Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings landmark insurance reform passes Senate SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings carried legislation that would protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years. “On behalf of my neighbors back home, I have made it my mission to get…
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Distributors and industry buyers of Middle Eastern and Arab foods to be featured at unique New Jersey convention Chicago, IL — The Global Products Expo will host its annual Middle East food specialty expo in New Jersey from June 22 through June 24, showcasing more than 360 sponsor booths and Arabian displays. Founder Issam Abdellatif…
United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Hosts First-of-Its-Kind All Fed-Head Summit in Chicago Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today assembled the highest law enforcement leadership from the entire federal apparatus in the Chicagoland region for a historic, first-of-its-kind summit to discuss collaborative efforts to oversee important federal enforcement…
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Honors Mothers from Around the World in Downtown Office Celebration with Live Music and Awards Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a special celebration honoring the enduring impact of mothers on Monday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m., in the Treasurer’s Office at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112. Pappas recognized…
Illinois Senator Committee approves resolution urging Illinois K through 12 schools to offer Arabic as Foreign Language option By Ray Hanania As Consolidated High School District 230, one of the largest in Illinois, blocked the adoption of Arabic as a Foreign Language at their three High Schools, Sandburg High School, Andrew High School, and Stagg…
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Column: Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas 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…
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Frank Calabrese and Ray Hanania on Politics podcast discuss court ruling on Samatha Steele’s alleged DUI Political consultants and writers Frank Calabrese and Ray Hanania discuss the shocking decision by a former judge this week to reject DUI charges against outgoing Board of Review 2nd District Commissioner Samantah Steele on the “Ray Hanania on Politics”…
Leving Team Gained Victory for Dad and Gave a Little Girl the Gift of a Lifetime – Her Father By Laura Reichel A devoted father was reunited with his daughter just in time to celebrate her twelfth birthday together. Dad had been embroiled in a bitter and complicated divorce which the Leving legal team ultimately…
Ryan Bill Aims to Expand Public Defender Assistance in Illinois Courts State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, is expanding legal assistance for Illinois drivers charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with a new measure that will allow public defenders to represent DUI clients in both criminal cases and civil hearings. “If a driver charged…
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Orland Park Launches Emergency Management Agency The Village of Orland Park has formally replaced the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) with the Orland Park Emergency Management Agency (EMA), following Board of Trustees approval Monday night. The transition strengthens the Village’s commitment to emergency preparedness, disaster response and public safety. “Illinois communities across the state are…
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Deputy District Director to United States Congressman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Covid-Relief Benefits The Deputy District Director to an Illinois United States congressman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $31,000 in unemployment insurance benefits during the Covid pandemic. Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and…
Treasurer Maria Pappas Recognizes Cinco de Mayo with Celebration of Mexican Heritage Featuring Mariachi Music, Live Horses, and an Art Exhibit Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas marked Cinco de Mayo on May 5 with a public celebration honoring the deep cultural roots and lasting contributions of the Mexican diaspora in Chicagoland. The event featured live…
Ryan calls High School Language Requirement “burdensome” and pushes to remove it State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, is seeking to remove the two-year foreign language requirement Illinois high school students must complete to receive a high school diploma. “Schools are facing a shortage of qualified teachers who can teach foreign languages,” Ryan said. “And…
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Village of Orland Park to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday With Year of Events The Village of Orland Park is proud to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with a year full of special events and programs. The season of celebration will kick off with the Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest & Parade on Saturday,…
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Hastings leads effort to protect Illinois clients and attorneys from private equity interference State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation that would safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and investor‑backed management services organizations. “This legislation is about ensuring that legal decisions in Illinois…
MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn Leads Berwyn Green Infrastructure Groundbreaking MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn joined by Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (4th District), and MWRD board colleagues and local aldermen in breaking ground on Green Infrastructure in Berwyn on May 1, 2026 On May 1, 2026, Metropolitan Water…
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Hastings calls for fair distribution of water infrastructure investment State Senator Michael E. Hastings called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure fairness and balance in a proposed $200 million infrastructure plan filed by Illinois American Water ─ raising concerns about how those investments are distributed across the state. During a hearing in Springfield, Hastings…
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Orland Firefighter reflects on 29 years of service after retirement Orland Park, IL – From the time he was a young child, Robert Winkelman always wanted to be a firefighter. Last week, he retired after 35 years of total fire service, including 29 years with the Orland Fire Protection District, most recently as a Battalion…
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