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

Chicago Police and Fire Unions endorse Lipinski for re-election

February 11, 2020February 11, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Police and Fire Unions endorse Lipinski for re-election In a major boost to his commonsense campaign for re-election, Congressman Dan Lipinski announced today that he has been endorsed by the two largest unions representing Chicago police officers and firefighters. Lipinski, who represents Illinois’ Third Congressional District, received endorsements from the Chicago Fraternal Order of…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, elections, Federal, Fire, Government, News, Police, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Former prescription drug addict challenges do-nothing Bobby Rush in March 17 Democratic primary

February 10, 2020February 15, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Former prescription drug addict challenges do-nothing Bobby Rush in March 17 Democratic primary University of Chicago Law student Sarah Gad says her own personal experiences from seven years ago involving prescription drug addiction has motivated her to understand the challenges facing many Illinois residents and to support pro bono legal work for those in need….

Briefs, Chicago, Cook County, Crime, elections, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Two accidents involving vehicles crashing into Orland Park buildings

February 8, 2020February 9, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Two accidents involving vehicles crashing into Orland Park buildings Two vehicles in separate accidents crash into buildings, one on Friday afternoon crashing through a window and wall at a Dunkin Donuts at 156th and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park, and another in the early morning hours Saturday crashing into the front door of a home…

Cook County, Crime, Fire, General Topics, News, Orland Park, Photos, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago mayor endorses Marie Newman in 3rd District race

February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago mayor endorses Marie Newman in 3rd District race Candidate Marie Newman received the endorsement Saturday February 8 of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot during a rally held at a South Side Chicago church outside of the 3rd Congressional District. Newman is making her second effort to unseat Congressman Dan Lipinski who was appointed to the…

Chicago, Cook County, elections, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Bloomberg targets gun violence in his presidential bid

February 7, 2020February 7, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Bloomberg targets gun violence in his presidential bid Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg is taking on the challenge of fighting gun violence in his campaign to become president and win the Democratic Party nomination. Bloomberg will be on the Illinois ballot on March 17 and is considered a formidable candidate, despite his late entry…

Chicago, Crime, elections, Federal, Government, News, Police, Politics

Quad Cities Restaurant Week Entices Food Lovers

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Quad Cities Restaurant Week Entices Food Lovers Culinary Expert, Amanda Puck, will be the Guest Speaker at a New Event called Quad Cities Restaurant Week to promote the many great restaurants in the Quad Cities area. The culinary celebration will be held Feb. 24 thru March 1 and showcase 40 Waud Cities eateries. Quad Cities…

Business, Entertainment, Features, food, News, restaurants, Travel

Darwish launches 2nd TV Ad in congressional campaign

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Darwish Releases Second TV Ad in congressional campaign Calls for New Representation, Says We Can’t Keep Electing the Same Politicians and Expect a Different Result Rush Darwish, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District, has released his second TV ad, entitled, “A Humanitarian, Not a Politician.” See the ad, HERE. In the ad, Darwish…

Chicago, elections, Federal, Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Television

University of Chicago Law Student challenges Rush for Congress

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

University of Chicago Law Student challenges Rush for Congress Law student Sarah Gad of the University of Chicago says her own personal experiences from seven years ago involving drug addiction has motivated her to understand the challenges facing many Illinois residents and to support pro bono legal work for those in need. Gad is an exemplary…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, elections, Features, Government, Health, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Veterans

Vigil held in Cicero for victims of Feb. 2 fire

February 5, 2020February 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Vigil held in Cicero for victims of Feb. 2 fire Hundreds of friends, neighbors, school children and local officials led a vigil to pay tribute to two victims who died in a fire in Cicero on February 4, 2020. One of the victims was a five year old kindergarten student who attended Liberty School. Officials…

Fire, General Topics, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Newman launches TV campaign Ads in 3rd District race

February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

Newman launches TV campaign Ads in 3rd District race Marie Newman, the progressive Democratic candidate for Congress in the 3rd District launched her campaign ads seeking to defeat Congressman Dan Lipinski Marie Newman, the Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional seat held by Dan Lipinski launched her TV Campaign Ads this week. View the Ad…

elections, Federal, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

“Unnecessary Farce” to bring laughter to Cicero audiences

February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

“Unnecessary Farce” to bring laughter to Cicero audiences The comedy “Unnecessary Farce” is one of the first performances in what will be a revitalized arts schedule at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center at Morton College in Cicero, a comedy about nefarious small-town shenanigans “Unnecessary Farce,” a comedy about nefarious small-town shenanigans, will kick off a new…

Books & Films, Comedy, Editors Pick, Entertainment, Features, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

Iowa caucus disaster smells like another effort to get Sanders

February 5, 2020February 7, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Iowa caucus disaster smells like another effort to get Sanders The Iowa Caucus debacle and the long delays in tabulating the final winners and losers has thrown the Democratic process in to a loop giving one apparent loser, Joe Biden, some wiggle room to avoid the negative publicity with his running only 4th — a…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Federal, National, Opinion, Politics, Regional Midwest, Technology

Bill Conway slams Kim Foxx in new TV Commercial

February 4, 2020February 6, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Bill Conway slams Kim Foxx in new TV Commercial New Ad from Afghanistan War veteran and Democratic candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney Bill Conway slams incumbent Kim Foxx for not fighting for the rights of victims of crime while defending the rights of hoaxers like Jussie Smollett. The Democratic Primary election is March 17,…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, elections, General Topics, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Television, Veterans

Marie Newman wins endorsements from leaders in the 3rd District

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Marie Newman wins endorsements from leaders in the 3rd District Marie Newman Announces Endorsements from 12 Local Elected Officials and Political Organizations Marie Newman, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ Third District, announced Tuesday that she had received endorsements from eight state, county, and city elected officials, and four key independent political organizations, including: Alderman…

Chicago, elections, Federal, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Does the Super Bowl represent our American Dream anymore?

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Does the Super Bowl represent our American Dream anymore? When the Super Bowl first began in 1967, it was a wholesome iconic role model for young men and women. Today it’s driven by greed, and the real focus isn’t on athletic competition of sports, but rather it is on profit and advertising. And some of…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Opinion, Police, Sports, Television

The growing problem of cable TV

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

The growing problem of cable TV Cable TV has lied to us and it is slowly strangling the American public, all for profit. We were told Cable Tv would be Ad Free. It’s not. We were told we would pay one fee for Cable TV and receive all of the programs. It’s not. The lies…

Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, General Topics, Movies, Opinion, Television

Stagg High school students raise funds for Illinois USO

February 3, 2020February 3, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Stagg High school students raise funds for Illinois USO Students at Stagg High school in Palos Heights helped to raise funds to benefit Illinois USO Each year the Stagg High School Basketball programs raise funds through its Hoops for Hope free throw competition where individuals sponsor players for each free throw out of 100 attempts. …

Education, News, Sports

Quinn ordinances reduces Chicago Vehicle Sticker costs for seniors

February 3, 2020February 4, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Quinn ordinances reduces Chicago Vehicle Sticker costs for seniors Chicago Alderman sponsored an ordinance in the City Council that reduces the costs of certain vehicle stickers for senior citizens. The ordinance was approved by the Chicago City Council and applies to vehicle stickers owned by seniors for trucks and large vans. Last year, Chicago Alderman…

Baby Boomers, Chicago, Government, News, Transportation