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

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…

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

No one injured in Orland Park apartment building fire Thursday

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

No one injured in Orland Park apartment building fire Thursday Orland Fire Protection District, IL – No one was injured when an Orland Park home caught fire Thursday. OFPD Officials are investigating the cause of the fire that burned the kitchen of an apartment building, but suspect it may be related to the oven in…

Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Study on which states vaccinate the most and the least from WalletHub

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Study on which states vaccinate the most and the least from WalletHub With vaccines preventing 4 to 5 million deaths worldwide per year, according to the WHO, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s States that Vaccinate the Most, as well as expert commentary. In order to find out which states vaccinate…

News

WalletHub releases new Credit Card Debt study

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

WalletHub releases new Credit Card Debt study WalletHub’s new Credit Card Debt Study released its latest study looking at Credit Card debt, showing it is below the record high. The results of WalletHub’s new Fed Rate Survey, along with projections for how a September prime rate drop could affect our wallets, are listed here. Credit…

Economy, News

Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz Limited-time seasonal treat available beginning Sept. 1 Wetzel’s Pretzels is embracing the season’s sweetest flavors with the debut of its new limited time offer menu item, Apple Cinnamon Bitz, an autumn-inspired twist on the brand’s beloved bite-sized pretzels. Wetzel’s is once again giving snack lovers a…

Features, food, News, NewsWire

Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park A man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded machine gun in a Chicago park. Eddie Arguelles possessed the firearm on May 14, 2025, in Riis Park in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, according…

Chicago, Crime, Federal, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…

Cook County, elections, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor As you know, I have never been a big fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or, for that matter, many of the most recent governors we have had, including Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, or “Mr. Celebrity” Governor, Rod Blagojevich. (Previously published on Ray…