Illinois
Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs sweeping abortion protections into law
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into regulation sweeping reproductive well being care laws to guard out-of-state abortion seekers, including Illinois to the listing of states which have positioned authorized reinforcements across the process after the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s choice to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Along with shielding reproductive and gender-affirming well being care sufferers and suppliers from authorized motion originating throughout state strains, the act can even shield the Illinois licenses of well being care suppliers licensed in a number of states who present therapy authorized in Illinois however might price them their license in a state the place it’s not. The measure additionally prevents insurers from charging extra for out-of-network care when in-network suppliers object to therapy on ethical grounds.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS ‘TAKING ABORTION CARE ON THE ROAD,’ WILL OPEN MOBILE CLINIC IN ILLINOIS
“Right here in Illinois, we all know that reproductive care is well being care,” Pritzker mentioned. “A medical choice needs to be made between a affected person and their well being care supplier.”
Because the Supreme Court docket’s Dobbs choice in June left abortion legalization as much as the states, Deliberate Parenthood of Illinois has seen folks in search of therapy from 33 states, in contrast with 10 to fifteen earlier than the ruling. Deliberate Parenthood spokesperson Mary Jane Maharry mentioned roughly 30% of its sufferers are from exterior of Illinois, in comparison with about 6% pre-Dobbs.
Following the excessive court docket’s decree, many Illinois lawmakers and advocacy teams urged Pritzker to name a particular legislative session to bolster Illinois’ protections. As a substitute, Home Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch shaped working teams on abortion and different prime priorities, together with one which led to a ban on semiautomatic weapons Pritzker signed into regulation Tuesday.
The so-called Dobbs Determination working group was led by Chicago Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy. Talking earlier than a dozen lawmakers and advocates at Pritzker’s Chicago information convention, she proclaimed the regulation only the start.
“We should reply to the brand new ways in which bully states will provide you with to assault sufferers and suppliers,” Cassidy mentioned. “Our mission is obvious: If you wish to come after folks in search of care or their suppliers, in case your mission is to torment trans children and their households, you are going to should get via all of us first.”
CASE AGAINST ABORTIONIST WHO ‘INTENTIONALLY’ DEFIED TEXAS LAW DISMISSED
Mary Kate Zander, head of anti-abortion group Illinois Proper to Life, mentioned the governor’s “pro-abortion legacy is, in apply, harming ladies and depriving unborn youngsters of a possibility at life. This can be politically expedient for Gov. Pritzker right now, but it surely gained’t age effectively.”
However the measure’s Senate sponsor, Democratic Sen. Celina Villanueva of Chicago, mentioned such delicate selections needs to be left to people.
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“This laws consolidates Illinois as an island that protects reproductive and gender-affirming rights within the Midwest,” Villaneuva mentioned. “It locations our state on the forefront of a nation for granting folks the liberty to make their life selections.”
Illinois
Illinois lands a commitment from one of its top OL targets in Landen Von Seggurn
Omaha (Neb.) Millard South offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern has committed to Illinois.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Von Seggern was in Champaign over the weekend. He chooses the Illini over the likes of Iowa, Kansas and Kansas State.
Von Seggern becomes commit No. 4 for head coach Bret Bielema and his staff. Offensive line coach Bart Miller was the lead recruiter and was on him hard since offering in September.
“The coaches, the feeling of having Coach Bielema as my head coach for my college career is a different feeling,” Von Seggern told On3. “Knowing that he has sent the most linemen to the NFL in college football, and that being my final goal gives me a huge push towards my decision.
“And I love the way Coach Miller coaches. The way that him and I were talking football, it felt like I was already on the team and we were getting ready for the next game.”
Von Seggern felt very comfortable with the culture at Illinois as well.
“From the religious aspect, I want to thank the Lord for helping me on making my decision,” he said. “I have known the team pastor since I was young.
“The best thing about Illini is how they represent family. Most schools have players just playing for themselves. But Illinois has players not declaring for the draft to come back and play with their team. And that has a big impact on me, having that feeling that I have the same chance to do that with my future teammates.
“I have found my family and I am here to stay!”
As a junior Seggern helped Millard South to a state championship. He’s tabbed by On3 as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Nebraska and the No. 46 interior offensive line in the country.
A look at what the Illini have in the fold already.
Illinois
2026 Nebraska OL Landen Von Seggern excited to join Illinois family
Illinois has added to its family with a 2026 commitment. Omaha (Neb.) Millard South offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern announced his commitment to the Illini on Wednesday.
The Nebraska native visited Illinois on Jan. 11 and couldn’t have been more impressed with the visit.
“It was great, the thing that stood out the most to me was the hospitality,” Von Seggern said.
“The coaches were talking to me and treating me as if I was already a part of the team and the atmosphere was crazy at the basketball game. They have a very nice fan base and that is what made me want to be a part of the famILLy!”
Von Seggern selected Illinois over the seven scholarship offers that he holds. He took visits to Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas. But being in Champaign gave him the feeling that its where he needs to play college football.
Another thing Illinois had going for it was his relationship with coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Bart Miller. Bielema’s history with offensive linemen speaks for itself but Von Seggern has built a quick rapport with the pair.
“The relationship has grown very well,” Von Seggern said. “Especially for me only being up there three times. It felt like they had been my coaches already. I’m just super excited to get to work with them.”
Now the lineman’s college decision is out of the way and he can enjoy his senior year with his friends and family without worrying about where he will commit.
“The thing I’m looking forward to most about being part of the Illini is the atmosphere and the relationships between the coaches and players,” Von Seggern said. ‘FamILLy is a big thing at Illinois but they don’t just say it, they act upon it and live by it!”
Illinois
Plano, 1st Illinois community to recognize Juneteenth as holiday, cancels 2025 events
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:39PM
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PLANO, Ill. (WLS) — The first community to recognize Juneteenth as holiday in Illinois has canceled this year’s celebration.
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Plano, Illinois recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in February 2021. That same year, it became a state and federal holiday.
However, event organizers announced on social media that the 2025 Juneteenth celebrations were canceled.
The cancellation came due to “community engagement and negative feedback,” according to organizers.
Among the canceled events were the Martin Luther King Candlelight Bowling Fundraiser, Black History Month scholarship contest and the June Celebration at Emily G John’s School.
“My hope is that this is temporary but if the cancelation is determined that it needs to extend to 2026 then that would be the will and pleasure of the community,” organizers said.
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