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 Receives Holiday Donation from Orland Park Lion’s Club

November 27, 2021November 27, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Receives Holiday Donation from Orland Park Lion’s Club The Orland Park Lion’s Club presented a substantial donation to the Orland Township Food Pantry. The Orland Park Lions Club graciously arrived at Orland Township on Friday, Nov. 19, with a substantial donation for the Orland Township Food Pantry to assist residents experiencing financial hardship,…

Cook County, food, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Strong rally lifts Chicago Wolves to victory over Grand Rapids Griffins

November 27, 2021November 27, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Strong rally lifts Chicago Wolves to victory over Grand Rapids Griffins Chicago scores five times in third period to stun Grand Rapids The Chicago Wolves produced three goals in the final 96 seconds to cap a monstrous third-period rally that gave the Wolves a 5-3 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday night at Van…

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

Orland Township offers Bingo with Santa

November 27, 2021November 27, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township offers Bingo with Santa Join Supervisor Paul O’Grady, Orland Township and Orland Township for a jolly good time! Ticket purchase includes game access, dinner (Pizza & Salad), and pop. Papa Joe’s Italian Cuisine – Orland Park, 14459 S. La Grange Rd. Orland Park, IL 60462 Friday, December 10, 2021, from 5 to 8 PM Space is…

Entertainment, Events, Government, News, Orland Township

Seniors deserve far more benefits than they get from our government

November 25, 2021December 1, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Seniors deserve far more benefits than they get from our government Not enough is being done to help Senior Citizens who are earning under $100,000 in total household income including Social Security retirement income. Politicians, government, activists like the worthless AARP, and the news media all pander to Seniors to exploit them for their own…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Federal, Government, Health, Law, National, News, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Seniors, Taxes

Orland Township hosts digital Toy Drives for needy families

November 24, 2021November 24, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township hosts digital Toy Drives for needy families Orland Township is offering digital donation opportunities in their 2021 Holiday Program, and showcasing other Toy Drives for needy families Wishing to help Orland Township make the lives of local families a little brighter this season, but just don’t have the time? Donate to the Orland…

Cook County, Features, Government, News, Orland Township

Time for one unified organization for veterans

November 24, 2021November 26, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Time for one unified organization for veterans Having two organizations to represent military veterans is wrong. The VFW and the American Legion should be combined into one group and all veterans should be allowed to join without the perception of discrimination. By Ray Hanania During my sophomore year at Northern Illinois University, I knew my…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Opinion, Veterans, Veterans Column

Goodman Theater begins rehearsals for Nightwatch and Layalina

November 24, 2021November 24, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Goodman Theater begins rehearsals for Nightwatch and Layalina Rehearsals have begun for the two centerpiece “developmental productions” featured in Goodman Theatre’s 17th annual New Stages Festival, a free celebration of new works by some of the country’s finest established and emerging playwrights. Cast is listed below. The two plays—Nightwatch by Max Yu, directed by Chay…

Books & Films, Chicago, Cook County, Entertainment, News, Theater

Coalition for Free & Fair Elections trains judges

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Coalition for Free & Fair Elections trains judges This past weekend, Nov. 20, 2021, the Coalition for Free & Fair Elections trained about 200 Chicago area police officers to become election judges in upcoming elections. Organizer Scott Kaspar said that the event featured active and retired law enforcement officers who hailed from Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake,…

Chicago, Cook County, DuPage, elections, Events, Features, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Safe practices for a safe Holiday season, from Cook County

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Safe practices for a safe Holiday season, from Cook County As Thanksgiving approaches, we wanted to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. In order to ensure your health, we are sharing our holiday guidelines for safe celebrations and travel. Please take these proven precautions in all of your holiday…

Chicago, Cook County, coronavirus, Entertainment, Features, Government, Health, News, Suburban Chicagoland

SEIU Illinois State Council endorses Marie Newman for Congress

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

SEIU Illinois State Council endorses Marie Newman for Congress Days after rightwing extremist Keith Pekau announced he is running for the Republican nomination for Congress with the support of Tea Party fanatic Jeanne Ives, Congresswoman Marie Newman continued to rack up endorsements from the 6th District’s leading workers unions and municipal leaders. Newman faces Sean…

Cook County, elections, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Politics, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, women

Online Book, White Flight and racism in Chicago in 1969

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Online Book, White Flight and racism in Chicago in 1969 By Ray Hanania The online book is called “Midnight Flight,” the story of racism in Chicago in the 1960s. The book is a memoir of living on Chicago’s Southeast Side in the 1960s and how realtors using racial fears forced White homeowners to seek their…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, News, Opinion, Racism, Suburban Chicagoland

Cicero Police continue to search for suspects in Kevin Sanders killing

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cicero Police continue to search for suspects in Kevin Sanders killing Town President Larry Dominick, the Town of Cicero Board of Directors and Cicero Police Department Chief Jerry Chlada are commemorating the 11th anniversary of the tragic killing of a 15 year old Kevin Sanders on November 22, 2010. The Sanders killing has been one…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Government, News, Police, Suburban Chicagoland

All Adults Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

All Adults Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for all adults. Boosters provide increased protection against COVID-19 infection, reducing your chance of getting sick or spreading the virus. Individuals age 18 and…

Baby Boomers, Cook County, coronavirus, Government, Health, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Seniors

Orland Township Receives 2021 Top Hat Award

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township Receives 2021 Top Hat Award The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago presented the award on Sunday, Nov. 21. On Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago awarded Orland Township with their Top Hat Award during the Annual Memorial and Awards Mass held at St. Mary Magdalene,…

Baby Boomers, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township’s hosts Bingo with Santa

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township’s hosts Bingo with Santa Santa’s on his way to celebrate in Orland Township! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice; don’t think twice about attending Orland Township’s Bingo with Santa! Children and their families are invited to join Santa Claus and Supervisor Paul O’Grady with the Board of Trustees in celebrating the most wonderful…

Cook County, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township’s Holiday Letters to Elders Program

November 20, 2021November 22, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Orland Township’s Holiday Letters to Elders Program Spread Holiday cheer to a Senior who lives near! Program offers service hours to students who volunteer Orland Township’s annual Holiday Program, which provides a yearly holiday meal, gifts, and other personal items to more than 200 families and young children who experience financial difficulties, is expanding and…

Baby Boomers, Cook County, Features, Government, News, Orland Township, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Despite strong play Chicago Wolves lose in roller-coaster game with Rockford IceHogs

November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Despite strong play Chicago Wolves lose in roller-coaster game with Rockford IceHogs Dominik Bokk and Josh Jacobs score early for Chicago to no avail The Chicago Wolves jumped to an early two-goal lead, but the Rockford IceHogs rallied for a 6-3 victory Friday night at the MetroCentre. Forwards Dominik Bokk and David Gust and defenseman…

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

Lyons Fire Department celebrates 125th Anniversary

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Ray Hanania No Comments

Lyons Fire Department celebrates 125th Anniversary The Lyons Fire Department will celebrate its 125th Anniversary at a memorial dedication on Sunday Nov. 28, 2021 beginning at 12 NOON. The event will be outdoors at the Lyons Fire Department, 4043 Joliet Avenue in Lyons. The Lyons Fire Department was founded in 1896, Village President Chris Getty…

Cook County, Events, Fire, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland