Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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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Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz Limited-time seasonal treat available beginning Sept. 1 Wetzel’s Pretzels is embracing the season’s sweetest flavors with the debut of its new limited time offer menu item, Apple Cinnamon Bitz, an autumn-inspired twist on the brand’s beloved bite-sized pretzels. Wetzel’s is once again giving snack lovers a…
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Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park A man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded machine gun in a Chicago park. Eddie Arguelles possessed the firearm on May 14, 2025, in Riis Park in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, according…
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,…
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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”…
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….
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Alleged Boss of Violent Sinaloa Cartel Faction Indicted in Chicago on Narcoterrorism, Drug, and Firearm Charges A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted an alleged boss of a violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico on narcoterrorism, drug, and firearm charges. Oscar Manuel Gasatelum Iribe, also known as “El Musico,” oversaw the importation…
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…
Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 promotional scheduled The Chicago Wolves released their 2025-26 promotional schedule on Thursday and it features premium giveaways, popular theme nights, family-oriented experiences and meaningful community and charitable events. The Wolves’ season promises to be full of fun and excitement for the players on the ice and for the team’s loyal…
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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…
Former Chicago Attorney Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud and Witness Tampering A former Chicago attorney has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for committing tax fraud, attempting to tamper with a witness, and violating a court order. Michael Abramson provided more than…
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…
Orland Fire hosts Coffee & Conversation on individual fatigue and personal health Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District will host its monthly Coffee & Conversation for the public on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, featuring two speakers who will address individual fatigue and how to empower your personal health and activism. Residents of…
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