Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
John Harrell hosts taxpayer review workshops for residents, urges extension of appeals period and tax hike limits 8th Legislative District candidate Harrell calls for extension of property tax payment deadline, new laws to make it more difficult for homeowners to lose their properties because of property tax debts, and to limit how much property taxes…
Leving Team’s Victory Saved Dad’s Two Boys from Danger By Laura Reichel A devoted father was deeply terrified about the safety of his two young sons. The children’s mother was reported to be struggling with serious mental health problems, and dad feared she could endanger his children. He wanted nothing more than to protect them…
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Kat Abughazaleh Raises $1 Million in Q4, Continuing Record-Breaking Grassroots Momentum in IL-09 Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh announced today that her campaign has raised over $1,000,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, continuing a surge of grassroots support that has made her one of the strongest insurgent candidates in the country. As of December 10,…
Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments By Maria Pappas Property owners unable to pay their tax bills in full by the Dec. 15 due date should look at our free online financial planning tool that helps you make smaller, more manageable payments over time. It’s called the Payment Plan…
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Orland Park Statement on Settlement of William Sanchez vs. Village of Orland Park, et al., Lawsuit Status of Temporary Restraining Order Against Former Mayor Keith Pekau for Releasing Confidential Village Information William Sanchez vs. Village of Orland Park, et al. The Village of Orland Park has reached a settlement agreement with William Sanchez to fully…
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas column explores options to help pay property taxes by Dec. 15 If you can’t pay your taxes by the December 15 due date, there’s a 13-month payment plan available! Register now at CookCountyTreasurer.com. Second-Installment Cook County property taxes are due Dec. 15, for nearly 1.8 million Cook County properties. That…
WalletHub releases Credit Card Debt study, shows $16 billion increase The Federal Reserve released its latest Consumer Credit report today at 3 p.m. WalletHub’s inflation-adjusted analysis of the data reveals that consumers added $16 billion in credit card debt during the third quarter of 2025. Key highlights from WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt Study are…
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Orland Park Police Department releases Thanksgiving enforcement numbers Orland Park Police release data in Thanksgiving holiday enforcement campaign to keep motorists and residents safe. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, the Orland Park Police Department participated in the statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to reduce crashes and…
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DuPage County Board member Lynn LaPlante endorses Ruzevich for Illinois 6th Congress District in March 17, 2026 Democratic Primary Elected official Lynn LaPlante, Dupage County Board Member, announced her endorsement for Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich for the Illinois 6th congressional district. Lynn believes “Joey is a part of the new generation of leadership ready and…
Village of Orland Park Announces New Utility Billing System The Village of Orland Park is introducing a new utility billing system designed to enhance the customer experience and improve day-to-day operations. The new system will provide customers with more flexibility in managing their utility account and streamline the overall payment process. As part of this…
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Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes By Maria Pappas Record-high increases in property tax bills have angered many Cook County property owners. My office has released an analysis of the nearly 1.8 million tax bills. It showed that in Chicago the median tax bill jumped 16.7%,…
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Illinois Tollway prepared to clear roads and assist drivers during Thanksgiving weekend storm Motorists asked to slow down and increase their distance from other vehicles The Illinois Tollway is reminding drivers to slow down and allow extra time for their Thanksgiving holiday travels and weekend trips as a winter storm moves through Northern Illinois, with…
Treasurer Pappas welcomes visitors to ‘Christmas Trees from Around the World’ exhibit more countries and cultures represented than the Museum of Science and Industry’s Display For the 22nd year, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is celebrating the ethnic holiday traditions of nearly 100 different nationalities in the free “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibit…
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Leving Team Protected Dad’s Little Girls Again, Ensuring Their Lasting Safety By Laura Reichel When two young girls were rescued from a reported toxic and dangerous home, their devoted father believed the worst was finally behind them. The court victory granting him primary custody had given his daughters the peace and stability they deserved, allowing…
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Adult Sister Wins Sole Custody of Her Little Sister By Laura Reichel When a young girl’s adoptive home became a place of reported mistreatment and despair, her adult sister refused to remain silent. Furthermore, it was reported the young girl’s adoptive parents allowed their family members to abuse the little girl.Fearing for her sister and…
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Veteran’s Appreciation Day Holiday Luncheon to be held Dec. 12, 2025 Illinois Senator Mike Porfirio will join local legislators in celebrating and honoring America’s veterans at a Holiday luncheon to be held at Morton College on Dec. 12, 2025. Among those also attending will be State Sen. Javier Cervantes, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep….
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Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Maintaining Excellence in Matrimonial Law and Client Advocacy By Laura Reichel The nationally acclaimed Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on November 20th at 6:30 p.m. CST at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago,…
Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners Homeowners in Black communities hit with biggest percentage increases A dramatic decline in the value of commercial property in Chicago’s Loop, the city’s longtime economic engine, fueled a record property tax increase on homes across the city, according to an…