Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Illinois lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 a year in property taxes By Maria Pappas Illinois offers senior citizens a property tax relief program that works like a loan. The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program allows qualifying seniors to defer or postpone the payment of up to $7,500 a year in property…
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Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide…
Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 The Orland Fire Protection District will host its monthly Coffee and Conversation meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 and address the challenges facing individuals and seniors who live alone. The meeting is from 10 AM until 12 Noon and will be held at…
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Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park. “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license…
Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Temporary Drivers Facility to Open September 29 in Orland Park, Permanent Location Coming Soon, in a major victory for the leadership of Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge, and especially for senior citizen residents of the Orland Park region. The new facility will be located…
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Northwestern Medicine Hospitals Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in Annual Best Hospital Rankings Northwestern Medicine hospitals have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report annual Best Hospital rankings. For the 14th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named to the Best Hospital Honor Roll. Additionally, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the only Illinois…
Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program. “Excessive and flat-out unfair prices are being set on prescription drugs with no accountability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….
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Olivia and Liam Remain Most Popular Baby Names for 2024 Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names of the year. 2024 marks the sixth consecutive year that families chose to stick with both familiar names. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for…
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Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes By Maria Pappas Property taxes can be a financial burden, but exemptions can help reduce those costs by offering significant savings to property owners. There are three exemptions that do the most good for the most people. They are the Homeowner Exemption, the Senior…
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Orland Fire Protection District hosts Coffee & Conversation March 12 The Orland Fire Protection District will host is next “Coffee & Conversation” public meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 beginning at 10 AM. The meeting features special guests who address topics of interest to district residents. This meeting’s focus is “Empowered Aging: Finding the Right…
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Orland Fire to host annual “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” Senior Luncheon on March 14 Tickets for the Orland Fire Protection District’s popular Senior Citizen “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” luncheon go on sale beginning Monday, Feb 17, 2025, at the OFPD Administration building, 9790 W. 151st Street. The event will be held on March 14. It sells out…
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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Property Tax Deferral Program Amid growing concerns that increases in property tax bills are pushing senior citizens to leave their homes, Cook County Treasurer María Pappas reminded senior homeowners today of a state program that allows them to defer paying their property taxes. The…
Orland Park withholds Finance and TIF audits and brings State censure State Comptroller Susana Mendoza slaps the wrist of Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau as TIFs, Taxes, and Audits continue to plague the Southwest suburban village, but is it enough? By Ray Hanania State Comptroller Susana Mendoza suspended the Village of Orland Park from the…
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Orland Park Police to Host Annual Seniors Luncheon The Orland Park Police Department will host a complimentary luncheon for area seniors at noon on Monday, October 14 at the Orland Park Civic Center, located at 14750 S. Ravinia Avenue. “I am looking forward to seeing everyone again during this annual event,” said Chief of Police…
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Senior rescued while sleeping in a 4 unit Orland Park townhouse as fire spread through walls and attic Two of four units in Orlando Park townhouse were severely damaged an uninhabitable, including the senior’s unit The Orland Fire Protection District responded at 6:51 pm to reports of smoke coming out of the eves of a…
Senior citizen exemptions help give homeowners a break on big tax bills By Maria Pappas Senior citizens can get a break on their property tax bills, but they need to apply when seeking savings for the first time. The popular tax break is known as the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. For homeowners already receiving the…
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Orland Fire Protection District hosts Coffee & Conversation for seniors on lifesaving strategies for Seniors Fire District invites Seniors to discuss surviving hearts and strokes. Orland Fire Protection District Chief Michael Schofield hosts his “Coffee & Conversation” meeting Wed April 17 on lifesaving strategies Orland Fire Protection District Chief Michael Schofield invites the public to attend…
Homeowner exemptions slash tax bills. So why do so many fail to apply? By Maria Pappas Homeowners can reduce their property tax bills by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by taking advantage of the Homeowner Exemption. Exemptions are tax breaks. To qualify for the Homeowner Exemption, first-time applicants must have occupied the…
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