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

A “teaching moment” on Roseanne Barr, the media and political hypocrisy

May 30, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

A “teaching moment” on Roseanne Barr, the media and political hypocrisy Roseanne Barr said something stupidly racist about Valerie Jarrett and Jarrett responded saying we should take it as a “teaching moment.” But what kind of “teaching moment” can we have in an America that is deeply divided, caught in the middle between extremist politics…

Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Media Bias, Opinion, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Religion, Television

Rauner needs to block water rate increase bill

May 29, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rauner needs to block water rate increase bill The Illinois House and the Illinois Senate approved a new law, HB 4508, that would allow two major water companies to massively increase water rates on its customers to help them buy up smaller water companies so they can grow and profit. The sponsors used the confusing…

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

2018 Illinois Governor’s Export Award recipients announced

May 29, 2018September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

2018 Illinois Governor’s Export Award recipients announced Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients of the 2018 Governor’s Export Awards during a ceremony at the Union League Club of Chicago on May 24th. The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition of export achievement, honoring…

Business, General Topics, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Andrew HS Tweets salute to 3 former student veterans

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Andrew HS Tweets salute to 3 former student veterans Victor J. Andrew High school in Tinley Park Tweeted out the following honor to recognize the military service and sacrifice of its former students. Click here to view. The salute to three former Andrew High school graduates is timed to salute the service and sacrifice of…

Editors Pick, Features, General Topics, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Media bias against President Trump harms this country

May 26, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Media bias against President Trump harms this country When President Trump complained that his campaign was being “wiretapped” by the Obama administration and Obama FBI, the mainstream news media howled against him saying that was ridiculous. Now, one year later, we learn that the FBI under Obama inserted an undercover agent into Trump’s campaign. Instead…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Media Bias, National, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Orland Mayor Pekau honors Old Navy manager at grand opening

May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Mayor Pekau honors Old Navy manager at grand opening The Old Navy Orland Park Place store re-opened on Friday May 25, 2018 with great fanfare following a near month-long closure due to a devastating fire. Orland Park Mayor was there to cut the ribbonThe Old Navy Orland Park store re-opened on Friday May 25,…

Business, News, Orland Park, Photos, Suburban Chicagoland

Silence is not golden when eating at the movie theaters

May 19, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Silence is not golden when eating at the movie theaters From drive-in movies in the 1950s and 1960s where we could eat and even bring our own food to the super digital movies where you can have dinner delivered to your seat. It’s great to be able to eat, but once-in-awhile, some movies are not…

Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, General Topics, Opinion, rayhanania, Theater

Rauner puts focus back on residents, not criminals

May 16, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rauner puts focus back on residents, not criminals Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is speaking out for the rights of crime victims, making them the priority and reversing a trend in which the focus has been placed on the criminals. Suspects convicted of mass murder or killing law enforcement officers deserve the death penalty. Rauner should…

Blogger, Commentary, Crime, General Topics, Government, National, Opinion, Police, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Destroying American history because of racial politics

May 16, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Destroying American history because of racial politics The wave of attacks against symbols of the civil war is undermining the history of this nation for political reasons and is driven by a form of reverse racism. Statues and markers recognizing icons of the South from the civil war are being targeted because of reverse racism…

Baby Boomers, Chicago, Commentary, General Topics, National, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Stage 773 hosts 6th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival May 17-20

May 14, 2018May 14, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Stage 773 hosts 6th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival May 17-20 Stage 773, the vibrant comedy hub of Chicago, hosts the 6th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, beginning THIS Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at 1225 W. Belmont. This year’s line-up includes several headliners including Tamale Sepp, along with a fun-filled weekend of…

Chicago, Comedy, Events, Festival, News

Orland Park Mayor disappointed in Trustees’ rejection of concert series plan

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park Mayor disappointed in Trustees’ rejection of concert series plan The Orland Park Village board, still angry over the voter’s rejection of Dan McLaughlin as Mayor and the election of Keith Pekau, continue to block Pekau’s ideas and proposals. Critics have accused the new board of continuing to put politics over the best interests…

Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois ranks as 7th best state for Police Officers

May 8, 2018March 17, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois ranks as 7th best state for Police Officers In a comparison of all 50 states and how they treat their police officers, Illinois ranked 7th best. Rankings weighed safety, benefits and salaries among a host of criteria, according to a study prepared by WalletHub With National Police Week kicking off on May 13, the…

Crime, Features, National, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire offers tips on avoiding mishaps while barbecuing

May 8, 2018May 8, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire offers tips on avoiding mishaps while barbecuing Safe grilling is the topic May 24 at the Orland Fire Protection District’s monthly program “Coffee and Conversations” which addresses a wide range of topics involving family and personal safety. How to barbecue safely and avoid mishaps is the topic of this month’s “Coffee and Conversation” hosted…

Events, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Online shopping killing retail stores and our families, too

May 7, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Online shopping killing retail stores and our families, too The closings of Toys-R-Us, Carsons and other major retailers is a sign of weakness in our economy and the erosion of family life, shifting from personal family involvement to individual use of computers and technology. It’s not just about an economic problem. It’s about the weakening…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Business, Commentary, General Topics, National, Opinion, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology

IDOT awards $36 million to enhance Illinois transportation

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

IDOT awards $36 million to enhance Illinois transportation IDOT Awards $36 Million in Federal Grants to Enhance Transportation in Illinois Communities. Competitive ITEP grant emphasizes bicycle, pedestrian and streetscape projects aimed at improving travel and quality of life The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today announced a nearly $36 million investment to expand travel options and…

Business, Chicago, General Topics, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Travel

Illinois Holocaust Museum wins Architecture Award, named one of state’s 200 Great Places

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Holocaust Museum wins Architecture Award, named one of state’s 200 Great Places The Illinois Council of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Illinois) has named Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center as one of Illinois’ 200 Great Places, in honor of the state’s Bicentennial in 2018. The announcement was made as part of National…

Features, General Topics, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Travel

CEDA offers student scholarships for low-income families

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

CEDA offers student scholarships for low-income families The Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) is offering scholarships for students in low-income families. The scholarships range from $500 to $3,000 for residents of Suburban Cook County. Students must submit a competed scholarship application (that can be obtained by going online at www.CEDAOrg.net) no later than Friday…

Education, Government, News

Victim’s Mother Releases Memoir for Gun Violence Awareness Month

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Victim’s Mother Releases Memoir for Gun Violence Awareness Month A Better Place Finding Peace in the Face of Tragedy Last June, thousands of people across the country observed Gun Violence Awareness Monthby rallying together and wearing orange. As the epidemic of violence continues, the demand for gun safety and awareness is even higher this year. Since…

Books & Films, Crime, Features, News