Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Ray Hanania Radio and Podcasts People have asked how to access all of my writings, radio shows, and audio/video podcasts, which include Ray Hanania on Politics, Two Guys on Politics with Bill Lipinski, The Ray Hanania Radio Show sponsored by Arab News on WNZK AM 690 Radio in Michigan, and Ray Hanania’s Syndicated column. Hanania takes…
Author Charlene Wexler Earns International Impact Book Award for We Won’t Go Back Author Charlene Wexler recently won a 2025 International Impact Book Award in the Contemporary Fiction category for her book We Won’t Go Back, published by Speaking Volumes. We Won’t Go Back is the story of Babs, who lived a pleasant life…
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Local restaurants and amateur cooks invited to compete in Frankfort Fire & Ice Winter Social Chili Cook-off The Village of Frankfort is inviting chili enthusiasts and local restaurants to turn up the heat this winter at the Fire & Ice Winter Social Chili Cook-Off, taking place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00…
Kat Abughazaleh Leaves X, Calls on Candidates to Stop Funding Elon Musk’s Platform Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh announced today that she will no longer use X, formerly known as Twitter, citing the platform’s transformation into a tool for right-wing radicalization, misinformation, and surveillance under Elon Musk’s ownership. Abughazaleh also called on other candidates to stop…
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Republican Party in Illinois needs new grassroots, candidate says In a recent press release, U.S. Republican Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli argues that the Republican Party needs new leadership. Capparelli is correct, and several GOP candidates have surfaced to help redefine the Republican effort in Illinois, including in and around Chicago, such as Liz Gorman…
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Sullivan’s Steakhouse makes every night special with family and friends Restaurant review: Sullivan’s Steakhouse features a Holiday Menu with quality care in preparing their expansive menu of fresh meats, seafood, and appetizers. The restaurant in Naperville is part of a national chain in 14 cities. The combination of food quality, presentation, freshness, and preparation, and…
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Former Congresswoman Marie Newman endorses Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich for Congress in the Illinois 6th Congressional District Former Congresswoman of IL-3, Marie Newman, has formally endorsed Joseph “Joey” Ruzevich, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Marie Newman also confirmed her attendance as the keynote speaker at Joey Ruzevich’s fundraising dinner on Friday, December 19, 2025,…
Status of Temporary Restraining Order Against Former Mayor Keith Pekau for Releasing Confidential Village Information On December 12, 2025, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Caroline Kate Moreland denied former Mayor Keith Pekau’s motion to dismiss, allowing the Village’s lawsuit to proceed. The court determined that the Village’s allegations regarding the improper retention and use of…
Cook County Pastors from the south and west sides and suburbs urge property tax reform Chicago, IL — A coalition of African American Pastors representing more than 100 churches on Chicago’s South and West sides and suburbs called for immediate reforms in the property tax system, warning recent tax hikes will force thousands to lose…
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John Harrell hosts taxpayer review workshops for residents, urges extension of appeals period and tax hike limits 8th Legislative District candidate Harrell calls for extension of property tax payment deadline, new laws to make it more difficult for homeowners to lose their properties because of property tax debts, and to limit how much property taxes…
Village of Orland Park Announces New Utility Billing System The Village of Orland Park is introducing a new utility billing system designed to enhance the customer experience and improve day-to-day operations. The new system will provide customers with more flexibility in managing their utility account and streamline the overall payment process. As part of this…
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Veteran’s Appreciation Day Holiday Luncheon to be held Dec. 12, 2025 Illinois Senator Mike Porfirio will join local legislators in celebrating and honoring America’s veterans at a Holiday luncheon to be held at Morton College on Dec. 12, 2025. Among those also attending will be State Sen. Javier Cervantes, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep….
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Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners Homeowners in Black communities hit with biggest percentage increases A dramatic decline in the value of commercial property in Chicago’s Loop, the city’s longtime economic engine, fueled a record property tax increase on homes across the city, according to an…
Orland Fire Protection District promotes two firefighters Thursday Nov. 6, 2025 OFPD, IL – Two firefighters were promoted by the Orland Fire Protection District during ceremonies administered by the Orland Fire Commission at a meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Firefighter James Schultz was promoted to the rank of Engineer, and Eric Petravich was…
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Village of Orland Park Celebrates Thanksgiving Week The Village of Orland Park is celebrating Thanksgiving with a week full of turkey-themed activities, including the Kids’ Turkey Trot and Diaper Dash, Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest and the 37th Annual Turkey Trot. “Thanksgiving week in Orland Park is all about community, family, and tradition,” said Mayor Jim…
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Orland Fire Protection District welcomes new Fire Chief, salutes passing of former Trustee The Orland Fire Protection District, at its regular meeting on Oct. 28, 2025, officially welcomed the newly appointed Fire Chief, Kevin Doyle. Doyle was welcomed to his first official meeting by Board President Beth Damas Kaspar and the Fire Trustees, and he…
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…
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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…
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