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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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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: Civic Engagement & Voting

Several lawsuits claimed the Illinois General Assembly used data from a private think tank rather than the U.S. Census Bureau to draw political district maps in 2023. (Adobe Stock)
Watchdog group gives IL lawmakers 'F' for redistricting process

A national watchdog group studied how all 50 states handle the biennial process of redrawing their congressional district lines - and has given Illino…

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Accessible voting booths require staff to assist with machine use and collect completed ballots from people who are considered 'print-impaired.' (petrushin1984/Adobe Stock)
Voting for People with Visual Impairments Could Get Easier in IL

A proposed measure in Illinois aims to improve access to the ballot for visually impaired voters. Senate Bill 282, introduced by Sen. Julie Morrison…

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According to The Sentencing Project, in 2022 an estimated 4.6 million Americans were ineligible to vote due to laws and policies. (Adobe Stock)
Groups Push for Voting-Restoration Rights for Incarcerated Illinoisans

Groups in Illinois are pushing legislation that would restore voting rights, including for people currently incarcerated. According to Stand Up …

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Backers of the Workers' Rights Amendment, approved by voters in 2022, say it will put an end to the existing gaps and exclusions in labor laws by guaranteeing union rights for all Illinois workers. (WH_pics/Adobe Stock)
New Year Brings Wide Variety of New Illinois State Laws

It's a new year, and more than 180 new laws are going into effect, which Illinoisans need to know about. The 2022 General Assembly passed bills …

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The Illinois Workers' Right Amendment expands workers' ability to form a union, but opponents say they will likely challenge the measure in court. (Nelos/Adobe Stock)
IL Amendment Expands Workers' Rights to Form Unions, Negotiate

Illinois voters approved a "Workers' Rights Amendment" to the state constitution which broadens the state workforce's rights to collective bargaining…

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More than 4.5 million ballots were cast during Illinois's last gubernatorial election in 2018. (Adobe Stock)
IL Lawmakers Weigh Bill to Increase Ballot Access for Visually Impaired

Lawmakers are set to wrap up their work in Springfield today, as Illinois's legislative session comes to a close. Among many items they'll be …

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Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who backed a nonpartisan redistricting process on the campaign trail, last June signed into law new House and Senate maps drafted by lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)
Advocate: Fair Redistricting Process in IL Could Curb Power Brokering

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is facing 22 charges of bribery and racketeering. The Chicago Democrat led the chamber for decades…

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Illinois is one of many states where lawsuits are either happening or expected around the redistricting process. (dark_blade/Adobe Stock)
Groups Challenge IL Legislative Maps, Cite Voting Rights Act

CHICAGO -- Court hearings in legal challenges to Illinois' proposed legislative maps are underway. Groups are challenging the maps, citing the Voting …

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Between 2020 and 2021, the number of LGBTQ elected officials serving across the U.S. increased by 17%. (michaklootwijk/Adobe Stock)
Census Lacks Key Data on LGBTQ Communities for Redistricting

CHICAGO -- Counties, towns and school districts across the state, and the Illinois Legislature, are drawing new voting district maps, with help from …

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In 2018, 82% of races for Illinois legislative seats were either uncontested or had challengers whose campaigns were not competitive. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)
IL Groups: Key to Redistricting is Keeping Communities Together

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The long-awaited, detailed demographic census data is set to be released Thursday, and in Illinois, good-government groups are …

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President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan includes $400 billion for what's known as the
Chicago Home-Care Workers Rally for Better Pay, Benefits

CHICAGO - Home-care workers in Chicago joined a national day of action Tuesday, urging Congress to prioritize funding for what's become known as the …

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A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know
Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

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