Author: Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion 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

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

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

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…

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

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

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Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

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….

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

What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

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What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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,…

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elections, News, Politics

Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 promotional scheduled

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Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 promotional scheduled

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…

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Chicago, Entertainment, News, NewsWire, Sports

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

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

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…

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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

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

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Covid-Relief Fraud

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Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Covid-Relief Fraud

Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Covid-Relief Fraud A federal judge in Chicago has sentenced a man to a year and half in prison for scheming to fraudulently obtain nearly $2 million in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In 2020, Samuel…

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

Leving team protected dad’s daughter from danger and restored his peace of mind

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Leving team protected dad’s daughter from danger and restored his peace of mind

Leving team protected dad’s daughter from danger and restored his peace of mind By: Laura Reichel A devoted father, terrified that his daughter’s safety was at risk, turned to attorney Jeffery Leving for help. The Leving legal team stepped in, fought relentlessly on his behalf, and won—protecting his young daughter and ensuring that this father…

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

Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays

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Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays

Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays  By Jeffery M. Leving Despite Hollywood images of happy families sitting around a large table for holiday meals, the reality is that about 50% of couples end up divorced. So, while I am not trying to be a holiday Grinch, I am pointing out the…

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Blogger, Commentary, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, Opinion

O’Hare Officials say they will pursue “more permanent solutions” for Muslim prayer Tent

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O’Hare Officials say they will pursue “more permanent solutions” for Muslim prayer Tent

O’Hare Officials say they will pursue “more permanent solutions” for Muslim prayer Tent Officials of the Chicago Department of Aviation responded to my story detailing the harassment of Muslim Uber/Lyft drivers who were given permission to install a “Prayer Tent” on an unused corner of the ride-sharing staging area near O’Hare Airport by promising to…

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Chicago, Civil Rights, News, Politics, Racism

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Gives Update on His Work to Support Victims of July Floods in Cook County’s 16th District

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Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Gives Update on His Work to Support Victims of July Floods in Cook County’s 16th District

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…

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Cook County, Flooding, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Twin Brothers from Orland Park’s Troop 318 Achieve Scouting’s Highest Honor: Eagle Scout

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Twin Brothers from Orland Park’s Troop 318 Achieve Scouting’s Highest Honor: Eagle Scout

Twin Brothers from Orland Park’s Troop 318 Achieve Scouting’s Highest Honor: Eagle Scout Troop 318 of Orland Park, Illinois, is proud to announce that twin brothers Adel and Omar Nofal have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Scouting America. They become the 224th and 225th Eagle Scouts in the troop’s…

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Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Tinley Park

United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago Creates New Section to Prosecute Criminal Healthcare Fraud Violations

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United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago Creates New Section to Prosecute Criminal Healthcare Fraud Violations

United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago Creates New Section to Prosecute Criminal Healthcare Fraud Violations Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced publicly the creation of a new section within the Office’s Criminal Division dedicated to the prosecution of healthcare fraud, which is among the Department of Justice’s…

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Business, Crime, Government, Health, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

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Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds 

Don’t Pay for What You Can Get for Free: How to Claim Your Property Tax Refunds  By Maria Pappas Every year, many Cook County homeowners are bombarded with letters, emails and phone calls from vendors offering to help secure property tax refunds — for a fee. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to pay…

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