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

Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee, Launches Outreach Across 2nd Congressional District

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee, Launches Outreach Across 2nd Congressional District Exploratory Committee commences effort to collect signatures and register voters as new poll shows former Congressman Jackson leading field of potential contenders Retired U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, Senior Advisor of the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Network Jack Lynch,…

elections, Federal, News, Politics

Orland Fire District responds to home fire, no injuries

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire District responds to home fire, no injuries The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) responded to a structure fire call at 6:30 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, located at the 15600 Block of 112th Court in Orland Park. On arrival, OFPD Engine Company #3 reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the home. Firefighters…

Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief Fraud

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief Fraud A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted five individuals for allegedly fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. George Kavroulakis, Athanasios Intzes, Adam Jaber, Hassan Kurdi and…

coronavirus, Crime, Federal, Law, News, NewsWire, Orland Park

In-Theatre Experiences and deals continue this August at Emagine

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

In-Theatre Experiences and deals continue this August at Emagine This August step into Emagine Theatres and take part in some great activations and deals that you won’t find anywhere else. Emagine offers their guests a luxury, movie-going experience that features leather power-reclining seats, reserved seating, in-seat service, upscale amenities, gourmet popcorn and snacks and a…

Entertainment, Events, Movies, News, Theater

Oak Lawn Public Library Welcomes the Reporters Behind Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Oak Lawn Public Library Welcomes the Reporters Behind Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders Investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair from the Chicago Tribune will speak about the Tylenol murders and their coverage of the ever-relevant crime at Oak Lawn Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Despite occurring in 1982, the Tylenol…

Crime, Events, journalism, News

National Gun VIolence prevention organization Brady PAC endorses Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

National Gun VIolence prevention organization Brady PAC endorses Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate Brady PAC Makes Rare Primary Endorsement of Kelly, Citing Her Proven Record of Gun Violence Prevention Work Brady PAC today announced its endorsement of Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate. Brady PAC, the political arm of the Brady Campaign, the nation’s oldest gun…

Crime, elections, Federal, News, NewsWire, Police, Politics

Wrapped in Honor – Orland Park Police Department Salutes Officer Returning from Service

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wrapped in Honor – Orland Park Police Department Salutes Officer Returning from Service The Orland Park native returned from deployment, police vehicle unveiled in his honor Officer Jordan Legris, who just returned from a tour of duty in Somalia, received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, when the Orland Park Police Department unveiled…

News, Orland Park, Police

Leving team protected dad from unsubstantiated mental health accusations in court

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving team protected dad from unsubstantiated mental health accusations in court By: Laura Reichel A devoted father became frantic after he was suddenly cut off from his son due to hurtful accusations. Scared of losing his son, dad immediately contacted attorney Jeffery Leving for help in defending and reuniting him with his child. The Leving…

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

Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Firearm Offenses

July 30, 2025July 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Firearm Offenses A Chicago man who carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint on the city’s West Side and fired a handgun while attempting to carjack another vehicle has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison. The carjacking and attempted carjacking by KIAR EVANS…

Chicago, Crime, Federal, News

Northwestern Medicine Hospitals Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in Annual Best Hospital Rankings

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Northwestern Medicine Hospitals Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in Annual Best Hospital Rankings Northwestern Medicine hospitals have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report annual Best Hospital rankings. For the 14th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named to the Best Hospital Honor Roll. Additionally, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the only Illinois…

Baby Boomers, Chicago, Health, News, Seniors

Author Charlene Wexler Earns Apex Award for Farewell to South Shore

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Author Charlene Wexler Earns Apex Award for Farewell to South Shore Author Charlene Wexler recently won a 2025 Communications Concepts Award of Excellence for her book Farewell to South Shore, published by Speaking Volumes. “Farewell to South Shore taps into and articulates a woman’s emotions related to dealing with a changing society, particularly its expectations of…

Books & Films, Chicago, Entertainment, Features, News, NewsWire

Orland Park Mayor Dodge explores options to save Secretary of State services

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park Mayor Dodge explores options to save Secretary of State services Village of Orland Park Addresses Orland Township’s Decision to Remove DMV Facility. Village issues letter on status of critical Secretary of States services Dear Orland Park Residents, Thank you for sharing your concerns about the recent cancelation of the lease for the DMV…

News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Orland Township

How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny

July 25, 2025July 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

How My Office Handles Billions — And Protects Every Penny By Maria Pappas Cook County Treasurer Two times a year, my office mails nearly 1.8 million property tax bills and collects over $18 billion. That’s not a typo — $18 billion. As Cook County Treasurer, I oversee the second-largest property tax collection and distribution system…

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

Dad won in court for his daughter

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Dad won in court for his daughter By Laura Reichel When a child’s future hangs in the balance, every moment counts. This was the dilemma faced by a dedicated dad who, after learning that his eleven-year-old daughter was struggling academically, called the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. for help protecting his daughter’s future….

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

Man Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Five Suburban Chicago Banks and Financial Institutions

July 21, 2025July 21, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Man Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Suburban Chicago Banks and Financial Institutions A man who robbed four banks and a credit unions in the Chicago suburbs has been sentenced to more than seven and a half years in federal prison, the Illinois U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros announced Monday….

Cook County, Crime, DuPage, Law, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, U.S. Attorney

Video Podcast on Trump’s problems with Jeffrey Epstein, Netanyahu’s coalition in jeopardy

July 19, 2025July 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Video Podcast on Trump’s problems with Jeffrey Epstein, Netanyahu’s coalition in jeopardy In the Video podcast, political columnist Ray Hanania and former Congressman Bill Lipinski discuss the Jeffrey Epstein controversy and its impact on President Trump; open rebellion among some MAGA Republicans including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene over foreign aid and Epstein, the issue of…

Bill Lipinski, Blogger, Civil Rights, Commentary, elections, National, News, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, rayhanania, Republican, Taxes

Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry

July 17, 2025July 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh, who was elected to her position with the largest vote turnout in the April 1 elections, is off to an amazing start promoting the needs of the Orland Township community. Even though Orland Township has had a…

food, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Township, Photos, Suburban Chicagoland

Leving team court victory protected dad from crushing debt

July 17, 2025July 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving team court victory protected dad from crushing debt By Laura Reichel A distraught father was horrified to learn that his ex was trying to saddle him with many thousands of dollars in her attorney’s fees—money he simply didn’t have, and that would have devastated him financially and more. Desperate and overwhelmed, he turned to…

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