Illinois lawmakers passed new protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care with a bill headed to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.

Why it matters: The protections represent a fulfillment of Pritzker's promise last year to strengthen statewide abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

• Once the new provisions are signed into law, the state will be one of the most protective of abortion rights in the nation.

Between the lines: The provisions are about "ensuring that Illinois will continue to serve the thousands of people traveling to our state every month to receive abortions and other reproductive and gender-affirming health care, which they can no longer access in their home states," state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat and lead sponsor of the bill, said in a statement.

• In a statement, CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Jennifer Welch called the measure "a crucial piece of legislation" in keeping the state "a safe haven in the Midwest."

Zoom in: The legislation protects Illinois providers from out-of-state action intended to prosecute them for assisting and providing abortion or gender-affirming care that's legal in Illinois. It also:

• Shields patients from insurers that try to charge higher out-of-pocket costs if patients seek out-of-network care because their provider objects under the Health Care Right of Conscience Act.
• Gives birthing centers the right to provide reproductive care.
• Allows advanced-practice registered nurses and physicians’ assistants to perform abortions within the scope of their practice.

What they're saying: "In Illinois, we trust women, and we will protect their right to make their own decisions about their health care and their bodies," Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said in a statement after the bill passed the Senate.

The other side: "We have found ourselves at the point that any new pro-abortion law is no longer about protecting the right to get an abortion, but to come up with new and extreme ways to promote getting an abortion." Republican state Sen. Sally Turner said in a statement.

• Outgoing state Sen. Darren Bailey called the bill "pure evil."

Local experts predict mortgage rates, which hover above 6%, will shape our real estate market in 2023, reports Axios' Sami Sparber.

• Here's what they're saying:

There will be a resurgence toward city living

More favorable and level interest rates will help normalize the market, predicts Matt Silver, partner and senior broker with Corcoran Urban Real Estate.

• If coupled with a steady return to offices and low COVID-19 levels, this could "spur the rebirth of the Loop," Silver tells Axios.
• Those market shifts could boost sales volume and help stabilize prices, says Silver, president-elect of Illinois Realtors.

Conditions will test buyers

A lack of inventory, along with higher interest rates, could make the year challenging for homebuyers, predicts Rich Kasper, founder of The Kasper Group.

• "Today's first-time buyers knew nothing of interest rates above 6 or 7%, so the shock of what that equates to on their monthly payment will need to be digested," Kasper tells Axios.

Meanwhile, homeowners who have locked in a favorable rate are reluctant to sell, Kasper says.

More predictions

✈️ Both major airports are back online after an FAA computer outage grounded over 500 flights yesterday. (Block Club)

📧 Mayor Lightfoot's campaign sent an email asking CPS teachers to encourage their students to volunteer to "help Mayor Lightfoot win this spring." (WTTW)

👩‍⚖️ New court filings in the federal corruption case against former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan reveal that former U.S. Rep Luis Gutiérrez lobbied Madigan to get an ally on the ComEd board. (Tribune)

Next week brings the Lunar New Year, when noodles, among other lucky foods, get special attention.

• So we're dishing up our favorite Asian noodles in the area.

Justin's pick: If a restaurant has Dan Dan noodles, get out of the way because I might run you over to order it!

• For today, I chose the Chef's Special Cocktail Bar in Bucktown.
• The thick egg noodles are slathered in a sesame paste and topped with ground pork, peanuts, and, of course, Sichuan peppercorns ($15.50).

Monica's pick: The jajangmyeon or black bean noodles from Twin Dragon in Niles, which specializes in Korean-style Chinese food.

• I love these springy noodles bathed in a savory sauce made from soybeans, pork and vegetables ($10.95).
• For extra zing I stir in fermented bean paste and vinegar, and munch kimchi, sweet pickle and white onion between noodle slurps.

📫 Reply with your favorite Asian noodles for a lucky list next week!

🔥 Hot and fresh local job listings.

1. Sr. Account Supervisor, Consumer S&E at Zeno Group.
2. Medical Director at Mission Veterinary Partners.
3. Loyalty Consulting Director at Comarch.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

The final matchup is set, putting us on the brink of crowning the best music venue in Chicago.

Metro vs. Thalia Hall

Metro made it look easy by beating Schubas 65%-35% in the Final Four, but it was a closer battle between Thalia Hall and The Vic (53%-47%).

These versatile clubs host top touring bands, up-and-coming local acts, comedians and more.

• Metro (and its building) have hosted local gatherings since 1927. With about a 1,100-person capacity, it has served as a home club for great local bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Alkaline Trio.
• The 1892 Pilsen building that houses Thalia Hall is a designated Chicago landmark. The club can seat close to 1,000 and has hosted huge shows, including Dave Chapelle and Superchunk.

Crowning a winner is now up to you! Voting is open until 4:30pm today.

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