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

Hastings files bill to protect homeowners from post-storm contractor scams

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings files bill to protect homeowners from post-storm contractor scams State Senator Michael E. Hastings filed legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high-pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters. “After a major storm, families are overwhelmed and trying to protect their homes, not negotiate contracts on their front…

breaking news, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings

Man Arrested for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Man Arrested for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse On January 28, 2026, the Orland Park Police Department arrested Brett Smith, 43, following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile and the advertising of private tutoring services on social media. Smith turned himself in at the Orland Park Police Department after detectives attempted to…

Crime, Law, News, Orland Park, Police

Chicago Couple Among Nine Individuals Charged in Federal Drug Investigation

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Couple Among Nine Individuals Charged in Federal Drug Investigation A federal drug investigation has resulted in criminal charges against nine individuals for allegedly trafficking cocaine in the Chicago area. The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago Police Department, utilized covert surveillance operations, undercover narcotics purchases, and wiretapped communications to…

Crime, Federal, Government, Law, News, NewsWire, U.S. Attorney

How a Treasurer’s Office Study Closed a Loophole that Allowed Wealthy Investors to Siphon Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Low-Income areas

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

How a Treasurer’s Office Study Closed a Loophole that Allowed Wealthy Investors to Siphon Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Low-Income areas For years, wealthy investors exploited loopholes in the property tax system to funnel money from local schools and governments into their collective wallets. But the loopholes were closed after a Cook County Treasurer’s…

Cook County, Maria Pappas, News, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Leving Team Court Victory Gave a Little Girl the Gift of a Lifetime – Her Father

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Leving Team Court Victory Gave a Little Girl the Gift of a Lifetime – Her Father By Laura Reichel When a father loses precious time with his child, every day apart feels endless. Dad, who had been embroiled in a bitter and complicated divorce, was desperate to be with his daughter. He turned to attorney…

Dads' Rights, Fathers' Rights, Jeffery Leving, Law, News

Hastings introduces legislation to strengthen cannabis safety and prevent child access

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings introduces legislation to strengthen cannabis safety and prevent child access State Senator Michael E. Hastings introduced Senate Bill 2866, legislation designed to strengthen safety requirements for cannabis products and reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by children. “While cannabis is legal for adult use in Illinois, we must continue to take responsible steps to…

Health, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 48 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 48 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 48 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Tercalo E. Thomas enticed, persuaded, and used a prepubescent minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, which…

Crime, Federal, Law, News, U.S. Attorney

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Endorses Richard Boykin for 7th Congressional District Seat

January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 Ray Hanania No Comments

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Endorses Richard Boykin for 7th Congressional District Seat Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is throwing her support behind former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin in his quest to become the next US Congressman in the 7th District. In her video announcement, Pappas points out that Boykin was one of her…