Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide…
Hastings announces $250,000 state grant for cancer treatment technology at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings toured the cancer treatment center at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields on Monday, meeting with doctors, nurses and staff before announcing a $250,000 state capital improvement grant to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art…
Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park. “Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park…
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Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and federal law enforcement leadership in Chicago today issued the following statements regarding ongoing criminal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago: “As U.S. Attorney…
Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park. “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license…
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…
Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster The Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, have announced the roster for the team’s 2025-26 training camp. Camp is being held at the Wolves’ new training facility, Rosemont Ice Arena (7115 Barry St., Rosemont, IL, 60018) and will continue through to the season…
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Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago With Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Five individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with assaulting or forcibly resisting federal agents who were engaged in immigration enforcement operations in Broadview, Ill. over the weekend. The defendants were among a crowd…
Orland Firefighters receive awards for battling flooding during Texas deployment Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Three members of the Orland Fire Protection District were honored on Tuesday (9-23-25), receiving the MABAS Humanitarian Award for serving on a state Task Force sent to help Texas residents who were the victims of major flooding last July….
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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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Orland firefighter suffers minor injuries in responding to home fire Orland Fire Protection District, IL – One firefighter with the Orland Fire Protection District suffered minor injuries but was treated and released after battling a home fire in Orland Park Tuesday (09-23-25) afternoon. Emergency calls identified heavy smoke billowing from a two-story residential home with…
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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…
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Hastings meets with Matteson School District 162 leaders to strengthen school safety measures State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited Matteson School District 162 last week to meet with Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis and district leaders to discuss security measures, rapid response plans and other protocols designed to keep students safe. The meeting focused on how…
Federal Indictment Charges Man With Illegally Possessing Loaded Machine Gun in Chicago Park A man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded machine gun in a Chicago park. Eddie Arguelles possessed the firearm on May 14, 2025, in Riis Park in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, according…
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Harley Davidson On Wednesday, August 27th, Commissioner Aguilar hosted his fifth annual Friends of Frank campaign fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Showroom in Countryside, IL. The event brought supporters of Commissioner Aguilar from throughout Cook County and the 16th District, joining together to listen to music,…
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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…
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Long-term ramp closures and detours scheduled at Illinois Route 25 Interchange at I-90 for Toll Plaza work Ramp closure needed in September for toll plaza improvements Long-term ramp closures with posted detours are scheduled to begin Sunday night and continue through September at the Illinois Route 25 Interchange on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)…
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorses Yasmeen Bankole for Congress In the Senator’s First Federal Endorsement of the 2026 Cycle, Durbin Says Yasmeen Bankole is the Leader Illinois’ 8th District Needs U.S. Senator Dick Durbin endorsed Yasmeen Bankole for Congress in Illinois’ 8th. Durbin’s endorsement of Yasmeen Bankole, Hanover Park Trustee and lifelong Illinois public servant,…
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