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

Rauner vetos bill to reorganize Metro East Sanitary District

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Rauner vetos bill to reorganize Metro East Sanitary District Gov. Rauner vetoes SB 2368. Stops manipulation of local government balance of power, in St. Louis region. Gov. Bruce Rauner today vetoed Senate Bill 2368, saying it was a politically motivated attempt to undercut the good work of the Metro East Sanitary District (MESD) Board of Commissioners….

breaking news, Government, Illinois Legislature

McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting

July 16, 2018March 17, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting Former Chicago Police Superintendent and Candidate for Mayor of Chicago Garry McCarthy issued this statement on rising violence in the City of Chicago: “These kinds of shooting incidents are a tragedy. As a city, we all lose when they occur. I offer my condolence to the victim’s family. At…

breaking news, Chicago, elections, General Topics, Government, News, Police

Cicero hosts day of prayer to fight street gangs

July 13, 2018July 13, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero hosts Day of Prayer to fight street gangs This is the 7th year of what has become an annual summer tradition for this “Day of Prayer in Cicero” which has helped bring the community together and succeed in overcoming the violence of street gangs. Local church leaders and community members joined with the Town…

Editors Pick, Events, Government, News, Police, Religion, Suburban Chicagoland

Pfleger publicity stunts do nothing to stop violence

July 13, 2018February 20, 2020 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pfleger publicity stunts do nothing to stop violence Father Pfleger organized a protest of community residents and activists to block traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway recently to protest increasing gang violence. But are the protests good for the community or his own personal interests. What he should be doing is helping residents to stand…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Police, Racism, rayhanania

Term limits undermine the rights of voters to choose

July 13, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Term limits undermine the rights of voters to choose The push to impose term limits isn’t being done by the voters or the public. It’s being led by political candidates who just can’t seem to take control of government because they lack the support of the majority of voters. Term limits are wrong because it…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Beware of Bats and rabies, found in Illinois

July 11, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Beware Of Bats And Exposure To Rabies in Illinois 17 bats tested positive for rabies As bats become more active, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding people to beware of potentially rabid bats and other animals. So far this year, 17 bats have tested positive for rabies. “People can receive preventive treatment…

breaking news, Chicago, Health, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Cultural Alliance offers wide range of ethnic programs

July 11, 2018August 20, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Cultural Alliance offers wide range of ethnic programs As usual, we have a ton of events for you to enjoy all around Chicago. Our online event listing is chock full of events hand picked just for you, including exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, workshops, and more! It’s been hot out, so we’re taking a quick…

Chicago, Entertainment, Features, Festival, News

Texas ranked as top state for business in CNBC study

July 10, 2018July 10, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Texas ranked as top state for business in CNBC study CNBC Special Correspondent Scott Cohn Revealed America’s Top Five States for Business Today on CNBC CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, today unveiled the results of its twelfth annual list of America’s Top States for Business with Texas taking the number one position. The Lone Star…

Business, National, news release

Hurley Celebrates Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary

July 4, 2018July 4, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley Celebrates Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary With July marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Special Olympics, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, a board member of Special Olympics Illinois, is highlighting the organization’s legacy and commitment to transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics brings athletes of all ages and abilities…

Chicago, Illinois Legislature

Cicero President recognized for fight against street gangs

July 1, 2018July 13, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero President recognized for fight against street gangs Town President Larry Dominick was honored Wednesday (June 20, 2018) by the Illinois Crime Commission and the Police Athletic League for his support of athletic and youth programs in the Town of Cicero that give young people alternatives to street gang involvement. Since 2005, Cicero programs have helped…

Government, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Oak Lawn Library offers summer programs

June 28, 2018June 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Oak Lawn Library offers summer programs LEAP: Lunch, Explore and Play Many kids rely on meals they receive from school during the academic year, but they lose that reliable source of food during the summer months. That’s why the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave, is offering LEAP: Lunch, Explore and Play—to nourish…

Entertainment, Government, News

Moraine Valley accepting nominations for Alumni Hall of Fame

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Moraine Valley accepting nominations for Alumni Hall of Fame Moraine Valley Community College is accepting nominations for its 2019 Alumni Hall of Fame, created to recognize and honor alumni who have excelled in their professional fields, made an impact through volunteerism in their community or have made service contributions to the college. Nominees must have…

Education, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Cardiac victim survives to thank Life Time employees and OFPD

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cardiac victim survives to thank Life Time employees and OFPD An Orland Park man who suffered cardiac arrest while exercising at Life Time Fitness expressed his gratitude on Tuesday (June 26, 2018) to the four employees of the fitness center and members of the Orland Fire Protection District whose actions saved his life. Michael Sanocki…

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

Xfinity-Comcast excels at providing remote access

June 27, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Xfinity-Comcast excels at providing remote access Whatever issues might exist with WiFi services, Xfinity-Comcast does offer the best remote access to your cable TV account, far better than any of the other competitors including DirecTV. Xfinity allows customers to view programs they have recorded on their home systems remotely, from anywhere where WiFi access is available…

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

ComEd Prepares for Severe Weather Across Northern Illinois

June 26, 2018June 26, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

ComEd Prepares for Severe Weather Across Northern Illinois Energy company encourages customers to be safe and report power outages via text or call ComEd is closely monitoring and preparing for severe weather that may affect parts of the northern Illinois region it serves starting Tuesday evening (June 25, 2018). Current forecasts call for heavy rain,…

breaking news, Suburban Chicagoland, Weather

31,000 Cook County seniors could qualify for lower property taxes

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

31,000 Cook County seniors could qualify for lower property taxes County Treasurer Maria Pappas: 31,000 senior citizens could apply for money-saving Cook County property tax exemptions As many as 31,000 senior citizens could save hundreds of dollars immediately on their property tax bills due August 1 by applying for exemptions they previously received, Cook County…

Government, News, Taxes

Awards presented to Moraine Valley Community College students

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Awards presented to Moraine Valley Community College students Moraine Valley student-athletes honored with NJCAA and Skyway conference academic awards Moraine Valley Community College student-athletes not only demonstrated their athletic skills this season, but also their intelligence in the classroom. Among nearly 60,000 student-athletes who compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), 28 Moraine…

Education, General Topics, news release, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland

Welch bill aims to guarantee Need-Based Higher Education grants for four years

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Welch bill aims to guarantee Need-Based Higher Education grants for four years To encourage more Illinois students to attend in-state colleges and universities, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, was the chief sponsor of legislation that stabilizes Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants and makes it easier for students to receive the grant for all four…

Education, General Topics, Government, Illinois Legislature