Hastings builds on missing persons identification methods
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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work by advancing legislation that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.
“Families dealing with a missing loved one should not have to wait for answers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation would ensure vital information, such as dental records, gets into the right law enforcement systems sooner — increasing the likelihood of timely matches and helping law enforcement and families get results.”
Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 would update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.
Read more: Hastings builds on missing persons identification methods
Holmes and PaintCare roll out household paint recycling program in Illinois
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SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Linda Holmes welcomed representatives of PaintCare, Inc. to the Capitol to announce early progress in the new statewide household paint recycling program, created by Holmes’ 2024 Paint Stewardship Act.
Many households and businesses have old, unused cans of paint in their basements or garages; there have been few options to dispose of them safely. Beginning in December of 2025, designated collection centers at familiar paint retailers began opening across the state for environmentally safe disposal.
Holmes’ Paint Stewardship Act was passed and signed in 2024, and the program has been in development by PaintCare and their stewardship cohorts throughout 2025.
Read more: Holmes and PaintCare roll out household paint recycling program in Illinois
Collins proudly welcomes $40.5 million manufacturing expansion of DMG MORI in Chicago
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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation and Chicago city officials to announce more than $40.5 million is being invested by DMG MORI Federal Services, Inc. to create a new R&D facility in the Chicagoland area with 74 new full-time positions.
“As the state senator representing Illinois’ 5th Senate District, I am proud to welcome DMG MORI’s expansion in our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This investment reminds me how powerful it is when people come together to learn and uplift our neighborhoods.”
DMG MORI, a leading global manufacturer of high-precision machine tools with its North American headquarters in Hoffman Estates, has committed to establishing a new advanced manufacturing and R&D facility in Chicago. The company has identified a site featuring 25,000 square feet of office space and 65,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space to support the growth of the company.
Read more: Collins proudly welcomes $40.5 million manufacturing expansion of DMG MORI in Chicago
Castro leads the charge on cellphone ban in classrooms
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OAK PARK - State Senator Cristina Castro held a press conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker to advocate for legislation she’s spearheading that would prohibit cellphones in classrooms.
“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education in a productive and welcoming setting,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Reducing the harms of constant cellphone usage by students in the classroom supports academic achievement and ensures the best environment possible for learning and growth.”
Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction in their classroom is a major problem. Castro is spearheading Senate Bill 2427 to support learning environments where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. The measure would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day – from “bell to bell.”
Read more: Castro leads the charge on cellphone ban in classrooms
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Holmes’ new law gives family courts guidance to resolve pet custody when domestic partners split
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes remains steadfast in pursuing legislation to improve living conditions for animals, as her measure providing statutory guidance to Illinois courts when considering pet possession when unmarried couples break u... -
Porfirio resolution honors U.S. Marine Corps
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio led a resolution to honor the U.S. Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. “Since its creation, the Marine Corps has played a key role in protecting and safeguarding the security and fr... -
Hastings: Freedom is never free
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in supp... -
Jones honors fallen state trooper with memorial highway
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III successfully led a resolution to rename a portion of I-55 in honor of late State Trooper Clay M. Carns. “Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years – diligently and faithfully... -
Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week
SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua...
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