2026

a group of men and women dressed in professional clothes standing at a table of memorabilia

February 9, 2026

Got a Question at 3 a.m.? Abe Can Lend a Hand

Last fall, I had the honor of attending an event for the 150th anniversary of a family-owned business. Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville has been in the same family for six generations. At an event marking the milestone, a family member said the business used to be open 365 days a year. He calculated that it was open 22,000 straight days before a later generation finally decided to close on Christmas. That tale of dedication got me thinking about my family.…

Illinois State Flag featured next to a white Spanish Colonial Revival style building

February 5, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes $1.5 Billion in Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During 2025

Another $882 million for cities and school districts through Illinois Funds The State Treasurer’s Office made $1.5 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during 2025, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when President Trump is illegally yanking away federal money from Illinois to…

Treasurer Frerichs poses with recipients of Black History Month Awards and with Jesse white

February 4, 2026

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Chicago Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

MacArthur “Genius Grant” Recipient Tonika Lewis Johnson, Illinois Economic Development CEO Christy George, Chicago Hope Football Coach Christopher Mallette Among Those Honored CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight Chicago-area honorees included a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient…

Treasurer Frerichs gives giant ICash checks to about 5 people

January 29, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Reminds People to Check for Missing Money During National Unclaimed Property Day

Visit the ICash Website Feb. 1; Find Out If Money Is Waiting for You National Unclaimed Property Day is this weekend, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. “This Sunday, February 1, is National Unclaimed Property Day, and I hope people will celebrate by checking our ICash website to see if they or any loved ones have missing…

Several comic books, including Flash and Wonder Woman

January 26, 2026

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Troy Aikman Trading Cards, 100-Ounce Silver Bar, and More Available at Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online Auction

Surprise Your Valentine Next Month with a One-of-a-Kind Gift from the Online Auction January 23-February 1 Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Patrick Ewing, collectible basketball cards, and comics featuring Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Spawn are just some of the notable items available at the online ICash auction January 23-February 1. “Valentine’s Day may never be the same,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “Whether your valentine collects coins, comics,…

January 21, 2026

Mailbag January 22, 2026 – New Year’s Resolutions

QUESTION: In your last Treasurer’s note, you gave a recap of your 2025 resolutions, but I noticed you didn’t mention any for 2026. Did you make any for this year? A: Thanks for noticing, and thank you for the question. Some are similar to last year, and some are new. I think we are more likely to keep our resolutions when we share them with others to hold us accountable. So, here goes! *I want to cross the $2.5 billion…

two boys under 3 years old on the bottom of a slide with red and green jackets

January 21, 2026

Make This Season Work for You

Illinois had one of the snowiest Decembers in some time. It also was very cold, which meant Max and Theo didn’t get to spend as much time outdoors as usual. This resulted in a little bit of cabin fever for both of them and their parents. They have a lot of toddler energy. In better weather, we spend as much time as possible outside to help them get some of that energy out. When they are stuck inside, it can…

January 20, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Chicago Children’s Museum to Host $5.29 Family Day Sunday, January 25

Families Can Decorate and Take Home Piggy Banks as Part of Bright Start 529 Promotion CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and the Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) are once again partnering to host a $5.29 Family Day on Sunday, January 25. As part of the special event sponsored by Bright Start 529 College Savings, general admission to the museum will be discounted to $5.29 per person. Tickets are now available through the museum’s website and are expected to sell…

January 6, 2026

Turning the Page to 2026

Like millions of Americans, I make New Year’s resolutions. Last year, like millions of Americans, I resolved to exercise more, eat better, and lose weight. I had some work to do. The twins were born during summer 2023, and they brought us untold joy. Taking care of them also meant less sleep, more snacking and comfort foods, and no energy to work out. Bad habits formed, and pounds packed on. The good news: In 2025, I woke up early and…