Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Illinois Senator Committee approves resolution urging Illinois K through 12 schools to offer Arabic as Foreign Language option By Ray Hanania As Consolidated High School District 230, one of the largest in Illinois, blocked the adoption of Arabic as a Foreign Language at their three High Schools, Sandburg High School, Andrew High School, and Stagg…
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Column: Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what…
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Frank Calabrese and Ray Hanania on Politics podcast discuss court ruling on Samatha Steele’s alleged DUI Political consultants and writers Frank Calabrese and Ray Hanania discuss the shocking decision by a former judge this week to reject DUI charges against outgoing Board of Review 2nd District Commissioner Samantah Steele on the “Ray Hanania on Politics”…
Leving Team Gained Victory for Dad and Gave a Little Girl the Gift of a Lifetime – Her Father By Laura Reichel A devoted father was reunited with his daughter just in time to celebrate her twelfth birthday together. Dad had been embroiled in a bitter and complicated divorce which the Leving legal team ultimately…
Ryan Bill Aims to Expand Public Defender Assistance in Illinois Courts State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, is expanding legal assistance for Illinois drivers charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with a new measure that will allow public defenders to represent DUI clients in both criminal cases and civil hearings. “If a driver charged…
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Orland Park Launches Emergency Management Agency The Village of Orland Park has formally replaced the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) with the Orland Park Emergency Management Agency (EMA), following Board of Trustees approval Monday night. The transition strengthens the Village’s commitment to emergency preparedness, disaster response and public safety. “Illinois communities across the state are…
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Deputy District Director to United States Congressman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Covid-Relief Benefits The Deputy District Director to an Illinois United States congressman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $31,000 in unemployment insurance benefits during the Covid pandemic. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and…
Treasurer Maria Pappas Recognizes Cinco de Mayo with Celebration of Mexican Heritage Featuring Mariachi Music, Live Horses, and an Art Exhibit Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas marked Cinco de Mayo on May 5 with a public celebration honoring the deep cultural roots and lasting contributions of the Mexican diaspora in Chicagoland. The event featured live…
Ryan calls High School Language Requirement “burdensome” and pushes to remove it State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, is seeking to remove the two-year foreign language requirement Illinois high school students must complete to receive a high school diploma. “Schools are facing a shortage of qualified teachers who can teach foreign languages,” Ryan said. “And…
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Village of Orland Park to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday With Year of Events The Village of Orland Park is proud to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with a year full of special events and programs. The season of celebration will kick off with the Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest & Parade on Saturday,…
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Hastings leads effort to protect Illinois clients and attorneys from private equity interference State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation that would safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and investor‑backed management services organizations. “This legislation is about ensuring that legal decisions in Illinois…
MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn Leads Berwyn Green Infrastructure Groundbreaking MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn joined by Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (4th District), and MWRD board colleagues and local aldermen in breaking ground on Green Infrastructure in Berwyn on May 1, 2026 On May 1, 2026, Metropolitan Water…
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Hastings calls for fair distribution of water infrastructure investment State Senator Michael E. Hastings called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure fairness and balance in a proposed $200 million infrastructure plan filed by Illinois American Water ─ raising concerns about how those investments are distributed across the state. During a hearing in Springfield, Hastings…
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Cook County Treasurer Pappas and Alliance of Polish Clubs President Mirowska-Kopec recognize Polish population by honoring local leaders ahead of Polish Constitution Day Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will attend the raising of the Polish Flag over Daley Plaza on Friday, May 1 at noon. Afterwards, along with Alliance of Polish Clubs USA President Lucja…
Leving Team Reunited Grandparents with Grandchildren By Laura Reichel Tragically, a loving Chicago father died leaving behind his two children. Since birth and prior to their father’s passing, the children had lived in their paternal grandparents’ home with both parents. Their grandparents were deeply devoted to them, forming a close and loving bond that became…
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OFPD extinguishes garage fire in Orland Park, no injuries reported The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire Thursday evening in the 10800 block of Caribou Lane involving an attached residential garage. Upon arrival, all occupants had safely exited the home. First arriving companies forced entry to access the garage and encountered…
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Northwestern Medicine Opens $15 Million Center Expanding Advanced Gastrointestinal Care to Suburban Chicago The Center for Advanced Endoscopy offers some of the most advanced endoscopic procedures available in the United States Northwestern Medicine is expanding access to highly specialized digestive health services with the opening of the new Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central…
Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas: You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago By Maria Pappas My office is managing $105 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years that I’m eager to send back to property owners. But determining who’s…