Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings: new legislation could save homes, protect equity for families facing tax sales SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting legislation designed to provide critical relief to Cook County homeowners at risk of losing their homes in the county’s 2023 tax sale. Hastings, a chief co-sponsor on the bill, worked to pass the…
Hastings champions school safety with mobile panic alert bill SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is spearheading legislation aimed at improving emergency response in Illinois schools using mobile panic alert systems. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis. “Every second matters…
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Local restaurants and amateur cooks invited to compete in Frankfort Fire & Ice Winter Social Chili Cook-off The Village of Frankfort is inviting chili enthusiasts and local restaurants to turn up the heat this winter at the Fire & Ice Winter Social Chili Cook-Off, taking place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00…
Hastings law modernizes missing persons investigations starting Jan. 1 According to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Illinois has 461 open missing persons cases. Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement will take a new approach to these cases, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “I teamed…
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Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2699, legislation that would require insurance companies to provide advance written notice to consumers before imposing significant rate increases on home or auto insurance policies. “Consumers deserve to know when a rate increase is coming so they…
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Hastings brings in over $7.2 million in additional funding for local schools through evidence-based funding formula State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that local schools in the South Suburbs will receive more than $7.2 million in new evidence-based funding as part of the continued implementation of the landmark education funding reform he supported in…
Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced an Oak Forest manufacturer has been selected to participate in and receive state funding through the Made in Illinois Grant Program. “To keep up with big business, small-scale local manufacturers need support to help them thrive and achieve their goals,” said…
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Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk. “Donating an organ is a beautiful and selfless act,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Workers need to be treated with respect,…
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Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program. “Excessive and flat-out unfair prices are being set on prescription drugs with no accountability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort)….
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Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $1.6 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use path in the Village of Frankfort. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement…
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Frankfort hosts community cleanup in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, April 26, 2025 In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the Village of Frankfort is inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to take part in a community-wide cleanup event on April 26, 2025, to help spruce up neighborhoods, parks, roadways, and the Old…
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Village of Frankfort welcomes five new Police Officers The Village of Frankfort is proud to celebrate the ceremonial swearing-in of five police officers—Dylan Beattie, Tyler Schuerg, Kyle Graff, Brett Miller, and Joel Wick—during the January 13, 2025, board meeting. Initially hired in April 2024, these officers have successfully completed their field training and are now…
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Popular weekly Frankfort Country Market kicks off Sunday April 21, 2024 The Village of Frankfort will kick off the 2024 Frankfort Country Market season with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Mayor Keith Ogle and the Village Board. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 9 AM near the entrance of…
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Frankfort hosts Earth Day/Arbor Day community cleanup Saurday April 20 In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the Village of Frankfort invites residents to participate in a community cleanup event on Saturday, April 20, 2024. This initiative encourages community members to come together and contribute to the beautification of our surroundings. EVENT DETAILS: Date…
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New Businesses, Renovations, And Restaurants Slated For Downtown Frankfort The Frankfort Village Board convened on Monday, February 5, 2024, to address several crucial development proposals aimed at enhancing the village’s landscape and enriching community offerings. Among the significant approvals are the Olde Frankfort Mall Development at 15 Ash Street, a Special Use Permit for Indoor…
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Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024. “Families should not be forced to choose…
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Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels Nine hotels in the 19th District are set to receive more than $700,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Our hospitality industry helps generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social development of our communities,”…
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Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the 19th District to take the time to discuss and implement readiness plans during National Preparedness Month. “Setting aside time to plan ahead and create readiness plans can make all the difference in saving the…
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