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

Marie Newman names Shadin Maali as campaign chairwoman

August 9, 2019September 5, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Marie Newman names Shadin Maali as campaign chairwoman Longtime Suburban Chicagoland community activist Shadin Maali was named as the Campaign Chairwoman for Marie Newman who is a candidate for the 3rd District Congressional seat held by Dan Lipinski. Maali’s appointment underscores Newman’s commitment to the district’s large Arab American population and community in general. Marie…

elections, Federal, General Topics, Government, National, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park Ranks No. 1 in the Nation for Owner-Occupied Homes

August 9, 2019August 9, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park Ranks No. 1 in the Nation for Owner-Occupied Homes The Village of Orland Park takes top ranking for home ownership according to a recent report from USA TODAY online which cited a study completed by 24/7 Wall St., a financial website. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community…

Business, Environment, Features, General Topics, Government, News, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Darwish joins coalition urging passage of HB 4116 — life in prison for illegal gun sellers

August 7, 2019August 7, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Darwish joins coalition urging passage of HB 4116 — life in prison for illegal gun sellers On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, a coalition of Illinois activists and candidates led by 3rd District Congressional candidate Rush Darwish and including Diane Latiker, Founder of Kids Off the Block (KOB); police accountability advocate Eric Russell; Mexican community activist…

elections, Government, News, Politics

Former Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee to be Grand Marshall for State Fair parade

August 7, 2019August 7, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Former Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee to be Grand Marshall for State Fair parade The Illinois State Fair along with Governor JB Pritzker, announced Olympic Gold Medal winner and East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee will serve as the Grand Marshall for the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade. The retired American track and field athlete won three…

Events, Features, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Cicero District 99 to cut ribbon on state-of-the-art school

August 6, 2019August 6, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero District 99 to cut ribbon on state-of-the-art school Following a busy year of old building teardown, site cleanup and total reconstruction, Cicero District 99 is proud to officially announce the reopening of its newest 21st-century, state-of-the-art educational destination — Sherlock Elementary School (5347 W. 22nd Place). At 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, District…

Education, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Podcast: The Politics of Massacres, race in America and are we great?

August 6, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Podcast: The Politics of Massacres, race in America and are we great? Veteran columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter Ray Hanania talks about three big issues in this episode of the “Ray Hanania on Politics” podcast. The first is the politics of Massacres. Why is there a difference in how the mainstream news…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Government, News, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Casinos need to get their act together

August 6, 2019July 13, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Casinos need to get their act together Chicago is planning to build at least one new casino possibly more. Hopefully the city will do a better job than Indiana which has the worst, dirtiest casinos in the Midwest. Government should put more restrictions on casinos and give more money back to the public By Ray…

Blogger, Business, Chicago, Commentary, Opinion, rayhanania, Taxes

It was more than just “Walking on the Moon”

August 6, 2019July 13, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

It was more than just “Walking on the Moon” There have been many big moments in history that I remember with clarity as if they just happened. Yet the biggest was Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. Why have we stopped that quest? By Ray Hanania I remember many things vividly from history during my…

Blogger, Commentary, Opinion, rayhanania

Steppenwolf Theater hosts benefit with McDonald-Rudertsky concert Sept. 15

August 5, 2019August 5, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Steppenwolf Theater hosts benefit with McDonald-Rudertsky concert Sept. 15 Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series and Mark Cortale Present. Audra McDonald in Concert with Seth Rudetsky. A Benefit for Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Sunday, September 15 at 5 pm and 7:30 pm Historic six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald reunites with Sirius XM Radio star Seth Rudetsky direct from their critically acclaimed performances at Town…

Entertainment, Events, General Topics, News, Releases, Theater

Bridgeview Fire Vehicle stolen, no one injured

July 25, 2019July 27, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Bridgeview Fire Vehicle stolen, no one injured A Bridgeview Fire Department personal command vehicle (SUV) was left idling in “Park” in front of the Bridgeview Fire House Station 2 at 100th Place just west of Harlem Avenue where it was stolen Thursday morning around 11 am. The Battalion Chief had left the car running (which is…

breaking news, Chicago, Crime, Fire, Government, News

Lyons Music in the Park continues thru August 28

July 24, 2019July 24, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lyons Music in the Park continues thru August 28 The Village of lyons contoinues it’s weekly musical entertainment, Music in the Park, from 6 PM until 9 PM every Wednesday at Veterans Park, 4100 Lawndale Avenue. The Music in the Park is a part of Village President Christopher Getty’s program to strengthen community and neighborhood…

Editors Pick, Entertainment, Events, Features, Suburban Chicagoland

Travel Review: the spectacular magnificence of Dubai

July 23, 2019February 22, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Travel Review: the spectacular magnificence of Dubai Dubai takes your experiences beyond reality offering spectacularly designed architecture, and visuals that go far beyond the extreme with the world’s tallest building, one of the world’s largest aquariums, and more luxury high-end shopping malls per capita than any other city in the world By Ray Hanania When…

Features, News, Travel

Rock Music Artist Billy Craig Releases brand new single FRAMPTON

July 23, 2019July 23, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Rock Music Artist Billy Craig Releases brand new single FRAMPTON ATM Records announce music artist Billy Craig’s release of the first single from his brand-new album BEYOND THE PALE. As a tribute to one of his longtime musical influences, the first single off this unique instrumental album is the ultra-mellifluous song “FRAMPTON.” “Peter Frampton is one…

Business, Entertainment, Features, news release

Harper’s Anti-Hunger Bill Signed into Law

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Harper’s Anti-Hunger Bill Signed into Law A measure to expand options for people experiencing food insecurity spearheaded by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, recently became law in Illinois. “Far too many Illinoisans don’t have a place to prepare, store or cook food in order to receive necessary sustenance,” State Rep. Sonya Harper said. “Unfortunately, overly-restrictive…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News

Stagg students invited on Lady Gaga stage during Las Vegas show

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Stagg students invited on Lady Gaga stage during Las Vegas show Two Stagg High School students were among 16 teens invited on stage at a Lady Gaga concert in Las Vegas. Morgan Sukalo and Persephone Valdes represented Stagg’s participation as one of only 8 schools in the country to provide Teen Mental Health First Aid training in…

Education, Health, News, Suburban Chicagoland

USS Green Bay (LPD 20) Assault Amphibious Vehicles

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

USS Green Bay (LPD 20) Assault Amphibious Vehicles Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Steven Figueroa, from Chicago, signals the crane operator during a Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) recovery aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Green Bay, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently…

Veterans, Veterans Column

Brighton Park neighbors demand state restore mental health services

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Brighton Park neighbors demand state restore mental health services Brighton Park Neighborhood Council holds 2019 Public Meeting In the midst of strong political turmoil, threats to immigrant communities, attacks on black and brown youth, and a push for a higher wage, the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and community members organize a Public Meeting with legislators. …

Chicago, Government, Health, News, Politics

Hurley measure to protect victims of stalking and domestic violence sent to governor

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley measure to protect victims of stalking and domestic violence sent to governor In an effort to expand protections for survivors of domestic violence, stalking and other crimes, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, passed legislation to ensure timely enforcement of emergency no contact orders. “Currently, it is a possibility that emergency no contact orders issued…

Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics