`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.
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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.
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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.
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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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