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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.

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Equality Issues

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Monday, May 14, 2018   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Human rights dvocates are hoping legislation that would advance the voices of women and the LGBT community will make it as far as Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk, and if it does, they're urging him to sign the bills.

Rep. Anna Moeller is co-author of SB 3249, which would require lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history to be taught in public schools.

The Elgin Democrat says it means Illinois students would learn about the significant historical events and contributions by LGBTQ people.

Critics cite religious freedom issues in opposing the bill, and say adding to the curriculum should be up to local school districts.

Moeller maintains the bill does that.

"School districts would have flexibility in how to implement and to teach these histories,” she explains. “They would be taught in grade-appropriate manners and at little or no cost to school districts."

The legislation has been approved in the Senate and is up for a vote in the House.

Moeller is also urging passage this week of Senate Bill 3402 and House Bill 5544, which would create the Illinois Council on Women and Girls.

Moeller says the idea is to break down the social and economic barriers that are holding women back, by giving them a louder voice in the development of public policy.

She adds that the legislation is modeled after the White House Council on Women and Girls that President Barack Obama created, but which was later dismantled by President Donald Trump.

"In response to that, we are moving forward with this council to ensure that Illinois continues to be a place where women are empowered and heard and women's issues are taken seriously."

If approved, the Illinois Council on Women and Girls would be created to advise the governor and the General Assembly on policy issues.


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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)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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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 …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

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Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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