Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Monday’s Column: Making the impact of coronavirus worse Race, politics and a lack of justice is making the impact of the coronavirus pandemic worse on Americans. Many politicians at the Federal and State level are instead helping targeted constituencies rather than addressing the wider problem in Illinois, Cook County and Chicago. They are creating a race…
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React from anti-crime aldermen on special City Council meeting By Ray Hanania A special Chicago City Council meeting was held on Friday (July 2, 2021) to address the rising gun violence and record deaths taking place in Chicago. Many Aldermen have criticized Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for failing to do her job. Lightfoot has responded…
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Tax leaders applaud Pappas debt report and recommendations Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas on Monday posted her most recent local government debt report, which this year includes a unique way to measure those growing obligations. The Treasurer attributed debt to properties, rather than per person, to more accurately reflect the burdens placed on those who…
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New Cook County Renter Rights & Protection laws take effect June 1 Ordinance extends protections to more than 200,000 renters On June 1, 2021, all provisions of the Cook County Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RTLO) will go into effect. The ordinance extends housing protections to renters and landlords in more than 245,000 suburban households. “Substandard…
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Post Office rate hikes made after slow service and delays With Commitment to Affordability and Financial Sustainability, U.S. Postal Service Proceeds with Request for Postal Rate Change Pricing actions part of balanced approach under “Delivering for America,” the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence Following rate changes, USPS prices to…
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Online forum hosted by Arab American Chamber of Commerce honors Tabares and Pappas #AmericanArabChamberofCommerce forum May 27, 2021 with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas program to help Arab businesses; 23rd Ald Silvana Tabares, AACC Pres Hassan Nijem, House of #Hookah owner #RayidKhalil on saving 300 Arab American jobs. Click here to watch the video. The…
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Palos Township swears in new board The Palos Township board swore in new members on Monday May 17, 2021, in a move to turn away from controversy and the ineffective and disruptive protestors who stymied much of the board’s efforts to support the community. The newly sworn-in officials included: Colleen Grant Schumann, Supervisor / Chairman…
Arab American Hassan Nijem named by Maria Pappas as Deputy Treasurer community liaison Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas presents her new informational brochure in Arabic with community leaders on Sunday morning May 16 at Nikos Banquets. In expanding her ethnic and heritage reach out to the community, Pappas also named Nijem to serve as an Arab American…
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Census shows Americans fleeing from the East to the Western states The US Census shows populations fleeing from mostly Eastern states overwhelmed with crime, tax funded welfare programs encouraging many to remain home rather than work, and high levels of taxation that include burdening senior citizens. Originally published in the Southwest News Newspaper Group May…
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Pappas hosts tax forum Sunday in Bridgeview Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas joins the Arab American Democratic Club (AADCIL.org) Samir Khalil and Sonia Khalil, and the Arab American Chamber of Commerce (AACCUSA.org) Hassan Nijem on Sunday May 16 10 AM to 1 PM at Nikko’s Banquet Hall at 7600 S. Harlem Avenue. Pappas will unveil…
Wolves rocket to victory against Grand Rapids Griffins Richard and Novak score two goals apiece in Chicago’s 5-1 win Anthony Richard and Tommy Novak scored two goals apiece as the Chicago Wolves sprinted to an early lead and rolled to a 5-1 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday night at Van Andel Arena….
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Pappas reminds taxpayers: Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee Property taxes were due Tuesday, March 2, 2021, but there is no late fee for those paying their bill through Monday, May 3, 2021, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today. The Cook County Board of Commissioners in…
Opinion: Police unfairly targeted in new Illinois laws and politics in Palos Police are again being unfairly targeted in legislation that strips away their “qualified immunity” and exposes them to unjustified and frivolous lawsuits, while the legislators who are stripping them of protection continue to enjoy “qualified immunity” for their actions … and the Cook…
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Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau doesn’t want you to talk about the FACT that he has taken the $150,000 salary that he criticized every year since he was been elected. That’s $600,000 collected from Orland Park Taxpayers over the past four years. Instead, Pekau misleadingly claims…
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Pappas commemorates Arab American Heritage Month By Ray Hanania Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas on Tuesday saluted two leaders of the Arab American community in conjunction with the celebration this April of Arab American Heritage Month. Pappas presented Certificates of Excellence to Samir Khalil, a businessman and founder of the Arab American Democratic Club, and…
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Building on Efforts to Protect Illinois Families, Gov. Pritzker Delivers Third Balanced Budget Proposal Proposed Budget Does Not Increase Income Taxes, Closes Nearly $1 Billion in Corporate Tax Loopholes; Invests in Human Services to Strengthen Safety Net During Pandemic Crisis With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to hurt families across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker proposed his…
First installment of tax bills due March 2, penalties waived thru May 3 First installment property tax bills for tax year 2020 were mailed in the last week of January. According to Assessor Rich Kelly, the bills indicate that taxes are due on March 2, but taxpayers can pay them as late as May 3…
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Orland Township Government Keeps Its Levy Flat Orland Township Government Keeps Its Levy Flat, On Property Tax Bills Arriving by this Week. Additionally, to Help Promote Public Health by Encouraging Vulnerable Citizens to Stay at Home, Multiple Property Tax Exemptions Will Automatically Renew Recognizing the continuing financial stress facing many local taxpayers, the Orland Township Board…
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