Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings calls for enhanced training for court-appointed guardians to protect Illinois children SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a subject matter hearing for a measure sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings emphasizing the importance of high-quality training for guardians ad litem in Illinois courts. This would better protect…
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…
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…
Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proceeds Help Provide Critical Financial Support To Breast Cancer Patients. Pink Popcorn is available for a limited time only at Emagine Theatres starting October 1, 2025 This October, Emagine Entertainment will once again be turning…
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…
Read More “Hastings: Families deserve a heads-up before major insurance increase” »
Hastings files legislation to combat ‘cost shifting’ practices in insurance rate setting In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates. “Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,”…
Hastings introduces bill to protect consumers in insurance rate setting State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2691, legislation that would examine whether Illinois families are paying unfairly high premiums due to nondriving factors that have little to do with actual risk on the road or in the home. “Families in Illinois deserve…
Read More “Hastings introduces bill to protect consumers in insurance rate setting” »
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…
Read More “Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings” »
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,…
Read More “Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people” »
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…
Read More “Frankfort hosts community cleanup in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, April 26, 2025” »
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…
Read More “Popular weekly Frankfort Country Market kicks off Sunday April 21, 2024” »
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…
Read More “Frankfort hosts Earth Day/Arbor Day community cleanup Saurday April 20” »
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…
Read More “Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program” »
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,”…
Read More “Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels” »
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…
Read More “Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month” »
Hastings secures $17.8 million for vital improvements to Tinley Park and neighboring municipalities Tinley Park and neighboring municipalities are set to receive $17.8 million to make vital improvements to local highways and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Our highways, roads and bridges optimize opportunities for economic development, education and…
Senator Michael Hastings secures $17.1 million for for vital improvements to bridges and roads in Lockport and Homer Glen Lockport and Homer Glen are set to receive $17.1 million to make vital improvements to local highways, bridges and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings. “Sound and safe roads, highways and…