Author: Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland. His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing. Email Ray Hanania at [email protected]. Follow RayHanania at Twitter

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…

Fire, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

No one injured in Orland Park apartment building fire Thursday

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

No one injured in Orland Park apartment building fire Thursday Orland Fire Protection District, IL – No one was injured when an Orland Park home caught fire Thursday. OFPD Officials are investigating the cause of the fire that burned the kitchen of an apartment building, but suspect it may be related to the oven in…

Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Father’s Role Affirmed, Family Stability Preserved

September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Father’s Role Affirmed, Family Stability Preserved By: Laura Reichel For many dads, the letters DCFS bring more than just anxiety; they unleash a nightmare of fear, doubt, and the possibility of losing the person they cherish most. This was the reality for a devoted dad who suddenly felt himself branded as dangerous and unfit. Terrified…

Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Study on which states vaccinate the most and the least from WalletHub

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Study on which states vaccinate the most and the least from WalletHub With vaccines preventing 4 to 5 million deaths worldwide per year, according to the WHO, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s States that Vaccinate the Most, as well as expert commentary. In order to find out which states vaccinate…

News

WalletHub releases new Credit Card Debt study

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

WalletHub releases new Credit Card Debt study WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt Study released its latest study looking at Credit Card debt, showing it is below the record high. The results of WalletHub’s new Fed Rate Survey, along with projections for how a September prime rate drop could affect our wallets, are listed here. Credit…

Economy, News

Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz Limited-time seasonal treat available beginning Sept. 1 Wetzel’s Pretzels is embracing the season’s sweetest flavors with the debut of its new limited time offer menu item, Apple Cinnamon Bitz, an autumn-inspired twist on the brand’s beloved bite-sized pretzels. Wetzel’s is once again giving snack lovers a…

Features, food, News, NewsWire

Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park A man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded machine gun in a Chicago park. Eddie Arguelles possessed the firearm on May 14, 2025, in Riis Park in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, according…

Chicago, Crime, Federal, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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,…

Cook County, elections, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor As you know, I have never been a big fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or, for that matter, many of the most recent governors we have had, including Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, or “Mr. Celebrity” Governor, Rod Blagojevich. (Previously published on Ray…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill By Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Twice each year, my office mails out about 1.8 million tax bills to Cook County property owners. Most people glance only at the amount due—but your bill is much more than a dollar figure. It’s a detailed breakdown of how your…

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

A Native American Father’s Rights Upheld, A Family’s Heritage Preserved

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

A Native American Father’s Rights Upheld, A Family’s Heritage Preserved By Laura Reichel The moments a father shares with his children are priceless, shaping memories that last a lifetime. Sadly, not every father is given the chance to be there when it matters most. A devoted father was faced with this heartbreaking reality when his…

Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorses Yasmeen Bankole for Congress

August 31, 2025September 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorses Yasmeen Bankole for Congress In the Senator’s First Federal Endorsement of the 2026 Cycle, Durbin Says Yasmeen Bankole is the Leader Illinois’ 8th District Needs U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorsed Yasmeen Bankole for Congress in Illinois’ 8th. Durbin’s endorsement of Yasmeen Bankole, Hanover Park Trustee and lifelong Illinois public servant,…

elections, News, Politics

Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 promotional scheduled

August 31, 2025August 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 promotional scheduled The Chicago Wolves released their 2025-26 promotional schedule on Thursday and it features premium giveaways, popular theme nights, family-oriented experiences and meaningful community and charitable events. The Wolves’ season promises to be full of fun and excitement for the players on the ice and for the team’s loyal…

Chicago, Entertainment, News, NewsWire, Sports

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch,” and legislative leaders and local mayors praised a projected to convert a building to low-income housing in Maywood by Rev. John Harrell and Black Men United. CLICK HERE to view a…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Culture, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Former Chicago Attorney Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud and Witness Tampering

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Former Chicago Attorney Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud and Witness Tampering A former Chicago attorney has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for committing tax fraud, attempting to tamper with a witness, and violating a court order. Michael Abramson provided more than…

Crime, Federal, Law, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar honors veterans at first of monthly VetConnect Workshops at district office

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Veterans

Orland Fire hosts Coffee & Conversation on individual fatigue and personal health

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire hosts Coffee & Conversation on individual fatigue and personal health Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District will host its monthly Coffee & Conversation for the public on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, featuring two speakers who will address individual fatigue and how to empower your personal health and activism. Residents of…

Events, Fire, Health, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Releases, Seniors