CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated marriage equality in Illinois by attending the wedding of James Darby and Patrick Bova during a day of ceremonies at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago. The Governor announced yesterday that marriage equality is now in effect, allowing all couples in Illinois the ability to receive the rights and protections of marriage. The new law is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation.

"Three years ago to this very day I witnessed Jim and Patrick's special ceremony as they joined in civil union," Governor Quinn said. "Now I'm honored to be in attendance as they take the sacred vow of marriage. We worked hard to make this day possible but we never lost hope that love would prevail in the Land of Lincoln. Today we celebrate full marriage equality for all couples across Illinois."

James and Patrick have been together for 50 years. Their wedding is one of several ceremonies planned during a day of festivities at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago in celebration of the new law. The MCA opened its galleries and sculpture garden for the private wedding ceremonies and post-ceremony receptions.

Governor Quinn led the charge for marriage equality and signed the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on November 20, 2013, making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. The law is officially in effect as of June 1, allowing every couple in Illinois, regardless of gender, equal access to the status, benefits, protections, rights and responsibilities of marriage.

Governor Quinn first called for marriage equality in May 2012 and made it a top legislative priority, featuring it in his 2013 State of the State address. In November, the Governor signed the historic bill in front of thousands at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum. James and Patrick were also in attendance at the historic signing.

In addition to equal access benefits and protections, current provisions in the Affordable Care Act require all insurance companies to offer the coverage to all couples, regardless of their gender. This means that all married couples and their children can now enroll in a plan together in Illinois and may qualify for financial help on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Marriage and other qualifying life events may allow couples to get coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace through a Special Enrollment Period, but they must enroll in a plan within 60 days of the marriage or other life event. A Special Enrollment Period also allows residents to make changes to their current plan, like adding a spouse and children, changing carriers, and possibly getting financial help. To learn more about coverage options or to find free in-person help visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 866-311-1119 Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In 2011, the Governor signed into law historic civil union legislation. For the more than 6,000 couples across Illinois who have joined in a civil union, the law also allows the ability to convert a civil union to marriage and make the marriage date retroactive to the date of the civil union. When applying for a Special Enrollment Period, residents are asked to use the date their civil union was converted to a marriage.

NORTHFIELD, MN (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- The following local residents graduated from St. Olaf College. St. Olaf President David R. Anderson '74, awarded 785 diplomas to the class of 2014.

Laura Beck of Bettendorf graduated with an Individual major. She is the daughter of Timothy and Martha Beck .

Joseph Dickens of Bettendorf graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Mathematics major. He was awarded distinction in Mathematic sand Statistics. He is the son of Dan Dickens and Jayne Rose.

In his remarks, Anderson told the graduating seniors, "The habits of mind and heart are the elements of your St. Olaf education that will accompany you the longest after you leave campus and they will provide life direction for you. They include the ability to think analytically, to be creative and imaginative, to listen thoughtfully and with compassion, and to commit yourself to a set of values that guide your behavior."

St. Olaf College

One of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf offers a distinctive education grounded in academic rigor, residential learning, global engagement, and a vibrant Lutheran faith tradition. St. Olaf provides an uncommon educational experience that fully prepares students to make a meaningful difference in our changing world.

'Climate change is real and this proposal is a major action to address it'

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement on the proposed rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The proposal aims to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants by 30 percent by 2030.  The draft rule will now will now go through an extensive public comment period and stakeholder feedback process before being finalized.

Harkin was an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Bingaman-Specter climate bill introduced in the Senate in 2007 and has been a long-time leader in the move toward clean, renewable fuels. He authored the first-ever energy title in the 2002 farm bill to promote the production and use of biofuels and biobased products,  and to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for farmers and rural small businesses.  The 2008 farm bill extended these energy programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that has become hugely popular with farmers.   For background on Harkin's renewable energy work, click here.

"Today's announcement is a major step forward and I applaud the President and the EPA for this action.  Climate change is real, as we have seen by increased frequency of severe weather, in extended draughts and heat waves, in increases in heavy precipitation, and in flooding in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.  Today's proposed rule will deliver a significant reduction in carbon pollution from our largest single source, and thus it represents a major action to address climate change.

"The last time major Clean Air Act regulations on air pollution took effect on the power sector in the 1990's to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide; we were told that compliance would be an economic disaster.  Yet, the regulation had the opposite effect.  Environmental firms and small businesses generated $282 billion in new revenue and $40 billion in exports and supported 1.6 million new jobs.  There was no significant impact on electricity prices.  We are hopeful of the same, positive outcome from today's announcement.

"We also know that renewables are rapidly expanding as effective and economic power supplies.  In Iowa, we get more than 25 percent of our electrical power from carbon pollution-free wind.  Moreover, our power companies have already begun to shut down some of the older, less efficient coal-burning power plants.

"What the Obama Administration is proposing is bold action.  It will take time to implement.  But I have no doubt that it is in the best interest of our climate and our country's future."

The National Trappers Association is pleased to announce that Trapping Hall of Famer, Johnny Thorpe will be on hand to present a demonstration at the upcoming convention. This "living legend" has been at it for over 65 years. Johnny was inducted into the National Trappers Hall of Fame in 1996. He started writing trapping articles for major outdoor publications in 1956 and continues to do so to this day. Johnny lives in New York and has run long-lines in New Mexico, California and Arizona.

"Johnny Thorpe"; trapper, gold miner, wood carver, artifact collector and adventurer is one the last of the true mountain men. He will be sharing his tips, techniques and stories at the convention. This 80 year old, who started trapping professionally at age 15, will bring a wealth of knowledge to share. It also should be noted that he is a direct descendant of Jim Thorpe famous Olympic athlete. "All will enjoy his presence and demonstrations," stated Jim Fornetti, longtime member of U.P. Trappers. Johnny Thorpe will be one of many well-renown trappers and outdoor experts giving presentations hourly during the event. Veteran and novice trappers will enjoy learning tips, ideas and techniques from these pro's which will help to increase one's capture rate.

Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the largest outdoor event ever held in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Trappers from all over the U.S. and Canada will attend; many will make this annual convention a family vacation. There are many ladies and children's activities planned throughout the event. There will be ten buildings filled with inside vendors and most likely over 200 outside tailgate vendors selling all kinds of goods. Many bargains will be available and buyers will save as there are no shipping charges.

On Saturday night, the band Runaway Train will be on stage performing their great mix of bluegrass, classic rock, and both modern and classic country music. NAFA's Wild Fur Shipper's Council will present two Fur Fashion Shows, which are sure to be hits. They will show off the beauty of garments created from wild fur and emphasize fur as a "green," renewable resource, which it is.

The 2014 Convention hosted by NTA, CVB and UPTA is open to the general public and will be at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI for four big days, July 24-27, 2014. Hours are, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT and Sunday 8:00 am to noon. Admission is $10.00 for all four days, kids under 12 are free.

For further information on this great event, contact Tamara Masterson (248)568-5804; masterson@nationaltrappers.com. You can also visit www.convention.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com