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

Orland Fire Protection District promotes two firefighters Thursday Nov. 6, 2025

November 8, 2025November 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire Protection District promotes two firefighters Thursday Nov. 6, 2025 OFPD, IL – Two firefighters were promoted by the Orland Fire Protection District during ceremonies administered by the Orland Fire Commission at a meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Firefighter James Schultz was promoted to the rank of Engineer, and Eric Petravich was…

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

Emagine Theatres invite veterans and military to watch movies for free on Veteran’s Day

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Emagine Theatres invite veterans and military to watch movies for free on Veteran’s Day Emagine Theatres Honoring Veterans Day with FREE Admission Emagine Entertainment will once again be recognizing and honoring military service members by inviting them and a guest to see a movie of their choice for FREE on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. For…

Entertainment, Movies, News, NewsWire, Veterans, Veterans Column

Illinois sees 7th highest rise in total household debt, ranks 29th in debt rise

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois sees 7th highest in total household debt, ranks 29th in debt rise With household debt reaching $18.59 trillion in Q3 2025, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its rankings of the States With the Largest & Smallest Debt Increases, based on new data from TransUnion and the Federal Reserve, to highlight where people may…

Economy, Illinois Legislature, National, News, NewsWire

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s Transition Team Launches Resume Portal for New Administration

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s Transition Team Launches Resume Portal for New Administration Mamdani’s transition opens application process to receive applicants interested in serving in the Mamdani Administration Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team launched on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 the Transition 2025 resume portal for applicants of all experience levels to help build an administration of public…

Civil Rights, Culture, elections, Government, News, Politics

Village of Orland Park Celebrates Thanksgiving Week

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Village of Orland Park Celebrates Thanksgiving Week The Village of Orland Park is celebrating Thanksgiving with a week full of turkey-themed activities, including the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash, Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest and the 37th Annual Turkey Trot. “Thanksgiving week in Orland Park is all about community, family, and tradition,” said Mayor Jim…

Events, Features, News, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire Protection District welcomes new Fire Chief, salutes passing of former Trustee

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire Protection District welcomes new Fire Chief, salutes passing of former Trustee The Orland Fire Protection District, at its regular meeting on Oct. 28, 2025, officially welcomed the newly appointed Fire Chief, Kevin Doyle. Doyle was welcomed to his first official meeting by Board President Beth Damas Kaspar and the Fire Trustees, and he…

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

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets By Maria Pappas Illinois lawmakers in recent years have enacted significant changes to property tax exemptions benefiting veterans, including a landmark provision for those who served during World War II. These changes underscore our commitment to support veterans in Cook County and…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

Hastings’ insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings’s insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance. “With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Here is what this means…