Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Illinois State Trooper charged with sexual assault Tinley Park police on Friday charged an Illinois State Police Trooper with felony criminal sexual assault (victim unable to give knowing consent) in connection with an incident reported to have occurred during the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2025. Tinley Park detectives conducted an investigation into the…
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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…
Three firefighters honored with promotions by Orland Fire Protection District Thursday Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) confirmed the promotions of three firefighters on Thursday to the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief during ceremonies at the Fire District’s board room celebrated by family, friends and firefighters. Deputy Fire Chief…
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Cook County Board of Review Opens 2026 Property Tax Appeal Season on Monday, July 27 Chicago, IL – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) will officially open the 2026 property tax appeal season on Monday, July 27, providing homeowners, businesses, and property owners across Cook County the opportunity to…
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Court Denies former Mayor Keith Pekau’s Motion to Dismiss lawsuit Former Mayor Must Answer Village’s Complaint, Village of Orland Park says countering misleading information released by disgraced for mayor Keith Pekau Orland Park, IL (July 16, 2026) – The Village of Orland Park announced that on July 6, 2026, the Cook County Circuit Court denied…
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Former Summit Police Chief John Kosmowski sentenced for corruption Former Suburban Chicago Police Chief Sentenced to Three Years in Federal prison for Bribery and Obstruction of Justice CHICAGO — The former Chief of Police in the village of Summit, Ill., has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for corruptly accepting money from a…
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Hastings hosts Summer Soiree Thursday August 6, 2026 Old Plank Trail Frankfort Please join Senator Michael E. Hastings for a Summer Soirée on Thursday, August 6, at Old Plank Trail Tavern in Frankfort. Throw on your summer attire and enjoy an evening with friends and supporters as we gather to support Senator Hastings and his…
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Your Property Index Number or PIN; What You Need to Know 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 of…
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Bolingbrook hosts International Festival Saturday July 11, 2026 DON’T MISS the iFest 2026 Saturday July 11, 2026. Grab your family, invite your friends, and join us Saturday, July 11, for iFest 2026—Bolingbrook’s biggest celebration of cultures from around the world! From incredible live entertainment and authentic international cuisine to cultural exhibits, artisan vendors and family…
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Bolingbrook Mayor, Legislators, Urge ICC to Reject Latest Illinois American Water Rate Hike The ICC will host a public hearing in Bolingbrook to allow residents to speak out on the proposed massive rate hike by Illinois American Water. The meeting will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026 beginning at 6:30 PM at the Bolingbrook Community Center,…
Support Muslim Radio show 820 AM fundraiser on July 29 in Bolingbrook Radio talkshow host Mohammed Faheem is hosting a fundraiser dinner banquet on Wednesday evening, July 29, 2026 at the Bolingbrook Community Center, 201 Canterbury Lane to support the Lightning Strike Radio Show broadcast every Sunday morning at 8 AM in WCPT 820 AM…
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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…
Hanania interviews Burt Odelson the best election and municipal attorney in America 06-27-26 Ray Hanania conducts a profile Interview of Attorney Burt Odelson interview Burton S. Odelson, a prominent Illinois attorney who has spent more than five decades specializing in municipal law, election law, school law, and local government representation. Video podcast below Burt Odelson…
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Golf outing to strengthen Bedford Park business community has Tee-Times available Limited number of foursomes and sponsorships available for the 2026 Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial Association’s Golf Outing on August 5th at Silver Lake Country Club. Event capped by outing dinner Bedford Park, IL – Bedford Park Mayor David R. Brady is proud to support the Bedford…
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Kids camp teaches young children basics of fire safety Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Several dozen young campers received training in basic fire safety and life-saving skills at the Orland Fire Protection District’s annual summer Fire and Life Safety Camp held at the district’s training center on 163rd Place in Orland Park. Children ages…
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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…
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Metropolis Performing Arts Centre announces cast and creative team for The Wizard of Oz July 8 – August 9, 2026 Audiences are Invited To Travel “Over the Rainbow” for this Timeless Journey with Familiar Characters and Oscar-Winning Music Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is…
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…
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