Category: Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas plans to postpone the Annual Tax Sale for seven months, during which time she hopes to work with legislators on comprehensive property tax foreclosure reform measures. At Pappas’s urging, the Illinois General Assembly last week passed legislation that allows…

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

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas The levy: It’s not a dam, but it is a word you should know! By Maria Pappas Since I first stepped into my office 27 years ago, one question has repeatedly come up: “Why do my property taxes always go up?” It’s a valid concern. At…

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

The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The $2 Billion Wealth Transfer: How Cook County’s Property Tax Appeals System Rewards Businesses at the Expense of Homeowners By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas After analyzing over 2 million Cook County property tax appeals filed between 2021 and 2023, researchers in my office uncovered a troubling trend: the system shifted nearly $2 billion in…

Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Orland Park Village Board Appoints George Koczwara as Village Manager

May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park Village Board Appoints George Koczwara as Village Manager Mayor Pro Tem announced, Downtown Orland Park development reviewed The Village of Orland Park is pleased to announce the appointment of George Koczwara as Orland Park Village Manager, following a special meeting held on May 12, 2025. Koczwara, who previously served as Orland Park’s Village…

Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire District elects woman Board President

May 7, 2025June 15, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire District elects woman Board President Orland Fire Protection District Trustee Beth Damas Kaspar, who recently won re-election to a six-year term as Trustee, was elected on Tuesday (May 5, 2025) to serve as the Fire District’s first woman Board President in the past two decades. Damas Kaspar was sworn into her second term along…

breaking news, Fire, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Photos, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland

Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin Congresswoman Robin Kelly announces her candidacy to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Kelly has one of the strongest public service records, introducing legislation to support not only her constituents in the 2nd Congressional District, but is viewed as a more popular candidate…

Blogger, Civil Rights, Commentary, elections, News, Opinion, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s…

breaking news, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Lyons Township Democrats celebrate public support at annual fundraiser

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lyons Township Democrats celebrate public support at annual fundraiser Officials of the Lyons Township Democratic Organization celebrated their growing public support at a fundraiser Thursday at the American Legion Hall in La Grange. Lyons Township Democratic Committeeman Steve Landek and Township Supervisor Christopher Getty welcomed the attendees at the event, which was themed to celebrate…

Bridgeview, Events, Mike Porfirio, News, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Village of Lyons

Registration opens May 9 for Orland Fire Kids Camp and Jr Cadet Programs

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Registration opens May 9 for Orland Fire Kids Camp and Jr Cadet Programs Registration will open on May 9 for two programs designed to help young children and teenagers learn about the role of Fire Fights. The two programs include the Kids Fire and Life Safety Camp, where children aged 8 to 12 years old…

Events, Fire, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Suburban Chicagoland

Cicero police arrest suspect in 2016 murder of Julio Servin

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero police arrest suspect in 2016 murder of Julio Servin The Cicero Police Department announces an arrest in connection with the 2016 murder of Julio Servin. On August 21, 2016, officers responded to a report of shots fired near 5539 W. Cermak Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered 22-year-old Julio Servin lying in the roadway with…

Crime, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, Town of Cicero

Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday

May 3, 2025May 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

elections, Government, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

“The Dinner Detective” is an audience-interactive phenomenal entertainment option

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

“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…

Comedy, Crime, Entertainment, Features, News, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

72 years around the sun, an experience that continues to grow

April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, General Topics, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Videos

You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago

April 18, 2025April 18, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Getty Celebrates Successful Re-Election and Local Victory Sweep

April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

elections, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Village of Lyons