Category: Opinion

Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Your Property Taxes With The Cook County Treasurer Change in law lets tax breaks automatically renew for homeowners with disabilities State lawmakers have made it easier for people with disabilities to continue receiving annual property tax relief. By The Cook County Treasurer Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption don’t have…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, NewsWire, Opinion, Taxes

Paul Vallas Blasts Chicago Teachers Union, Questions Billionaire Influence in Mayoral Race During “Two Guys on Politics” Podcast

October 17, 2026October 17, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Paul Vallas Blasts Chicago Teachers Union, Questions Billionaire Influence in Mayoral Race During “Two Guys on Politics” Podcast Former Chicago Public Schools CEO joins Ray Hanania and former Congressman Bill Lipinski on their Video Podcast “Two Guys on Politics” to discuss Chicago’s 2027 mayoral election, school finances, President Trump’s handling of Ukraine and the growing…

Bill Lipinski, Chicago, Cook County, elections, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, rayhanania, Union

How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny

August 28, 2026August 28, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

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 about $20 billion. That’s not a typo — $20 billion. As Cook County Treasurer, I oversee the second-largest property tax collection and distribution system…

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

Podcaster Marc Sims interviews Arab News columnist/writer Ray Hanania

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Podcaster Marc Sims interviews Arab News columnist/writer Ray Hanania Podcaster Marc Sims interviews Ray Hanania, columnist and writer with Arab News newspaper, the leading English language newspaper in the Gulf, and the Southwest Regional Press newspaper chain on Chicago’s Southwest and West side and suburbs. Hanania and Sims discusses politics and the issue of the…

Chicago, Commentary, Government, News, NewsWire, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, Radio, rayhanania, Religion

Illinois Takes a Major Step to Protect Homeowners

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 News Editor No Comments

Illinois Takes a Major Step to Protect Homeowners By Maria Pappas Owning a home has long been the foundation of financial security for American families. It’s typically a person’s largest investment, one that represents hard work, sacrifice, and a chance to build generational wealth. That’s why the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of House Bill…

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

Property Tax Pointers: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners

May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Property Tax Pointers: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners By Maria Pappas As Cook County Treasurer, I’ve learned that the property tax system can be confusing and intimidating. To help, I’ve created 10 tips to better understand your property taxes. Familiarize yourself with the Cook County Treasurer’s Office Website Visit cookcountytreasurer.com, your one-stop shop for property…

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

Frank Calabrese and Ray Hanania on Politics podcast discuss court ruling on Samatha Steele’s alleged DUI

May 7, 2026May 8, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

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”…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Law, News, NewsWire, Opinion, Podcast, Police, Politics, rayhanania

Illinois lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 a year in property taxes

January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…