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

Pritzker push for Democratic National Convention could backfire

July 29, 2022July 29, 2022 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Pritzker push for Democratic National Convention could backfire Billionaire Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to bring the National Democratic Convention to Chicago to boost his chances to become president. So what entertainment can the convention offer delegates? in ChicagoStan Shootings. Carjackings. Gun violence. Anti-Police riots. By Ray Hanania Gov. J.B. Pritzker has so much…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Bipartisan Bill sponsored by Congresswoman Kelly, Reese’s Law, passes in the House

July 28, 2022July 28, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Bipartisan Bill sponsored by Congresswoman Kelly, Reese’s Law, passes in the House The consumer protection bill would create safety standards that prevent accidental ingestion of button batteries by children ages six and younger. Bipartisan legislation co-led by Reps. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) to protect children from ingesting button cell…

Federal, Health, News

Porfirio urges “full investigation” into reported racist rant of local official

July 28, 2022July 28, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Porfirio urges “full investigation” into reported racist rant of local official Mike Porfirio, the Democratic Candidate for the Illinois 11th Senate District, urged the City of Berwyn Wednesday to conduct a “full and transparent investigation” into accusations a city employee and school board member used offensive and racist terms during a confrontation with an African American…

Cook County, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Racism, Suburban Chicagoland

New Lenox offers free Disaster Preparedness Training to residents

July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

New Lenox offers free Disaster Preparedness Training to residents 20-Hour Basic Community Emergency Response Team Class offered free of charge to residents. Similar to programs in other communities including the Orland Fire Protection District. The Village of New Lenox will be hosting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 20-Hour Basic Course starting on Thursday, September…

Government, Health, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Partnership Will Offer Economic Development and Employment Support in South Suburbs

July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Partnership Will Offer Economic Development and Employment Support in South Suburbs Residents and business owners in Worth Township will have access to workforce development assistance and much more thanks to an extended partnership between Worth Township and the Economic Strategies Development Corporation (ESDC). ESDC located in Pilsen began working together with Worth Township officials during…

Business, Cook County, coronavirus, Government, News, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park Police arrest armed felon charged with weapons possession and violence

July 23, 2022July 23, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Orland Park Police arrest armed felon charged with weapons possession and violence On July 21 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Orland Park Police Officers on patrol of the parking lot at 288 Orland Square Drive in the Orland Park Mall located an unoccupied vehicle displaying a paper, Temporary Dealer Permit. Upon inspection of the vehicle’s identification…

Cook County, Crime, Law, News, Orland Park, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

USO hosts Barbecue for the Troops July 23, 2022

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

USO hosts Barbecue for the Troops July 23, 2022 The USO will host a barbecue for the Troops on Saturday July 23, 2022 at the Joe Rizza Dealership, 8100 W. 159th Street in Orland Park. The event is being held in celebration of Lincolns 100th Anniversary we are Partnering with USO Illinois & Chicago Automobile…

Cook County, Entertainment, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award Chicago’s All-Star forward honored for excellence throughout 2021-22 season The American Hockey League has honored Chicago Wolves forward Stefan Noesen with the President’s Award for his overall excellence during the 2021-22 season. Noesen was recognized Thursday night during the AHL’s Awards Gala that capped the Board of Governors’ annual…

Chicago, DuPage, News, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Fire sets dates for “home games” at SeatGeek Stadium because of date conflicts with Soldier Field and Bears

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Fire sets dates for “home games” at SeatGeek Stadium because of date conflicts with Soldier Field and Bears Chicago Fire FC announced Friday July 22, 2022 a venue change for the Club’s home matches to be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 against Inter Miami CF and on Sunday, Oct. 9 against the New England…

classifieds, News, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

TikTok generates nearly $4 billion in consumer spending

July 21, 2022July 21, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

TikTok generates nearly $4 billion in consumer spending Due to the pandemic, TikTok saw a surge in popularity as people were stuck at home and looking for ways to entertain themselves. The app quickly became the most popular free app in the world, entertaining millions of users worldwide as they were stuck at home during…

Business, Editors Pick, Entertainment, News, Podcast, Technology

Tough punishment needed in wake of Danny Golden shooting

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Tough punishment needed in wake of Danny Golden shooting Society must demand tougher more stringent punishments for criminals who use guns in their crimes. If they shoot and injure or kill a police officer, the imprisonment should be mandatory and lengthy. Without the threat of serious consequences, criminals and murderers and street gang thugs will…

Blogger, Commentary, Law, National, News, Opinion, Police, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Congressman Casten brings home $14 million to help district on climate change, hunger, transportation and domestic abuse survivor

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Congressman Casten brings home $14 million to help district on climate change, hunger, transportation and domestic abuse survivor 6th District Congressman Sean Casten secures over $14 million in local funding to combat climate crisis, address hunger, improve transportation, protect domestic abuse survivors. Being able to work with other officials and leaders shows how benefits can…

Baby Boomers, Cook County, DuPage, Federal, Government, Health, National, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Buckner calls out Chicago Mayor’s “Game of Chicken” with HUD that threatens to create a public housing crisis

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Buckner calls out Chicago Mayor’s “Game of Chicken” with HUD that threatens to create a public housing crisis Kam Buckner, a candidate for Chicago Mayor in the Spring 2023 elections criticized beleaguered Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for violating the rights of Blacks and Latinos when she granted General Iron permission to move to the Southeast…

Chicago, elections, News, Politics

Rep. Casten Votes to Protect Marriage Equality Amid Right-Wing Threats

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Rep. Casten Votes to Protect Marriage Equality Amid Right-Wing Threats U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) voted Tuesday (July 19, 2022) to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which he co-sponsored, to enshrine marriage equality into federal law by officially repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a defunct and discriminatory statute excluding same-sex couples from…

Federal, National, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Vehicle crashes into Orland Park cosmetic store front

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Vehicle crashes into Orland Park cosmetic store front A car crashed through the front window of CosmoProf at 9109 W. 151st Street in Orland Park on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 11:45 AM. Orland Park police reported that no one was injured. Here are photos from the accident which damaged the front window and entrance of…

Cook County, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Support The Orland Township Food Pantry With ‘Pack-A-Backpack’

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Support The Orland Township Food Pantry With ‘Pack-A-Backpack’ Orland Township Food Pantry seeking “Back Pack” donations for ‘Pack-A-Backpack’ program to provide low-income Orland Township resident children with much needed school supplies. When you’re struggling to feed your family or afford a roof over their heads, school supplies don’t always make the list. That’s why the…

Education, Government, News, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Stolen vehicle recovered, offender arrested in Orland Park car theft

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Stolen vehicle recovered, offender arrested in Orland Park car theft On Friday, July 15, Orland Park tactical officers located a stolen Dodge Charger in the parking lot of Orland Square Mall. Shortly thereafter, officers observed a male suspect, later identified as Devonta Harris, enter the vehicle and attempt to drive away. The stolen vehicle immediately…

Cook County, Crime, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Calder Cup Champions Chicago Wolves sign two veterans forwards

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Calder Cup Champions Chicago Wolves sign two veterans forwards The Calder Cup champs add LaBate and Melnick from Central Division rivals The Calder Cup champion Chicago Wolves announced Monday they have signed forwards Joseph LaBate and Josh Melnick to Standard Player Contracts (SPC). LaBate, 29, has produced 52 goals, 59 assists and 592 penalty minutes…

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