1,000 rebate checks for homeowners in December 2025 and long-term revenue replacement through spending reforms and alternative funding sources. Chlebek has been making a similar argument in Illinois since September, when he first called on Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly to place a statewide advisory referendum on the 2026 ballot. Florida’s move, he said, strips away the usual excuses coming out of Springfield. Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. Florida does not rank in the top 20. Yet Florida’s governor is pushing for elimination while Illinois leaders continue to describe meaningful reform as too complicated or politically risky. “We have the worst property tax crisis in America, and our leaders are doing nothing,” Chlebek said. “Florida’s taxes are lower than ours, and they’re still saying enough is enough.” The stakes, he argues, are not theoretical. Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County residents have lost homes worth an estimated $108 million over roughly $2.3 million in unpaid property taxes. That group included at least 125 seniors. The difference between the tax debt and the home’s value was kept by the government and private investors, a practice the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in 2023.
Families across the political spectrum are drowning in property taxes.
Despite that ruling, Illinois has yet to fully reform its property tax foreclosure laws. “In Florida, they’re fighting to eliminate property taxes for homeowners who can pay,” Chlebek said. “In Illinois, we’re seizing homes from seniors who fall behind and keeping their equity. That’s not tax collection. That’s state-sanctioned theft.” Florida is not acting alone. Republican leaders in Texas, Kansas, Montana and Pennsylvania are advancing their own property tax relief or elimination proposals. Several states have already moved to stop home equity theft following the Supreme Court’s decision. Illinois, Chlebek noted, has done neither. “This is a national movement, and Illinois is being left behind,” he said. Chlebek’s proposal would place a nonbinding advisory question on the November 2026 ballot asking voters whether Illinois should pursue abolishing property taxes on primary residences and replace them with alternative funding for schools, police, fire protection and local services. While local governments control property taxes under the Illinois Constitution, Chlebek says an overwhelming vote would send a clear signal to lawmakers. “Put it on the ballot. Let the people decide,” he said. “If they say yes, Springfield has to act. If they say no, fine. But at least give them the choice.” He points to Florida as proof that the issue can cut across political divides. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have clashed on other issues, yet both chambers are aligned on sending the property tax question to voters. “This isn’t partisan. It’s practical,” Chlebek said. “Families across the political spectrum are drowning in property taxes.” For Chlebek, the issue comes down to the basic meaning of homeownership. “You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home if you fall behind on taxes,” he said. “That’s not ownership. Florida gets it. Illinois voters get it. Now it’s time Springfield gets it, too.”
The Sentinel On This Day | December 12
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 12
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 11
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 11
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 10
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 10
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 9
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 9
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Storage hacks you definitely want use between fall-winter, winter-spring seasons
The changes in season should be exciting. Keep your transitions from fall to winter or winter to spring organized and easy.
SNS - Seasonal change brings fresh routines. It also brings clutter. So many families need smarter spaces and affordable storage ideas that fit daily life. That is why storage hacks locals swear by matter in every city. A tidy home feels easier to manage. Protected items stay ready for future use. Clean systems support daily living and make moving simpler.
Storage Hacks Locals Swear By: Easy and Practical Tips for Every Home
A good organization solves daily stress. Clear containers make everything visible. Simple labels prevent confusion. Strong storage shelves give items a home. These hacks support moving plans, garage spaces, closets, and rental storage units.
Photo: Arina Krasnikova/PEXELS
Sort First, Then Store: Reduce What You Carry Each Season
People collect more than they use. Each season gives us a chance to review items and make your home clutter-free with simple habits. Sort clothes by fit and comfort. Donate what does not serve you. Pack off-season items right after sorting. Follow storage hacks locals swear by to keep piles from growing. A small session each month helps avoid overload. Use short lists:- Keep items you love and use.
- Donate clean items that no longer fit.
- Recycle broken pieces.
Protect Seasonal Clothing With Breathable Bags
Clothes need safe storage from moisture. Cotton storage bags allow air to move. This prevents stale odor. Vacuum-seal bags save major space for winter coats. Shoe boxes keep their shape. Add lavender pouches for a fresh scent. Store clothing by season at the top of closets or in under-bed bins.Plan Space for Kids As They Grow
Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
Weather-Safe Storage for Outdoor Gear
Summer gear needs winter rest. Winter gear needs summer rest. Use sturdy bins for camping tools. Hang bikes safely on walls. Keep beach gear in mesh bags so sand drops away. Simple storage habits keep gear ready for the next season.Use Vertical Space to Open Your Floors
Empty floor space creates calm. Wall shelves help organize books, board games, and seasonal décor. Pegboards hold tools and crafts. A tall shoe rack near the door keeps heavy boots upright in winter. Vertical space helps small apartments feel roomy.Digital Lists Help Track Stored Items
A simple photo album on your phone works better than memory. Take one photo per box. Add a note with the contents. Include the location of each box. Digital tracking supports quick finding and faster unpacking during moves.
Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS
Label Boxes With Clear, Short Words
Labels clear confusion. Use bold markers. Write one or two words per side:- “Fall Jackets”
- “Holiday Lights”
- “Football Gear”
Create A “Next Season” Bin
Prepare one bin for items you will use soon. Keep it close. In early fall, place winter hats and gloves here. In spring, swap swim gear into that bin. One easy bin saves digging through stacks.A Moving Insight: Local Storage Can Support Family Life During Seasonal Change
Families often move to reach better schools or kid-friendly areas with parks. During moves, items shift between homes and storage units. This period shows how our needs change with the seasons as we look for seasonal storage solutions that support daily routines. Parents want toys and school items close by. They keep holiday decorations out of the way. They plan access to seasonal sports gear for active kids. Smart storage connects home comfort and moving organization. Many movers share helpful guides, including storage hacks locals swear by, to help families adjust to space step by step.Food and Pantry Rotation
Pantry space shifts with seasons, too. Winter soups need space. Summer snacks need airflow. Rotate cans based on expiration. Glass jars protect dry goods. Strong clips close snack bags. Keep a small box of emergency food in a high space so kids stay safe.Clean Before Storing Seasonal Items
Dust and dirt spread in closed spaces. Quick cleaning keeps items fresh for next year. Wash beach towels before storing. Dry tents before folding. Wipe down skates after the season ends. This protects gear and keeps pests away.Climate Control for Delicate Items
Heat breaks glue. Cold cracks plastics. Photos warp. Artwork fades. Delicate belongings need stable temperatures. If you use a rental storage space, ask for climate-controlled options. Movers can also advise on packing for fragile items.Clear Walkways in Storage Units
Clear paths help fast access. Place long-term items against the back walls. Keep often-used bins in the front. Heavy boxes should stay low. Safety matters every time you visit the unit.Keep Seasonal Décor Together
Holiday decorations scatter across homes. Pack décor from each holiday into its own set of bins. Color-code lids for quick recognition:- Red for winter holidays
- Orange for fall and Halloween
- Green for spring events
Smart Furniture Storage
Some furniture hides space inside. For example, storage ottomans hold blankets. Plus, benches with cubbies hide shoes. In addition, under-bed drawers work well for winter sweaters. Overall, choose furniture that helps place items away with ease.Check Items Twice Per Year
Use spring and fall to check everything in storage. During these reviews, look for moisture or pests. Also, check expiration dates in the pantry box. At the same time, review kids’ items as they grow. With this habit, twice-yearly checks stop waste and keep gear ready.Seasonal Storage and Moving Go Hand in Hand
Moving often happens during the season change. New homes demand fresh space planning, and organizing your storage helps families settle faster. Families arrive with summer gear but prepare for winter. Local movers help protect items through these changes. They share tips to store smarter so homes feel spacious from day one. This is why storage hacks locals swear by continue to help so many households each year.Seasonal Change Can Feel Easier With Smart Storage
Season change should feel exciting. Yet, clutter can spoil that feeling. So, smart planning helps remove stress fast. First, use clear systems. Next, choose strong bins that last. Then, track items with simple lists. Also, make access easy for the whole family. That way, daily life flows better with the changing weather. Whether settling into a new space or preparing for a move, trust simple storage hacks locals swear by to support comfort all year.
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