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

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

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Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas

Sale-in-error study shows how tax buyers transfer wealth from low-income areas By Maria Pappas My office redesigned this year’s property tax bills to clearly show where your tax dollars go. On the front of every bill, you can see how much of your hard-earned money goes to each taxing body What is less visible, however,…

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility

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Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility

Orland Fire District audit shows financial strength and responsibility Orland Fire District, Il — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) released its official annual audit on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 that reflects solid financial management and a “great respect” for the interests of taxpayers. Audits of government agencies are mandated by State Law in order…

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

The Mike Madigan I know did much for the Southwest region

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The Mike Madigan I know did much for the Southwest region

The Mike Madigan I know did much for the Southwest region By Ray Hanania I was first introduced to Mike Madigan in 1978 by then Chicago Mayor Michael A. Bilandic. The mayor told me, a cub reporter at the time, to keep an eye on him because he was a “rising star.” As it turns…

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Blogger, Commentary, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes

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Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes

Treasurer Maria Pappas sending $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 who overpaid property taxes Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is sending more than $22 million in automatic refunds to more than 10,000 property owners who overpaid their property taxes last year. “For many senior citizens and others, the value of tax breaks…

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Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

No injuries at home fire in unincorporated Orland Township

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No injuries at home fire in unincorporated Orland Township

No injuries at home fire in unincorporated Orland Township A homeowner at the 16500 Block of Lee Avenue in unincorporated Orland Township on Tuesday night, July 23, 2024, called 911 to report that he suspected his property may have been struck by lightning. He reported experiencing some electrical issues during the apparent strike to a…

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Cook County, Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Dad won in court vs. relatives to recover his children and brought them home

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Dad won in court vs. relatives to recover his children and brought them home By Laura Reichel A loving father whose relatives turned against him needed legal help to prevent his children from being taken away from him. Chicago matrimonial attorney Jeffery M. Leving will discuss this complex court victory on the Dads’ Rights Legal…

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Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Parental Responsibilities for Non-Parents

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Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Parental Responsibilities for Non-Parents

Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Parental Responsibilities for Non-Parents 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 July 17th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 19 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago. The keynote CLE speaker, matrimonial and family law…

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Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person 

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Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person 

Paying tax bill online is easy and safe, but you can also pay by mail or in person  By Maria Pappas Property owners face an Aug. 1 due date to pay their Second Installment 2023 tax bills. Many homeowners authorize their mortgage company to pay their two annual property tax installments from an escrow account….

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Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Taxes