Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Press Release: Orland Park should suspend TIF district plans until they release delinquent financial audits Orland Park, IL — Plans by Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau to create three TIF districts to address “blighted land developments” should be put on hold until after he releases two delinquent financial audits detailing the true nature of the…
Unincorporated Orland homeowners blast mayor’s annexation move Residents of Unincorporated Orland Township blast Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau for trying to grab their land and violate their rights. Residents say Mayor Pekau failed to properly notify them of his plans that began quietly in 2022 and continued to 2023 before residents could address the board…
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Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets By Maria Pappas Illinois lawmakers have enacted significant changes to property tax exemptions benefiting veterans, including a landmark provision for those who served during World War II. These amendments, effective for the 2024 tax year, underscore our commitment to supporting our veteran…
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Why you need to read Ray Hanania’s syndicated columns Ray Hanania is an award winning columnist but he needs your support. His columns reflects an honesty in political coverage that you don’t often find in American journalism. Watch this promotion on Ray’s commitment to objective journalism and commentary, “even when it hurts.” He needs your…
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Congressional District 6 challenger Niki Conforti, denounces Sean Casten for helping to drive prices higher Last week’s inflation report brought more bad news for all Americans, 6th District Candidate for Congress Niki Conforti said Monday, August 19, 2024. Prices continued to increase in July and went up again, close to 3% over a year ago….
Senior rescued while sleeping in a 4 unit Orland Park townhouse as fire spread through walls and attic Two of four units in Orlando Park townhouse were severely damaged an uninhabitable, including the senior’s unit The Orland Fire Protection District responded at 6:51 pm to reports of smoke coming out of the eves of a…
Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments By Maria Pappas Property owners who were unable to pay their tax bills in full by the Aug. 1 due date need not worry about losing their home – at least not right away. As a homeowner you have time to pay off…
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Garage Fire in Orland Park Wednesday extinguished, no casualties The Orland Fire District responded to a reported garage fire located in the 8900 block of Oakdale Court in Orland Park on Wednesday August 7th, 2024 at at 4:51 pm. Multiple 911 calls were received for a reported garage fire. Companies arrived on the scene and…
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$22.5 Million Jury Verdict Against Naperville in One of Illinois’ Largest-Ever Wrongful Conviction Verdicts Late on Monday, August 5, 2024, a Federal jury delivered one of the state’s largest-ever wrongful conviction verdicts against a Naperville police officer for framing William Amor for an alleged 1995 arson-murder that turned out to be an accidental fire. Amor,…
Pappas: New Payment Plan Calculator helps homeowners pay late taxes in smaller increments to avoid ‘merciless’ Annual Tax Sale Cook County property owners have a free financial planning tool that can help them pay off their past-due property tax bills and avoid the “merciless” Annual Tax Sale, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today. A Payment Plan…
Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas By Maria Pappas My office redesigned this year’s property tax bills to clearly show where your tax dollars go. On the front of every bill, you can see how much of your hard-earned money goes to each taxing body What is less visible, however,…
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Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility Orland Fire District, Il — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) released its official annual audit on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 that reflects solid financial management and a “great respect” for the interests of taxpayers. Audits of government agencies are mandated by State Law in order…
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Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is sending more than $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 property owners who overpaid their property taxes last year. “For many senior citizens and others, the value of tax breaks…
No injuries at home fire in unincorporated Orland Township A homeowner at the 16500 Block of Lee Avenue in unincorporated Orland Township on Tuesday night, July 23, 2024, called 911 to report that he suspected his property may have been struck by lightning. He reported experiencing some electrical issues during the apparent strike to a…
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Read your property tax bill Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges homeowners hit by record property tax hikes to see ‘Where Your Money Goes’ by visiting her website which provides details and comparisons on where increases occurred Cook County taxpayers should read their property tax bills to better…
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Homeowners shocked by tax hikes should read bills to find out where their money goes By Maria Pappas Record-high increases in property tax bills have shocked and angered many Cook County property owners, especially in the south suburbs. Second Installment 2023 bills are online at cookcountytreasurer.com and arriving in mailboxes in early July. Bills are…
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Video Podcast: Lipinski, Hanania on Biden-Trump debate disaster Should President Joe Biden step down following his disastrous performance at the CNN orchestrated debate on Thursday June 27, 2024 and who can replace him. Michelle Obama? Or, if Biden stays in, will it improve the chances of electing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as America’s Third Party…
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State Rep Nichols honored with Juneteenth award from business leadership State Representative Cyril Nichols (D-32nd) was honored Wednesday June 19th, 2024 with the “Joe Biden Life Time Achievement” Award from the Southland Black Business Chamber of Commerce at their annual Chicago Southland Black Chamber (CSBCC) Juneteenth Gala & Awards Ceremony. The award is presented to…
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