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

“Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County

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“Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County

“Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County County Executive Crowley’s third budget issues no major cuts to critical services, highlights the crucial role sales tax plays in stabilizing the county’s finances Last month, County Executive David Crowley introduced the 2023 Recommended Budget which prioritizes targeted investments in public health…

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Government, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Obituary: Patty Murphy, domestic violence activist

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Obituary: Patty Murphy, domestic violence activist

Obituary: Patty Murphy, domestic violence activist By Ray Hanania Patty Murphy, 51, a lifelong resident of Oak Lawn passed on October 12, 2022 after recently being diagnosed with cancer. I had a brief opportunity to work with her in developing a PSA to promote sexual violence awareness in 2004 that publicized the support that her…

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Health, News, Obituary, Suburban Chicagoland

Study shows tax investors exploit property tax laws targeting Black, Latino communities

Posted on By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Study shows tax investors exploit property tax laws targeting Black, Latino communities
Study shows tax investors exploit property tax laws targeting Black, Latino communities

Study shows tax investors exploit property tax laws targeting Black, Latino communities New Pappas study: Tax investors exploit Illinois property tax law they shaped to reap millions in profits from Black and Latino communities. Homeowners and governments losing out on important funding A new study from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office reveals that hedge funds,…

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Chicago, Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Illinois needs to repeal the Safe-T Act

Posted on By Ray Hanania 6 Comments on Illinois needs to repeal the Safe-T Act
Illinois needs to repeal the Safe-T Act

Illinois needs to repeal the Safe-T Act Accused felons released without bail awaiting trial are committing more violence in Cook County. It’s the ugly secret that Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot don’t want to talk about. In the past year ore than 60 suspects awaiting trial…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Crime, elections, Law, Opinion, Police, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

From 8 Years Ago: 30 years isn’t too late to start at Regional News

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From 8 Years Ago: 30 years isn’t too late to start at Regional News

From 8 Years Ago: 30 years isn’t too late to start at Regional News Eight years ago, Columnist Ray Hanania returned to the original job he was offered in 1985 at The Regional News, one he had to turn down after being offered a job a week later by the Chicago Sun-Times. This column was…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire officials offer condolences on passing of Attorney James Roche

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Orland Fire officials offer condolences on passing of Attorney James Roche

Orland Fire officials offer condolences on passing of Attorney James Roche Officials of the Orland Fire Protection District offered their condolences to the family of James Roche, who passed away this week. Roche had served as the attorney for the OFPD for nearly two decades, officials said. “Jim was a strong advocate for the fire…

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Cook County, Law, News, Obituary, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Calandriello calls out Republican Mega-Donors Griffin and Uihlein for trying to influence election, buying seats on the Cook County Board

Posted on By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Calandriello calls out Republican Mega-Donors Griffin and Uihlein for trying to influence election, buying seats on the Cook County Board
Calandriello calls out Republican Mega-Donors Griffin and Uihlein for trying to influence election, buying seats on the Cook County Board

Calandriello calls out Republican Mega-Donors Griffin and Uihlein for trying to influence election, buying seats on the Cook County Board Beleaguered GOP incumbent Sean Morrison refuses League of Women Voters Palos/Orland Area invitation to debate, electing to hide behind his political donations and false political attacks Candidate for the 17th District of the Cook County…

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Cook County, elections, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Gaining clients relief from child support arrearages to be topic of Leving firm CLE seminar

Posted on By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Gaining clients relief from child support arrearages to be topic of Leving firm CLE seminar
Gaining clients relief from child support arrearages to be topic of Leving firm CLE seminar

Gaining clients relief from child support arrearages to be topic of Leving firm CLE seminar 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 Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 19 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago. Attorney…

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Chicago, Cook County, Events, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Seniors Celebrate Oktoberfest

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Orland Township Seniors Celebrate Oktoberfest

Orland Township Seniors Celebrate Oktoberfest Nearly 250 seniors attended Orland Township’s Oktoberfest Dinner Dance. Nearly 250 seniors attended Orland Township’s Oktoberfest Dinner Dance on Thursday, Oct. 6. The dance, held at Orland Chateau, is a new addition to them many the Township holds throughout the year. The dance featured Polka Plus, a magnificent four-piece band…

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Baby Boomers, Festival, News, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Bartlett Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

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Bartlett Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

Bartlett Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography  A 49-year-old Bartlett man has been charged with possession of child pornography after investigators found he viewed numerous pornographic images and videos of children under the age of 13 on multiple social media apps, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.  The Cook County Sheriff’s Police…

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Cook County, Crime, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Casten family thanks public for condolences over daughter’s untimely death

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Casten family thanks public for condolences over daughter’s untimely death

Casten family thanks public for condolences over daughter’s untimely death The Casten family has released the following statement on Friday Oct. 7, 2022: “This past June (13, 2022), our daughter, Gwen Casten, died of a sudden cardiac arrythmia. In layman’s terms, she was fine, and then her heart stopped. “We don’t know what caused the…

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Cook County, elections, Government, Health, National, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Live theater in suburbs offers alternatives to Chicago’s risky visits

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Live theater in suburbs offers alternatives to Chicago’s risky visits

Live theater in suburbs offers alternatives to Chicago’s risky visits As gun violence increases in Chicago, more and more suburbanites are reconsidering visits to the crime plagued city and turning to alternative options for business, school and entertainment in the surrounding suburbs. Although the Chicago Theater offers some great performances, the exposure before and after…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Culture, DuPage, Entertainment, News, Opinion, rayhanania, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

Judge speaks on role of fathers

Posted on By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Judge speaks on role of fathers
Judge speaks on role of fathers

Judge speaks on role of fathers A Will County judge delivered a powerful message on the importance of fathers in the upbringing of children at a statewide conference on Saturday. “I know, based on my own personal experience, how important it was to have my father in my life,” said Judge Jessica Colon-Sayre, speaking at…

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Chicago, Civil Rights, Cook County, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois is not safe under Pritzker

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Illinois is not safe under Pritzker

Illinois is not safe under Pritzker Democrats and the leftwing media are doing everything they can to push back on the Safe-T Act and the damage it causes to the safety of law abiding citizens. The truth is, the law turns safety concerns upside down making the priority concerns for the criminals more than for…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Crime, Opinion, Police, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

D230 students named Advanced Placement Scholars

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D230 students named Advanced Placement Scholars

D230 students named Advanced Placement Scholars Seven hundred eight Consolidated High School District 230 students were recently named Advanced Placement Scholars in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams. AP Scholars may receive college credit, advanced placement or both for their success on the exams. Students at Sandburg, Stagg and…

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Education, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Highway Commissioner Rubino Receives Grant Funds

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Highway Commissioner Rubino Receives Grant Funds

Highway Commissioner Rubino receives Grant Funds Orland Township Highway Department Commissioner Antonio Rubino receives funds for road assessments The Orland Township Highway Department has received grant funds from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The funds will allow for road assessments and pavement management implementation of the unincorporated areas in Orland Township. The evaluation…

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Chicago, Cook County, Government, News, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Dr. Barbara Ann Bunville officially Announces candidacy for Alderperson of the 6th Ward

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Dr. Barbara Ann Bunville officially Announces candidacy for Alderperson of the 6th Ward

Dr. Barbara Ann Bunville officially Announces candidacy for Alderperson of the 6th Ward Dr. Barbara Ann Bunville officially announced her candidacy for Alderperson of the 6th Ward, Sunday, October 2, 2022, on the Southside of Chicago, at the famous Josephine’s Southern Cooking Restaurant at 436 E. 79th St., a staple in the 6th Ward.  Dr. Bunville says that she…

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Chicago, Civil Rights, Crime, elections, News, Police, Politics

Cook County Clerk Yarbrough seeks to recruit veterans as election judges

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Cook County Clerk Yarbrough seeks to recruit veterans as election judges

Cook County Clerk Yarbrough seeks to recruit veterans as election judges Facing a critical shortage of election poll workers, Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough announced Tuesday that her office is launching a campaign to recruit military veterans to serve as Election Judges in the upcoming November Gubernatorial Election. The Clerk’s Office, which administers elections…

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Chicago, Cook County, elections, News, Suburban Chicagoland