Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast on James Comey, ICE Agents, Government shutdown, Gaza Peace Plan, Ukraine and long range missiles, and New York mayoral race Bill Lipinski
  • Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • The Chicago Wolves rallied to defeat  the Iowa Wild 4-3 in overtime Sunday Feb. 25, 2024 at Allstate Arena. The Wild led the game 3 to 0 going in to the 2nd period, but the Wolves rallied and tied in the 3rd period forcing the 5 minute sudden death overtime.
    Wolves broadcasts return to WPWR-TV for 2025 – 26 season Chicago
  • Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge
    Secretary of State Drivers Facility Moving to New Orland Park Location Baby Boomers
  • Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future
    Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future Dads' Rights
  • OFPD Lt. Zachary Zweizig Lt. Dan Ritchie and Lt. Mark Hogan. Photo courtesy of the OFPD
    Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment Features
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Free Mexican Document Assistance Available This Week at Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar’s Office Chicago

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

Pekau says he won’t take pension benefit

Posted on April 4, 2017September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pekau says he won’t take pension benefit
Pekau says he won’t take pension benefit

Pekau says he won’t take pension benefit The high profile battle for the office of mayor of Orland Park in southwest suburban Chicago is fueled by the board’s decision to give the 23 year incumbent Mayor Dan McLaughlin a massive salary boost and huge pension after only one term in office. The salary and pension spike has…

Read More “Pekau says he won’t take pension benefit” »

  • Tweet
elections, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Mayoral race has state’s attention

Posted on April 4, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Mayoral race has state’s attention

Orland Mayoral race has state’s attention The battle between Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin and challenger Keith Pekau has the attention of the entire state apparently creating a wild election contest filled with a lot of unusual issues, supporters and claims By Ray Hanania The battle to lead Orland Park, one of the fastest growing suburbs…

Read More “Orland Mayoral race has state’s attention” »

  • Tweet
elections, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Sports figures, activists warn of rising opioid crisis

Posted on April 4, 2017September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Sports figures, activists warn of rising opioid crisis

Sports figures, activists warn of rising opioid crisis Sports figures, community leaders and activists warned Wednesday that heroin and opioid use has reached a crisis stage in suburban Chicagoland and is rising across the country. At a forum organized by the Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD), the National Football Players Fathers Association (NFPFA), Cook County…

Read More “Sports figures, activists warn of rising opioid crisis” »

  • Tweet
News, Orland Park, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Kennedy promises to bring diversity to Illinois government

Posted on March 23, 2017September 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Kennedy promises to bring diversity to Illinois government
Kennedy promises to bring diversity to Illinois government

Kennedy promises to bring diversity to Illinois government Christopher Kennedy, the son of slain former New York Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, told an overcrowded gathering of American Arabs outside of Chicago that he would defend the rights of immigrants and fight to bring diversity back to Illinois government when elected governor of the…

Read More “Kennedy promises to bring diversity to Illinois government” »

  • Tweet
Editors Pick, elections, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County

Posted on March 14, 2017January 17, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County
Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County

Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County SW News Group Column March 9, 2017. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle bashed former President Todd Stroger when she ran against him for proposing outrageous hikes in taxes including the sales tax. But as soon as she got to office, she raised the taxes, too. Even worse. The…

Read More “Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County” »

  • Tweet
Editors Pick, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Victorian home damaged by fire restored to fine detail

Posted on March 9, 2017September 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Victorian home damaged by fire restored to fine detail

Victorian home damaged by fire restored to fine detail The owner of a Victorian home in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood that was severely damaged by fire offered enthusiastic praise and support to Restore Construction Inc., for its Commitment to detail in restoring the property to its original luster. Home was restored to its antique historical quality Chicago,…

Read More “Victorian home damaged by fire restored to fine detail” »

  • Tweet
News, Suburban Chicagoland

Tornadoes Hit Illinois 50 Years ago, Belvidere and Oak Lawn

Posted on March 5, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Tornadoes Hit Illinois 50 Years ago, Belvidere and Oak Lawn

1967 was a tragic year in Illinois: Tornadoes Hit Illinois 50 Years ago, Belvidere and Oak Lawn Published in the SW Newspaper Group Feb. 9, 2017 By Ray Hanania This year is the Golden Anniversary of one of the most tragic years in the lives of many Baby Boomers who still remember that far back…

Read More “Tornadoes Hit Illinois 50 Years ago, Belvidere and Oak Lawn” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Editors Pick, Features, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Suburbs should not have to pay Chicago’s spending shortfalls

Posted on February 27, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Suburbs should not have to pay Chicago’s spending shortfalls

Suburbs should not have to pay Chicago’s spending shortfalls SW Newspaper Group Feb. 23, 2017 By Ray Hanania Don’t waste your time trying to figure out how Illinois divides the property taxes it collects to support local schools and the sales and income taxes it collects to subsidize Chicago’s bailout. It’s too complicated, intentionally. The…

Read More “Suburbs should not have to pay Chicago’s spending shortfalls” »

  • Tweet
Education, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Fires damage two homes in Orland Park

Posted on December 27, 2016September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Fires damage two homes in Orland Park

Fires Damage two homes in Orland Park Fires hit two homes in Orland Park over the Christmas Holidays, one on Christmas Day related to a fireplace and a second one the following day linked to a Christmas tree Orland Fire Prevent District officials reported. Here are the two reports: Fireplace fire in Orland Park home…

Read More “Fires damage two homes in Orland Park” »

  • Tweet
News, Suburban Chicagoland

Skimming through the Obits and life

Posted on December 23, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Skimming through the Obits and life

Skimming through the Obits and life The obituary section of the old more informed newspaper era was an obsession with my father back in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, the newspapers are anorexic but the Obit section is still growing strong. And, I understand why my father paid attention to it so much now that I…

Read More “Skimming through the Obits and life” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

How do you explain a newspaper to today’s youth?

Posted on November 3, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on How do you explain a newspaper to today’s youth?

How do you explain a newspaper to today’s youth? Many of today’s young people don’t see the value of newspapers. They have their heads and minds buried deeply into their cell phones, not just for talking and texting but for writing, typing, viewing videos and storing thousands of digital photographs. They Snapchat, Instragram, Facebook, Twitter…

Read More “How do you explain a newspaper to today’s youth?” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, General Topics, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park sidesteps the will of the people

Posted on October 25, 2016September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Park sidesteps the will of the people

Orland Park sidesteps the will of the people The Orland Park Board approved a plan to significantly increase Mayor McLaughlin’s salary 375 percent from what it was (a 275 percent increase). But the board action ignores the rights of the village’s taxpayers and voters. Oct. 20, 2016 Des Plaines Valley News, The Regional, The Reporter…

Read More “Orland Park sidesteps the will of the people” »

  • Tweet
Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Raising taxes is never about healthy living

Posted on October 25, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Raising taxes is never about healthy living

Raising taxes is never about healthy living Instead of raising taxes on soda pop, how about cutting the obscene $4.4 billion a year budget for Cook County. Merge Cook County into Township government. Eliminate redundancies that are outrageous. End the double dipping pensions and payrolls politicians in Cook County now get. Published in the Southwest…

Read More “Raising taxes is never about healthy living” »

  • Tweet
Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

How can movie reviewers all be so wrong?

Posted on October 25, 2016September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on How can movie reviewers all be so wrong?

How can movie reviewers all be so wrong? Tom Cruise knocks it out of the ball park in his latest movie “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.” Cruise costars with Cobie Smulders of TV’s “How I Met Your Mother.” And even better, the Marcus Theaters in Orland Park isn’t even finished with its renovation and it is…

Read More “How can movie reviewers all be so wrong?” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Entertainment, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary

Posted on October 18, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania 3 Comments on Orland Park approves 3753 increase in mayoral salary
Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary

Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary Nearly 100 residents crowded the Orland Park village hall to complain that the pay hike should be presented to the voters for approval and not the board members, who voted unanimously to hike the salary following two hours of public discussion and debate. By Ray Hanania (Note: You…

Read More “Orland Park approves 375% increase in mayoral salary” »

  • Tweet
Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Remembering the Daily Newspaper

Posted on June 2, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Remembering the Daily Newspaper

Remembering the Daily Newspaper, and when big city journalism had more credibility. But today, the community newspaper and the Internet offer more variety, more diversity and more news that is of interest directly to you. Not even a fish wants to be wrapped in today’s dailies Read the column or listen to the author read the column…

Read More “Remembering the Daily Newspaper” »

  • Tweet
Baby Boomers, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

In Suburbs vs Chicago, the city needs to improve

Posted on June 1, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on In Suburbs vs Chicago, the city needs to improve

In Suburbs vs Chicago, the city needs to improve By Ray Hanania I don’t hate the people of Chicago, but I do worry about the city where they live. The fact that everyday at least one or two people are murdered on the streets of the city is enough to cause worry. You can’t blame…

Read More “In Suburbs vs Chicago, the city needs to improve” »

  • Tweet
Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Graduated state income tax for Illinois makes sense

Posted on April 28, 2016November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Graduated state income tax for Illinois makes sense

State Rep. Lou Lang has proposed a brilliant and fair plan to help the state of Illinois dig itself out of its multi-billion dollar debt. Change the state’s fixed income tax rate for everyone and replace it with a scaled tax that actually reduces the state tax for most taxpayers, those earning under $200,000, and…

Read More “Graduated state income tax for Illinois makes sense” »

  • Tweet
Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Posts pagination

Previous 1 … 155 156 157 … 159 Next
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations
    October 5, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
    October 3, 2025
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders
    October 3, 2025
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield
    October 2, 2025
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child
    October 1, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme