Properties in my Cook County township have just been reassessed and I've got about 29 days to appeal my 35% increase. My house is more than 25 years old but houses down the street are just a few years old and the houses in back of them are new construction going for just under $1 million with all the upgrades (which everyone seems to be buying).

I've appealed increases before by carefully studying comps from the township assessor and finding the outliers. Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes not. But I've never faced anything like a 35% hike. And now my snail mailbox is getting stuffed with offers from law firms looking to make bank on my appeal.

What I want to know is what the lawyers do that I cannot. Is it all based on 'da good ol' boy network' or do they really have an algorithm or something? I'm not averse to paying but unless there's some back-room handshakes involved I can't see how the law firm can do better. Please enlighten me if you know.

Going to see Garth Brooks on Sept 12th at All State Arena. Is it possible to park a class B camper van in that lot. The van does fit in a standard parking space but it is a larger vehicle. Wondering how tight the spaces are.

I understand power going out during record-breaking storms. And I know that us folks in the south suburbs don't get super high priority for... reasons. But for the love of Dog. There's hardly a cloud in the sky. Our entire neighborhood losing power is getting a little old. It's not like this is particularly hot. We've had higher temps - thus higher demand - earlier this summer.

Can you _please_ fix whatever bubble gum patch you've put on the grid sometime soon? I haven't been able to order a Generac because the big box stores haven't been able to keep them in stock. But you can bet I will be ordering one asap. This is exhausting.

We're looking to get a 30-40 foot spruce removed from our backyard. We just got our first quote for $800 and it seems on the high end. There are no power lines or structures nearby and the stump grinder wouldn't fit through our gate so we won't be doing that.

Anyone know of a more affordable tree company near Wheaton?

Hello all,

Wanted to get some feedback as I was curious on which suburbs are trending towards becoming the next "Naperville" or "Oak Park" etc and why that may be in your opinion?

I just moved here and I have a job interview. Need a good barber for a medium skin fade who also does good beard trim and shaping.

I’ll try to keep this as general as possible. I have a son who lives outside the U.S. He is a grown man but has had mental health issues for most of his life. Bottom line, he is in the U.S. because he is waiting for a spouse visa. He arrived a few weeks ago and has no insurance. I believe he is having a psychotic/near psychotic episode. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should do in the NW suburbs to have him get some care? I’m not even sure a hospital ER would accept him without insurance and costs, I know, would be crazy. It’s such a shame that a U.S. born citizen could find himself in this position. We should all have affordable access to care.

Hi,

Could anyone recommend a jeweler somewhere nearby the Wheaton area that is affordable? I am looking to buy a silver necklace and am hoping for recommendations. Thank you!

When silver prices spiked this spring, one of my sister's talked about getting silver coins. She never did and I am looking to get a few coins for her for Christmas. I looked online and the price is about $10 over the cost of silver per coin, before tax. So since the price is about what I would pay at a shop, I would rather shop locally. So I am looking for a place I can trust

Hey everyone, looking to get some work done and trying to find a solid tattoo artist in the suburbs who really specializes in custom Chicano-style lettering and fine script.
I’d prefer to stay out in the suburbs instead of heading all the way into the city if I can avoid it. Anywhere in the West, Southwest, or Northwest burbs works.
If you know anyone with super clean line work who kills this style, drop their Instagram handle or shop name below. Appreciate the recommendations!

I’m currently working on my early intervention credential as a pediatric therapist in the western suburbs. The next step is for me to be fingerprinted to complete my background check, but I’m seriously struggling to find a local place that can actually do it, despite the list I’ve been given from the state itself. Help!

I am located in Berwyn and this is the list I have: https://idfprapps.illinois.gov/licenselookup/fingerprintlist.asp

The Forest Park location, closest to me, apparently doesn’t actually offer fingerprinting. I showed up there and was turned away.

The OakBrook Terrace location put me on an infinite waitlist. They have no fingerprinting availability in the next three months.

The Hilside location doesn’t have a reachable phone number for general inquiries. I may be able to go here, but I don’t know if appointments are required and I have no way to find out as the website doesn’t say and I can’t speak to anyone.

The Oak Park location has limited hours and is only open during my working hours.

Does anyone have experience with any IDFPR approved vendors for Livescan? I’d prefer not to travel into the city, south suburbs, or aurora if I can avoid it.

If not, any experience using a vendor that is not on the states list of approved vendors? I found a place that does live scan that seems reliable to get an appointment, but of course it isn’t on the list.

Go f*ck yourselves. The entitled prickery of anyone who grumbles, groans, sighs deeply, makes a face, or huffs and puffs because they have to MOVE THEIR BAG and place it between their legs on the floor, or hold it, and let another person sit next to them in a completely packed train is embarrassing, reprehensible behavior.

People like this are public transportation cancer.

A word to describe me

Hello. My family has been without housing for some time. We've been on a few lists for over a year. The big picture is that I fell ill and was on an extended, unpaid leave of absence, ultimately being unable to return to my job and losing our home of 10 years. Long divorced. Children are over 18, but may never be able to live on their own. All of of us work, but I was the breadwinner. Now working a third shift hospital role that pays barely above minimum wage. In one month, I'm making less than what I previously earned in one paycheck. I'm having zero luck finding anything better in the current job market. I apply to jobs every day. I'm 53 and have never experienced such a lack of interest from my applications. I'm not sure if it's the market or my age or a bit of both. In the meantime, my work insurance is very good in-network - I have a couple autoimmune diseases, so the insurance was 100% the reason I snapped up the job. Third shift is messing with my health, and the work culture makes me cry in the bathroom every day since I'm already carrying a load, but I will keep at it until I find something else. It's on me. I'm mom. I have to fix this. I'm still trying to figure out my new brain and body since I got these autoimmune diseases. I have brain fog, which creates so much anxiety when working a pressure cooker job. I went from law to medical. Both are mental and physical health killers.

I've been living in my car with occasional stays at a friend's house for laundry and showers (my two senior kitties are also there, so I care for them). It isn't a safe place for me, however. I have contacted every agency in my area that I was referred to by 211 (The Haven, Home of the Sparrow, three domestic violence shelters, multiple case management agencies, hospitals, social workers, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Lake County Crisis, and housing departments in two counties). All had nothing for me alone or all three of us. My daughter has been living in a room at her summer job, which ends soon. I know she is safe and well taken care of there. My son has been able to stay with his father but is extremely attached to me with his health condition; I'm his safe person.

We've been on waiting lists a year and a half with no progress. I can't live like this anymore. Does anyone know of any leads on safe, affordable housing in Lake County? Hoping someone might know of someone with a rental or another resource I haven't tried. I need us back under one roof.

We are clean, quiet, substance free, working and attending school. I've been background checked up the wazoo for my job - DMV history and fingerprint. The hiccup is that due to my financial issues these past few years, I drained my savings and cashed out my 401(k). My credit score is very poor. Now, I'm filing for bankruptcy. I want to be forthright that this is in the works. I know I'll never retire, so will need to train for a career with longevity for the old fart worker that won't leave until forced out. :)

Was coming back from lunch with my coworkers and we noticed a huge plume of black smoke that was pretty active. Anyone know what's going on? I don't see any news and I tried to get closer to see what it was but police blocked off Central just west of Wolf. I thought I saw a stopped freight train basically where the smoke was.

Just thought I'd help by sharing these pics. I always take pictures of the signs so I have the phone numbers ready. Unfortunately, I've never found a missing pet and I've seen far too many signs over the years.

Hoping to find a recommendation for a good pedicure. I’ve been to a few locations now and most of the pedicures look nice but have felt very rushed— no leg massage, limited care towards dead skin, etc. I’m located in Highland Park but willing to drive to get a relaxing and well done pedi. Thank you!

Any recommendations for day training in the Des Plaines area?

Looking to start purchasing my coffee beans more locally than online. Where do you buy your locally roasted coffee beans, or who do you recommend in the area? I tend to stick with espresso blends but my spouse likes all kinds. I’m in the NW suburbs but willing to travel if needed for the good good stuff. Thank ya!

Anyone here ever attended the Art Fair on the Square in Lake Forest?

I went last year and It was pretty cool. I didn‘t buy anything though. I plan on going this year again. The artist I spoke with all seemed nice and friendly. Some were traveling artists just going from one show to another trying to sell their art.

Maybe I’ll buy something this time

Just curious if anyone has ever attended this art fair, your thoughts on it, and did you buy anything.