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  • More than 75 pastors and religious activists from the Chicago area gathered at a southside church Thursday (August 13, 2026) to endorse a joint statement calling for the release of a 95-year-old Christian leader being held in detention in South Korea.
    Chicagoland pastors come together to protest religious persecution in US and overseas censorship
  • Father and daughter Leving Photo
    Leving Team Saved Falsely Accused Dad from Jail Dads' Rights
  • Political-Review graphic
    Chicago Public School budget challenges analyzed in Political-Review podcast hosted by Hanania and Calabrese Chicago
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings on Illinois advancing Alyssa’s Law: ‘School Safety Isn’t abstract — it’s personal’ Government
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes but Keep an Eye Peeled on it Cook County
  • About 800 members of the public packed a public hearing hosted by Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta for the Illinois American Water rate hike and the ICC board. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    ICC Approves Rare Second Public Hearing in Bolingbrook on Proposed Illinois American Water Rate Increase  breaking news
  • Illinois State Fair 2026 graphic
    Illinois State Fair Announces Edge-of-Your-Seat Entertainment Lineup in The Arena Democrat
  • Lee Man-Hee Shincheonji Chairman. Photo courtesy of Shincheonji
    Religious rights scholars urge release of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-Hee from South Korean pre-trial detention breaking news
  • Jeffery M. Leving photo
    Leving Team Won a Little Boy’s Safe Return Home Dads' Rights
  • Bedford Park Mayor Brady addresses business golf outing, August 5, 2026. Photo courtesy of Bedford Park
    Mayor Brady welcomes attendees at Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial Association’s 2026 Annual Golf Outing Bedford Park
  • Il Rep Kelly Cassidy
    Efforts to distance himself from Harry Benton controversy not working for Speaker Welch Illinois Legislature
  • State Senator Michael E. Hastings championed a law that will protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes. Photo from, Mike Hastings
    Hastings landmark insurance reform signed into law Business
  • Northwestern Hospital, courtesy of Northwestern Hospital
    Northwestern Memorial Hospital Earns U.S. News Honor Roll Recognition for 15th Consecutive Year Health
  • Tinley Park police on Friday charged an Illinois State Police Trooper Douglass Lee, 54, of Tinley Park, with felony criminal sexual assault (victim unable to give knowing consent) in connection with an incident reported to have occurred during the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Tinley Park Police
    Illinois State Trooper charged with sexual assault Crime
  • Press Release, News Release, graphic
    Bedford Park urges residents to report property damage from recent storm, apply for SBA support Bedford Park

Category: Orland Park

“Huge fire” damages UFC Gym in Orland Park Thursday

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on “Huge fire” damages UFC Gym in Orland Park Thursday
“Huge fire” damages UFC Gym in Orland Park Thursday

“Huge fire” damages UFC Gym in Orland Park Thursday The Orland Fire District responded at  2:31 pm on Thursday, June 20, 2024 to a reported  fire in the UFC Gym located at 66 Orland Square Drive, Unit C, in the Orland Park Mall complex. Multiple 911 calls were received for a fire in the rear…

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

Orland’s Pekau rejects contract renewal for Village Manager George Koczwara

Posted on June 15, 2024June 15, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland’s Pekau rejects contract renewal for Village Manager George Koczwara
Orland’s Pekau rejects contract renewal for Village Manager George Koczwara

Orland’s Pekau rejects contract renewal for Village Manager George Koczwara Controversy-plagued Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau will introduce a letter at Monday’s Village Board meeting (June 17, 2024) signed by him telling Village Manager George Koczwara that his contract cannot be renewed because it would be “unfair and inappropriate to allow an automatic extension” to…

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Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

What’s the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland’s suburbs? Zwar in Orland Park

Posted on June 8, 2024December 19, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on What’s the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland’s suburbs? Zwar in Orland Park
What’s the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland’s suburbs? Zwar in Orland Park

What’s the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland’s suburbs? Zwar in Orland Park One of Chicagoland’s best Middle East Arabian restaurants offers a special exotic entertainment show every Wednesday, complementing their great food menu with the mesmerizing dance of Belly Dancer Tina every Wednesday from 7 PM until 9 PM. Enjoy a great show along…

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Blogger, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, food, News, NewsWire, Opinion, Orland Park, rayhanania, Restaurant Review, restaurants, Review, Suburban Chicagoland

Newly released novel by author Charlene Wexler explores Chicago’s South Shore in the 50s and 60s

Posted on May 20, 2024May 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Newly released novel by author Charlene Wexler explores Chicago’s South Shore in the 50s and 60s
Newly released novel by author Charlene Wexler explores Chicago’s South Shore in the 50s and 60s

Newly released novel by author Charlene Wexler explores Chicago’s South Shore in the 50s and 60s “Farewell to South Shore” by award winningauthor Charlene Wexler  takes readers on a nostalgic trip through Chicago’s South Shore and beyond — A Perfect Summer Beach Read This summer, readers can transport themselves to mid-century Chicago, where Sherrie Paul…

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Books & Films, Chicago, Culture, Editors Pick, Features, News, NewsWire, Orland Park

Orland Park Police Department Announces “Click it or Ticket” Campaign

Posted on May 15, 2024May 15, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Orland Park Police Department Announces “Click it or Ticket” Campaign
Orland Park Police Department Announces “Click it or Ticket” Campaign

Orland Park Police Department Announces “Click it or Ticket” Campaign The Orland Park Police Department is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign running now through Memorial Day weekend. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives. Officers will be in marked and unmarked police cars enforcing…

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Crime, Law, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Pekau hides Owens sign behind building but puts his own name upfront

Posted on May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Pekau hides Owens sign behind building but puts his own name upfront
Pekau hides Owens sign behind building but puts his own name upfront

Pekau hides Owens sign behind building but puts his own name upfront By Ray Hanania Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau just can’t be honest. Last week, I revealed that the Village removed the sign for the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall from the front of the building. Fred Owens was a beloved mayor who helped…

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Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Owens family questions removal of name from Village Administration Building

Posted on May 2, 2024April 27, 2025 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Owens family questions removal of name from Village Administration Building

Owens family questions removal of name from Village Administration Building The family of beloved and highly respected late former Orland Park Mayor Fred Owens has questioned why Mayor Keith Pekau has removed his name from the outdoor sign identifying the Village Administration Building, which was placed there in 1993 following his passing the year before….

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Cook County, Culture, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Tinley police charge Wheaton man with aggravated arson

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Tinley police charge Wheaton man with aggravated arson
Tinley police charge Wheaton man with aggravated arson

Tinley police charge Wheaton man with aggravated arson A Wheaton man on April 24 was charged with aggravated arson after he intentionally started a fire the week before at Menards, 6851 W. 159th St., Tinley Park. Police said Nathan Grant, 32, set fire to multiple air conditioning unit filters in the store just after 4…

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Crime, Fire, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, Tinley Park

Pekau removes Mayor Owens’ name from Village Hall sign

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Pekau removes Mayor Owens’ name from Village Hall sign
Pekau removes Mayor Owens’ name from Village Hall sign

Pekau removes Mayor Owens’ name from Village Hall sign In a pure act of pettiness, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau has removed the name of Frederick T. Owens from the signs in front of the Village Hall, for which the Village Hall has been named, without any public discussion or notice. In its place, Pekau…

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Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school

Posted on April 12, 2024April 12, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school
Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school

Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school In the fall of 2023, the Orland Park Police Department received information that there was a subject on snapchat selling cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms and vape pens to Sandburg students. The Orland Park Police Tactical Response Unit opened up an investigation and…

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Crime, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Subject Arrested for Vehicular Hijacking in Orland Park

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024 By Ray Hanania 3 Comments on Subject Arrested for Vehicular Hijacking in Orland Park
Subject Arrested for Vehicular Hijacking in Orland Park

Subject Arrested for Vehicular Hijacking in Orland Park The Orland Park Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in a vehicular hijacking that occurred on the evening of April 3, 2024. Shawn Flores, a 44-year-old Midlothian resident, faces charges following his apprehension on April 4. The incident began when a male victim was forcibly…

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Cook County, Crime, Law, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Pekau builds re-election campaign on anti-Muslim bias

Posted on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pekau builds re-election campaign on anti-Muslim bias
Pekau builds re-election campaign on anti-Muslim bias

Pekau builds re-election campaign on anti-Muslim bias By Ray Hanania (Originally published in the Southwest News Newspaper Group newpapers): True to his colors, Orland Park’s beleaguered Mayor Keith Pekau is turning to racism and community division to base his re-election campaign. In a recent letter to “supporters,” Pekau launched his campaign using the racist slogan,…

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Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, immigrant, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 23

Posted on March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 23
Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 23

Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 23 The Village of Orland Park Recreation Department will hold its annual Family Health Fair on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. Topics will address the fitness needs of the entire family. The…

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Events, Health, News, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park’s Annual Curbside Spring Clean-Up Week of April 8

Posted on March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Park’s Annual Curbside Spring Clean-Up Week of April 8
Orland Park’s Annual Curbside Spring Clean-Up Week of April 8

Orland Park’s Annual Curbside Spring Clean-Up Week of April 8 Spring is almost here and with it comes the Village of Orland Park’s yearly Curbside Spring Clean-Up. This year’s collection will again be offered on residents’ regular garbage pick-up days during the week of April 8-12, 2024. Orland Park’s Curbside Spring Clean-Up is held in…

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Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology

New App connects CPR/AED trained citizens with cardiac patients in need

Posted on February 29, 2024February 29, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on New App connects CPR/AED trained citizens with cardiac patients in need
New App connects CPR/AED trained citizens with cardiac patients in need

New App connects CPR/AED trained citizens with cardiac patients in need Orland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Michael Schofield unveiled a new app at the Board meeting Tuesday Feb. 27, 2024 that will help improve lifesaving responses for cardiac arrest patients. The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) already is recognized as having one of the…

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Fire, Government, Health, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology

Orland Fire Protection District honors firefighters who saved resident’s life

Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 By Ray Hanania 4 Comments on Orland Fire Protection District honors firefighters who saved resident’s life
Orland Fire Protection District honors firefighters who saved resident’s life

Orland Fire Protection District honors firefighters who saved resident’s life Orland Park, IL — The Orland Fire Protection District honored several firefighter/paramedics who saved the life of cardiac victim Don Torgerson. Torgerson and his wife and son attended the meeting of the Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 to express his gratitude…

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Fire, Health, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

One firefighter injured in Orland Park fire Tuesday morning

Posted on February 20, 2024February 20, 2024 By Ray Hanania No Comments on One firefighter injured in Orland Park fire Tuesday morning
One firefighter injured in Orland Park fire Tuesday morning

One firefighter injured in Orland Park fire Tuesday morning One firefighter was injured but was later released by the hospital after battling a fire at a home in Orland Park early Tuesday morning, officials of the Orland Fire Protection District said. The fire was reported at 3:35 AM on Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024 at the…

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

Armed Oak Lawn teen championed by Arab Muslim activists arrested again

Posted on January 26, 2024January 26, 2024 By Ray Hanania 3 Comments on Armed Oak Lawn teen championed by Arab Muslim activists arrested again
Armed Oak Lawn teen championed by Arab Muslim activists arrested again

Armed Oak Lawn teen championed by Arab Muslim activists arrested again An Arab American teenager arrested with a semi-automatic weapon was championed by his ethnic community, accusing the Oak Lawn Police of  “racism.” Later, the same teenager was arrested again. By Ray Hanania An armed teenager who had a run-in with police in Oak Lawn…

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Blogger, Commentary, Crime, Opinion, Orland Park, Police, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

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  • More than 75 pastors and religious activists from the Chicago area gathered at a southside church Thursday (August 13, 2026) to endorse a joint statement calling for the release of a 95-year-old Christian leader being held in detention in South Korea.
    Chicagoland pastors come together to protest religious persecution in US and overseas
    August 16, 2026
  • Father and daughter Leving Photo
    Leving Team Saved Falsely Accused Dad from Jail
    August 14, 2026
  • Political-Review graphic
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    August 14, 2026
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings on Illinois advancing Alyssa’s Law: ‘School Safety Isn’t abstract — it’s personal’
    August 14, 2026
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes but Keep an Eye Peeled on it
    August 14, 2026

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