Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
ICC Approves Rare Second Public Hearing in Bolingbrook on Proposed Illinois American Water Rate Increase BOLINGBROOK, IL — August 14, 2026- After listening to the concerns of Bolingbrook residents at the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) July 14 public hearing, Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta asked the ICC to give the community another opportunity to be heard—this time…
Religious rights scholars urge release of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-Hee from South Korean pre-trial detention Leaders of Human Rights Without Borders and other rights group leaders will hold a press conference this week in Hazelcrest to address the concerns about discrimination and oppression against certain religious organizations such as that of Shincheonji. By Ray…
Important News: WLS TV spotlights achievements of Maria Pappas, returns millions to taxpayers By Ray Hanania WLS TV recently did an extensive report that showed how Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was refunding property tax overpayments and crediting failed deductions to tens of thousands of Cook County property tax owners. The return of the overpayments…
Moderate Jewish Lobby J Street denounces Trump war on Iran J Street President Jeremy Ben Ami released the following statement from J Street, the moderate and powerful voice of peace and mutual recognition for the Jewish people in America, on the war started by President Donald Trump against Iran We are appalled by President Trump’s…
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Hastings files bill to protect homeowners from post-storm contractor scams State Senator Michael E. Hastings filed legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high-pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters. “After a major storm, families are overwhelmed and trying to protect their homes, not negotiate contracts on their front…
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Congressmen slam President Trump’s meeting on Ukraine with accused war criminal Putin By Ray Hanania President Donald Trump held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate over the Russia war against the people of Ukraine. Many critics have compared Trump’s meeting with Putin to the appeasement meeting that British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain…
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Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt Newly elected Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge detailed the problems that former Mayor Keith Pekau left to the taxpayers of the village he controlled for the past six years including an impending financial debt of $200 million. You can read the entire…
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Orland Fire District elects woman Board President Orland Fire Protection District Trustee Beth Damas Kaspar, who recently won re-election to a six-year term as Trustee, was elected on Tuesday (May 5, 2025) to serve as the Fire District’s first woman Board President in the past two decades. Damas Kaspar was sworn into her second term along…
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The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s…
Recent Ray Hanania columns you may have missed on Madoff, Kaegi and targeting criminals How is it that members of Congress can far exceed the profit performance of the stock market when it comes to their own investments? Why did Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi artificially increase the assessments of suburban homes, thereby dramatically increasing…
PRESS RELEASE: Town Hall meeting in Orland Park Wednesday to address 3 NEW TIFS and impact on taxpayers, homeowners Town Hall meeting will explain and identify issues with Orland Park’s current Triangle TIF and 3 New TIFs being considered by Village of Orland Park Tom Tresser, a recognized authority on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts…
Collections fall after record south suburban property tax increases, Treasurer Pappas reports More property owners failed to pay their property taxes on time following record increases in south suburban residential tax bills this year, according to an analysis by the Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. The spike in south suburban tax delinquencies, combined…
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…
Cicero Police arrest and charge two suspects in Dec. 26 killing of Alejandro Trujillo – Charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking are Jason I. Eady of Chicago and Isaac Vaca Hernandez of Burbank Cicero, IL. – The Cicero Police Department announces the arrest of Jason I. Eady and Isaac Vaca Hernandez for…
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Lyons police arrest alleged drunk driving offender after he crashes into Brookfield Zoo Driver had 47 previous charges but no convictions but will face four Felony charges in latest DUI, drug possession and fleeing crash scene, Lyons Police officials said Lyons, Illinois — A 24-year-old Oak Forest man who has been charged 47 times in…
Alderman Raymond Lopez announces he will not run for mayor Alderman Raymond Lopez, one of Chicago’s most progressive and dedicated city leaders said Monday that he will not run for mayor of Chicago in order to avoid weakening the challenges to incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Lopez is one of only two Hispanics who was considering…
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Senator Hastings thanks voters for support in re-election to 19th Senate District seat State Senator Michael E. Hastings released the following statement on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 following the final tabulation of votes in the Nov. 8, 2022 General election. Hastings was re-elected to his seat representing the 19th Illinois Senate District where he has…
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Officials host bottled water donation drive to help residents of Jackson, Mississippi, Saturday Sept. 3, 6 AM to 6 PM State Rep. Cyril Nichols, State Sen. Elect Willie Preston, and 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis are hosting a daylong public water collection event to distribute bottled water to residents of Jackson, Mississippi where the water…