Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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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Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured over $123 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs. “Our transportation system is how families get to work, students get to school and businesses connect with customers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….
Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Chicago, IL – The Illinois Legislature should not rush to approve a battery energy storage proposal that guarantees out-of-state battery companies a 20-year profit paid for by Illinois utility customers, a leading energy ratepayer advocacy association said Wednesday. Phillip Golden, chairman…
Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child By Laura Reichel A devoted father nearly lost everything—his child, his freedom, and his future—because of false allegations that threatened everything he held dear. Stripped of his rights and shut out of his child’s life, dad turned to attorney Jeffery Leving for help. The Law…
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Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park. “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license…
Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster The Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, have announced the roster for the team’s 2025-26 training camp. Camp is being held at the Wolves’ new training facility, Rosemont Ice Arena (7115 Barry St., Rosemont, IL, 60018) and will continue through to the season…
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Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Five individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with assaulting or forcibly resisting federal agents who were engaged in immigration enforcement operations in Broadview, Ill. over the weekend. The defendants were among a crowd…
Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season The Chicago Wolves are pleased to announce FOX Chicago Plus (WPWR-TV) will broadcast 30 Wolves regular-season home games during the 2025-26 American Hockey League season. The partnership with WPWR-TV marks the ninth consecutive full season that Wolves games have been a staple on its schedule….
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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…
Hastings files legislation to combat ‘cost shifting’ practices in insurance rate setting In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates. “Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,”…
Quinn and Lawson reach agreement on revised ADU Ordinance with strong labor support Alds. Marty Quinn (13) and Bennett Lawson (44) today announced an agreement on a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance that is set to bring much-needed affordable housing options to Chicago residents while ensuring fair labor practices. The revised ordinance has the…
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Attorney General Nessel Reissues Consumer Alert on Data Breaches Following TransUnion Cyber Incident Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on data breaches following a recently revealed cyber incident at TransUnion that impacted more than 4.4 million people in July. The breach, which involved unauthorized access through a third-party application, compromised personal…
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…
Hastings meets with Matteson School District 162 leaders to strengthen school safety measures State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited Matteson School District 162 last week to meet with Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis and district leaders to discuss security measures, rapid response plans and other protocols designed to keep students safe. The meeting focused on how…
Author Jeffrey Wolfson Publishes A Prayer Book: Reflections for a Shared, Sacred World Ridgefield, CT — [8/26/25] — Jeffrey Wolfson announces the publication of his debut work, “A Prayer Book: Reflections for a Shared, Sacred World,” now available in paperback and Kindle editions through Amazon. Unlike traditional prayer books, Wolfson’s work is not a set…
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Orland Fire Protection District now accepting applications for position of firefighter/paramedic Orland Fire Protection District, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District is accepting applications from the public for the position of firefighter/paramedic. Individuals who are between 21 and 35 years of age can apply, with certain minimum required qualifications. The starting salary for new…
Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…
Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Immigration Fraud A Chicago man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for knowingly providing false verifications of employment for foreign nationals seeking to stay in the United States on an immigration visa, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Zhao Tai Cui charged F-1 visa…
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