Edly-Allen welcomes new operator for North Point Marina, securing upcoming 2026 season

WINTHROP HARBOR – With nearly one million visitors each year and hundreds of local jobs tied to its success, North Point Marina is a cornerstone of Northeast Illinois’ tourism economy. Following concerns about a potential closure, state and local leaders including State Senator Mary Edly-Allen have collaborated to secure a new operating agreement to keep the marina open for the 2026 boating season.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced that SkipperBud’s will serve as the new operator of North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, ensuring continued access to one of the region’s most important recreational and economic assets.

“When stakeholders such as government officials and community members collaborate effectively, we achieve more for Illinoisans,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Thank you to all who collaborated on a solution for our entire community.”

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Edly-Allen advances AI safety transparency to protect minors and prevent harm

SPRINGFIELD – A 2024 survey found over 60% of teens use artificial intelligence (AI) tools regularly, raising concerns about exposure to harmful content and unsafe interactions. With AI rapidly shaping daily life, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen proposed new legislation to ensure stronger safeguards for minors and the public.

“Companies are moving quickly to deploy increasingly powerful AI systems, driven by incentives for speed, scale and market dominance. But the incentives to ensure safety, especially for our children, are not keeping pace,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Power has to be matched with wisdom and accountability. If companies are developing powerful AI tools, they need to take responsibility for how those tools impact people, especially children and we need to act urgently.”  

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Edly-Allen advances comprehensive AI safeguards to protect children, ensure transparency and prevent high-risk harms

SPRINGFIELD – According to a 2025 report from Common Sense Media, nearly one in three teens report interacting with AI companions, raising concerns about the potential for manipulation, overreliance and unsafe interactions. As AI tools become more prevalent in daily life, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to ensure guardrails are in place to keep Illinois residents, especially young people safe.

“Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than our laws, and we have a responsibility to ensure innovation doesn’t come at the expense of safety,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “These measures are about putting thoughtful protections in place so families can trust the technology their children are using.”

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Edly-Allen targets harmful AI “companionship” features to protect users

SPRINGFIELD – As AI-powered software applications designed to simulate human conversation through text or voice commands, also known as “companion” chatbots, grow in popularity, concerns are rising about these AI tools’ impact on mental health. Studies show young people who rely heavily on AI for emotional support are more likely to report social isolation and dependency behaviors, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance new legislation to address those risks.

“It took Facebook 10 years to reach 100 million users. It took ChatGPT just two months to reach the same,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “The risks are not just about what children see on a screen. The risks are about systems that can interact with them, influence them, and, in some cases, replace human connection with something that feels real, but is not accountable, not fully understood, and not always safe.”

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