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  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • 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

Tag: Cook County

Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 

Posted on June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 
Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners 

Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners  Homeowners in many south and southwest suburbs will have to pay a lot more in property taxes as the median tax bill jumped a record 19.9% in the region, according to an analysis released today by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. The…

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Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Taxes

Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago

Posted on June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago
Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago

Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago More than 34,000 documents, multimedia files and other items highlighting the career accomplishments of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are featured in the Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago. A five-minute video that captures Pappas’ achievements and her desire to…

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Cook County, Features, Maria Pappas, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions

Posted on June 1, 2024June 2, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions
Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions

Here’s why your tax bill tells you about government debt and pensions By Maria Pappas I do not determine your property taxes. My job as county treasurer is to bill, collect and distribute that money to pay for local government services. Local governments typically rely on property taxes to fund payrolls and other day-to-day expenses….

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

Bedford Park suspect arrested, charged by Bridgeview Police in remote car-start killing

Posted on May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Bedford Park suspect arrested, charged by Bridgeview Police in remote car-start killing
Bedford Park suspect arrested, charged by Bridgeview Police in remote car-start killing

Bedford Park suspect arrested, charged by Bridgeview Police in remote car-start killing A 20-year-old Bedford Park man was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder late Friday evening in the shooting death of a Bridgeview man who was walking to his car, which he remote started. Arturo Cantu, 39, was shot twice as he left…

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Cook County, Crime, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology, Transportation

Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration

Posted on May 17, 2024May 17, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration
Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration

Treasurer Pappas honors business, community leaders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognized 14 business and community leaders with Certificates of Excellence during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. The event took place at 3 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Cook County Treasurer’s…

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Civil Rights, Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills

Posted on May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills
Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills

Senior freeze exemptions help prevent huge spikes in property tax bills By Maria Pappas Many senior citizens on fixed incomes face the challenge of managing their property taxes. They may be eligible for a tax break known as the “Senior Freeze” Exemption. My website, cookcountytreasurer.com, explains the eligibility requirements and can walk you through the…

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

Homeowner exemptions slash tax bills. So why do so many fail to apply? 

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Homeowner exemptions slash tax bills. So why do so many fail to apply? 
Homeowner exemptions slash tax bills. So why do so many fail to apply? 

Homeowner exemptions slash tax bills. So why do so many fail to apply?  By Maria Pappas Homeowners can reduce their property tax bills by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by taking advantage of the Homeowner Exemption. Exemptions are tax breaks. To qualify for the Homeowner Exemption, first-time applicants must have occupied the…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

Pappas: When it comes to voting on referendums, the few decide for the many

Posted on March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: When it comes to voting on referendums, the few decide for the many
Pappas: When it comes to voting on referendums, the few decide for the many

Pappas: When it comes to voting on referendums, the few decide for the many By Maria Pappas If you’ve ever voted, you’ve probably seen one.  It’s a referendum, usually asking you to approve some numbers. A referendum is a proposed law on a social or economic issue on which the people can vote, even as…

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

Pappas: How a few voters control the fate of more than $1 billion in new spending

Posted on March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas: How a few voters control the fate of more than $1 billion in new spending
Pappas: How a few voters control the fate of more than $1 billion in new spending

Pappas: How a few voters control the fate of more than $1 billion in new spending Statement from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas This election season, voters throughout Cook County will decide whether to repair aging schools, improve a lake front beach, shut down a fire department and give local politicians new powers to tax….

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

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date
Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date First Installment Tax Year 2023 property taxes are due Friday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today. The Treasurer’s Office posted nearly 1.8 million bills online at cookcountytreasurer.com in early December and mailed printed bills to…

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

Pay your property tax bill online to avoid risk of check-washing fraud 

Posted on February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pay your property tax bill online to avoid risk of check-washing fraud 
Pay your property tax bill online to avoid risk of check-washing fraud 

Pay your property tax bill online to avoid risk of check-washing fraud  By Maria Pappas As the March 1 due date approaches for Cook County property owners to pay their First Installment 2023 tax bills, I encourage people to pay online. It’s more convenient — and much safer. People who still pay their bills by…

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

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

Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the Holiday Season

Posted on December 12, 2023December 12, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the Holiday Season
Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the Holiday Season

Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the Holiday Season COVID hospital admissions low, but increasing Although COVID-19 hospital admissions in suburban Cook County continue to be low, they have almost doubled since the beginning of November; and emergency room visits associated with COVID have been trending…

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coronavirus, Health, News

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…

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

Spyropoulos seeking election as Cook County Clerk

Posted on October 17, 2023October 24, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Spyropoulos seeking election as Cook County Clerk
Spyropoulos seeking election as Cook County Clerk

Spyropoulos seeking election as Cook County Clerk For the past 13 years, you’ve known Mariyana Spyropoulos as a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. But she began her career as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney before moving to private practice. There, she saw firsthand how vital it is for our courts to be…

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Cook County, elections, Government, News

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…

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

Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members

Posted on June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members
Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members

Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members The one-day Vets and Pets clinic is scheduled for Saturday, July 1st. Limited to first 200 pet owners. Located in the city of Chicago The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs and the County’s Department…

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Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township
Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township

Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township The office, which will be staffed on the first Tuesday of each month, will allow for Commissioner Aguilar and his office to increase constituent services for Leyden Township residents On Tuesday, May 16th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined Leyden Township officials…

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Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

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  • 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
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  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
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