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

Village of Orland Park Launches Inaugural Citizens Academy

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Village of Orland Park Launches Inaugural Citizens Academy Seven-Week Program Offers Insight into Village Operations The Village of Orland Park is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Orland Park Citizens Academy, a new initiative designed to provide residents and local business owners with a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at how their local government operates….

Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Leving team saved dad’s future and his bond with his son

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leaving team saved dad’s future and his bond with his son By Laura Reichel A Chicago father was faced with the most difficult period of his life following his divorce. Dad was horrified when he realized that he was ordered to pay an exorbitant amount of child support — far more than he could ever pay….

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

Orland Fire Protection District promotes three Firefighters at ceremony

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire Protection District promotes three Firefighters at ceremony The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) promoted three firefighters to the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief at a special ceremony on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the District’s Administrative office. Joined by OFPD Trustees DJ Jeffers and Bridget Tolan, Commissioners Brian O’Neill and Mohammed…

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

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally Community, religious, and elected leaders endorse Harrell for the 8th State House District at a press conference held at Macarthur Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Monday, April 11, 2025 Chicago, IL – John Harrel formally announced his candidacy for the…

Chicago, elections, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, Maria Pappas, News, news release, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Orland Firefighters battle separate apartment and home fires Friday night

August 9, 2025August 9, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Firefighters battle separate apartment and home fires Friday night Three residents treated for minor injuries at the scenes, and one firefighter was taken to the hospital with heat exhaustion and released. Firefighters of the Orland Fire Protection District battled two separate fires hours apart on Friday night, one at an apartment building and another…

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

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language By Maria Pappas Understanding Cook County’s property tax system can be a challenge even for people born and raised here. Words like “assessments,” “exemptions,” and “multipliers” aren’t part of everyday conversation. For many homeowners, deciphering a tax bill feels like solving a puzzle. Now…

Blogger, Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes

Taste of Orland Park Draws Over 35k Attendees in Triumphant Return to Village Center

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Taste of Orland Park Draws Over 35k Attendees in Triumphant Return to Village Center The Village of Orland Park is celebrating the resounding success of its 22nd annual Taste of Orland Park, presented by Northwestern Medicine, which welcomed more than 35,000 attendees over the course of the weekend. Returning to its original home at the…

Entertainment, Features, food, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Social media victim won— Leving team vacated stalking no-contact order for dad

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Social media victim won— Leving team vacated stalking no-contact order for dad By Laura Reichel A father residing in New Jersey suddenly found himself the subject of a stalking no-contact order issued by an Illinois court, even though he’d never set foot in Illinois. Confused and terrified of being incarcerated, dad immediately contacted attorney Jeffery…

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

Hastings brings in over $7.2 million in additional funding for local schools through evidence-based funding formula

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings brings in over $7.2 million in additional funding for local schools through evidence-based funding formula State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that local schools in the South Suburbs will receive more than $7.2 million in new evidence-based funding as part of the continued implementation of the landmark education funding reform he supported in…

Education, Frankfort, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District More than two dozen prominent African American pastors representing the largest churches and parishes on Chicago’s South and West Sides on Tuesday (Aug. 5, 2025) praised and encouraged fellow Pastor John Harrell’s decision to run for State Representative in the 8th Illinois House…

elections, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics

Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee, Launches Outreach Across 2nd Congressional District

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee, Launches Outreach Across 2nd Congressional District Exploratory Committee commences effort to collect signatures and register voters as new poll shows former Congressman Jackson leading field of potential contenders Retired U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, Senior Advisor of the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Network Jack Lynch,…

elections, Federal, News, Politics

Orland Fire District responds to home fire, no injuries

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire District responds to home fire, no injuries The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) responded to a structure fire call at 6:30 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, located at the 15600 Block of 112th Court in Orland Park. On arrival, OFPD Engine Company #3 reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the home. Firefighters…

Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief Fraud

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief Fraud A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted five individuals for allegedly fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. George Kavroulakis, Athanasios Intzes, Adam Jaber, Hassan Kurdi and…

coronavirus, Crime, Federal, Law, News, NewsWire, Orland Park

In-Theatre Experiences and deals continue this August at Emagine

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

In-Theatre Experiences and deals continue this August at Emagine This August step into Emagine Theatres and take part in some great activations and deals that you won’t find anywhere else. Emagine offers their guests a luxury, movie-going experience that features leather power-reclining seats, reserved seating, in-seat service, upscale amenities, gourmet popcorn and snacks and a…

Entertainment, Events, Movies, News, Theater

Oak Lawn Public Library Welcomes the Reporters Behind Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Oak Lawn Public Library Welcomes the Reporters Behind Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders Investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair from the Chicago Tribune will speak about the Tylenol murders and their coverage of the ever-relevant crime at Oak Lawn Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Despite occurring in 1982, the Tylenol…

Crime, Events, journalism, News

National Gun VIolence prevention organization Brady PAC endorses Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

National Gun VIolence prevention organization Brady PAC endorses Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate Brady PAC Makes Rare Primary Endorsement of Kelly, Citing Her Proven Record of Gun Violence Prevention Work Brady PAC today announced its endorsement of Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate. Brady PAC, the political arm of the Brady Campaign, the nation’s oldest gun…

Crime, elections, Federal, News, NewsWire, Police, Politics

Wrapped in Honor – Orland Park Police Department Salutes Officer Returning from Service

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wrapped in Honor – Orland Park Police Department Salutes Officer Returning from Service The Orland Park native returned from deployment, police vehicle unveiled in his honor Officer Jordan Legris, who just returned from a tour of duty in Somalia, received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, when the Orland Park Police Department unveiled…

News, Orland Park, Police

Leving team protected dad from unsubstantiated mental health accusations in court

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving team protected dad from unsubstantiated mental health accusations in court By: Laura Reichel A devoted father became frantic after he was suddenly cut off from his son due to hurtful accusations. Scared of losing his son, dad immediately contacted attorney Jeffery Leving for help in defending and reuniting him with his child. The Leving…

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