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 builds on missing persons identification methods SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work by advancing legislation that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases. “Families dealing with a missing loved one should not have to wait for answers,”…
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Ryan Statement on Budget Preparation for More Affordable Illinois Following Budget Address CHICAGO — Following the budget address delivered by Governor Pritzker on Wednesday, state Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen, is prepared to begin the long process of securing an affordable budget that will lower the cost of living for Illinois families and improve safety in…
Senator Michael Hastings reacts to FY 27 budget proposal SPRINGFIELD — After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: “Our state budget faces real challenges, particularly with uncertainty in federal funding that supports Medicaid and essential services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program….
Regional leaders endorse John Harrell for 8th Illinois House District Chicago, IL – More than a dozen elected officials and regional leaders have endorsed John Harrell for the 8th Illinois House District representing the West Side of Chicago and West suburban communities. The co-founder of Black Men United and Pastor of both Proviso M.B.C. in…
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Hastings working towards stronger consumer protections for Illinois families Subscription services often make canceling an active subscription difficult and convoluted in order to make customers give up or forget to cancel the service. In response, State Senator Michael E. Hastings introduced legislation designed to protect Illinois consumers from hidden fees and confusing subscription contracts. “This…
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Rep. Ryan Secures Funding for Special Bus Lane in Evergreen Park State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, has secured funding for the construction of a “queue jump” bus lane in Evergreen Park on 95th St. and Western Ave. that will allow buses a seven-second start at stoplights ahead of other lanes. “I’m thrilled that this…
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State Senate candidate Nick Uniejewski receives major endorsements in 6th District Veteran progressive icon Don Rose and former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin have endorsed Nick Uniejewski in his challenge to controversial incumbent Sara Feigenholtz in the March 17, 2026, Democratic Primary. Feigenholtz has been repeatedly criticized for putting foreign interests over the interests of…
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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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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…
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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…
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Gill-Backed Law to Reduce Home Energy Costs State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed key legislation to reduce home energy bills, providing both short and long-term relief to Illinois families as they faced rising energy costs. “Families across our state are worried every time they receive their energy bills, and that should never be the case,”…
Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Sixth Annual Three Kings Celebration The Three Kings Day event hosted by Abuilar remains one of the largest celebrations of the important Mexican holiday in Chicagoland, drawing support from important leaders and elected officials, including Lyons Mayor Chris Getty and Pastor John Harrell, co-founder of Black Men United…
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Ray Hanania Radio and Podcasts People have asked how to access all of my writings, radio shows, and audio/video podcasts, which include Ray Hanania on Politics, Two Guys on Politics with Bill Lipinski, The Ray Hanania Radio Show sponsored by Arab News on WNZK AM 690 Radio in Michigan, and Ray Hanania’s Syndicated column. Hanania takes…
Uniejewski Campaign Knocks 50,000 Doors in the 6th District Grassroots organizing effort spans every ward, showing unprecedented organizing strength. Nick Uniejewski’s campaign announced today that it has knocked on more than 50,000 doors in all 10 wards across Illinois’ 6th State Senate District, demonstrating the scale of an organizing-first campaign focused on building lasting community…
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Republican Party in Illinois needs new grassroots, candidate says In a recent press release, U.S. Republican Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli argues that the Republican Party needs new leadership. Capparelli is correct, and several GOP candidates have surfaced to help redefine the Republican effort in Illinois, including in and around Chicago, such as Liz Gorman…
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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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Illinois Tollway prepared to clear roads and assist drivers during Thanksgiving weekend storm Motorists asked to slow down and increase their distance from other vehicles The Illinois Tollway is reminding drivers to slow down and allow extra time for their Thanksgiving holiday travels and weekend trips as a winter storm moves through Northern Illinois, with…