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

Undocumented immigrants will be given drivers licenses, Secretary Giannoulias says

Posted on By Ray Hanania 3 Comments on Undocumented immigrants will be given drivers licenses, Secretary Giannoulias says
Undocumented immigrants will be given drivers licenses, Secretary Giannoulias says

Undocumented immigrants will be given drivers licenses, Secretary Giannoulias says Giannoulias: New Legislation Aims to End the Stigma for Immigrant Drivers; Make Illinois Roads Safer. Legislation will allow state to issue standardized licenses to legally licensed immigrant motorists Legislation approved by Illinois lawmakers will expand identification options for undocumented immigrants and make Illinois roads safer,…

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Illinois Legislature, immigrant, News, news release, Transportation

Naperville Mom is Bringing Joy to Orland Park Cancer Patients

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Naperville Mom is Bringing Joy to Orland Park Cancer Patients

Naperville Mom is Bringing Joy to Orland Park Cancer Patients Naperville mom Joy Harmon visited the Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in Orland Park on Tuesday, June 13 to deliver care packages to patients receiving treatment. Joy was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 39 years old. As a mom to two young kids, her diagnosis…

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Features, Health, News, NewsWire, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Proposed bipartisan Senate bill to keep kids under 13 off social media should be passed

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Proposed bipartisan Senate bill to keep kids under 13 off social media should be passed

Proposed bipartisan Senate bill to keep kids under 13 off social media should be passed By Jeffery M. Leving Recently there have been a few lawsuits filed by some states against social media companies in order to protect the mental health of youths. There have also been calls for government regulation, movement from the social…

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Blogger, Commentary, Jeffery Leving, Opinion

Reps. Robin Kelly, Rashida Tlaib, Rosa DeLauro, and Maxwell Frost Introduce Safe Storage Saves Lives Act to Reduce Firearm Deaths of Children

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Reps. Robin Kelly, Rashida Tlaib, Rosa DeLauro, and Maxwell Frost Introduce Safe Storage Saves Lives Act to Reduce Firearm Deaths of Children

Reps. Robin Kelly, Rashida Tlaib, Rosa DeLauro, and Maxwell Frost Introduce Safe Storage Saves Lives Act to Reduce Firearm Deaths of Children During National Gun Violence Awareness Month event June 16, 2023, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), a Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03),…

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Crime, Government, National, News

Ahmed Ahmed reigns as the Pharaoh of Standup Comedy

Posted on By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on Ahmed Ahmed reigns as the Pharaoh of Standup Comedy
Ahmed Ahmed reigns as the Pharaoh of Standup Comedy

Ahmed Ahmed reigns as the Pharaoh of Standup Comedy Egyptian immigrant Ahmed Ahmed continues to lead the field of Arab American standup comedy and big screen films as he tours the country performing at your favorite comedy venue. Ahmed is probably the first Arab American to make standup comedy and acting his career focus, and…

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Blogger, Chicago, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Humor, Opinion, rayhanania

Bolingbrook to host International Festival of Culture July 15

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Bolingbrook to host International Festival of Culture July 15

Bolingbrook to host International Festival of Culture July 15 Bolingbrook announced it would host its annual International Festival of Cultures on July 15, 2023, a one-day event celebrating the cultural diversity of its residents and the cultures from all over the world. The event highlights many countries showcasing ethnic food, handmade goods and merchandise, international…

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Culture, Events, Features, Festival, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly hosts property assessment workshop June 15

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Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly hosts property assessment workshop June 15

Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly hosts property assessment workshop June 15 Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly will host a workshop for homeowners concerned about skyrocketing property assessments that will be held on June 15, 2023 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. The workshop will be held in cooperation with Cook County Assessor…

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Cook County, Events, News, NewsWire, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Senator Hastings-backed law will help protect consumers

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Senator Hastings-backed law will help protect consumers

Senator Hastings-backed law will help protect consumers Residents across the Southland will have a new law in place to protect them from annoying auto-renewal fees, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “We have all fallen victim to unclear auto-renewal fees,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new law will now require companies to…

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Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices

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While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices

While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices By Jeffery M. Leving While it’s well known that women live longer than men, in the age of modern medicine it is shocking that the gap has grown instead of closed. The reason is debatable,…

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Health, Jeffery Leving, News, news release, NewsWire, Seniors

Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park

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Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park

Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings is pleased to see the Fiscal Year 2024 budget  signed into law on Wednesday will prioritize support for direct service providers, Tinley Park remediation efforts and historic levels of funding for area higher education facilities. “Next fiscal…

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Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Orland Park, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7

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Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7

Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 The public is invited to the official ribbon cutting and celebration of the new mosaic at Town Center entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook” on June 7  at 6:45 PM The Village of Bolingbrook and the Bolingbrook Arts Council would like to welcome the public to the…

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Culture, Entertainment, Events, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?

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Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?

Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? By Ray Hanania America is in a mess. Americans don’t realize they are the frog in the pot of water that is slowly rising to a boil. By the time it happens, it will be too late. Former President Trump has some good…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, National, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”

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Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau went on a name calling rant filled with lies and falsehoods, attacking critics who have demanded that he be accountable in his 2023 State of the Village Speech. It was hosted by the Orland Park Chamber of…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Police, Politics, rayhanania, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings

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Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings

Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined members of the Illinois State Senate to support a Fiscal Year 2024 budget to promote fiscal responsibility, funding to promote mental health services and support our children’s education opportunities.Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response:“The…

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Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans

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Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans

Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Patrick Girondi is CEO of San Rocco Therapeutics (SRT) met Wednesday, May 17, 2023 with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who is running for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S.A. President. They were brought together in an intimate strategy gathering by Skyhorse…

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Books & Films, elections, Health, News, NewsWire, Politics

Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits

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Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits

Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) urges local, eligible businesses to apply for the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit. The program supports large-scale economic development activities by providing corporate income tax credits to companies that make substantial…

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Business, construction, Employment, Government, Jobs, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Will County

Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois

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Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois

Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am – 4pm at the Joliet Public Library – Ottawa Street Branch. This year will feature a parade of costumed characters, games, food vendors, Artist and Author Alley, and merch vendors. This event is…

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Business, Culture, Events, Features, Festival, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit

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Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit

Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit The unit will focus on preventing violence and addressing conflict in Chicago via community Peacekeepers Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services are launching a Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit (CPRU), a highly mobile team that…

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Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland