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

Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations

October 5, 2025October 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and federal law enforcement leadership in Chicago today issued the following statements regarding ongoing criminal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago: “As U.S. Attorney…

Chicago, Crime, Law, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire, Taxes

Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured over $123 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs. “Our transportation system is how families get to work, students get to school and businesses connect with customers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….

construction, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Chicago, IL – The Illinois Legislature should not rush to approve a battery energy storage proposal that guarantees out-of-state battery companies a 20-year profit paid for by Illinois utility customers, a leading energy ratepayer advocacy association said Wednesday. Phillip Golden, chairman…

Business, Energy, Illinois Legislature, News, news release, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Releases, Technology

Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child By Laura Reichel A devoted father nearly lost everything—his child, his freedom, and his future—because of false allegations that threatened everything he held dear. Stripped of his rights and shut out of his child’s life, dad turned to attorney Jeffery Leving for help. The Law…

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

Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park. “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license…

Baby Boomers, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proceeds Help Provide Critical Financial Support To Breast Cancer Patients. Pink Popcorn is available for a limited time only at Emagine Theatres starting October 1, 2025 This October, Emagine Entertainment will once again be turning…

Business, Entertainment, Health, Movies, News

Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster The Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, have announced the roster for the team’s 2025-26 training camp. Camp is being held at the Wolves’ new training facility, Rosemont Ice Arena (7115 Barry St., Rosemont, IL, 60018) and will continue through to the season…

Entertainment, News, NewsWire, Sports

Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race Welcome to this week’s episode of Two Guys on Politics with co-hosts former Illinois Congressman Bill Lipinski and columnist at the Southwest News Newspaper Group, and myself, Ray Hanania, writer and columnist with…

Bill Lipinski, Civil Rights, elections, Federal, News, Police, Politics, rayhanania, U.S. Attorney, Ukraine

Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Five individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with assaulting or forcibly resisting federal agents who were engaged in immigration enforcement operations in Broadview, Ill. over the weekend. The defendants were among a crowd…

Civil Rights, Crime, Federal, Government, immigrant, Law, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season The Chicago Wolves are pleased to announce FOX Chicago Plus (WPWR-TV) will broadcast 30 Wolves regular-season home games during the 2025-26 American Hockey League season. The partnership with WPWR-TV marks the ninth consecutive full season that Wolves games have been a staple on its schedule….

Chicago, Features, News, NewsWire, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Temporary Drivers Facility to Open September 29 in Orland Park, Permanent Location Coming Soon, in a major victory for the leadership of Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge, and especially for senior citizen residents of the Orland Park region. The new facility will be located…

Baby Boomers, Cook County, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future By Laura Reichel A desperate Chicago man was facing a severe crisis after learning he had been burdened with crushing child support payments and arrearages for a child who was not even his own child. Fearing losing everything, his license, his job, and his freedom, he reached out…

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

Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Three members of the Orland Fire Protection District were honored on Tuesday (9-23-25), receiving the MABAS Humanitarian Award for serving on a state Task Force sent to help Texas residents who were the victims of major flooding last July….

Features, Fire, Flooding, National, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Suburban Chicagoland

Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Chicago, Civil Rights, Cook County, immigrant, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2699, legislation that would require insurance companies to provide advance written notice to consumers before imposing significant rate increases on home or auto insurance policies. “Consumers deserve to know when a rate increase is coming so they…

Business, Frankfort, Insurance, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings

US Senator Chris Murphy endorses Robin Kelly for US Senate, succeeding Dick Durbin

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

US Senator Chris Murphy endorses Robin Kelly for US Senate, succeeding Dick Durbin U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), one of the nation’s leading voices for gun violence prevention, has announced his endorsement of Rep. Robin Kelly for United States Senate in Illinois. As colleagues and gun violence prevention champions, Murphy and Kelly have worked closely…

elections, National, News, Politics, Regional Midwest

Orland firefighter suffers minor injuries in responding to home fire

September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland firefighter suffers minor injuries in responding to home fire Orland Fire Protection District, IL – One firefighter with the Orland Fire Protection District suffered minor injuries but was treated and released after battling a home fire in Orland Park Tuesday (09-23-25) afternoon. Emergency calls identified heavy smoke billowing from a two-story residential home with…

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