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

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

Illinois Tollway and Police host 2nd Kids Identification and Safety Seat in Bartlett as part of Operation Kid 2022

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 Ray Hanania 6 Comments

Illinois Tollway and Police host 2nd Kids Identification and Safety Seat in Bartlett as part of Operation Kid 2022 July 23 event is at Bartlett Police Department Continuing with Operation Kid 2022, the Illinois Tollway and Illinois State Police District 15 are hosting their second Kids Identification and Safety Seat (K.I.S.S.) event of the summer…

Chicago, Cook County, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Differences in how people react to homicides in Chicago vs a wealthy suburb

July 16, 2022July 16, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Differences in how people react to homicides in Chicago vs a wealthy suburb The recent mass shooting in Highland Park only reminds us how different gun violence and homicides are viewed, discussed and perceived in the public and mainstream news media when compared to the greater and everyday violence that consumes Chicago and Cook County….

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Crime, National, Opinion, Orland Park, Podcast, Police, Politics, rayhanania, Regional Midwest, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Hurley, Cunningham propose law requiring Chicago to give police minimum one day off each week

July 16, 2022July 16, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Hurley, Cunningham propose law requiring Chicago to give police minimum one day off each week State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Fran Hurley introduced legislation to legally require the city of Chicago to give police officers a minimum of one day off each week. The proposal is designed to end the city’s practice of…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, News, Police

Two passengers killed in car-semi collision in Bridgeview

July 16, 2022July 16, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Two passengers killed in car-semi collision in Bridgeview Bridgeview Police closed 79th and Roberts Road intersection on Saturday July 16, 2022 following car-semi crash involving two fatalities and a car traveling more than 115 MPH that struck the semi. The intersection where the accident occurred was closed and will remain closed most of the day…

breaking news, Briefs, Crime, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Fire District dedicates training center in honor of former Chief Robert Buhs

July 16, 2022July 16, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Orland Fire District dedicates training center in honor of former Chief Robert Buhs Robert M. Buhs is credited with building the Orland Fire Protection District rising from the ranks of volunteer through serving as Fire Chief until 2003. The OFPD, which is recognized as having the highest save rate in the country, dedicated the Robert…

Cook County, Features, Fire, Government, Health, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Highway Department hosts Household Hazardous Waste recycling event

July 15, 2022July 16, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Highway Department hosts Household Hazardous Waste recycling event The Orland Township Highway Department headed by Commissioner Antonio Rubino will host a FREE Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event for all Illinois residents. This is the 1st Annual Southside Event – this event has never happened before in Cook County! The Household Hazardous Waste Event…

Environment, Government, Health, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Quincy Veterans home reports increase in COVID-19 cases

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Quincy Veterans home reports increase in COVID-19 cases The Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff. Based on robust rapid testing and the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratories, in quick succession the Department identified 16 residents and 10 staff positive…

coronavirus, Health, News, Veterans

Senator Hastings Golf Classic Monday July 18

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Senator Hastings Golf Classic Monday July 18 Iraq war veteran, West Point graduate and South suburban Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings hosts his annual Golf Classic to raise funds for his re-election Monday, July 18, 2022. Hastings has served with distinction for 10 years in the Illinois Senate representing Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Frankfort…

Cook County, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Northwood University to be home to three Ukrainian students this fall

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Northwood University to be home to three Ukrainian students this fall Fundraiser underway to help two incoming freshmen to Midland Michigan university As the war in Ukraine continues, so do efforts from Northwood University to support Ukrainian students, including two student-athletes who seek to leave Ukraine for the safety of Northwood’s Midland campus. In March,…

Education, Features, National, News, Regional Midwest, Ukraine

Female Member of White House Press Corps Releases Photos in New Book

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Female Member of White House Press Corps Releases Photos in New Book Still photographer Christy Bowe is one of the few women who has covered five consecutive administrations at the White House, two presidential impeachments, and eight presidential inaugurations and U.S. Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings. A credentialed member of the White House Press Corps,…

Books & Films, Features, Government, National, News, Photos, Politics

ResumeBuilder.com Survey Reveals One-Third of Recent College Grads Work in Roles That Do Not Require a College Degree

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

ResumeBuilder.com Survey Reveals One-Third of Recent College Grads Work in Roles That Do Not Require a College Degree Most new graduates say it was difficult to find a job, and many hold positions that only require a high school diploma or no education at all ResumeBuilder.com, the premier resource for free and professional resume templates,…

Education, Features, News

Cook County Awards Funding to Four 16th District Public Schools for Renewable Energy Education Initiative

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Awards Funding to Four 16th District Public Schools for Renewable Energy Education Initiative Schools in Cicero, Franklin Park, Maywood and Northlake were among the 24 schools that received awards from Cook County’s Solar Schools Grant Program Under Cook County’s Solar Schools Grant program, the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability awarded grant…

Cook County, Education, Environment, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Restaurant Review: Agave Cocina in Oak Forest

July 10, 2022December 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Restaurant Review: Agave Cocina in Oak Forest If you are looking for an enjoyable place to have a great tasting Mexican cuisine, try Agave Cocina in Oak Forest. The food is phenomenal. The costs are affordable. And the restaurant is clean and beautifully designed with plenty of seating, fast service and lots of parking By…

Business, Cook County, Entertainment, Features, food, News, Restaurant Review, restaurants, Review, Suburban Chicagoland