`Erin`s Law` provides age-appropriate abuse education for kids
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Governor Quinn signed a bill into law Thursday that directly impacts children. The new law will educate kids about sexual abuse, with an age-appropriate curriculum in schools.
Erin's Law is named after Illinois-native Erin Merryn, who was sexually abused when she was a child. But the Schuamburg native said she didn't know to tell anyone - because she didn't know how.
Merryn, 27, has been pushing for more education about it in schools. She told Good Day Chicago about her initiative early Thursday morning, saying has gotten the law passed in five states, and won't stop until it's passed nationwide.
The measure known builds on the requirement for middle and high schools to provide sexual assault and abuse education. Under the law, schools must instruct pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students in an age-appropriate manner.
Quinn signed the legislation Thursday at the Northwest Cook County Children's Advocacy Center in Hoffman Estates. The governor invited her to a February national meeting of governors to talk about the issue.
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Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
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One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
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Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
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On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
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Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
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A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
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A former Maine West High School soccer coach has been charged with multiple misdemeanor counts involving the battery and hazing of players on his team.
A former Maine West High School soccer coach has been charged with multiple misdemeanor counts involving the battery and hazing of players on his team.
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Karen Lewis has been talking for months about defeating Rahm Emanuel at the next mayoral election, but first she's fighting to keep her own job as president of the Chicago Teachers Union.
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It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Lakeshore Learning's Ray Hernandez shared some last minute gifts designed by teachers available in Chicago, Orland Park and Palatine – all less than $20!
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Lakeshore Learning's Ray Hernandez shared some last minute gifts designed by teachers available in Chicago, Orland Park and Palatine – all less than $20!
Sunday was a very special day for Donna Barber and her daughter Ladonna Watts. They graduated with master's degrees from Ashford University – together! They spoke on their great accomplishment Monday.
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Loyola University will open a $60 million energy-efficient complex this summer, to house the "Institute of Environmental Sustainability," run by Nancy Tuchman. Students will train for green jobs of the future.
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First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign is making waves on the national level, so Good Day Chicago wanted to showcase a local school that is one of the healthiest in the city.
First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign is making waves on the national level, so Good Day Chicago wanted to showcase a local school that is one of the healthiest in the city.
