Orangeville Native Tessa Janecke Selected to U.S. Olympic Hockey Team
I want to extend my congratulations to Tessa Janecke of Orangeville on her selection to the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team.
Tessa has established herself as one of the most accomplished players in college hockey and continues to shine with the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her impact on the program has been nothing short of historic.
On the international stage, Janecke has already proven she belongs among the best in the world. Competing with the United States women’s senior national team at the IIHF World Championships and in the Rivalry Series against Canada, she has recorded 28 points — 13 goals and 15 assists — while bringing home two gold medals and one silver from world championship play.
Even more impressive, midway through her senior season, Tessa has become the all-time leading scorer in Penn State women’s hockey history, totaling 180 career points across 131 games.
The entire 45th District is proud to see one of our own representing our community and our country on the world stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics this February in Milan, and we will be cheering her on as she competes among the world’s elite.
Trump Sues Illinois for Putting Criminals Ahead of Public Safety
Recently, President Donald Trump and his administration filed a lawsuit to block a radical Illinois law that allows individuals to sue federal immigration agents for doing their jobs in or near courthouses.
I want to thank President Trump for stepping in and taking decisive action where Illinois Democrats once again failed.
HB 1312 is a reckless, anti–public safety law that puts illegal immigrants ahead of law-abiding Illinois families. It sends a clear message that criminals will be protected, while the men and women sworn to enforce the law will be punished for doing exactly what they were hired to do.
The lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, makes clear that this law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and deliberately exposes federal officers to harassment, intimidation, and increased danger on the job.
This law should be struck down immediately before it further erodes public safety in our state. Illinois should be working with federal law enforcement to uphold the rule of law, not sabotaging them to appease the far-left political agenda of Governor J.B. Pritzker and his allies.
I will continue fighting back against policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over Illinois citizens and make our communities less safe.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to an issue that often goes unseen and misunderstood.
Human trafficking can take many forms and does not only occur overseas or in large cities. It can happen in communities of all sizes, including here in Illinois. Traffickers often use manipulation, false promises, or pressure to take advantage of others, and victims may feel isolated or unsure of where to turn. Raising awareness helps communities recognize the signs and connect people with help sooner.
I believe Illinois has a responsibility to support victims, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure law enforcement and community organizations have the resources they need to help those affected. Education and cooperation are essential in addressing this issue and supporting recovery.
If you believe someone may be experiencing human trafficking, reporting concerns can lead to support and assistance. By staying informed and looking out for one another, we can help create safer communities and ensure victims know they are not alone.
