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

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

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

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…

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

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

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Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

Fathers are badly needed by their children in troubled times

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Fathers are badly needed by their children in troubled times

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…

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

Brush fire in Orland Park extinguished

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Brush fire in Orland Park extinguished

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…

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Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

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

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

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…

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

Orland Fire Board salutes outgoing members Brudnak and Schirmacher

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Orland Fire Board salutes outgoing members Brudnak and Schirmacher

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…

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

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

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Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

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…

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

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

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

“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…

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

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

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

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…

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

You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago

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You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago

You May Be Owed Money For Overpaying Property Taxes Up To 20 Years Ago By Maria Pappas My office is managing about $122 million in potential refunds for property tax overpayments going back 20 years that I’m eager to send back to property owners. But determining who’s entitled to a refund isn’t simple. Most overpayments…

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

Leving team reunited father and son after little boy kidnapped

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Leving team reunited father and son after little boy kidnapped

Leving team reunited father and son after little boy kidnapped By Laura Reichel A Chicago dad was desperate for help after his ex reportedly kidnapped his son and fled to an unknown location in Arizona. Frightened of losing his son forever and concerned about his safety, dad turned to attorney Jeffery M. Leving for help….

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Arthur Kallow, Arthur S. Kallow, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Radio

Fourth Member of Alleged Chicago Robbery Crew Ordered Detained in Federal Custody Pending Trial 

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Fourth Member of Alleged Chicago Robbery Crew Ordered Detained in Federal Custody Pending Trial 

Fourth Member of Alleged Chicago Robbery Crew Ordered Detained in Federal Custody Pending Trial  The fourth member of a robbery crew allegedly responsible for violently robbing multiple liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars in Chicago has been ordered detained in federal custody pending trial. Xavier Harris, 26, of Chicago, conspired with his brother and two…

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Chicago, Crime, News, Police

Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Essential Practice Strategies to Best Represent Clients in Complex Family Law Cases

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Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Essential Practice Strategies to Best Represent Clients in Complex Family Law Cases

Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Essential Practice Strategies to Best Represent Clients in Complex Family Law Cases The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on April 15th at 6:30 p.m. CST at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago.The Law Offices…

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Arthur Kallow, Arthur S. Kallow, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Out-of-state divorced dad feared for his kids’ safety, won court order to protect them

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Out-of-state divorced dad feared for his kids’ safety, won court order to protect them

Out-of-state divorced dad feared for his kids’ safety, won court order to protect them By Laura Reichel A concerned divorced father was horrified to discover that his children were living in a reported dangerous home in life-threatening conditions. Fearing for his children’s safety, this dad immediately called attorney Jeffery M. Leving for help in protecting…

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Arthur Kallow, Arthur S. Kallow, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, NewsWire

Getty Celebrates Successful Re-Election and Local Victory Sweep

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Getty Celebrates Successful Re-Election and Local Victory Sweep

Getty Celebrates Successful Re-Election and Local Victory Sweep Voters in the Village of Lyons and across Lyons Township sent a strong message of confidence and support on April 1st, re-electing Mayor Chris Getty and many other public officials in a sweeping election victory. Mayor Getty, who also serves as Lyons Township Supervisor, expressed his gratitude…

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elections, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Village of Lyons

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration

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Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration The countdown is on!  The Illinois State Fair is marking 100 days until the opening of the 2025 Fair with a special “100 Days Out” Celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  State…

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Entertainment, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Weather