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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Could Chicago Become Midwestern Leader on Paid Sick Leave?

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Thursday, June 16, 2016   

CHICAGO - Worker's rights advocates say Chicago is poised to become a Midwestern leader on paid sick leave for employees. A City Council committee today is considering a move to allow Chicago workers the right to earn up to five paid sick days per year. Advocates say that would help about 460,000 workers, who currently could be fired for missing work because of illness or for having to take care of a child or elderly family member.

Adam Kader, worker center director, with Arise Chicago said, last year more than 80 percent of city voters supported the idea on a ballot measure.

"This would be instant relief for many working families that would no longer have to choose between taking care of themselves, taking care of their loved one's health, and making sure that they are making money, that they are able to keep their jobs," he said.

But several business groups, including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association are opposing the idea, saying it would put another financial burden on small-business owners.

Kader said if Chicago lawmakers do approve the idea, a similar statewide paid sick-leave policy might not be far behind.

"In the past there have been attempts at the state level and I don't think the conditions were right for paid sick days to pass at the state level," he added. "My hope certainly is that after Chicago passes it, it will kind of revive interest."

Today's council committee meeting follows a statement from the Chicago-based American Medical Association, which this week adopted new policies "recognizing the public health benefits of paid sick leave." At least five states have updated their paid sick-leave policies in addition to major cities such as New York and Seattle.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


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