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 expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets
Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets

Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets By Maria Pappas Illinois lawmakers in recent years have enacted significant changes to property tax exemptions benefiting veterans, including a landmark provision for those who served during World War II. These changes underscore our commitment to support veterans in Cook County and…

Read More “Illinois expands property tax breaks for veterans to include World War II vets” »

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

Hastings’ insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Hastings’ insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield
Hastings’ insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield

Hastings’s insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance. “With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Here is what this means…

Read More “Hastings’ insurance reform legislation passes Senate in Springfield” »

Business, Government, Illinois Legislature, Insurance, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown

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…

Read More “Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown” »

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations
Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations

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…

Read More “Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations” »

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

Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad
Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad

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…

Read More “Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad” »

News

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Mayor Getty showcases “unity” in contrast to “deeply polarized” nation
Mayor Getty showcases “unity” in contrast to “deeply polarized” nation

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…

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

elections, News, Politics, Village of Lyons

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families

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,…

Read More “Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families” »

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

Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat

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…

Read More “Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat” »

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

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens

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…

Read More “Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens” »

Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Politics

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured
Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured

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…

Read More “Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured” »

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday
FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday

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…

Read More “FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday” »

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

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown
Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

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…

Read More “Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown” »

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District
Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District

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…

Read More “Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District” »

News

Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation
Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation

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…

Read More “Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation” »

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

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5
Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5

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…

Read More “Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5” »

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus
Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus

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…

Read More “Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus” »

Health, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Tinley Park

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

Posted on By Ray Hanania No Comments on Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey
Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey

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…

Read More “Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey” »

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

Statement from Ray Hanania

Posted on By 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…

Read More “Statement from Ray Hanania” »

Law, Orland Fire Protection District