•February 22, 2023•
Spring is noted for the sense of rejuvenation it inspires when temperatures warm up and flowers begin to bloom. But in the United States, the onset of spring is followed shortly thereafter by tax season, which typically generates entirely different feelings than the first sight of spring blooms.
The deadline to file tax returns in the U.S. in 2023 is Tuesday, April 18. With that deadline looming, now is a good time to consider these three basic tax preparation tips, courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service.
1. Access your IRS account. Individuals can access or create their IRS account at irs.gov/account. That ensures taxpayers have the latest information about their federal tax account and enables them to see information about their most recently filed return. A visit to irs.gov/account also allows individuals to make payments and apply for payment plans, among other options.
2. Organize your tax records. The IRS urges taxpayers to wait to file their returns until they have all of their records, including:
- Forms W-2 from employer(s) Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Did You Know?
•February 22, 2023•
The United States’ military involvement in the Vietnam War began in February 1961 and ended in May 1975. During that time, approximately 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam and more than 58,000 lost their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Canadians also fought in the Vietnam War. Officially, Canada played the role of neutral peacemaker. However, according to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Canada secretely backed the American effort in helping the Southern Vietnamese forces reclaim footing against the Northern Vietnamese. America was not able to stop the Tet Offensive in 1968. It would take two more assaults before the U.S. and South Vietnamese would retake lost territory. However, the victory was short-lived. When the 1973 Paris Peace Accords were signed, the North Vietnamese refused the last conditions which required releasing civilian detainees and allowing free and democratic elections in South Vietnam. The refusal prompted an armed insurrection in April 1975, and Saigon, the South capital, fell to Northern forces and was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. The U.S. then withdrew from the country. TF233776
Interesting Facts About the Month of March
•February 22, 2023•
Millions of people look forward to the month of March every year. In the northern hemisphere, March 20 or 21 marks the beginning of spring, a season of rejuvenation in which individuals enjoy the first consistent periods of warm weather since the previous fall. Though the official start of spring is a much-anticipated event each March, the month is more than just the end of winter. The following are some interesting facts about the month of March.
• March derives its name from “Martius,” which was the first month of the earliest Roman calendar. The Romans gave the month that name in honor of Mars, the Roman god of war, and Martius was considered the beginning of warfare season, which is a far cry from the beginning that March is now associated with. Read More
Plan Ahead for an ‘Eggceptional’ Easter Egg Hunt
•February 22, 2023•
Easter is steeped in both religious and secular traditions. Each year on Easter Sunday, many families feast on ham or lamb. Hot cross buns may be served as morning treats. And faithful Christians may dress up in their Sunday best to attend religious services.
Easter egg hunts are another time-honored component of this festive occasion. According to History.com, the Easter bunny and his eggs may initially have been derived from stories about an egg-laying hare introduced to Americans by German settlers during the 1700s. Children would make nests and the hare would leave behind colored eggs.
Children often relish in the idea of scouring their homes and yards in search of brightly-hued plastic or hard-boiled eggs. A little planning on the part of Easter egg hunt organizers can make this festive tradition even more fun. Read More
Budget-Friendly Ways to Freshen up your Home’s Exterior
•February 22, 2023•
As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.
Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties. Read More
Pritzker Lays Out $49.6 Billion Spending Plan
•February 22, 2023•
Calls for new investments in education, efforts to combat poverty
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday laid out a $49.6 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that calls for significant new spending for early childhood education and efforts to combat homelessness among other areas.
He also claimed credit for putting the state back on more secure financial footing.
Speaking to a joint session of the General Assembly, Pritzker delivered a combined State of the State speech and budget address in the House chamber since his pre-pandemic address in February 2020.
Pritzker’s proposed budget appeared to signal a transition to a post-COVID kind of normalcy, with a focus on typical state issues like education, health care and social services as opposed to grappling with a public health disaster and the economic calamity that came with it.
“The last time I stood here seems like a lifetime ago,” Pritzker said. “So many fiscal challenges laid ahead. And so much progress has been made.”
Pritzker came into office in 2019, succeeding Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, whose single term was marked by a two-year budget impasse that resulted in a nearly $17 billion backlog of past-due bills and multiple credit downgrades. But with those old bills paid and credit rating agencies now giving the state upgrades, Pritzker appeared to revel in pointing out the contrast. Read More
Lake Land College Announces Part-time Fall Semester Honors List
•February 22, 2023•
Lake Land College recently announced that nearly 600 part-time students earned academic honors for the 2022 Fall semester.
To qualify for the president’s list, a student must have completed six to 11 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.8 – 4.0. Read More
Newly Signed Laws Include Creation of Tourism Districts, Criminal Justice Reforms
Pritzker signs measures ahead of second-term budget address
•February 22, 2023•
By Nika Schoonover
Capitol News Illinois
nschoonover @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed 15 bills into law, tackling policy areas from tourism to prison reform and making it easier for people previously convicted of felonies to legally change their name.
The laws passed the General Assembly in their recently concluded lame duck legislative session in January, and Pritzker’s signature came less than a week before his budget address, scheduled for Wednesday at the Capitol. Read More
Menu 2-22-2023
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Feb. 27 - Three Bean Chili, Pickled Beets, Fruit, Cornbread and Crackers
Feb. 28 - Pulled Pork, Corn, Lima Beans, Potato Salad, Bun
March 1 - Taco Salad, Sliced Pears, Whole Grain Chips, Dessert
March 2 - Gnocchi Chicken Bake, Broccoli, Peas & Pearl Onions, Fruit Dessert
March 3 - Vegetable Lasagna, Seasoned Green Beans, Cinnamon Applesauce, Romaine Salad
Help HSHS Home Care Illinois Collect Food Items for Catholic Charities
•February 22, 2023•
In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care Illinois is holding their annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for the Catholic Charities food pantry to help those struggling with food insecurity. Read More