Category: Cook County

Treasurer Pappas welcomes visitors to ‘Christmas Trees from Around the World’ exhibit

November 27, 2025November 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Taxes

Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Chicago, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment By Maria Pappas Each year, thousands of property owners in Cook County are late paying their taxes, putting their homes in danger of being included in the annual state-mandated tax sale. That’s a problem we want to help you avoid. …

Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes

Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Officials, accompanied by musical guests, honored notable Hispanic and Latine residents for their contributions to Cook County, and honored three individuals with awards (Cook County, IL) – On Wednesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President…

Chicago, Cook County, Culture, Events, Features, Festival, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event This “Second Chance Summit” expunged and sealed previous convictions for residents throughout Cook County Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and local elected officials at a Second Chance Summit. The Second Chance Summit…

Cook County, Crime, Law, News

Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and the Alliance of Polish Clubs USA will host a special event honoring Polish American Heritage Month by unveiling the first-ever U.S. showing of the “Different Faces of Solidarity” photography exhibit by…

Cook County, Culture, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair Residents from throughout the 16th District attended the fair which provided health and family services On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office….

Cook County, Culture, Events, News

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Indian Consul General Somnath Ghosh will host a Diwali celebration to honor Indian American community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic life of Cook County. The event will…

Cook County, Culture, Festival, Maria Pappas, News, Religion

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes 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 you can do to avoid them. Paying Twice for the…

Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes

Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Baby Boomers, Cook County, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Beginning on Thursday, September 25, through Saturday, September 27, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar will provide free Mexican document assistance. The assistance will be available at the Aguilar’s District Office, 7833 Ogden Avenue, Lyons, Illinois. A range of services will be offered…

Chicago, Civil Rights, Cook County, immigrant, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use

September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use By Maria Pappas When it comes to property taxes in Cook County, a lot of people feel like they’re staring at a 1,000-piece puzzle—and someone hid the box with the picture on the cover. That’s why I want to tell you about a tool that helps you…

Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…

Cook County, elections, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Hosts Discussion on 16th District Infrastructure Funding

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 News Editor No Comments

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Hosts Discussion on 16th District Infrastructure Funding On Thursday, September 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted a Facebook Live Virtual Town Hall to discuss infrastructure investment and funding in Cook County’s 16th District. Joining Commissioner Aguilar was Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DOTH) Superintendent Jennifer “Sis”…

Cook County, Economy, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

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

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

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

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch,” and legislative leaders and local mayors praised a projected to convert a building to low-income housing in Maywood by Rev. John Harrell and Black Men United. CLICK HERE to view a…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Culture, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar honors veterans at first of monthly VetConnect Workshops at district office

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar honors veterans at first of monthly VetConnect Workshops at district office On Tuesday, August 26th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted the first of a monthly workshop for veteran support services at his district office. The event connected veterans with multiple agencies and services, bringing these resources directly to 16th District veterans and…

Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Veterans