Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers Win Union Rights in Illinois, Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill In final hours of 2026 Illinois Legislative Session…History Made as More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers Win Union Rights in Illinois, Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill Heads to Governor Pritzker’s Desk. Landmark Illinois legislation builds on the momentum from the Massachusetts rideshare union…
Hastings calls for fair distribution of water infrastructure investment State Senator Michael E. Hastings called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure fairness and balance in a proposed $200 million infrastructure plan filed by Illinois American Water ─ raising concerns about how those investments are distributed across the state. During a hearing in Springfield, Hastings…
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Hastings calls for regulation on online prediction markets skirting Illinois gambling laws SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is calling for support on legislation aimed at addressing online prediction platforms that allow users to wager money on real world events while avoiding the licensing and oversight required of regulated gambling operators in Illinois. “These…
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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Senator Michael Hastings reacts to Illinois’ State Farm lawsuit SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s lawsuit against State Farm, which claims the firm is breaking the law by refusing to turn over homeowners’ insurance data to the state for regulatory examination: “The…
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The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Chicago, IL – The proposed Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs. “The only result guaranteed in…
Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Chicago, IL – The Illinois Legislature should not rush to approve a battery energy storage proposal that guarantees out-of-state battery companies a 20-year profit paid for by Illinois utility customers, a leading energy ratepayer advocacy association said Wednesday. Phillip Golden, chairman…
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…
Lisa Hernandez Responds to Governor’s State of the State: Cost of Living is My Top Priority SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, outlined her strong commitment to cutting the cost of living for everyday Illinoisans in her response to Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address. “While we again face a…
Senator Michael Hastings announces Matteson set to receive nearly $27 million to improve local roads and highways State Senator Michael E. Hastings is excited to announce that the Village of Matteson is set to receive $26.6 million in investments to improve local roads and highways. “Our highways and roads serve as a lifeline,” said Hastings…
Representative Cyril Nichols discusses legislation to grant MBE status to Arab Americans on Arab Radio State Rep. Cyril Nichols interviewed on live Arab American radio in Detroit with host Ray Hanania Friday Dec. 9, 2022 discussed his legislation to grant MBE status to Arab Americans and called on Arab Americans to build coalitions with the…
Fran Hurley invites residents to share Legislative Ideas, Thoughts on How to Make State Government More Efficient As a new legislative session approaches, state Rep. Fran Hurley is encouraging residents to share their thoughts on potential laws that would help and support the local community. “I’m currently in the process of reviewing ideas for legislation…
Hurley Backs Efforts to Help Recruit Officers A pair of new laws supported by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, will enhance incentives to recruit and retain quality law enforcement officers. “The police profession is incredibly difficult and demanding – which is why we have to do what we can to support officers and ensure that…
I like Mike, it’s the politician losers who don’t No other politician has had a greater impact on trying to strengthen Illinois than Mike Madigan. With a career spanning more than half a century, it’s unavoidable that a politician will face a serious challenge from his enemies, including from a Trump appointed U.S. Attorney. But…
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Kodatt selected to succeed Madigan by 22nd District community leaders Leaders of the 22nd Illinois House District voted to name longtime district resident Edward Kodatt as the successor to fill the seat held since 1971 by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. The vote reflects the will of the district’s voters and community leaders and…
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Legislature passes budget to help victims of COVID-19 Maintaining social distancing and meeting at the Bank of Springfield Building, a multi-purpose arena that holds 80,000, the Illinois House approved a $42.6 billion budget to provide support to victims of the coronavirus and ensuring that statewide services to residents continues, ending an 11-week recess forced by…
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Illinois House adopts COVID-19 guidelines in advance of meeting House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Tuesday: “Last week when I announced the House would return to Springfield, I asked all members to commit to safety precautions approved and guided by the Illinois Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of…
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Ford Introduces Legislation to Save Lives in the Opioid Overdose Epidemic Emphasizing that we have to do everything that we can to save lives during the epidemic of deaths from overdoses, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation to make sure that those who have suffered an overdose have the antidote medicine…
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