Category: Illinois Legislature

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funding will support an…

Fire, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 News Editor No Comments

Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz Former congressional aide challenges Illinois State Senator infamous for her anti-Arab and anti-Muslim political rhetoric, Sara Feigenholtz in 6th Illinois Senate District. Click these links to view Feigenholt’s racist conduct. Feigenholtz Islamophobic Social Media Posts … Arabs and Muslims call for Feigenholtz to resign It’s Nick…

Culture, elections, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Racism

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor As you know, I have never been a big fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, or, for that matter, many of the most recent governors we have had, including Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, or “Mr. Celebrity” Governor, Rod Blagojevich. (Previously published on Ray…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois Republicans slam crime challenges in Chicago and region Illinois faces a growing public safety crisis, and nowhere is it more evident than in Chicago. While Washington, D.C. has seen progress under President Donald J. Trump’s crime initiative—leading to hundreds of illegal firearm arrests and thousands overall—our own state leadership refuses to take decisive action….

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project

August 30, 2025August 30, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pritzker, Welch and regional leaders praise John Harrell and Black Men United for affordable housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch,” and legislative leaders and local mayors praised a projected to convert a building to low-income housing in Maywood by Rev. John Harrell and Black Men United. CLICK HERE to view a…

Civil Rights, Cook County, Culture, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

John Harrell formally announces candidacy to succeed La Shawn Ford at West Side rally Community, religious, and elected leaders endorse Harrell for the 8th State House District at a press conference held at Macarthur Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Monday, April 11, 2025 Chicago, IL – John Harrel formally announced his candidacy for the…

Chicago, elections, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, Maria Pappas, News, news release, NewsWire, Politics, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago Black Pastors gather to praise John Harrell candidacy for 8th State House District More than two dozen prominent African American pastors representing the largest churches and parishes on Chicago’s South and West Sides on Tuesday (Aug. 5, 2025) praised and encouraged fellow Pastor John Harrell’s decision to run for State Representative in the 8th Illinois House…

elections, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Politics

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Federal Prison after Corruption Conviction A federal judge in Chicago today sentenced former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael J. Madigan to…

Chicago, Cook County, Crime, Federal, Illinois Legislature, Law, Media Bias, News, Politics

Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Business, Frankfort, Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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,…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

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)….

Baby Boomers, Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Seniors

State GOP Chair Salvi applauds Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

State GOP Chair Salvi applauds Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed the House of Representatives with the unwavering support of Illinois Republicans. A big thank you to Congressman Darin LaHood, Congressman Mike Bost, and Congresswoman Mary Miller for their leadership. This landmark legislation locks in key provisions of the Tax Cuts…

Democrat, Economy, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Republican, Taxes

Hastings secures $1.6 million grant for multi-use path in Frankfort

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

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…

Frankfort, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings and Cook County Sheriff’s Office work to streamline missing persons investigations State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations. “In missing persons cases, every second and small piece of information is paramount,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation works to give law…

Crime, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, Police, Senator Michael Hastings

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program. “When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the…

Government, Illinois Legislature, Michael Hastings, News, NewsWire, Senator Michael Hastings, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois has many better options than Pritzker’s choice to succeed Durbin By Ray Hanania Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who believes he can buy any election, any time for any amount of money, wants to buy the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Pritzker has pushed his Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, to run for the…

Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Senator Michael Hastings, Taxes

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Nick Uniejewski announces for Illinois State Senate District 6 “It’s time for new energy and leadership in Springfield,” said Illinois. State Senate 6th District candidate Nick Uniejewski Community organizer and policy analyst Nick Uniejewski launched his campaign for Illinois State Senate in the 6th District, challenging incumbent Senator Sara Feigenholtz in the Democratic primary, today…

elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois State Fair to Host 100 Days Out Celebration The countdown is on! The Illinois State Fair is marking 100 days until the opening of the 2025 Fair with a special “100 Days Out” Celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. State…

Entertainment, Events, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, NewsWire, Weather