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Equality Illinois' Chicago gala honors activist who led charge to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015

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Equality Illinois' Chicago gala honors activist who led charge to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015


CHICAGO (WLS) — Equality Illinois’ annual gala is being held Saturday evening at the Hilton Chicago downtown.

This year marks 10 years since same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States.

Equality Illinois celebrated that milestone, but with a new White House administration, advocates said they are concerned that LGBTQ+ rights are under fire.

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Equality Illinois fights for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people.

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At Saturday’s gala, the group honored the person who led the charge 10 years ago to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S., Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court case.

While it’s considered a triumph, LGBTQ+ advocates said their fight is not over.

We have to keep fighting, otherwise marriage and so much of the progress that we have made in our nation for civil rights will disappear.

Jim Obergefell, LGBTQ+ activist

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“For us, it’s a reminder that we have a solid foundation of victories upon which to build,” Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson said. “It is good for queer folks that these rights remain stable.”

Under the music and chandeliers was a feeling that rings louder than the silent auction that began the evening’s gala.

“We will hold on to our rights, and we’re going to resist and fight back against any institution; be it a hospital, a school, a workplace, an employer, who tries to comply in advance with these terrible executive orders coming down,” Johnson said.

It was June 26, 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that all states must grant and recognize same-sex marriages.

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“My late husband, John, and I – we wanted to exist,” Obergefell said.

That fight was led by Obergefell after he sued Ohio for the state to recognize his marriage.

SEE ALSO | LGBTQ+ group rallies at UI Health after Trump administration sued over transgender care order

“We have to keep fighting, otherwise marriage and so much of the progress that we have made in our nation for civil rights will disappear,” Obergefell said.

Those efforts that led to a Supreme Court victory were honored at a sold-out gala Saturday, with local and state leaders in attendance.

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“The threats to all those gains are very, very real,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, (D) IL 5th District. “And, somehow, during the last campaign, the LGBT community has become the scapegoat, particularly the trans community.”

While the hundreds of attendees enjoyed the revelry and accomplishments, LGBTQ+ supporters say their fight must continue.

“We’re going to stop at nothing until LGBTQ-plus people are fully equal, fully safe, and fully affirmed under the law,” Johnson said.

“We are much more alike than we are different.” Obergefell said.

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Illinois

Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings

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Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings


Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”

Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.

The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.



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‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie

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‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie


ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Sunday, December 14, 2025 6:16PM

'Home Alone' house being restored to mirror Christmas movie

WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) — “Home Alone” is one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.

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The holiday classic debuted 35 years ago. Now, the iconic house featured in the film is in the spotlight, again.

It underwent an interior renovation and was sold earlier this year.

Now, ABC7 learned that it will be transformed back to the way it looked in 1990, when film audiences got to peek inside it for the first time.

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John Abendshien is the former owner of the Winnetka house. He has fond memories of the days spent filming the movie.

READ MORE | Original owner of ‘Home Alone’ house writes memoir about iconic movie

Abendshien said he and his family stayed and watched while the movie was being shot.

He has written a memoir called “Home but Alone No More.”

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Person of interest in deadly Cicero, Illinois stabbing apprehended after long pursuit

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Person of interest in deadly Cicero, Illinois stabbing apprehended after long pursuit



A suspect in a deadly stabbing was apprehended early Sunday morning following a pursuit from Cicero that ended up on Chicago’s Far South Side.

Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Cicero police were called after Ubano Diaz, 73, was tsabbed in the 3200 block of South 54th Court in the west Chicago suburb. Diaz was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died, Cicero police said.

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Police immediately identified a person of interest, who was found driving out of the town. They launched a pursuit as the suspect headed northeast on the Stevenson Expressway.

At 1:21 a.m. Sunday, Illinois State Police were called in to assist Cicero police with the pursuit as the suspect cruised up the Stevenson Expressway at California Avenue.

The pursuit kept going along the Stevenson and Dan Ryan expressways before finally ending at 119th Street and Vincennes Avenue west of I-57 in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at that point, Cicero and Illinois State Police said.

There were no crashes or injuries during the pursuit.

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Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public.

State police did not specify the route of the pursuit.



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