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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: Children's

MyPlate.gov says toddlers should sit upright for meals and snacks and not wander while eating items such as hot dogs, candy, nuts and seeds, raw carrots, grapes or popcorn, which may cause choking. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 25, 2024

University in IL studies link between toddler food access and development

Parents wanting to ensure their children have nutritious meals can serve as their best example, according to new data. Research from the University …

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The University of Illinois-Chicago recommends children use a straw to help reduce the contact of sweetened beverages with teeth. (Adobe Stock)
Parents' dental habits set the tone for kids' healthy teeth

February is Children's Dental Health Month and experts said getting kids started early on good oral care sets the stage for a healthy lifetime habit…

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers its Soul Shop for Black Churches program to help faith leaders minister to congregants who may be struggling or who have been affected by suicide. (Adobe Stock)
Research shows harmful social media content impacts Black youths

Social media platforms are used by practically everyone but most widely by teens. One study pinpoints a link between online racism and higher rates …

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The Illinois State Board of Education Literacy Standards indicate fourth graders should be able to determine the main idea of a text, explain how it is supported by key details and summarize the text. (Adobe Stock)
Report: Illinois' child well-being varies widely by race

A new report looks at children's well-being in every state and finds in Illinois, the outcomes vary greatly depending on race. In its Race for …

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According to America's Health Rankings, 16% of Illinois' children live in households below the federal poverty threshold, ranking Illinois as 27th in the nation for child poverty. (Adobe Stock)<br />
IL advocacy group insists state’s tax system hurts children

A new analysis of state tax systems finds the Illinois tax structure is unfair to low- and middle-income households, especially those with children…

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This year Illinois lawmakers passed a bill ending life sentences without parole for people in Illinois who were under 21 when they were arrested. (Adobe Stock)
More work needed on juvenile justice reform

Advocates for juvenile justice reform recently gathered in Chicago to find ways to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. Herschella …

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According to the 2018 Illinois Autism Project Report, the prevalence of autism in Cook County was 1 in 46 children, which is higher than the statewide prevalence rate. (Adobe Stock)
Back-to-School Tips for Families of IL Kids with Autism

For a child on the autism spectrum, returning to school after the summer break may be viewed with anxiety and hesitancy. However, parents can pave …

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Young people who are adjudicated as delinquent may be placed in multiple types of facilities, from youth prisons and detention centers, to residential treatment facilities or group homes. (Jan H. Andersen/Adobe Stock)
IL Sees Significant Long-Term Decline in Youth Incarcerations

Illinois is seeing a steady drop in youth arrests and therefore, fewer adolescents locked up in juvenile and adult detention facilities. Josh Rovner…

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The new Kids Count Data Book says 54% of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool, which prepares young learners for elementary school. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)
Report: Childcare Biggest Challenge for IL Families

Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for …

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Feeding Illinois, which operates a network of food banks across the state, says one in 12 Illinois residents struggles with food insecurity, including one in nine children. (Aaron Doucett/Unsplash)
Increased Work Requirements Mean Fewer SNAP Benefits for Ilinoisans

Almost 2 million people in Illinois receive SNAP food assistance, but several hundred thousand are expected to lose access to it at the end of …

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Breaking down big tasks into smaller steps helps children develop what experts refer to as executive function skills. (Delete/Adobe Stock)
For Some IL Students, Summer Means Practicing School Preparedness

Tasks like packing a suitcase for summer travel may be difficult for some Illinois children. Experts said parents and caregivers can help kids over …

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In addition to preschool investments, Smart Start Illinois includes $12 million for scholarships and internships to expand the childcare workforce. (junce11/Adobe Stock)
More Illinois Toddlers Head for 'Smart Start' in Early Education

Researchers say a lot of learning begins even before birth - and especially between birth and age five. Gov. JB Pritzker's "Smart Start Illinois" …

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