Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings fights to protect Illinoisans’ right to read, pushes law prohibiting libraries from banning books State Senator Michael E. Hastings fights to protect Illinoisans’ right to read. New law would ban the banning of books by local libraries A measure requiring libraries or library systems to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights…
Giannoulias Issues First 100-Days Report Outlining Major Accomplishments “Getting it Done” Report Features Achievements to Modernize the Office Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released his First 100 Days report today, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments since taking office in January. The 16-page report reflects how the new Secretary has pursued an aggressive agenda to improve…
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Hastings advances measure to fight crime, track stolen vehicles Illinois may soon have a law on the books to help law enforcement quickly track stolen vehicles, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. Hastings (D-Frankfort) advanced House Bill 2245, which requires Cook County to establish a vehicle theft hotline to facilitate the location of a…
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Arab Americans oppose “MENA” bill and urge “ARAB” be recognized as an MBE and in Census Arab American leaders are pushing back against legislation that would designate the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) category for the Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and the U.S. Census arguing that the MENA Category will only help fuel more…
Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges Legislation introduced this week by State Senator Michael Hastings will require companies to provide “clear notice” on contracts that automatically renew. Hastings said that oftentimes contracts are renewed automatically without giving consumers proper or formal notice of the upcoming renewal or giving them…
Jesse White honored by Orland Township Democrats at successful fundraiser By Ray Hanania A gathering of the Orland Township Democratic Organization (OTDO) on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, honored the 24-year service of former Secretary of State Jesse White. White expressed his gratitude for the support he has received including from the more than 150 people who attended…
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Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Report serves as a road map to modernize the office, transform operations, and upgrade services Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today released his Transition Team’s report that will serve as a blueprint for modernizing the office, transforming operations and expanding services to best serve…
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Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness Very few people have done more to strengthen diversity in Illinois than Patricia Michalski, who passed away on December 17, 2022. Pat was an activist dedicated to bringing people of all races, ethnicities and nationalities in the Chicagoland area together. And she did it…
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State Treasurer Frerichs says Diversity and Transparency are good for business Research shows that diversity is good for business. A study conducted by a well-regarded business consultant, McKinsey & Co., revealed that corporations with diverse boards outperformed homogenous boards. When people from different backgrounds make decisions together, they are less prone to group-think, and they…
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Senator Hastings thanks voters for support in re-election to 19th Senate District seat State Senator Michael E. Hastings released the following statement on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 following the final tabulation of votes in the Nov. 8, 2022 General election. Hastings was re-elected to his seat representing the 19th Illinois Senate District where he has…
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New, improved Weber Road and interchange opened, celebrated in Will County Romeoville, Bolingbrook project improves safety, mobility, quality of life The Illinois Department of Transportation was joined today by officials and community leaders in Romeoville, Bolingbrook and Will County to celebrate the completion of the new-and-improved Weber Road interchange, part of a $96.7 million investment…
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Supporters host fundraiser for State Rep. Cyril Nichols Allies and supporters for State Rep. Cyril Nichols of the 32nd House District will host a fundraiser on Saturday October 22, 2022 from 6 until 10 PM. Titled “We Do the Work,” the fundraiser will be held at the XS Tennis and Education Center, 5336 S. State…
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Hurley Highlights Upcoming IDOT Workshops for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program State Rep. Fran Hurley is encouraging qualifying disadvantaged small businesses to participate in a series of upcoming virtual workshops for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. “The DBE program supports local businesses, and helps in the construction of infrastructure across…
Senator Hastings presents $610,000 state grant to Orland Fire to enhance regional 911 emergency system Illinois Senator Michael Hastings joined officials of the Orland Fire Protection District on Thursday to announce the award of a $610,000 State Grant to enhance the district’s regional 911 emergency system and “save more lives.” Fire Chief Michael Schofield and several…
Some Rockford faith leaders embrace the Safe-T Act and oppose County Board Resolution Earlier this evening, Thursday Sept. 29, 2022, the Winnebago County Board passed a resolution calling on the Illinois legislature to repeal the SAFE-T Act. The resolution focused on the Pretrial Fairness provisions of the law, which will end the state’s use of…
Pritzker proves you don’t need toilets in a glass house Illinois Governor JB Pritzker attacked his critics recently and called for people to resign from office, especially those that challenge his lobbyist cronies. But he doesn’t hesitate to manipulate real estate to reduce the amount of state property taxes he owes on his multi-million properties….
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Orland Fire District board members denounces Illinois Safe-T Act as “threat to First Responders” Officials of the Orland Fire Protection District board of trustees this week denounced the adoption of the Illinois “Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act,” also known as the SAFE-T Act, saying it reduces punishments and accountability for criminals and while undermining…
Nichols and colleagues collect bottled water for Jackson residents State Rep. Cyril Nicholas, State Sen. Elect Willie Preston, and 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis collected thousands of bottles of water, enough to fill two 18-wheel semi-trucks to help the water-starved residents of Jackson, Mississippi. Nichols, whose 32nd House District includes the 6th Ward, 15th Ward,…
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