Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday The Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety candidates will be sworn in to their seats as Trustees of the Orland Fire Protection District at a special meeting of the Fire District on Monday, May 5, 2025, beginning at 5 PM. Taking…
Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers’ rights and immigration On Thursday, May 1st, Commissioner Aguilar attended the May Day celebrations in Chicago. Commissioner Aguilar spoke to attendees about…
Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program. “When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the…
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Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6 “It’s time for new energy and leadership in Springfield,” said Illinois. State Senate 6th District candidate Nick Uniejewski Community organizer and policy analyst Nick Uniejewski launched his campaign for Illinois State Senate in the 6th District, challenging incumbent Senator Sara Feigenholtz in the Democratic primary, today…
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“The Dinner Detective” is an audience-interactive phenomenal entertainment option If you are looking for entertainment that is unusual, fun, and immersive, The Dinner Detective is a perfect choice to enjoy. Dinner, a murder mystery, and audience involvement, it offers everything. Check it out at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisle Naperville By Ray Hanania A…
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72 years around the sun, an experience that continues to grow Journalist and columnist Ray Hanania looks back at 72 years and the ups and downs of life from school to journalism, politics, cancer, legionnaires’ disease, standup comedy, and music By Ray Hanania 72 years around the sun today .., thank you everyone for the…
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You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago By Maria Pappas My office is managing about $122 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years that I’m eager to send back to property owners. But determining who’s entitled to a refund isn’t simple. Most overpayments…
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Getty Celebrates Successful Re-Election and Local Victory Sweep Voters in the Village of Lyons and across Lyons Township sent a strong message of confidence and support on April 1st, re-electing Mayor Chris Getty and many other public officials in a sweeping election victory. Mayor Getty, who also serves as Lyons Township Supervisor, expressed his gratitude…
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Vehicles crash in Orland Park and one careens into a nearby home Friday April 4, 2025 Two vehicles crashed at 151st and just east of 80th Avenue in Orland Park (at Meadow Lane), about a half block east of 80th Avenue and near the Orland Fire Protection District Station #2, on Friday morning April 4,…
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Rashid, Porfirio host Town Hall Meeting April 19, 2025 Join State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and State Senator Mike Porfirio to discuss legislative updates, the impact of federal changes on Illinois, and the continued efforts to fight for working families. The Town Hall meeting will be held on April, 19 2025 beginning at 12 NOON. It…
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Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) has received a record number of property tax appeals, involving a nearly 41% increase in the total of Property Index Numbers (PINs) compared to the 2023 tax year. Appeals filed for tax year 2024 increased by 11%…
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Frankfort hosts community cleanup in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, April 26, 2025 In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the Village of Frankfort is inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to take part in a community-wide cleanup event on April 26, 2025, to help spruce up neighborhoods, parks, roadways, and the Old…
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Why We Pay Property Taxes In Arrears? Column: Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas One of the most common questions I get in my office, is, “Why do we collect taxes for the previous year?” Here’s the backstory. Cook County’s property tax system has changed dramatically since The Treasurer’s…
Illinois officials offer best wishes to Muslim community at end of Ramadan By Ray Hanania Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and several officials including from Cook County, the State of Illinois and from officials of the Orland Fire Protection District offered their best wishes to the Muslim American community as they prepared…
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MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn Honors Duggan Sisters at Women’s History Month Celebration MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn with The Duggan Sisters (Mary, Annie, and Clare) The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) celebrated Women’s History Month with a special event on March 27 recognizing women making strides in public safety, cybersecurity,…
Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout In a first-of-its-kind analysis, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office found much higher property tax referendum turnout in wealthier, predominantly white communities where nearly all people own their homes than in areas with mostly minority populations, lower incomes,…
Mayor Christopher Getty Welcomes Buddy Bear Car Wash to Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty joined business owner Phil DeGeratto and local officials on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of Buddy Bear Car Wash’s 17th location at 8136 Ogden Avenue in Lyons. The new facility, spanning three acres, represents a multimillion-dollar investment in the community. The…
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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 Maria Pappas Cook County homeowners who receive the Persons with Disabilities Exemption no longer must reapply for the benefit every year. Lawmakers acted to allow…
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