2026

three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes with ancient-looking images carved in the leather

Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas Baseball Cards, Egyptian Jewelry Boxes, Gold Coins Available at Treasurer Frerichs’ Online ICash Auction

Auction catalog available here . A 1926 British Sovereign gold coin bearing the image of King George V, three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes, and baseball cards of Chicago legends Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas are among the treasures available at the online ICash auction September 25-October 4. “Our online auction offers a variety of distinctive, memorable items you can buy for yourself, a friend, or a loved one,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “If there’s a collector in your life, or a…

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Treasurer Frerichs poses with the seven men and women who received Hispanic Heritage Month celebration awards

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Community Leaders in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the great achievements of Latino community leaders. Treasurer Frerichs honored nine individuals: the Spanish-language play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks; a brother and sister who own several Chicago-area restaurants; a Chicago high school principal; an airport concessions firm founder; a registered nurse and clinical coordinator; the organizing director of Chicago’s hospitality workers union; the chief curator at the National Museum of Mexican Art; and an Illinois state senator. “We gather together today…

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You Can’t Predict Their Path. You Can Prepare For It.

Our twins have always loved going to the park: playing on the jungle gym, swinging, or swishing down slides. Recently, they have found an open path where they love running races.     They will race each other, Mom, or Dad. Although they are identical twins, they have very different running styles. Max will pump his arms and legs in a way that makes me think he very well could be a sprinter someday. Theo has a more free-spirited way  of running. After completing a 25-yard dash, Max is ready…

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Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

When Farmers Need Help Weathering the Storm

This summer, I was awakened by a tremendous storm in the middle of the night. My first thought was how much I don’t like the rain. I didn’t always feel this way. As a kid, I loved playing in the rain. I think my attitude started to change when baseball games were rained out. I also distinctly remember my first job detasseling corn really turned me against the rain. By the time I got through the field, my shoes were covered in 5 to 10 pounds of mud, my clothes…

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Treasurer Frerichs and a construction worker, both wearing hard hats and yellow vests, looking at the Chicago skyline. Overlaying text says: Investing in Illinois workers. A map of Illinois also is visible.

A Lifetime of Work Deserves a Better Retirement

Last weekend, I marched in a couple of Labor Day parades. It’s important to celebrate the accomplishments of working people. Maybe you gathered with friends and family to grill and eat outdoors. Maybe you took the chance to get on the water one last time this summer. Or maybe you watched your favorite team play a game. Those are also worthwhile ways to mark the holiday. Not everyone should live to work. We work so that we can live better. And we have those options because people fought for things like…

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