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 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew

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

Illinois 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew Bushra Amiwala, Jeff Cohen, and Phil Andrew discuss fundraising achievements in battle to suceed Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in March 2026 Democratic election primary Momentum Grows as Bushra Amiwala Unites Youth Leaders, Faith Groups, and Local Advocates Behind Her Campaign SKOKIE, IL — Bushra Amiwala, candidate for Congress…

elections, Federal, News, NewsWire, Politics

Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch

October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch By Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer Every year, my office mails more than 1.8 million tax bills to property owners across Cook County. If you have a mortgage, your lender may collect money from you each month and put it in…

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

Father Wins Custody After Son’s Disappearance and STD Diagnosis

October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Father Wins Custody After Son’s Disappearance and STD Diagnosis By Laura Reichel A devoted father’s worst nightmare came true when his young son disappeared and upon the recovery of his son, was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. fought hard for dad and won, securing the return…

Chicago, Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, News, Radio, Suburban Chicagoland

Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank Aguilar and Cook County officials celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Officials, accompanied by musical guests, honored notable Hispanic and Latine residents for their contributions to Cook County, and honored three individuals with awards (Cook County, IL) – On Wednesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President…

Chicago, Cook County, Culture, Events, Features, Festival, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

Senator Michael Hastings reacts to Illinois’ State Farm lawsuit

October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Senator Michael Hastings reacts to Illinois’ State Farm lawsuit SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s lawsuit against State Farm, which claims the firm is breaking the law by refusing to turn over homeowners’ insurance data to the state for regulatory examination: “The…

accident, Government, Illinois Legislature, Insurance, Law, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Wolves spotlight: Bigger, stronger Nadeau set for encore

October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves Spotlight: Bigger, stronger Nadeau set for encore After one of the most dynamic debut seasons in American Hockey League history, Wolves forward Bradly Nadeau is now focused on raising his game to an even higher level. The native of St-François-de-Madawaska, N.B., piled up the goals—and accolades—with the Wolves during the 2024-25 campaign. Nadeau…

Chicago, Entertainment, News, NewsWire, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event This “Second Chance Summit” expunged and sealed previous convictions for residents throughout Cook County Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and local elected officials at a Second Chance Summit. The Second Chance Summit…

Cook County, Crime, Law, News

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) has announced nine new inductees into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and outdoor recreation. The 2025 class represents decades of dedication to protecting Illinois’ natural resources and inspiring others to enjoy…

Environment, Government, Illinois Legislature, News

Hastings announces $250,000 state grant for cancer treatment technology at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $250,000 state grant for cancer treatment technology at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings toured the cancer treatment center at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields on Monday, meeting with doctors, nurses and staff before announcing a $250,000 state capital improvement grant to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art…

Health, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire

Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Client Relationships and Family Law Case Law Updates

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Client Relationships and Family Law Case Law Updates By Laura Reichel CHICAGO – 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 October 15th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago….

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

Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters

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

Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters By Laura Reichel A devoted father, fearing for his daughters’ lives, turned to attorney Jeffery Leving for help in protecting his children after the mother’s new husband reportedly badly beat and abused his little girls. Furthermore, it was reported that the mother cut off almost…

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

Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park. “Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park…

Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire

Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” An alleged ranking member of a Chicago street gang has been charged in federal court with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official involved in the immigration enforcement operation known as “Operation…

Crime, Federal, Government, immigrant, Law, News

The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Chicago, IL – The proposed Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs. “The only result guaranteed in…

Business, Energy, Environment, Illinois Legislature, News, news release, NewsWire, Releases

Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and the Alliance of Polish Clubs USA will host a special event honoring Polish American Heritage Month by unveiling the first-ever U.S. showing of the “Different Faces of Solidarity” photography exhibit by…

Cook County, Culture, Maria Pappas, News, NewsWire

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair Residents from throughout the 16th District attended the fair which provided health and family services On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office….

Cook County, Culture, Events, News

Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Son of civil rights icon and former congressman commences his campaign for Illinois’ Second Congressional District seat on his father’s 84th birthday. See campaign video launch below Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a lifelong fighter for racial, social, and economic justice, today announced his candidacy for Illinois’…

Civil Rights, elections, Federal, News, Politics

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Indian Consul General Somnath Ghosh will host a Diwali celebration to honor Indian American community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic life of Cook County. The event will…

Cook County, Culture, Festival, Maria Pappas, News, Religion