Sentinel Article Archive for December 26
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 26
Here is a recap of the headlines on this day in December from the Sentinel. Review local news, sports, political stories, and opinion pieces that shaped life in Champaign County. Articles on this day include viewpoints on how Republicans can take your rights away and normalizing US relationship with Cuba. Did you miss our commentary on homelessness or article on five tips to shed holiday pounds? See all the headlines below.
The Sentinel On This Day | December 25
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 on healthy tips for a New Year's Resolution, Illini basketball huge win over Missouri and inexpensive hobbies you can start today.
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 on healthy tips for a New Year's Resolution, Illini basketball huge win over Missouri and inexpensive hobbies you can start today.
Sentinel Article Archive for Christmas Day
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 24
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 on new RF technology that can make you look younger, see a couple of basketball galleries, and take a peek at this recipe for Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 24
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 23
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 on free tech training program, a look back at our COVID dashboard, and a skincare guide for winter.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 23
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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.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 22
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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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