Category: Commentary

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets By Maria Pappas Illinois lawmakers in recent years have enacted significant changes to property tax exemptions benefiting veterans, including a landmark provision for those who served during World War II. These changes underscore our commitment to support veterans in Cook County and…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch

October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch By Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer Every year, my office mails more than 1.8 million tax bills to property owners across Cook County. If you have a mortgage, your lender may collect money from you each month and put it in…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 Guest Columnist No Comments

The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again By Mohammed Faheem Each October, as the world waits for the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize, we are reminded that what began as a celebration of humanity’s highest ideals has become an increasingly political spectacle. This year was no different….

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Guest Commentary, Opinion, Politics

Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE

September 20, 2025September 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE Former Congressman Bill Lipinski and political columnist Ray Hanania discuss the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s firing, the murder of Charlie Kirk, the backlash on free speech and increased censorship, Woke vs New Woke, the Great American Divide, how to…

Bill Lipinski, censorship, Civil Rights, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Government, immigrant, journalism, News, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, Racism

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, NewsWire, Opinion, Taxes

Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays

August 27, 2025August 27, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays By Jeffery M. Leving Despite Hollywood images of happy families sitting around a large table for holiday meals, the reality is that about 50% of couples end up divorced. So, while I am not trying to be a holiday Grinch, I am pointing out the…

Blogger, Commentary, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, Opinion

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language By Maria Pappas Understanding Cook County’s property tax system can be a challenge even for people born and raised here. Words like “assessments,” “exemptions,” and “multipliers” aren’t part of everyday conversation. For many homeowners, deciphering a tax bill feels like solving a puzzle. Now…