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  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
  • Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey Chicago
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election elections
  • Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire Fire
  • Illinois 9th District Congressional map
    Illinois 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew elections
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch Blogger

Category: Maria Pappas

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

Posted on October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch

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…

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

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

Posted on October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago

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…

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Cook County, Culture, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire

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

Posted on October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders

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…

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

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

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…

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Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes

The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use

Posted on September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use
The Pappas Portal: Free News You Can Use

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…

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

What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

Posted on September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

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…

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

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 
Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds  By Maria Pappas Every year, many Cook County homeowners are bombarded with letters, emails and phone calls from vendors offering to help secure property tax refunds — for a fee. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to pay…

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

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally
John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally Community, religious, and elected leaders endorse Harrell for the 8th State House District at a press conference held at Macarthur Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Monday, April 11, 2025 Chicago, IL – John Harrel formally announced his candidacy for the…

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Chicago, elections, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, Maria Pappas, News, news release, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

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

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language

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…

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Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny

Posted on July 25, 2025July 26, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny
How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny

How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny By Maria Pappas Cook County Treasurer Two times a year, my office mails nearly 1.8 million property tax bills and collects over $18 billion. That’s not a typo — $18 billion. As Cook County Treasurer, I oversee the second-largest property tax collection and distribution system…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN

Posted on July 12, 2025July 12, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN
Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN

Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN By Maria Pappas If you own property in Cook County, there’s one number you should always know: your PIN. That’s short for Property Index Number—a 14-digit code assigned to every piece of real estate in the county. It’s tied to the legal description…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office

Posted on June 27, 2025June 27, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office
How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office

How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office By Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer When I became Cook County Treasurer in 1998, I walked into an office stuck in the past. Boxes containing $30,000,000 of uncashed checks lined the floor, collecting dust rather than earning interest. Just four working computers and six typewriters served a…

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Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Navigating the complexities of the property tax system in Cook County can be daunting for homeowners. My hope is this column makes it less intimidating by breaking down a complex process into simple concepts….

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months

Posted on June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months
Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas plans to postpone the Annual Tax Sale for seven months, during which time she hopes to work with legislators on comprehensive property tax foreclosure reform measures. At Pappas’s urging, the Illinois General Assembly last week passed legislation that allows…

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

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Posted on May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas The levy: It’s not a dam, but it is a word you should know! By Maria Pappas Since I first stepped into my office 27 years ago, one question has repeatedly come up: “Why do my property taxes always go up?” It’s a valid concern. At…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners

Posted on May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners
The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners

The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas After analyzing over 2 million Cook County property tax appeals filed between 2021 and 2023, researchers in my office uncovered a troubling trend: the system shifted nearly $2 billion in…

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

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners
The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

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…

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

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

Posted on May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many
When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many There are two types of referendums — binding and advisory. The government is legally required to act on binding referendum results. Advisory referendums aren’t legally binding and are often used to measure public opinion before making a governmental decision. That…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Opinion, Taxes

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  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
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  • NEWS
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    October 29, 2025
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured
    October 28, 2025
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday
    October 26, 2025
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries
    October 25, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown
    October 24, 2025
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