Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race Bill Lipinski
  • Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • The Chicago Wolves rallied to defeat  the Iowa Wild 4-3 in overtime Sunday Feb. 25, 2024 at Allstate Arena. The Wild led the game 3 to 0 going in to the 2nd period, but the Wolves rallied and tied in the 3rd period forcing the 5 minute sudden death overtime.
    Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season Chicago
  • Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge
    Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Baby Boomers
  • Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future
    Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future Dads' Rights
  • OFPD Lt. Zachary Zweizig Lt. Dan Ritchie and Lt. Mark Hogan. Photo courtesy of the OFPD
    Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment Features
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Chicago
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase Business
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    US Senator Chris Murphy endorses Robin Kelly for US Senate, succeeding Dick Durbin elections
  • OFPD fire 11500 Block of 113th Avenue in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of the OFPD 9-23-25
    Orland firefighter suffers minor injuries in responding to home fire Fire
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings files legislation to combat ‘cost shifting’ practices in insurance rate setting Insurance

Category: Taxes

Erika Maldonado to lead Spanish-language outreach for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Posted on February 13, 2024February 13, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Erika Maldonado to lead Spanish-language outreach for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
Erika Maldonado to lead Spanish-language outreach for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Erika Maldonado to lead Spanish-language outreach for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Erika Maldonado will lead Spanish-language outreach to taxpayers for the Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Maldonado has strong connections throughout the Chicago-area Latino community. She is a journalist with 30 years of experience who has co-anchored evening newscasts for Univision WGBO-TV…

Read More “Erika Maldonado to lead Spanish-language outreach for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas” »

  • Tweet
Chicago, Cook County, Culture, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Money from your property taxes pays for essential local services

Posted on February 4, 2024February 4, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Money from your property taxes pays for essential local services
Money from your property taxes pays for essential local services

Money from your property taxes pays for essential local services Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas My office recently mailed property tax bills to owners of nearly 1.8 million parcels in Cook County. First Installment tax bills are due March 1. Local governments, such as school districts and municipalities,…

Read More “Money from your property taxes pays for essential local services” »

  • Tweet
Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Taxes

Illinois program lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 per year in property taxes

Posted on January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 By Ray Hanania 3 Comments on Illinois program lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 per year in property taxes
Illinois program lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 per year in property taxes

Illinois program lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 per year in property taxes Your Property Taxes column with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Illinois offers senior citizens a property tax relief program that works like a loan. The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program allows qualifying seniors to defer up…

Read More “Illinois program lets senior citizens defer up to $7,500 per year in property taxes” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Slashed interest rate on late property tax payments could prevent home loss

Posted on December 16, 2023December 16, 2023 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Slashed interest rate on late property tax payments could prevent home loss
Slashed interest rate on late property tax payments could prevent home loss

Slashed interest rate on late property tax payments could prevent home loss By Maria Pappas As my office prepares for the Annual Tax Sale, we’re doing all we can to help people avoid losing their homes because of unpaid property taxes. One of the biggest legislative reforms to the Illinois property tax system in decades…

Read More “Slashed interest rate on late property tax payments could prevent home loss” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Guest Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

New tool shows where property tax dollars go and informs fed up taxpayers

Posted on December 3, 2023December 3, 2023 By Guest Columnist 1 Comment on New tool shows where property tax dollars go and informs fed up taxpayers
New tool shows where property tax dollars go and informs fed up taxpayers

New tool shows where property tax dollars go and informs fed up taxpayers By Maria Pappas When I saw how recent property tax bills shocked and angered many Cook County homeowners I knew people needed to understand why their taxes are so high. I began hearing from frustrated homeowners before tax bills landed in early…

Read More “New tool shows where property tax dollars go and informs fed up taxpayers” »

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

Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms

Posted on November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms
Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms

Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas today unveiled an innovative online tool that for the first time calculates year-to-year changes for each property tax bill and shows where tax dollars go. The search tool at cookcountytreasurer.com is available as…

Read More “Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms” »

  • Tweet
Chicago, Cook County, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month

Posted on November 18, 2023November 18, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month
Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month

Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) named on Thursday Nov. 16, 2023 U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) its November 2023 Porker of the Month for trying to take away everyone’s credit card benefits. In 2010, Sen. Durbin led the effort to pass…

Read More “Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month” »

  • Tweet
Economy, Federal, Government, National, News, NewsWire, Politics, Taxes

Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill

Posted on November 17, 2023November 21, 2023 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill
Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill

Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill By Ray Hanania US Rep. Thomas Massie (Republican Kentucky) continues to reintroduce a bill that would prevent the double taxation of Social Security payments to seniors and retirees, but not enough members of Congress will support it. In fact, opposition to…

Read More “Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Opinion, Seniors, Taxes

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital

Posted on November 7, 2023November 7, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will help military veterans and their families search for savings on their property tax bills during a Veterans’ Appreciation event Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital with Black Men United. Treasurer’s…

Read More “Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital” »

  • Tweet
Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

What can America do with $14.3 billion?

Posted on November 6, 2023November 7, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on What can America do with $14.3 billion?
What can America do with $14.3 billion?

What can America do with $14.3 billion? By Ray Hanania In 2022, the Social Security Trust Fund had a $22 billion deficit, which shows you how little Congress cares about Seniors compared to how they care about some foreign countries. When the deficit was announced, no Republican or Democrat members of Congress rushed to resolve…

Read More “What can America do with $14.3 billion?” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Employment, Health, Opinion, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Seniors, Taxes, Veterans, Veterans Column

Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   

Posted on October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   
Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   

Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses    An analysis of Cook County’s 1.8 million property tax bills for 2022 shows that school districts are chiefly responsible for hefty tax bills that are due Dec. 1, according to Treasurer Maria Pappas.  The median residential tax bill in the north and northwest…

Read More “Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   ” »

  • Tweet
Chicago, Cook County, Education, Government, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Qualifying disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying property taxes

Posted on October 28, 2023October 28, 2023 By News Editor No Comments on Qualifying disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying property taxes
Qualifying disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying property taxes

Qualifying disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying property taxes By Maria Pappas Veterans deserve our thanks, especially those whose abilities were diminished as a result of active military service. Illinois law recognizes that. Qualifying veterans whose disabilities are certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for tax breaks. Veterans classified as…

Read More “Qualifying disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying property taxes” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas: Second Installment 2022 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they are mailed

Posted on October 21, 2023October 24, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: Second Installment 2022 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they are mailed
Pappas: Second Installment 2022 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they are mailed

Pappas: Second Installment 2022 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they are mailed Cook County property owners who don’t want to wait until their property tax bills arrive in the mail may now view, download and pay their Second Installment bill for the 2022 Tax Year online at cookcountytreasurer.com, Treasurer Maria Pappas announced…

Read More “Pappas: Second Installment 2022 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they are mailed” »

  • Tweet
Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas: Property tax bills will soon be due. Are you getting all your exemptions?

Posted on October 15, 2023October 24, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: Property tax bills will soon be due. Are you getting all your exemptions?
Pappas: Property tax bills will soon be due. Are you getting all your exemptions?

Pappas: Property tax bills will soon be due. Are you getting all your exemptions? Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas  By Maria Pappas If you own a home or other real estate in Cook County, chances are you will have a property tax bill due soon. Property taxes in Illinois are billed…

Read More “Pappas: Property tax bills will soon be due. Are you getting all your exemptions?” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Kaegi’s policies impact the middle class and those in serious need

Posted on October 3, 2023October 28, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Kaegi’s policies impact the middle class and those in serious need
Kaegi’s policies impact the middle class and those in serious need

Kaegi’s policies impact the middle class and those in serious need By Ray Hanania Last week, I wrote about how Fritz Kaegi artificially increased assessments on properties across Cook County in order to protect business property owners who are big donors with political clout. Kaegi knows voters have no lobbyists and are easily forgotten in…

Read More “Kaegi’s policies impact the middle class and those in serious need” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund

Posted on September 30, 2023September 30, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund
Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund

Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund By Maria Pappas “Your Property Taxes” column with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Helping taxpayers obtain refunds for property tax overpayments is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as Cook County Treasurer. My office recently helped a south suburban resident receive…

Read More “Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund” »

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

Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses

Posted on September 27, 2023October 28, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses
Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses

Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses By Ray Hanania Last year, a report was issued that showed that a major tax burden would slam commercial properties in Cook County. Cook County Asessor Fritz Kaegi reassessed properties in 2021 claiming it would ease the burden on homeowners. But in fact, it has…

Read More “Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Business, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund

Posted on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund
Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund

Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas  By Maria Pappas Many Cook County homeowners are losing thousands of dollars in savings because they are not taking advantage of property tax breaks. My office recently helped an older couple on Chicago’s North Side receive…

Read More “Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Guest Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Posts pagination

Previous 1 … 5 6 7 … 18 Next
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child
    October 1, 2025
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park
    September 30, 2025
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
    September 29, 2025
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster
    September 29, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race
    September 29, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme