Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Rickey Hendon urges freeze on property taxes and new regulations to address unjustified hikes Former Senate leader Hendon urges Freeze on Property taxes, and proposes reforms during a press conference held at the Cook County Building on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Watch video of press conference below Rickey Hendon, former Illinois State Senator and former…
Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners Homeowners in Black communities hit with biggest percentage increases A dramatic decline in the value of commercial property in Chicago’s Loop, the city’s longtime economic engine, fueled a record property tax increase on homes across the city, according to an…
Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Officials, accompanied by musical guests, honored notable Hispanic and Latine residents for their contributions to Cook County, and honored three individuals with awards (Cook County, IL) – On Wednesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President…
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes By Maria Pappas Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them. Paying Twice for the…
Read More “The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes” »
Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Beginning on Thursday, September 25, through Saturday, September 27, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar will provide free Mexican document assistance. The assistance will be available at the Aguilar’s District Office, 7833 Ogden Avenue, Lyons, Illinois. A range of services will be offered…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…
Read More “Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson” »
Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar honors veterans at first of monthly VetConnect Workshops at district office On Tuesday, August 26th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted the first of a monthly workshop for veteran support services at his district office. The event connected veterans with multiple agencies and services, bringing these resources directly to 16th District veterans and…
Commissioner Aguilar Gives Update on His Work to Support Victims of July Floods in Cook County’s 16th District Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar has requested Governor Pritzker to issue a Disaster Proclamation and will continue to propose legislation to support those affected by floods After the severe storms and subsequent flooding that hit multiple 16th…
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Launches Congressional Campaign Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is launching her campaign for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with an introductory video, linked here, that summarizes her family’s history of service and her plans to carry that legacy forward. Miller raised her family in the south…
Read More “Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Launches Congressional Campaign” »
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…
Read More “Cook County’s Annual Tax Sale to be Postponed for Seven Months” »
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…
Read More “Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas” »
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…
Read More “You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago” »
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%…
Read More “Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year” »
Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes By Maria Pappas Property taxes can be a financial burden, but exemptions can help reduce those costs by offering significant savings to property owners. There are three exemptions that do the most good for the most people. They are the Homeowner Exemption, the Senior…
Read More “Property Tax Exemptions: How Homeowners and Seniors Can Save on Taxes ” »
Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners By Maria Pappas As Cook County Treasurer, I’ve learned the property tax system can be confusing and intimidating. Whether you’re a new or longtime homeowner, or a senior citizen, I understand your frustrations. To help, I’ve created 10 tips to better understand your…
Read More “Property Tax Pointers from the County Treasurer: 10 Must-Know Tips for Homeowners” »
Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment By Maria Pappas My office lets you sign up a relative or anyone you know receive copies of certified notices that are mailed a month before the Annual Tax Sale if your property taxes become delinquent. You can also register…
Read More “Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment” »
Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Utilizing practice management software The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on September 19th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 19 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago. Experienced matrimonial Managing Attorney Jeffrey Paustian will be the…
Read More “Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Utilizing practice management software” »
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…
Read More “Financial planning tool offers free online help to budget late tax payments ” »