A parents’ group from the Chicago suburbs dropped its lawsuit that attempted to ban transgender students from using school restrooms and locker rooms associated with their gender identity, a move that supporters of transgender students say helps affirm the rights of  students across Illinois.   

As rapid-fire change comes at the federal level, advocates want to keep Illinois' status as one of the leading states in offering protections for LGBT individuals.

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk says he apologized, and that apology was accepted, so it's time to move on from a controversial comment he made at last week's debate minimizing his opponent's family legacy of military service.