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

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

May 26, 2023May 26, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland

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

May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

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

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

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

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

Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

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

Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

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

Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment The Village of Orland Park is proud to partner with the Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation in the improvement and redevelopment of the Village’s Schussler Park. Michael Schofield III and Kendall Coyne Schofield were in attendance at the May 15th Village of Orland Park Board…

Entertainment, Government, News, news release, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns

May 22, 2023May 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Dr. Robert Peiss, a homeowner in Crystal Tree, who has been complaining about dead trees near his home for years, says Crystal Tree has cut down some of the trees but refuses to remove all of them, including those near his home. Worse, the Village of…

Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic Orland Township’s Youth Commission offers food trucks, games, and fun at upcoming Summer Picnic. Are you in 6th grade or higher? Earn community service hours while having fun by attending the Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic! The Orland Township Youth Commission (OTYC) is a “community service group” that…

Education, Entertainment, Events, Festival, Government, News, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening

May 21, 2023May 21, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening HB2531 South Suburban Airport legislation passed the Illinois Senate by a 33-20 vote on Wednesday May 17, 2023 Legislation that brings the building of the South Suburban Airport one step closer to reality was approved this week by the Illinois General Assembly, co-sponsored by State Senators…

Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township The office, which will be staffed on the first Tuesday of each month, will allow for Commissioner Aguilar and his office to increase constituent services for Leyden Township residents On Tuesday, May 16th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined Leyden Township officials…

Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Children taken out of state returned to father by Dads’ Rights attorney

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Children taken out of state returned to father by Dads’ Rights attorney A father whose three school-aged children were taken from him to a different state by the biological mother had them returned by court order, said Fathers’ Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving. The father has three children with his girlfriend, with whom he’s had…

Chicago, Civil Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Orland Fire District hosts monthly barbecues for the public June 7

May 16, 2023May 16, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Fire District hosts monthly barbecues for the public June 7 The Orland Fire Protection District and its firefighters are hosting monthly barbecues that are open to the public to express their gratitude to the public for their continued support. Attending the Barbecues include the Fire District leadership, battalion chiefs, local firefighters, cadets and members…

Events, Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township

Pappas, Jordan join Fresh Farms, Bloom ‘N Toss and Black Men United for pre-Mother’s Day giveaway of flowers and chocolates on Michigan Avenue

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pappas, Jordan join Fresh Farms, Bloom ‘N Toss and Black Men United for pre-Mother’s Day giveaway of flowers and chocolates on Michigan Avenue Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and media personality “Candid” Candace Jordan will take part in a pre-Mother’s Day giveaway on Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue Saturday, May 13. The flowers and chocolate giveaway…

Cook County, Events, Government, News, women

Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party SHAQUILLE O’NEAL AND DROPKICK MURPHYS TO PERFORM AT 2023 MLR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL. Full day of fan-focused entertainment announced, featuring “Dawg Town Block Party,” concerts, and rugby events DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and American Celtic band Dropkick Murphys are set to perform at the 2023 MLR…

Chicago, Cook County, Entertainment, News, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings passes bipartisan measure to crackdown on crime

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Hastings passes bipartisan measure to crackdown on crime New Illinois law backed by Senator Michael E. Hastings requires requires Illinois car manufacturers to establish a 24/7 hotline for police and consumers to utilize in case of a carjacking or kidnapping Working across the aisle and in tandem with law enforcement, State Senator Michael E. Hastings…

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

International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers Ukrainian schools devastated by Russia’s War need support and a plan to rebuild An international delegation of education officials, led by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Education International General Secretary David Edwards, traveled to Ukraine today for visits and meetings with…

Civil Rights, Crime, General Topics, Law, National, News, NewsWire, Politics, Racism, Ukraine

Social Security should be guaranteed to all citizens Amnesty International declares

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Social Security should be guaranteed to all citizens Amnesty International declares Global: Amnesty International calls for universal social protection, as overlapping crises leave hundreds of millions facing disaster Amnesty International is today calling for social security to be made available to everyone worldwide after a series of crises exposed huge gaps in state support and…

Baby Boomers, Civil Rights, Federal, National, News, Seniors, Taxes

National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies Representatives from the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) on Wednesday May 10, 2023 filed a rebuttal to the State of Illinois to the United States Supreme Court. On May 1, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett requested further information from the State of…

Cook County, Crime, Federal, Law, News, NewsWire, Police, Politics