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

Jehovah’s Witnesses Back on the Streets of Chicago After Pandemic Pause

July 1, 2022July 1, 2022 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Jehovah’s Witnesses Back on the Streets of Chicago After Pandemic Pause Jehovah’s Witnesses Resume Public Ministry Two Years After Going Virtual If you happen to be around Millennium Park soon, you may notice that a pre-pandemic fixture is back on the sidewalks: smiling faces standing next to colorful carts featuring a positive message and free…

General Topics, News, Religion

County Executive David Crowley to Sign Legislation Funding McKinley Beach Restoration & Safety Improvements

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

County Executive David Crowley to Sign Legislation Funding McKinley Beach Restoration & Safety Improvements Tomorrow, June 30 at 1 PM, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will sign legislation authored by Supervisor Sheldon A. Wasserman, Chairman of the County Board Committee on Parks, Energy, and Environment, funding the design and construction of repairs to McKinley Beach….

Environment, News, Regional Midwest

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar wins Democratic primary election

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar wins Democratic primary election Cook County Board Commissioner Frank Aguilar easily won renomination as the Democratic Candidate for the district in the June 28, 2022 Democratic Primary election. Aguilar has been a powerful voice for Hispanic, Mexican and Latino empowerment representing the 16th District since April 2020 By Ray Hanania…

Cook County, elections, Features, Government, immigrant, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Congressman Bill Foster thanks voters for their support

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Congressman Bill Foster thanks voters for their support U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) thanked voters for their support in a statement released on Wednesday following the results of the Illinois Democratic Primary election June 28, 2022. “Serving the people of the 11th District of Illinois is the honor of a lifetime, and I am proud…

Cook County, DuPage, elections, Federal, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Hurley and Cunningham Invite Residents to Free Prescription Drug Takeback Event July 9 in Merrionette Park

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hurley and Cunningham Invite Residents to Free Prescription Drug Takeback Event July 9 in Merrionette Park Residents are being encouraged to bring their unused and expired prescription medication for safe disposal at a free community event hosted by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, scheduled for Saturday, July 9 from…

Cook County, Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Preliminary vote shows Abdelnasser Rashid unseats incumbent Mike Zalewski

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Preliminary vote shows Abdelnasser Rashid unseats incumbent Mike Zalewski By Ray Hanania Abdelnasser Rashid, a Democrat who proved his strength when he nearly unseated Republican Cook County board member Sean Morrison in 2018 by almost 1,400 votes, is the unofficial winner in a battle for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 21st District on…

Chicago, Cook County, elections, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Alexi Giannoulias easily captures Democratic nomination for Secretary of State

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Alexi Giannoulias easily captures Democratic nomination for Secretary of State By Ray Hanania Alexi Giannoulias easily won the Democratic nomination for Illinois Secretary of State and will face-off on Nov. 8, 2022 in the General Election against Republican Dan Brady. Giannoulias ran a strong campaign that overcame the endorsement of retiring Secretary of State Jesse…

Chicago, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, rayhanania, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation

Sean Casten defeats Marie Newman and will face-off with extremist Keith Pekau

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Sean Casten defeats Marie Newman and will face-off with extremist Keith Pekau Rep. Sean Casten Declares Victory in the June 28, 2022 Democratic Primary election over first term Congresswoman Marie Newman. Casten will face-off with rightwing extremist Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau in the November 8 General Election By Ray Hanania Incumbent U.S. Representative Sean…

Cook County, DuPage, elections, Federal, News, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago-Bound Amtrak train derails in Missouri with 243 passengers aboard

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago-Bound Amtrak train derails in Missouri with 243 passengers aboard A Chicago-bound Amtrak train with 243 passengers and 12 crew members onboard reportedly crashed today (Monday, June 27, 2022) into a dump truck in Mendon, Missouri, about 80 miles northwest of Columbia, derailing eight cars and two locomotives. It is being reported that several people…

breaking news, Chicago, Cook County, Law, National, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Park Police capture major theft ring

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Park Police capture major theft ring After a string of retail thefts by an organized crew, the collaborative efforts of the Orland Park Police and Chicago Police Departments have resulted in the apprehension of two offenders. The offenders frequented multiple Ulta Beauty locations regionally and were responsible for the theft of over $200,000 worth…

breaking news, Cook County, Crime, News, Police

GOP House candidate George Kemper condemns Feigenholtz Cartoon that attacks Catholics

June 27, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

GOP House candidate George Kemper condemns Feigenholtz Cartoon that attacks Catholics Kemper, candidate for the Illinois House in the 12th District in Illinois has condemned the cartoon and demanded an apology George Kemper, Republican candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 12th District (Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park) today condemned the vicious anti-Catholic cartoon posted…

Chicago, Cook County, elections, News, Politics, Religion

Chicago Wolves win their 3rd American Hockey League Calder Cup Championship

June 25, 2022June 25, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves win their 3rd American Hockey League Calder Cup Championship Chicago earns its fifth league championship as Lyon posts the shutout and Lajoie, Poturalski, Gust and Leivo score Alex Lyon stopped all 28 shots he faced as the Chicago Wolves wrapped up their fifth league championship with a 4-0 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds…

Chicago, Cook County, DuPage, Entertainment, National, News, Regional Midwest, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Wolves win over Springfield Thunderbirds puts them one away from Calder Cup championship

June 25, 2022June 25, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves win over Springfield Thunderbirds puts them one away from Calder Cup championship Chicago seizes 3-1 series lead as Drury, Panik, Poturalski and Leivo deliver Rookie center Jack Drury and veteran forward Richard Panik scored first-period power-play goals to spark the Chicago Wolves to a 4-2 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds Friday night in…

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

Sean Morrison gets special police protection at expense of other taxpayers

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

Sean Morrison gets special police protection at expense of other taxpayers Most homeowners rarely ask the local police to do a formal security check of their homes. When they do, it might be once or twice a year. But Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, who owns a security company called Morrison Security, received more than…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Police, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicago Wolves seize Calder Cup Finals lead over Springfield Thunderbirds

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Wolves seize Calder Cup Finals lead over Springfield Thunderbirds Chicago’s rookie goaltender earns the shutout and Panik triggers the offense again Rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov rejected all 36 shots he faced to lead the Chicago Wolves to a 4-0 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds Wednesday night in Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals…

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

Sheriff Dart Launches New Community Resource Center Site

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Sheriff Dart Launches New Community Resource Center Site Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart launched today a new Community Resource Center site where the public can walk in and secure assistance with a wide range of social services, filling a critical need in the community. The Community Resource Center (CRC) is open to anyone and…

Cook County, Government, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

CLE at Leving firm to focus on John Madden’s hearsay exceptions to children’s testimony in order of protection hearings

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

CLE at Leving firm to focus on John Madden’s hearsay exceptions to children’s testimony in order of protection hearings The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 19 S. LaSalle…

Chicago, Education, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Aguilar accuses opponent of faking endorsements

June 22, 2022June 23, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Aguilar accuses opponent of faking endorsements Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Responds to Lie from Opponent on Her Union Endorsements. Commissioner Aguilar’s opponent, Leticia Garcia, publicly promoted she had the endorsement of the Chicago Laborers’ District Council – LiUNA Local 1, which has endorsed Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar On Tuesday, June 21st, Cook County Commissioner Frank…

Cook County, elections, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland