`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.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
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Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:55:58 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
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Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
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Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:40 GMT
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:19:16 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
