Sarah Hollander

In 2023, Federal Trade Commission data shows that Illinois consumers reported total losses from fraud of $244.7 million. To help bring those numbers down, AARP Illinois is working with law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, Area Agencies on Aging, the Illinois attorney general’s office and other organizations. And AARP is ramping up its education efforts with a five-part online fraud prevention series.

Americans reported $9 billion in losses to fraud in 2022—from fake sweepstakes to romance scams. In the current legislative session, AARP Minnesota is pressing state lawmakers to pass a bill that would create a state-level restitution fund for fraud victims. AARP is also targeting 40-year home contracts.

As retirement anxiety looms high in Michigan, many advocates are pushing for a state-facilitated program that will improve retirement savings for employees of small businesses.

Six grants totaling $65,000 were awarded to Oregon nonprofits this year, as a part of AARP's 2023 Community Grant Challenge. The program funds projects that improve quality of live for people of all ages. This year's winners will focus on improving public spaces, digital connections, equity, transportation and housing.

The topics for the event, hosted by AARP Michigan, will include ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline, tips to recognize symptoms and get a diagnosis, treatment and resource options and racial and ethnic disparities in brain health.

New Gov. Katie Hobbs is facing a growing older population and is working to beef up Alzheimer's research and housing assistance.

AARP Indiana is working to help address a statewide shortage of affordable housing, including helping fund and build a Habitat for Humanity home in Evansville. Other steps include advocating for zoning adjustments and initiatives aimed at diversifying Indiana’s housing stock.

A real estate company that promises homeowners quick cash in exchange for the future right to sell their property has come under fire from consumer advocates and the Ohio attorney general, who says its practices are “illegal” and “shameful.”

AARP Arizona is urging members to make their voices heard in public hearings on the rate proposal.

Missouri is battling a persistent gap between its high-speed internet haves and have-nots. State officials are seeking input on how to spend a windfall from Washington—of up to $1 billion—to expand broadband access.