Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Senator Michael Hastings reacts to FY 27 budget proposal SPRINGFIELD — After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: “Our state budget faces real challenges, particularly with uncertainty in federal funding that supports Medicaid and essential services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program….
Preckwinkle and Pappas announce on-time First Installment tax bills, ensuring prompt distributions to taxing agencies Property owners face an important tax deadline in the coming weeks, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Treasurer Maria Pappas are encouraging residents to plan ahead and take advantage of available payment tools. First Installment property tax bills…
Regional leaders endorse John Harrell for 8th Illinois House District Chicago, IL – More than a dozen elected officials and regional leaders have endorsed John Harrell for the 8th Illinois House District representing the West Side of Chicago and West suburban communities. The co-founder of Black Men United and Pastor of both Proviso M.B.C. in…
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Treasurer’s website offers easy way to update property tax bill name and address information Your Property Taxes with The Cook County Treasurer offers insight on services available at the Treasurer’s Office to homeowners You may not look forward to receiving your property tax bill, but it’s crucial that you get it. Not getting it can…
Early Voting Location Moves to Orland Park Civic Center for Upcoming Election Cycle The Village of Orland Park is pleased to announce that for the next early voting cycle, early voting will relocate from the Orland Township Building to the Orland Park Civic Center, located at 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. This change reflects the Village’s…
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Orland Fire to host Coffee & Conversation Feb 25 on: Protecting your Finances, Info for Seniors, & Staying Safe Orland Park, IL — The Orland Fire Protection District and Fire Chief Kevin Doyle will host the next “Coffee & Conversation” on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 10 am until 12:00 pm at the OFPD Board…
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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Chicago Couple Among Nine Individuals Charged in Federal Drug Investigation A federal drug investigation has resulted in criminal charges against nine individuals for allegedly trafficking cocaine in the Chicago area. The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago Police Department, utilized covert surveillance operations, undercover narcotics purchases, and wiretapped communications to…
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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Endorses Richard Boykin for 7th Congressional District Seat Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is throwing her support behind former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin in his quest to become the next US Congressman in the 7th District. In her video announcement, Pappas points out that Boykin was one of her…
City Paid Tens of Millions in Overtime to Potentially Ineligible Employees, OIG Finds The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published an advisory sent to the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Department of Finance (DOF) alerting them that from 2020 through 2024, the City paid $26.5 million in overtime to…
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Status of Temporary Restraining Order Against Former Mayor Keith Pekau Status of Temporary Restraining Order Against Former Mayor Keith Pekau for Releasing Confidential Village Information On January 20, 2026, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Caroline Kate Moreland denied former Mayor Keith Pekau’s motion to dissolve the existing Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), allowing the Village’s lawsuit…
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Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Open House at District Office On Tuesday, January 13th, Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted an open house at his district office. The event attracted over 50 attendees from throughout the district and connected residents to government, health, and community services. Joining Commissioner Aguilar and his office were staff from the…
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Candidate Ruzevich shows unprecedented momentum in campaign for Congress Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich shows an unprecedented level of momentum for a first-time candidate in the final months of 2025. Following the official launch of Joey’s campaign in October of 2025, expectations for a newcomer challenging an incumbent were low. However, an organic & insatiable desire for…
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Gill-Backed Law to Reduce Home Energy Costs State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed key legislation to reduce home energy bills, providing both short and long-term relief to Illinois families as they faced rising energy costs. “Families across our state are worried every time they receive their energy bills, and that should never be the case,”…
Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Sixth Annual Three Kings Celebration The Three Kings Day event hosted by Abuilar remains one of the largest celebrations of the important Mexican holiday in Chicagoland, drawing support from important leaders and elected officials, including Lyons Mayor Chris Getty and Pastor John Harrell, co-founder of Black Men United…
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React to President Trump’s war on Venezuela from American leaders By Ray Hanania We will run statements as they are released by various American officials on President Donald Trump’s illegal invasion of Venezuela and his bombastic assertions of his greatness and plans to take over the Venezuelan Oil Field after his detention of Venezuelan President…
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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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Ray Hanania Radio and Podcasts People have asked how to access all of my writings, radio shows, and audio/video podcasts, which include Ray Hanania on Politics, Two Guys on Politics with Bill Lipinski, The Ray Hanania Radio Show sponsored by Arab News on WNZK AM 690 Radio in Michigan, and Ray Hanania’s Syndicated column. Hanania takes…