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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor’s prescription. PrEP is one of the most effective means of preventing HIV infection. Studies have shown that when taken as directed, it reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission by as much as 99 percent. The order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, will make it easier for people at risk of exposure to HIV to obtain either of the two oral medications used in the PrEP regimen. It also streamlines the process for pharmacists to receive reimbursement for providing PrEP services. HIV remains a concern in the state, although the picture is improving under Governor JB Pritzker’s Getting to Zero Illinois (GtZ) program, with a goal of zero new HIV transmissions in the state by the yea

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SPRINGFIELD – Twelve Illinois students who brought new dimensions to their artwork were named winners of the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. The top entries in four age groups were from George Bandik, 6; Uthman Serir, 10; Alaina Karban, 13, and Steven Jiang, 15. They will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, alongside eight runners-up. Karban, 13, a Belleville student, won in the grades 6-8 category with a colorful farmscape. “As my car pulls up in the rocky driveway of my great-grandpa’s farm, I can see the vibrant colors and fun that awaits. … What more could I ask for as my great grandpa lifts me off my feet to give me a big hug,” said the student at Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville. Their entries took viewers from a peaceful farm to the depths of the sea and celebrated relationships ranging from two friends to the

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Did you know that employees who work in well-designed home offices are up to 20% more productive than those working in makeshift spaces? With remote work becoming a staple rather than an exception, the environment in which you work has a profound impact on your efficiency, creativity, and overall well-being. Crafting a home office that promotes productivity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment in your professional success. Understanding the Foundation: Space and Ergonomics The first step in creating a productive home office setup is choosing the right location. While it might be tempting to work from your couch or kitchen table, these spaces often lack the structure needed for sustained focus. Choose a Dedicated Space: Ideally, select a quiet corner or a spare room where you can establish a boundary between work and personal life. This physical separation helps condition your brain to switch into “work mode,” reducing distractions. Prioriti

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April 23rd is a date steeped in historical significance, weaving together a tapestry of cultural, political, and scientific milestones that have left an indelible mark on the world. One of the most celebrated events on April 23rd is the birth and death of William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. Born in 1564 and believed to have died on April 23, 1616, Shakespeare’s works continue to resonate globally, influencing literature, theater, and modern storytelling. His plays—ranging from tragedies like Hamlet to comedies such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream —explore the depths of human emotion, societal structures, and the complexities of identity, securing his place as a timeless cultural icon. In 1564, the same year as Shakespeare’s birth, Miguel de Cervantes was baptized, who would later author Don Quixote , another cornerstone of Western literature. This coincidence highlights April 23rd as a day of prolific

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GLEN CARBON – Preparations are well underway for the 2025 Glen Carbon Homecoming, with new food vendors and other details announced at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Held every year during Father’s Day weekend, this year’s Homecoming is set for Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, 2025. The weekend of community festivities will precede Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15. The village’s Communications Manager, Nicole Dicks, gave a brief update on the status of this year’s event. “We do have some new food vendors for this year that I’m excited about,” she said. “Hertz Chicken just signed on, Spud Shack, and Franko’s Dogs and Bratz – we’ve never had a hot dog vendor.” At least two food vendors from past Homecomings will also return this year, so far including Taste of Romeo’s BBQ and the Mexican Honorary Commission. Dicks said the village also secured a contract with Fountain City Amusements

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CLINTON COUNTY - On the evening of April 21, the sheriff’s office responded to emergency calls reporting individuals trapped in floodwaters on Airport Road, just east of Billhartz Road. At 8:22 p.m., neighbors from three nearby residences arrived at the scene after hearing calls for help. They found a man who said his vehicle had been swept away, with his wife still inside. First responders soon arrived and heard a woman screaming for help. Two of the neighbors, Brandon and Lucas Wobbe, returned to their home to retrieve a small boat. They launched it and navigated the dark floodwaters using only flashlights. Within minutes, the Wobbe brothers located the woman clinging to vegetation and rescued her by pulling her into the boat. They then traveled through the woods and down a deep ditch to reach a waiting ambulance, where emergency personnel took over. The coordinated efforts of neighbors and first responders played a crucial role in the rescue during the dangerous flooding

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ALTON - Mothers Unique Grief Support Group will host a bench dedication and dove release to commemorate children who have been lost in the community. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, community members are invited to take part in the ceremony at Killion Park. Mary and Joyce, two members of Mothers Unique, noted that their group works hard to support grieving mothers. “The person that loses a partner is called a widow. A child that loses a parent is called an orphan. But there’s no word to describe a parent that loses a child because that loss is like no other. And that’s true,” Joyce said. “My daughter’s been gone seven years, and it’s like — it just comes on. Some days, you’re fine. Some days, everything, birthdays, holidays, just brings something to you.” Mary shared that she lost her son in 1997. She tried to start a grief support group in 2001, but realized she wasn’t ready. In 2017, she founded Mothers

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ALTON - Community leaders gathered at OSF St. Anthony’s for a Mass and Blessing to mark the hospital’s 100th year in the community. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki from the Diocese of Springfield traveled to Alton to give Mass and bless the hospital and its staff. The hospital was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in 1925. Those in attendance, including today’s sisters, said it was a powerful experience. “I knew this was going to be a day where I would tear up multiple times, and that came true,” said Sister Beata Ziegler, FSGM. “The sisters truly pray for this community every day. It’s an important part of what we do. We don’t just do the work, but we also support the community with our prayers. That’s a privilege for us.” Invited guests and OSF mission partners reflected on the significance of St. Anthony’s 100th anniversary. Sister Beata Ziegler, FSGM, and

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GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is proud to announce that more than $17,000 in state-funded library grants have been awarded to public school libraries throughout the 56th Senate District. These grants aim to enhance educational and research opportunities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. “This funding is a direct investment in our students' academic success and personal growth,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to see this investment in our local schools, giving students access to the tools and technology they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.” The annual Library Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, supports the development of school library services by funding resources such as books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and educational programs. The following school districts in the 56th Senate District have been

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JACKSONVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders in Jacksonville today to announce state-funded grant awards totaling $30 million for 25 grantees through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic initiatives. “As Governor, one of my top priorities is to reverse decades of neglect and broken promises and bring jobs, opportunity, and hope back to communities across Illinois, while breathing new life into our downtown corridors and beyond,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program will directly support 25 communities across the state by funding critical community development projects, housing and infrastructure all while revitalizing commercial corridors.” "These investments

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SPRINGFIELD – Annually, Illinois adds more than 100 new, active Tier 2 chemical facilities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) tracks each one of them. “We monitor stored chemicals as well as all reports of releases or spills,” explained IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat during Hazardous Materials Safety Month. “We should all be familiar with the chemicals that are used near us by more than 9,000 active facilities,” IEMA-OHS Interim Director Khayyat continued. “These chemicals could be used every day as detergents, fuels, medicines, and more and IEMA-OHS is prepared for any incident that involves these chemicals.” IEMA also works with Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), first responders, and emergency managers to inform the public about hazardous materials located at more than 8,800 active chemical facilities throughout Illinois. It addition, it partners with the Illinois Fir

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SPRINGFIELD – With construction ramping up across the state, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners, local agencies and frontline construction workers today teamed up for National Work Zone Awareness Week to remind the public to “Respect the zone so we all get home.” “Whatever the mode of transportation, we will all be traveling through work zones over the upcoming weeks and months,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The people you see working on our roads, on equipment, or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s loved one, a friend, a neighbor, part of our community. Working together, we can ensure their safety and yours. Let’s make this the safest construction season ever in Illinois.”

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on northbound I-55/70 at the exit to IL 157 Collinsville/Edwardsville exit (Exit 11) beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2025, weather permitting. The left lane on NB I-55/70 and the NB entrance ramp from IL 157 will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over IL 157. A detour will be marked to assist travelers to access NB I-55/70 from IL 157. The NB I-55/70 Exit Ramp to IL 157 will remain open during construction. All lanes are expected to re-open by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow

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GODFREY - Godfrey officials are advising residents in advance of an upcoming stormwater management project by the Village Public Works Department that will briefly close a portion of Bethany Lane to replace/upgrade a stormwater drainage culvert. On Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bethany Lane will be closed between King Oaks Dr. and Mars Drive to replace/upgrade a stormwater drainage culvert. The detour for West bound traffic on Bethany will be to exit on to Mars Drive to Mercury Drive to N. Humbert. The detour route for traffic heading East on Bethany Lane going past King Oaks Drive will need to stay north bound on N. Humbert past Bethany Lane then turn on Mercury Drive then go to Mars Drive (to get back on Bethany Lane) for east bound traffic. Godfrey’s Public Safety Administrator, Chris Sichra informs that local first responder agencies and mutual aid partners (Fire, Police, EMS), as well as local bus companies and MCT, have already been notified of the

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TROY - Do you or will you have any open positions for students who are 15-18 years old? Remember, many of these students will be graduating in May and seeking employment. If this criteria fits your business, we encourage you to sign up for our Triad High School Job Fair, set for Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Triad High School. In just two hours, you will meet a wide array of Triad students! The link below will provide you with the registration application. There is no charge to participate and this event is only available for our Chamber members. This year we are also encouraging our members to sign up who provide services and/or resources for the students. This is a great opportunity to let the students know more about your business. This is something new we have added this year. Just another way to promote your business! http://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/form/view/25914

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BETHALTO - Ryne Breyer, senior at Civic Memorial High School is signing with Illinois College on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Civic Memorial. Ryne chose Illinois College for his nursing and Spanish degree over several others including Case Western Reserve University, Milliken, and Illinois Wesleyan. Ryne is an Illinois State Scholar, Silver Medallion Recipient, President of Spanish National Honor Society, student leader for Bethalto School District Special Olympics, recipient of the Phillips 66 Scholarship, and on track to be Salutatorian for the class of 2025. He has played tennis for Civic Memorial for four years and looks forward to continue playing at Illinois College.

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ALTON – CKA Foundation International Inc., a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving communities through holistic outreach and support services, is pleased to announce its relocation to Alton, Illinois as of January 2025. Originally founded in 2020, the organization is currently undergoing renovations at its newly donated facility and anticipates opening to the public in the near future. CKA Foundation exists to equip, uplift, and empower individuals and families by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Its comprehensive services include: Life Training Programs : Practical guidance in areas such as personal leadership, goal setting, conflict resolution, time management, financial stewardship, and decision-making—all rooted in biblical principles. Biblical Studies & Discipleship : Faith-based classes and discussion groups that offer spiritual growth, encouragement, and a solid foundation for living a purpose-driven life. Fitness

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off the office’s multi-faceted “One Road. One Focus” public safety campaign that raises awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. The effort features: 1) a new video requirement for student drivers; 2) billboard ads to raise awareness; and 3) expanded distracted driving patrols. Geared toward younger drivers, the initiative coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April to raise awareness and encourage safer driving practices. In 2023, nearly 3,300 people were killed and over 300,000 people were injured in car crashes involving distracted drivers, latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal. “Despite understanding the dangers, people still give in to the temptation to pick up their phone while behind the wheel. This ‘intexticated driving’ is the drunk driving of our time and is 100 percent

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor and Coroner Nick Novacich will be operating the drop-off site in coordination with the DEA. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in Edwardsville: Madison County Administration Building, 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Coroner Novacich said: “By reducing the number of prescription medications on our streets and in our homes, we are helping ensure these drugs don’t fall into the wrong hands. Properly disposing of unneeded and expired medications is a simple yet powerful way we can all contribute to making Madison County a safer place to live.”

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JERSEYVILLE - This Easter season, our students truly embodied the spirit of giving through our annual Shining Knight Program and Ronald McDonald Easter Project. In keeping with the Knights' pledge — “Be a Knight, Do it Right, We are Christlike, We are Respectful, We Care!” — our students went above and beyond in their efforts to serve others. Barbie McCormick, a first-grade teacher, said through generous cash donations of over $450 and an abundance of needed supplies — including coffee, paper plates, toiletries, and coloring books — "our school community was able to provide meaningful support to families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses. These gifts offered comfort and care when families needed it most." "In recognition of our students’ incredible efforts and Christlike service, the Catholic Booster Club (CBC) rewarded each student with a movie ticket to see Moana 2," she said. " We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CBC and Stadium Theater

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