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

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown Estimated 153,000 Federal Workers in Illinois to be impacted by government shutdown Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is committing $50 million to fund zero-interest and low-interest loans to unpaid federal workers during the government shutdown. The loans will be…

Economy, Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Journalist and social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh responds to the indictments against her and others in protesting against ICE arrests in Chicagoland A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted six individuals for allegedly forcibly impeding…

Civil Rights, Crime, elections, Federal, Government, immigrant, News, NewsWire, Politics

Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad By Laura Reichel A frightened dad called Chicago attorney and fathers’ rights advocate Jeffery M. Leving for help after his worst fears came true: his ex took his eight-year-old daughter from him and vanished. Dad feared his little girl was at risk and that he…

News

Mayor Getty showcases “unity” in contrast to “deeply polarized” nation

October 30, 2025November 9, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Mayor Getty showcases “unity” in contrast to “deeply polarized” nation Lyons Mayor Chris Getty on Saturday, October 25th welcomed more than 500 people to a fundraiser and rally for the United Citizens Party, showcasing the community’s unity in contrast to the deep divisions of the nation’s political polarization. This is the 15th year of the breakfast…

elections, News, Politics, Village of Lyons

Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt, and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency,…

Business, Economy, Government, Illinois Legislature, Insurance, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings

Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat By Ray Hanania Mahnoor Ahmad, who challenged ineffective Congressman Sean Casten in 2024 for the Democratic nomination, announced this week that she has filed for the office of the DuPage County Board seat in the 2nd District. Ahmad has a long history of public service and working…

Democrat, DuPage, elections, News, NewsWire, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens

October 29, 2025October 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens In a heartfelt ceremony held Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Frederick T. Owens, restoring the building’s original name: Frederick T. Owens Village Hall. The…

Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Politics

Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Orland Fire Protection District, IL – A firefighter was slightly injured with dehydration while battling a fire reported in a townhouse building at the 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. The…

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

FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday

October 26, 2025October 26, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find…

Features, Fire, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide…

Baby Boomers, Economy, food, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District

October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District. “Good quality roads, highways and transportation networks are the foundation for a safe community,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “The Rebuild Illinois projects…

News

Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation

October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation By Laura Reichel A distraught dad desperately needed help— he had no idea where his little girl was and feared for her safety. The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. worked tirelessly to locate dad’s daughter. After a long and painful separation, they located…

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

Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5

October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 The Orland Fire Protection District will host its monthly Coffee and Conversation meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 and address the challenges facing individuals and seniors who live alone. The meeting is from 10 AM until 12 Noon and will be held at…

Baby Boomers, Fire, Government, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Seniors

Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus During a visit to the Easterseals Academy Tinley Park campus, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced the allocation of a $250,000 state grant to help fund critical roof repairs at the school, which serves children with autism and other disabilities. “Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater…

Health, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Tinley Park

Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey Threats to safety in the U.S. come in many forms, from public health crises and natural disasters to mass shootings and traffic accidents. People can feel unsafe in other ways, too. Aside from the types of hazards that can cause bodily injury or…

Chicago, Crime, Law, National, News, NewsWire, Police

Statement from Ray Hanania

October 20, 2025 Ray Hanania

On June 10, 2025, I published an article online representing my opinions. In that article, I made several statements about the Orland Firefighters Union Local 2754. The publication included accusing the Orland Firefighters of using racism and religious prejudice to strengthen their voter base in the April 1 election. I also wrote that the Orland…

Law, Orland Fire Protection District

Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election In the second quarter of 2025, Kat Abughazaleh raised more than $520,000, bringing her total amount raised since launching her campaign to approximately $900,000, averaging $32 per donation from about 22,000 donors. Kat’s campaign…

elections, Federal, News, NewsWire, Politics, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire Orland Fire Protection District issues warning regarding injuries from Lithium Batteries Orland Fire Protection District — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) is raising awareness about the growing dangers of lithium-ion batteries found in everyday devices…

Fire, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Technology