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In 2022, Harvard University established an endowment fund for $100 million for slavery reparations. Many major cities have taken up the issue of reparations, but few have completed action on it. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

IL city makes tangible effort to atone for discrimination

By Torsheta Jackson for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

An Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission year-end report said 388 youths, male and female, were admitted into juvenile detention centers as of December 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Digital court hearings cause uneasiness for young offenders

Online conferencing was a lifeline for school lessons and business meetings during the pandemic. However, there is concern about the effects of …

A 2019 report by the Cook County Advisory Board called for the end of punitive room confinement but Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice officials found in 2022, the disciplinary measure is still used. (Adobe Stock)

Summit paints grim picture of IL juvenile detention centers

At a Wednesday summit, advocates for juvenile justice reform took up the most recent slate of complaints about Illinois' juvenile detention centers…

The abortion drug mifepristone remains available in 19 states, including Illinois, while a pair of federal rulings are heard by a federal appeals court. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood IL: Abortion Pill Ruling a 'Political Stunt'

Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone…

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 9,700 abortions were provided for out-of-state residents in 2020, the most recent year such data is publicly available. (Adobe Stock)

With Roe Gone, Illinois Abortion Clinics Face Surge in Patients

With Roe v. Wade gone, Illinois is one of the few Midwestern states where abortions are still legal. Now the state's abortion clinics are bracing for …

According to the Pew Research Center, about 56% of Illinois residents believe abortion should be legal. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Braces for Potential Surge in Patients

As the future of abortion access is in limbo, Planned Parenthood of Illinois is preparing for a potential surge in patients from surrounding states…

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…

Black students are more likely to be suspended for discretionary reasons such as dress code or hairstyle. (simona/Adobe Stock)

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

Starting Jan. 1, a law goes into effect banning hair discrimination in Illinois schools. Studies have shown one in five Black women working in …

Illinois codified the right to abortion in June 2019. (gistavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

IL Reproductive-Rights Groups Protest Abortion Bans Before SCOTUS Session

CHICAGO -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Illinois and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the new Texas law banning …

Roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

IL Immigrant Allies Urge Congress to Pass Pathway to Citizenship

CHICAGO -- Advocates for immigrants and refugees in Illinois traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to push for a pathway to citizenship for up to …

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 …

Since 2016, McDonald's employees in the United States have filed more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment. (Fight for $15 and a Union)

Chicago McDonald's Workers File Sexual-Harassment Charges

CHICAGO - Three Chicago McDonald's workers have filed sexual-harassment charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging unwanted …

Researchers say Black communities are disproportionately affected by the bail-bond system. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Ending Cash-Bond System

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois lawmakers have the chance to ensure poverty is never the reason a person stays in jail. The Pretrial Fairness Act has …

Police say no arrests were made during Wednesday night's

Election Aftermath in Illinois: Speak Out, Avoid Violence

CHICAGO - Social-justice groups are reminding Illinoisans about their rights when it comes to defending democracy. Historic numbers of voters cast …

In Illinois, Black men ages 18 to 24 are nine times more likely to be jailed than their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Criminal Justice Report: 18-Year-Olds Don't Belong in Adult Court

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A new report puts some weight behind arguments that young adults should not be prosecuted in adult court in Illinois. The …

Illinois has nearly two million requests for mail-in-ballots. (AdobeStock)

Ballot Access Still a Challenge for Some Illinoisans with Disabilities

CHICAGO -- The pandemic has pushed the issue of voter access to the forefront, but for Illinois' disability community, it's more than just another …

Trump's "Proud Boys" Comments Spur Unease

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Civil-rights advocates are warning President Donald Trump's debate comments about a group known as Proud Boys could encourage far-…

Pre-trial juvenile detentions in Illinois fell 19% between March and April. (AdobeStock)

Data Shows Dozens of Pre-Teen Illinois Kids Detained in 2020

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Juvenile-justice advocates say Illinois is failing its children by allowing kids as young as 10 years old to be locked-up …

A record number of American voters are expected to cast a ballot by mail for the general election. (AdobeStock)

Vote-By-Mail Debate Heats Up in Illinois

CHICAGO -- With fewer than 90 days until the November election, the partisan divide over vote-by-mail appears to be growing in Illinois. To ensure …

Black ministers on the front lines of racism and police violence say the nation is at a catalytic moment in history. (AdobeStock)

Illinois Faith Leaders Ready to Catalyze the Moment

CHICAGO -- Faith leaders in Illinois are joining others from around the country as prophetic witnesses to respond to the national unrest. The …

DACA recipients across the country are parents to an estimated 200,000 American-born children. (Avid Creative/iStockphoto)

DACA Decision at Supreme Court Expected Soon

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A decision on the fate of 700,000 so-called Dreamers could come down as soon as Thursday from the U.S. Supreme Court. The case …

With the right to a speedy trial suspended in Illinois during the COVID-19 outbreak, advocates say youths being held in pre-trial detention should be released. (AdobeStock)

New Call for Action to Protect Kids Awaiting Trial in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- There's a new call to better protect children awaiting trial in Illinois during the COVID-19 outbreak. A number of organizations …

An estimated 250,000 people are jailed in Illinois awaiting trial, largely because they can't afford to pay the cash bail amount that was set. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Lawmakers Hear Pleas to End Jail Bond

CHICAGO -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently revealed his intention to end the use of cash bail or what is known as "money bond" in Illinois, and it's an …

New voting machines being used in Cook County use a QR code for the voting audit paper trail. (Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners)

Citizen Group Questions QR Codes for Voting Audits

CHICAGO -- Early voting for the March 17 primary is now under way for some Illinoisans, but a citizens group contends voters should wait until …

The League of Women Voters seeks to empower voters of all genders and political affiliations. (AdobeStock)

Key Defender of Democracy Marks 100th Year

CHICAGO -- August 26 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote in the United States. And this …

Researchers say the accumulation of disadvantage in housing and employment over the last generation has widened a stark and persistent racial wealth gap in the Midwest. (Whitefeldink/Pixabay)

Report Outlines Roots of Illinois' Racial Inequities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — New research says discrimination and segregation continue to plague Illinois and other Midwestern states. According to the …

One in five Illinoisans lives with a physical or mental disability that affects their daily functioning. (Agence DER/Adobe Stock)

ADA Marks 29 Years with Room for Improvement

CHICAGO – Legislation that has changed the lives of millions of Americans, including nearly one in five Illinoisans, marks its 29th anniversary …

More than 290 anti-abortion bills have been filed in 45 states this year. (traci1/Adobe Stock)

Illinois in National Spotlight for Defending Reproductive Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois state leaders are making moves this week to ensure women's rights to reproductive health care are protected…

Supporters of bail reform say cash bonds favor the wealthy. (3839153/Pixabay)

Illinois Lawmakers to Hear About Bail Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Il. — Illinois' Bail Reform Act of 2017 has been in effect for more than a year now. And lawmakers in Springfield will hear …

Illinois has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation for African Americans, according to a new analysis. (StockSnap/Pixabay)

Black Unemployment Rate an Issue for Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While all racial and ethnic groups are making gains in employment, new data reveals African Americans in Illinois are still …

One potential change to Chicago Police protocol is to avoid making arrests for minor offenses. (Pixabay)

Groups Call for More Reforms in Chicago Police Decree

CHICAGO – The public comment period for a consent decree to govern how Chicago Police officers use force and are held accountable ends today…

President Barack Obama signed an order establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls in 2009. (whitehouse.gov)

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Equality Issues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Human rights dvocates are hoping legislation that would advance the voices of women and the LGBT community will make it as …

ADA enforcement essentially relies on people with disabilities challenging violations. (dnv.org)

Advocates Say New ADA Bill Could Weaken It

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill in Congress aimed at strengthening the Americans with Disabilities Act may not be what it seems, according to its …

The People's Lobby is calling on federal lawmakers to implement a fair bail system. (Tom Gaulke)

Call for Bail Reform Across Illinois

CHICAGO – Now that a judge in Cook County has ruled that a court can't set bail amounts that people can't afford, advocates want that order …

Illinois residents could pay more to access the internet if net neutrality rules are abolished. (cub.org)

Clock Ticking Toward Net-Neutrality Decision

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The clock is ticking when it comes to a free and open internet in the United States, and watchdog groups are gearing up for what …

An author and researcher from the Midwest has tips on ending the racial divide. (Michael Carter)

Midwest Researcher Working to Reduce Inequality

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For many minorities, this month’s events in Charlottesville, Va., and the response to them come as no surprise…

Legislation signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner doesn't go along with President Donald Trump's stance on immigration. (il.gov)

Illinois Immigrants to Benefit from Bill Being Signed Monday

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While some Illinois Republicans are unhappy, the immigrant community is applauding Gov. Bruce Rauner for his promised …

As Illinois kids and parents shop for school supplies, state lawmakers are still bickering over school funding legislation. (Victoria Jordan)

Illinois Senators Override Governor's School Funding Veto

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- As kids are getting ready to start the school year in Illinois, there's still no funding plan in place to run the school …

Attorneys are busy preparing a lawsuit that would require the State Illinois to ensure better medical care for people in prison. (ACLU)

Illinois Prison Suit Could Go to Trial Next Year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Advocates for the nearly 50,000 people incarcerated in Illinois say they won't give up the fight to ensure those people …

There's a big gap in home ownership based on race in Illinois. (cdc.gov)

Increasing Diversity in Home Ownership

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Since 2004, home ownership rates for African Americans have been on the decline in Illinois and across the country. Several …

Although Illinois has some gender-identity protections in place, a new report says they could be at risk. (lgbtmap.org)

Report: Illinois LGBT Laws Could be Weakened

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Despite advances in recognizing and protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, a new report has …

Attorneys flocked to airports in Illinois and around the country to help those impacted by a travel ban issued by President Trump. (icirr.org)

Trump's Travel Ban Leads to More Protests, More Fear

CHICAGO — Immigrant rights groups are stepping forward to help those affected by President Trump's executive order barring entrance into the U.S…

There have already been fatal officer-involved shootings in DuPage County and Chicago since 2017 began. (chicagopd.org)

DOJ: More Police-Involved Fatal Shootings Than Reported

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Police officers have the legal authority to take lives, but keeping tabs on how many people are killed each year hasn't been easy…

The 1,200-mile Dakota Access pipeline route begins in North Dakota and ends up in Illinois. (epa.gov)

Group Urges Illinoisans to Support Standing Rock Protesters

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. – Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline continued over the holiday weekend, and hundreds have been arrested, but …

Advocates for women's rights say now is the time to mobilize at the grassroots level. (whitehouse.gov)

Post Election: Women Are Stronger Together

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hillary Clinton lost in her bid to become the first female president of the United States, something advocates say would …

A new study says Illinois has more children who need child care than there are facilities available. (Mike Baca)

Report: About Two-Thirds of Illinoisans Live in "Child-Care Deserts"

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new study shows Illinois has some of the highest numbers of so-called child care deserts in the country. The Center for …

Advocates are hailing a report calling for all the nation's youth prisons to be closed and the focus put on rehabilitation. (samhsa.gov)

Report: Close All Youth Prisons

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Children should not be kept behind bars, according to a new report that examines the ineffectiveness of youth prisons in …

Advocates say the Obama Administration has done more for the LGBT community than all other administrations combined. (whitehouse.gov)

LGBT Community Wants Candidates to Address Criminal-Justice Issues

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- With just over three weeks to go before the November 8 election, advocates backing a variety of issues are urging people to get …

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IL: Civil Rights