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

Orland Township Grandparent and Grandchild Dinner Dance

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Grandparent and Grandchild Dinner Dance Grandparents and their grandchildren danced the night away in a night full of unforgettable memories. Grandparents and their grandchildren dressed their best for the annual Grandparent and Grandchild Dinner Dance at Orland Township. The three-hour event consisted of family portraits, fun games (like the Hokey Pokey and the…

Features, Government, News, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Columbus Day is Democracy, and a challenge to the tyranny we face

October 5, 2021October 13, 2021 Ray Hanania 3 Comments

Columbus Day is Democracy, and a challenge to the tyranny we face The drive to erase Columbus Day is an example of the real threat of true racism that we face in America, and a challenge to our Democracy. Columbus was a hero who should be celebrated for bringing a higher level of civilization to…

Blogger, Commentary, Federal, Government, immigrant, Opinion, Politics, Racism, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

American Arab Chamber of Commerce Illinois fights for business rights

October 3, 2021October 3, 2021 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

American Arab Chamber of Commerce Illinois fights for business rights The American Arab Chamber of Commerce of Illinois which is at the forefront of fighting for the rights of Arab American and Muslim American business owners expanded and consolidated its board this week. The board consists of Trustees who have an equal voice in defining…

Business, Chicago, Cook County, Government, immigrant, News, Politics, Racism, Regional Midwest, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Reinhart Keynotes Legal Seminar Series at Jeffery M. Leving Firm

October 3, 2021October 3, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Reinhart Keynotes Legal Seminar Series at Jeffery M. Leving Firm The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd. will host the next compelling presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at 19 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago, Illinois….

Cook County, Events, Features, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Edwards Orchard the best place to visit for Fall country enjoyment

October 2, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Edwards Orchard the best place to visit for Fall country enjoyment A perfect getaway from the violence and murders that define Chicago’s dysfunction and danger is a trip to the countryside. One of the best destinations in the Fall is Edwards Orchard, a 90 minute but worthwhile drive from Chicago’s violence epicenter to the serenity…

Business, Chicago, Entertainment, Features, food, Photos, rayhanania, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to begin sending $25.4 million in automatic refunds to Cook County homeowners

September 30, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to begin sending $25.4 million in automatic refunds to Cook County homeowners Almost 11,500 property owners who overpaid their First Installment taxes will automatically get back $25.4 million in refunds this month, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021. Almost 4,000 refunds go to homeowners who are…

Chicago, Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Orland Township’s 9th Annual Pet-Palooza: An ‘Ultimutt’ Success

September 30, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township’s 9th Annual Pet-Palooza: An ‘Ultimutt’ Success The 9th annual pet fair and fundraiser was on September 25. Orland Township’s 9th annual pet fair and fundraiser, Pet-Palooza, attracted nearly 1,500 guests on September 25. With live entertainment, such as musician Erik Donner and professional reptile educators Crosstown Exotics, free food samples, the ever-so popular…

Entertainment, Features, Government, News, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Health Clinic offers flu shots Saturday Oct. 2

September 30, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Health Clinic offers flu shots Saturday Oct. 2 Orland Township’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic is this Saturday, October 2nd, from 9 a.m. to noon! No appointment necessary. As one of the Township’s more popular offers, this clinic does operate on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. It is asked that…

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

Celebrate OAKtober all month with events in the Forest Preserves of Cook County

September 30, 2021September 30, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Celebrate OAKtober all month with events in the Forest Preserves of Cook County Events focus on educating the public and raising awareness about the importance of oak trees. Did you know an oak tree can grow as tall as 148 feet or more, and that they provide myriad ecological benefits for both humans and nature?…

Cook County, Entertainment, Features, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Biased Chicago media ignored Fire soccer when in the suburbs

September 30, 2021October 5, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Biased Chicago media ignored Fire soccer when in the suburbs When the Chicago Fire was playing phenomenal soccer games in the Southwest suburb of Bridgeview at SeatGeek Stadium (formerly Toyota Park), the Chicago media pretty much ignored the team. Now that the soccer team has relocated to Soldier Field, the Chicago media covers and promotes…

Blogger, Commentary, Media Bias, Opinion, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Attack crime, not Arabs, Mayor Lightfoot

September 26, 2021September 26, 2021 Ray Hanania 4 Comments

Attack crime, not Arabs, Mayor Lightfoot Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent her inspector goons accompanied by members of her Police Department to shutdown Arab and Asian owned gas stations and grocery stores in some idiotic theory that closing 24 hour stores will help her reduce the gang problem. What Lightfoot needs to do is instead…

Blogger, Business, Chicago, Commentary, Crime, Government, Opinion, Police, Racism

Fire in two adjacent apartments and smoke damage to apartment building in Orland Park

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Fire in two adjacent apartments and smoke damage to apartment building in Orland Park The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a fire in an apartment building at the 9300 block that spread to two apartments and caused smoke damage throughout the three-story, 12 unit apartment building on Thursday afternoon. No one was injured. The…

Cook County, Fire, News, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Rep. Newman Ald. O’Shea announce improvements to eliminate train blockages As a result of a working group with Rep. Newman, Ald. O’Shea, CSX, The Chicago Transportation Coordination Office, and state and local officials, new processes are in place to eliminate road-rail conflicts, avoid first responder delays, and reduce traffic congestion on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Today,…

Briefs, Chicago, News, Transportation

Data analysis lays out 10 facts about pre-trial Electronic Monitoring by Cook County Sheriff

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Data analysis lays out 10 facts about pre-trial Electronic Monitoring by Cook County Sheriff Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart challenges conclusions Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and the Chicago Council of Lawyers have released a report, 10 Facts about Pretrial Electronic Monitoring in Cook County. The report catalogs ten data-based facts about the Cook County Sheriff’s…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Law, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology

How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is a minority community abuser

September 20, 2021September 20, 2021 Ray Hanania 5 Comments

How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is a minority community abuser Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is a serial minority community abuser. That’s someone who hides behind their minority status and then proceeds to discriminate against other minorities. In this case, Lightfoot is discriminating against Arab Americans and some Asian Americans, closing their stores over frivolous code…

Blogger, Business, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Opinion, Police, Racism, rayhanania, Taxes

La Crepe Bistro offers genuine French cuisine in Southwest suburbs

September 18, 2021December 19, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

La Crepe Bistro offers genuine French cuisine in Southwest suburbs If you are looking for a great French restaurant and that authentic French experience, you don’t have to look further than La Crepe Bistro in Homer Glen. The menu is exquisite and the food is authentic. No one replicates the French cafe aura better than…

Cook County, Entertainment, Features, food, Photos, rayhanania, Restaurant Review, restaurants, Review, Suburban Chicagoland

More than $39,000 in property tax overpayments returned to Arab community thanks to Pappas and Arab Chamber

September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

More than $39,000 in property tax overpayments returned to Arab community thanks to Pappas and Arab Chamber American Arab Chamber of Commerce President Hassan Nijem, an “Honorary Cook County Treasurer,” said he is working with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to refund thousands in overpaid property taxes that can be refunded. More than $39,000 was refunded during…

Business, Chicago, Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Niemeyer to retire as Village Manager

September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Niemeyer to retire as Village Manager After seven highly productive years with the Village of Tinley Park, Village Manager Dave Niemeyer has announced he is retiring as an Illinois city manager. His final day as Village Manager will be Friday, Oct. 8. “I have had an enjoyable and fulfilling 38-year career in Illinois local government,…

Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland