Close-up of a credit card being placed on a restaurant receipt in an Illinois bistro, with the 'Tip' and 'Tax' lines highlighted to illustrate the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and swipe fees.

Skimming the Surface: How Illinois is Leading the Fight Against Hidden Credit Card Fees

Illinois has enacted the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA), which prohibits banks from charging swipe fees on tips and taxes, aiming to protect workers’ earnings. Despite opposition claims that this harms small businesses, the law actually helps by preventing banks from skimming crucial funds, enabling fairer wages for employees.

Illinois Veterans: Fraud Alert from VA Illiana Health Care System

CENTRAL ILLINOIS VETERANS ~~ VA Illiana Health Care System has issued a FRAUD ALERT. Learn more about protecting yourself from a recent scam targeting Veterans. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS Official – Facebook – Instagram – X – YouTube – Pinterest – Threads ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS: Official – Facebook – Instagram – X…

Crickets and Conviction: Why I Refuse to Stay Silent

My recent foray into political commentary usually results in crickets rather than clicks, and I’m okay with that. I don’t write for the stats; I do it because I must. As an American, a veteran, and a concerned citizen, I feel a duty to stand up for others—not just for what affects me personally, but…

What “Immigration Enforcement” looks like in Illinois

Federal agents conducted a controversial immigration raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood in late September and early October 2025. A multi-agency task force targeted an apartment building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive, resulting in arrests and accusations of excessive force against residents and elected officials. DETAILS OF THE OPERATION: Agencies involved: The raid involved…

My Thoughts on Critical Race Theory

The piece distinguishes between teaching honest history, which encompasses the mistreatment of various groups, and critical race theory, often misrepresented in political discourse. It argues that current GOP legislation mislabels honest history as critical race theory while suggesting that educators should convey uncomfortable truths rather than shield students from historical realities.

Again.

I’m not asking about all guns. I’m asking about military style weapons. Is it really that important for an average citizen to own an AR-15? This is not a hunting rifle. Why shouldn’t background checks become universal, and stricter? Why shouldn’t there be waiting periods on all gun sales? Why shouldn’t there be “red flag”…

A Christmas Eve memory.

A Christmas eve memory from 1985. I was in Frankfurt, Germany….freezing my backside off in the middle of the night….pulling guard duty outside the heavily restricted entrance to the Frankfurt PX (which had been car-bombed the month previously). An old, somewhat junky BMW sputters up…and stops….full of a very jovial (and I’d imagine a wee…

Some thoughts on animal rescue non-profits.

Animal rescue non-profits cannot run on nice comments and prayers (which are appreciated by the way – rescuers deal with some pretty sad business, so encouragement is always welcome). What they need are volunteers to help share the work, to help with transports, to help out at events. They need donations of money, time, pet…

ILLINOIS COVID19 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEXT LINE

ILLINOIS COVID19 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEXT LINE IL residents can text ‘TALK‘ to 552-020 to speak with a local mental health counselor, and can also use this text line to be put in touch with services related to unemployment and food because of COVID19. 

Ramen on Easter in the middle of a pandemic.

Well, here it is. April 12, 2020. Easter Sunday. I doubt there are many people that would have believed the difference between Easter last year, compared to this year. I can speak for myself and say I wouldn’t have believed it, had anyone told me this is the way it would be. We are several…