News and columns from Illinois.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — This small city just across the Mississippi from Illinois will have its first Pride celebration this spring. Local public radio station KRCU reported that it was being organized by local LGBTQ organization Cape Pride. From KRCU: Amber Moyers, who heads the board of directors for the LGBTQ+ advocacy group, says the event…
AURORA — Registration is now open for the inaugural 5K Rainbow Run & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk as a part of Aurora Pride this June. From the registration website: Registration Fees & Race Shirts Price through May 10th: 5K Run: $35 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: $25 REGISTER EARLY!! Race shirts guaranteed to those who register by…
CHICAGO — Howard Brown Health will have its annual meeting at Macy’s Loop location on Thursday, March 21. From the Facebook event: Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting, “Connecting the Dots with Care.” All Howard Brown Health patients, staff, and community supporters are invited to join us for a FREE event to review our…
INDIANAPOLIS — Today, Republicans in the Indiana Senate removed the list of groups to be protected in a hate crimes bill expected to be up for a vote this week. Indianapolis radio station WIBC reported that the bill was rewritten with a 37-19 vote. The list has been replaced with a catchall statement saying sentences…
BLOOMINGTON — Two scholars will discuss the use of LGBTQ+ literature in classrooms at a talk at Illinois State University. Caitlin Ryan and Jill Hermann-Wilmarth, co-authors of the book Reading the Rainbow, will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. A reception will proceed the talk…
SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that raised the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. The State Journal-Register of Springfield reported that this also fulfilled one of Pritzker’s campaign promises. From the State Journal-Register: Illinois is on track to be the first state in the Midwest to…
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) has said any adult going this weekend’s Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) must have a child with them. EVPL Engagement and Experience Officer Heather McNabb told the Evansville Courier & Press that they want to make sure as many children can attend as possible. Library cards aren’t…
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana Sentate committee has voted a proposed hate crimes bill to the full senate for a vote. From FOX59 in Indianapolis: The committee heard nearly three hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents of the proposed bill. The biggest hang up for Indiana is whether the law would include specific classes, like sexual…
BELOIT, Wisc. — The Yellow Brick Road Organization of Beloit is hosting an inclusive game night this Wednesday From the Facebook event: Join us for a night of games, good food, and laughter! This is a LGBTQIA+ social event for us to get to know one another and create a sense of community. Open to…
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana General Assembly is considering a bill that would let pharmacist refuse to give abortion-inducing medicine if they have moral or religious objections. From WTHR-TV in Indianapolis: The proposal endorsed by a state Senate committee would expand a current law that prevents doctors or hospital employees from being required to participate in…
