Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use By Maria Pappas When it comes to property taxes in Cook County, a lot of people feel like they’re staring at a 1,000-piece puzzle—and someone hid the box with the picture on the cover. That’s why I want to tell you about a tool that helps you…
Hastings meets with Matteson School District 162 leaders to strengthen school safety measures State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited Matteson School District 162 last week to meet with Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis and district leaders to discuss security measures, rapid response plans and other protocols designed to keep students safe. The meeting focused on how…
Author Jeffrey Wolfson Publishes A Prayer Book: Reflections for a Shared, Sacred World Ridgefield, CT — [8/26/25] — Jeffrey Wolfson announces the publication of his debut work, “A Prayer Book: Reflections for a Shared, Sacred World,” now available in paperback and Kindle editions through Amazon. Unlike traditional prayer books, Wolfson’s work is not a set…
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Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar to Present on Vacating Voluntary Acknowledgements of Paternity By: Laura Reichel The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on September 18th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago. The keynote…
Orland Fire Protection District now accepting applications for position of firefighter/paramedic Orland Fire Protection District, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District is accepting applications from the public for the position of firefighter/paramedic. Individuals who are between 21 and 35 years of age can apply, with certain minimum required qualifications. The starting salary for new…
Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…
No one injured in Orland Park apartment building fire Thursday Orland Fire Protection District, IL – No one was injured when an Orland Park home caught fire Thursday. OFPD Officials are investigating the cause of the fire that burned the kitchen of an apartment building, but suspect it may be related to the oven in…
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Father’s Role Affirmed, Family Stability Preserved By: Laura Reichel For many dads, the letters DCFS bring more than just anxiety; they unleash a nightmare of fear, doubt, and the possibility of losing the person they cherish most. This was the reality for a devoted dad who suddenly felt himself branded as dangerous and unfit. Terrified…
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Study on which states vaccinate the most and the least from WalletHub With vaccines preventing 4 to 5 million deaths worldwide per year, according to the WHO, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s States that Vaccinate the Most, as well as expert commentary. In order to find out which states vaccinate…
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WalletHub releases new Credit Card Debt study WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt Study released its latest study looking at Credit Card debt, showing it is below the record high. The results of WalletHub’s new Fed Rate Survey, along with projections for how a September prime rate drop could affect our wallets, are listed here. Credit…
Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz Limited-time seasonal treat available beginning Sept. 1 Wetzel’s Pretzels is embracing the season’s sweetest flavors with the debut of its new limited time offer menu item, Apple Cinnamon Bitz, an autumn-inspired twist on the brand’s beloved bite-sized pretzels. Wetzel’s is once again giving snack lovers a…
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Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park A man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded machine gun in a Chicago park. Eddie Arguelles possessed the firearm on May 14, 2025, in Riis Park in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, according…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…
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Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor As you know, I have never been a big fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or, for that matter, many of the most recent governors we have had, including Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, or “Mr. Celebrity” Governor, Rod Blagojevich. (Previously published on Ray…
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Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….
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What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Twice each year, my office mails out about 1.8 million tax bills to Cook County property owners. Most people glance only at the amount due—but your bill is much more than a dollar figure. It’s a detailed breakdown of how your…
A Native American Father’s Rights Upheld, A Family’s Heritage Preserved By Laura Reichel The moments a father shares with his children are priceless, shaping memories that last a lifetime. Sadly, not every father is given the chance to be there when it matters most. A devoted father was faced with this heartbreaking reality when his…
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U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorses Yasmeen Bankole for Congress In the Senator’s First Federal Endorsement of the 2026 Cycle, Durbin Says Yasmeen Bankole is the Leader Illinois’ 8th District Needs U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorsed Yasmeen Bankole for Congress in Illinois’ 8th. Durbin’s endorsement of Yasmeen Bankole, Hanover Park Trustee and lifelong Illinois public servant,…
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