SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A controversial bill aimed at tightening restrictions on hemp products in Illinois failed to gain traction in the state legislature, leaving the future of the industry in limbo.

Illinois House Bill 4293 sought to impose strict licensing requirements on hemp businesses, similar to those for cannabis dispensaries.

What we know:

Governor JB Pritzker supported the bill, calling it a priority to address concerns about unregulated hemp products like Delta-8, which can produce a psychoactive effect.

Critics, however, argue that the proposed regulations would disproportionately impact small businesses. The Illinois Black Hemp Association raised concerns about high licensing costs and lengthy approval processes, warning that many entrepreneurs could be forced out of the market.

What they’re saying:

“I found that it helped me out in a wellness perspective but also saw it as an opportunity to create generational wealth in the Black community,” said Sam Wilson of the Illinois Black Hemp Association. “Unfortunately, now that dream is in jeopardy because the American dream is under attack and is under attack by our billionaire governor.”

For small business owners like Misty Nelson, who runs Sunkissed Greenz in Mokena, hemp is essential. She and her husband started their business in 2020 using their pandemic stimulus checks and now rely on hemp sales for 40% of their profits.

“If there’s a complete ban, our small business would go up in smoke,” said Nelson, who supports regulating Delta-8 rather than banning it outright. “We want to protect children, too. Instead of a ban, we’d like regulations that ensure safety while letting our clientele access natural remedies for sleeping, pain, and anxiety.”

Some lawmakers agree that regulation, not prohibition, is the way forward. State Representative La Shawn Ford supports age restrictions similar to those for tobacco and cannabis.

“We definitely need to regulate Delta products,” Ford said. “If we passed that today, I would be very happy.”

What’s next:

The Delta-8 issue of whether to regulate, ban, or not change anything is expected to return when the new General Assembly convenes.

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Authorities have released the identity of the person whose body was found last week in Forest Park in Springfield.

Last Tuesday evening, Springfield Police responded to the area of Trafton Road for a reported body found. When they arrived, they found a woman dead in the area of Camp Star Angelina.

On Thursday, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office identified the body as 56-year-old Joann Garelli of West Springfield.

The case remains under investigation by the D.A.’s office, in conjunction with the Springfield Police homicide unit.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

Copyright 2025. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.

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.