The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) stopped the biggest gas rate hike in Illinois history, cutting a proposed $314 million increase from Nicor Gas by almost 50 percent, on the heels of months of public outcry and advocacy by AARP Illinois, including 35,000 petitions signed by AARP members.
I’ll celebrate my 10th year anniversary with AARP this year. When I started, I could not have fully anticipated how deeply this mission would become part of my life. What began as a professional opportunity quickly grew into a calling—one grounded in listening to older Wyomingites, working alongside passionate volunteers, and advocating for policies that help people live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Birdwatching is no longer a niche hobby. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study shows that 16% of Americans travel specifically to go birding, with particularly strong participation among adults age 55 and older. It’s accessible, mentally engaging, and easy to enjoy, whether you travel far or stay close to home.
AARP Kansas hosted its annual Advocacy Day—affectionately known as Cookie Day—at the Kansas Statehouse. This event brings volunteers together to meet with legislators, share cookies, and most importantly, discuss issues that matter to Kansans age 50 and older.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, January 20, 2026 - AARP New Jersey congratulates Governor Mikie Sherrill on her inauguration and appreciates that her speech underscored a steadfast commitment to making New Jersey more affordable. We are encouraged by her focus on lowering property taxes, freezing utility rates, and supporting older residents across the Garden State.
When Fia flipped through her local paper and saw a mug-making workshop, something clicked. ‘I want to do that,’ she thought—and that simple decision changed everything.
As temperatures drop in many states, criminals are turning up the heat on their deceptive tactics. While utility scams happen year-round, scammers are especially active when customers rely on these essential services to stay warm and safe.