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

Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin Congresswoman Robin Kelly announces her candidacy to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Kelly has one of the strongest public service records, introducing legislation to support not only her constituents in the 2nd Congressional District, but is viewed as a more popular candidate…

Blogger, Civil Rights, Commentary, elections, News, Opinion, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s…

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

Lyons Township Democrats celebrate public support at annual fundraiser

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lyons Township Democrats celebrate public support at annual fundraiser Officials of the Lyons Township Democratic Organization celebrated their growing public support at a fundraiser Thursday at the American Legion Hall in La Grange. Lyons Township Democratic Committeeman Steve Landek and Township Supervisor Christopher Getty welcomed the attendees at the event, which was themed to celebrate…

Bridgeview, Events, Mike Porfirio, News, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Village of Lyons

Registration opens May 9 for Orland Fire Kids Camp and Jr Cadet Programs

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Registration opens May 9 for Orland Fire Kids Camp and Jr Cadet Programs Registration will open on May 9 for two programs designed to help young children and teenagers learn about the role of Fire Fights. The two programs include the Kids Fire and Life Safety Camp, where children aged 8 to 12 years old…

Events, Fire, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Suburban Chicagoland

Cicero police arrest suspect in 2016 murder of Julio Servin

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero police arrest suspect in 2016 murder of Julio Servin The Cicero Police Department announces an arrest in connection with the 2016 murder of Julio Servin. On August 21, 2016, officers responded to a report of shots fired near 5539 W. Cermak Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered 22-year-old Julio Servin lying in the roadway with…

Crime, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, Town of Cicero

Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday

May 3, 2025May 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Fiscal Voices candidates to take Oath of Office for Trustee for Orland Fire District Monday The Fiscal Voices for Fire Safety candidates will be sworn in to their seats as Trustees of the Orland Fire Protection District at a special meeting of the Fire District on Monday, May 5, 2025, beginning at 5 PM. Taking…

elections, Government, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers’ rights and immigration On Thursday, May 1st, Commissioner Aguilar attended the May Day celebrations in Chicago. Commissioner Aguilar spoke to attendees about…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

When it comes to voting on property tax referendums, the few decide for the many There are two types of referendums — binding and advisory. The government is legally required to act on binding referendum results. Advisory referendums aren’t legally binding and are often used to measure public opinion before making a governmental decision. That…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Maria Pappas, News, Opinion, Taxes

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program. “When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the…

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

Dad released from prison, reunited with son and freed from child support

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Dad released from prison, reunited with son and freed from child support By Laura Reichel A father released from prison reached out for help in reconnecting with his fifteen-year-old son, whom he hadn’t seen in over a decade. When dad tried contacting the child’s mother, hoping to reunite with his son, he was horrified to…

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

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin By Ray Hanania Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who believes he can buy any election, any time for any amount of money, wants to buy the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Pritzker has pushed his Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, to run for the…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Senator Michael Hastings, Taxes

Fathers are badly needed by their children in troubled times

April 26, 2025April 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Fathers are badly needed by their children in troubled times By Jeffery M. Leving While it can be highly questionable to give a minor an AR-15 as a gift for any reason, it is unconscionable that a parent would give an AR-15 to a child who has been bullied in school and questioned earlier by…

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

Brush fire in Orland Park extinguished

April 25, 2025July 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Brush fire in Orland Park extinguished Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a brush fire on Thursday, April 24, 2025 located near the 11900 block of Bates Court. Orland Fire Chief Michael Schofield reported that the fire had burned for about two hours and damaged five acres before being brought…

Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

Dad won in court after ex reportedly tried to erase him from daughter’s life

April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Dad won in court after ex reportedly tried to erase him from daughter’s life By Laura Reichel A loving father found himself in a horrifying situation, fearing that he was the victim of parental alienation. Dad reported that his ex constantly interfered with his attempts to be with his 7-year-old daughter and used his little…

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

Orland Fire Board salutes outgoing members Brudnak and Schirmacher

April 23, 2025April 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire Board salutes outgoing members Brudnak and Schirmacher Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) honored the service of two outgoing Board Trustees on Tuesday, (April 22, 2025) President John Brudnak and Treasurer Jayne Schirmacher. The OFPD will administer the Oath of Office at ceremonies to be held in early May to an incumbent…

Fire, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Releases

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6 “It’s time for new energy and leadership in Springfield,” said Illinois. State Senate 6th District candidate Nick Uniejewski Community organizer and policy analyst Nick Uniejewski launched his campaign for Illinois State Senate in the 6th District, challenging incumbent Senator Sara Feigenholtz in the Democratic primary, today…

elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

“The Dinner Detective” is an audience-interactive phenomenal entertainment option

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

“The Dinner Detective” is an audience-interactive phenomenal entertainment option If you are looking for entertainment that is unusual, fun, and immersive, The Dinner Detective is a perfect choice to enjoy. Dinner, a murder mystery, and audience involvement, it offers everything. Check it out at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisle Naperville By Ray Hanania A…

Comedy, Crime, Entertainment, Features, News, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

72 years around the sun, an experience that continues to grow

April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

72 years around the sun, an experience that continues to grow Journalist and columnist Ray Hanania looks back at 72 years and the ups and downs of life from school to journalism, politics, cancer, legionnaires’ disease, standup comedy, and music By Ray Hanania 72 years around the sun today .., thank you everyone for the…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, General Topics, Opinion, Podcast, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Videos