Click Here for details.
Save Save Save Save
Published in the Sullivan Moultrie County News Progress on May 13, 2026
Op-Ed by DM Williamee
I have written in one form or another most of my life. From poems and short stories in first grade on grocery bags, compositions in high school, keeping a journal, multiple forms of writing taught in college, legal writing, and writing for professional publications, I have always loved putting thoughts to paper. Writing for a newspaper was a pivot for me, but one I welcomed and continue to try to become more skilled at each day. I read voraciously, and while I do own a Kindle and spend a lot of time in front of screens, I, like many others, prefer having a book, magazine, or newspaper in my hand and on my shelves. Why scroll endlessly when you can turn real pages, smell the scent of paper, and pause to consider the content? In today's busy world, any opportunity to slow down feels like a luxury.
In this digital age, many people suffer from information overload and the resultant stress. Is what is being read real news or fake news, and was it written by a human or artificial intelligence? With a newspaper, you can set these questions and stressors aside, put up one's feet, sip one's coffee, and experience your news more slowly and with a decided measure of confidence. Reading a newspaper is a tactile experience. The feel of the paper, the sound of turning pages, and the smell of ink on paper all create a sensory engagement that digital media can't replace. The physical interaction can enhance comprehension and retention, and studies have shown that people can absorb more information from print than can from screens. With paper, you can get out your pen and scissors and highlight points, do puzzles, or save information in a way you can't from a screen.
In this era where screens tend to dominate our daily lives, the humble paper newspaper continues to hold its ground. Online platforms, television, and radio offer instant news, but how relevant is it to you and what you care about? How much of it is truly local? Do you recognize names and place them with neighbors, friends, or family, or are they just more names in a world that already contains about 30 million of them on any given day?
Remember when you passed notes in school and often kept them to re-read and cherish? A text message or online content cannot recreate that same experience. Plus, the note folds many of us used were art in and of themselves. You could kick a note across the room to your recipient and watch them as they read it (as long as it wasn't intercepted?but that's another story). We didn't have texting back then, and the humble printed note did the job-and then some.
With the average person spending nearly seven hours each day staring at a screen of one form or another (per the CDC and information from DataReportal), newspapers offer a welcome respite from that glow. With no bright screens, constant notifications, and advertisements for everything under the sun, the reader can focus solely on the intended content without distractions. This is a more relaxed and enjoyable reading experience for most and helps promote both mental and emotional well-being.
Small town newspapers, especially, provide a level of local coverage that larger media outlets may overlook. They highlight community events, local politics, and neighborhood issues relevant to their readers. This can further a sense of community and belonging, keeping neighbors informed about what directly affects their lives and the lives of those they care about most. Online content also has, without a doubt, technological disadvantages in rural areas. Not everyone has reliable internet access, and phone screens for many are challenging to read. Real paper newspapers ensure that everyone, regardless of their digital connectivity, has access to news, which can be crucial for staying informed.
Online content can end up being an endless scroll of story after story, which may or may not be from a reputable source or written by a human being, or even relevant to the reader. Newspapers offer a curated selection of stories. Editors work hard to choose content that provides a balanced overview of current events. This curated and verified approach can help readers avoid the multi-faceted and overwhelming nature of online news feeds. Anyone who has looked up something online, say, when is the next community event at a community center, can easily find themselves wading through a mire of non-relevant information to find what they are looking for. It's similar to looking up a video on how to bake blueberry muffins 'real quick' and finding yourself an hour later watching a video on dancing kittens and wondering two things: how did I lose an entire hour, and how in the heck did I end up watching dancing kittens?
While digital media offers the convenience of instant access to non-curated news, the benefits of reading a traditional newspaper cannot be replicated or replaced. A local newspaper provides a tangible, focused, and community-oriented experience, and by reading a local newspaper, you support local journalists, advertisers, or editors who you can call on the phone and speak to, instead of finding yourself in a phone tree or listening to endless Muzak. Support is vital in maintaining the quality and independence of local reporting, ensuring that your community's voice-your voice- continues to be heard and not finding yourself living in a news desert.
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
Member Log-In + Contact Us + Events + PressLines + Job Bank + Advertising Toolbox + Upload Pages
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Pharmacists Association Garth Reynolds, BSPharm, RPh, MBA, FAPhA executive director 217-522-7300 greynolds@ipha.org www.ipha.org
Legislation modernizes pharmacist licensure through an education-focused approach to Illinois pharmacy law and practice readiness
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) today celebrated the passage of House Bill 4154, landmark legislation that modernizes pharmacist licensure in Illinois by transitioning from a standalone pharmacy law examination requirement to an approved Illinois pharmacy law education and assessment program. To support implementation of the legislation, IPhA is developing the Illinois Pharmacist Readiness and Orientation Program (ILPRO), a comprehensive educational program designed to prepare pharmacist licensure applicants for safe, effective, and compliant practice in Illinois. HB4154 represents one of the most significant pharmacist licensure reforms in Illinois in decades. The legislation transitions Illinois from reliance on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) to an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-approved Illinois pharmacy law education and assessment model, while maintaining the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) as the national competency standard for entry-level clinical competency. The new licensure pathway moves beyond a single high stakes examination and emphasizes a structured educational experience grounded in Illinois law, professional responsibilities, patient safety, and real-world practice readiness. "Pharmacists entering practice need more than the ability to pass an examination; they need a strong understanding of how Illinois law applies to patient care and professional practice," said Bedrija Nikocevic, PharmD, BCACP, President of the Illinois Pharmacists Association. "ILPRO creates a more meaningful and practical pathway to that knowledge while maintaining rigorous standards for licensure. It will provide future pharmacists with a strong foundation in the laws, responsibilities, and professional standards that define practice in Illinois. That benefits patients, strengthens the profession, and promotes public safety." ILPRO is currently in the final stages of development and will provide comprehensive education on Illinois pharmacy law, controlled substance requirements, professional standards, pharmacist authorities, patient care services, inspection readiness, common compliance issues, and other topics essential to practice in Illinois. IPhA is working closely with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy, and Illinois colleges and schools of pharmacy to ensure successful implementation. "This legislation is particularly meaningful for student pharmacists, recent graduates, and pharmacy residents entering the profession," said Ashley McKechan, PharmD, IPhA executive fellow. "ILPRO will help candidates understand not only what Illinois law requires, but why those requirements exist and how they apply in everyday pharmacy practice. The result is a licensure pathway that is rigorous, relevant, and focused on real world readiness." IPhA extends its sincere appreciation to Representative Natalie A. Manley and Senator David Koehler for their leadership in advancing this vital legislation. The association also thanks the many legislators, Illinois colleges and schools of pharmacy, student pharmacists, pharmacy residents, practicing pharmacists, employers, regulators, and other stakeholders whose advocacy and support helped make this effort a success. "Illinois has long been a national leader in advancing pharmacy practice”, said Garth Reynolds, BSPharm, RPh, MBA, FAPhA, executive director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association. “HB4154 continues that tradition. ILPRO represents a new approach to licensure preparation that combines education, assessment, and practice readiness in a way that better serves future pharmacists and the patients they will care for. Our goal is simple: when a new pharmacist begins practicing in Illinois, we want them informed, grounded, and ready. That is what this program is built to deliver." By shifting the focus from examination preparation to competency-based education and assessment, Illinois is creating a licensure pathway that better prepares pharmacists for the realities of modern practice. Following enactment, IDFPR will release additional guidance regarding implementation timelines, applicant eligibility, transition procedures, and expectations for current and future licensure candidates. Additional information concerning ILPRO will be available at ipha.org.
###
About the Illinois Pharmacists Association The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) is the statewide professional association representing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists, and pharmacy stakeholders across Illinois. As The Voice for Pharmacy in Illinois, IPhA is dedicated to enhancing the professional competency of pharmacists, advancing the standards of pharmacy practice, improving pharmacists effectiveness in assuring rational drug use in society, and leading in the resolution of public policy issues affecting pharmacists.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois State Medical Society Aaron Franco, communications director (312) 520-9802 aaronfranco@isms.org
The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 3114, the “Transparency in Downcoding Act,” by a vote of 111-0 Wednesday evening, following a unanimous vote out of the Senate earlier in the month. The bill, which would prohibit health insurance companies from automatically coding a health service at a level lower than what patients received, was supported by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS). “This bill is another example of how Illinois leads the way in passing laws that improve access to medical care, making the state a more attractive place to practice medicine,” ISMS president Dr. Tripti Kataria said. “Once signed into law, the Transparency in Downcoding Act will bring greater clarity to the claims process, establish a clear and accessible pathway for disputing downcoded claims and ensure that a live person — not an automated system — is reviewing medical claims and their accompanying clinical documentation.” “The Illinois State Medical Society wants to thank all lawmakers who stood with physicians and patients to support this bill as it passed the Senate unanimously. We especially thank sponsors Sen. Dave Koehler and Rep. Sharon Chung for their leadership, and we are hopeful that Gov. J.B. Pritzker will sign this bill into law as Illinois continues advancing policies that support patients and healthcare providers,” Dr. Kataria said.
Key Provisions of the Transparency in Downcoding Act (SB 3114/HB 4735):
####
Founded in 1840, ISMS is a professional membership association representing Illinois physicians in all medical specialties, and their patients, statewide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2026 Media Contact Information: Ride Illinois Dave Simmons, executive director (630) 216-9282 info@rideillinois.org
Springfield, IL — On March 20, the Illinois legislature passed Stop Super Speeders legislation (HB 4948), advancing a major new tool to prevent deadly speeding crashes and protect communities from repeat reckless drivers. The legislation now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for signature. By implementing ISA technology for repeat dangerous speeders, Illinois aims to:
The bill establishes an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) Program for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked after two convictions for excessive speeding, defined as driving 26 mph or more above the speed limit and creates a fund to subsidize the cost for low-income drivers. Under the program, eligible drivers may apply for a restricted driving permit that allows limited driving privileges only if their vehicle is equipped with ISA technology that prevents them from exceeding posted speed limits, providing an alternative to full license suspension or revocation. The bill targets the small number of drivers responsible for a disproportionate share of deadly crashes while still allowing people to drive for work, school, and daily life. The legislation passed the Illinois Senate by a 49-9 vote after previously passing the Illinois House 77-24. Families for Safe Streets (FSS) members—victims and survivors of traffic violence—are leading nationwide advocacy efforts to advance Stop Super Speeders legislation. Research shows that repeat reckless speeders are significantly more likely than typical motorists to be involved in fatal collisions, while traditional enforcement methods such as license suspension have proven largely ineffective. Nationally, an estimated 75 percent of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive. Advocates Say: “Yesterday’s vote is a powerful acknowledgment that Illinois can no longer accept preventable roadway deaths as inevitable,” said Amy Cohen, Founder and President of Families for Safe Streets, whose 12-year-old son was killed by a speeding driver. “This bill focuses on the small number of repeat speeders who put every family at risk and uses proven technology to stop dangerous behavior before tragedy occurs. We urge Governor Pritzker to sign the bill into law so that Illinois can lead the nation in saying clearly: preventable speeding deaths must stop.” “I survived a crash that changed my life, and I carry that reality every day,” said Rudy Faust, an Illinois crash survivor and Families for Safe Streets advocate. “No one should have to learn through tragedy what we already know how to prevent. This bill is about stopping the behavior that destroys families before it ever happens. I’m incredibly grateful to our bill sponsors, Representative Marti Deuter and Senator Julie Morrison, and everyone who made this possible. I am proud to see Illinois take a step towards real safety, because every single preventable crash we stop is another family spared this pain.” “The devastating impacts of speeding drivers have forever altered the lives of too many Illinoisans,” said Dave Simmons, Executive Director of Ride Illinois. “Ride Illinois commends Representative Deuter, Senator Morrison, and the members of the General Assembly who supported HB 4948. We urge Governor Pritzker to sign this legislation into law to help prevent future crashes caused by excessive speeding.” Bill Sponsors Say: “Driving at high speeds is dangerous, plain and simple,” said State Representative Marti Deuter (D-Elmhurst). “What we’re doing is creating an option for those who have been convicted of driving at these dangerously high speeds that allows them to continue contributing to their communities while keeping our streets safer.” “Driving recklessly puts everyone on the road at risk,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We need to continue our efforts to ensure high-risk drivers do not put others in danger.” Evidence from jurisdictions already implementing ISA programs demonstrates that the technology can dramatically reduce dangerous speeding and prevent deadly crashes, similar to how ignition interlock devices have successfully reduced repeat drunk driving offenses. Illinois is the latest state to advance the growing national Stop Super Speeders initiative. Similar legislation has been enacted in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Washington State. In 2026 legislatures in Hawaii and Maryland passed Stop Super Speeders bills, while Georgia enacted its law earlier this month after Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 160. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also recently announced that Stop Super Speeders legislation would be included in the New York State budget. Another 14 states are considering legislation this year. The bill now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk, where he will have 60 days to sign, veto, or allow the legislation to become law without his signature. About Ride Illinois Ride Illinois is an effective nonprofit organization dedicated to making Illinois a safer, more connected state in which to ride a bicycle. We champion people who ride bicycles by advancing accessibility, equity, and opportunity – so adults and children can move about freely and confidently in communities of all sizes. Learn more at https://www.rideillinois.org/ About Families for Safe Streets Families for Safe Streets is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending traffic violence by supporting victims’ families, educating communities, and advocating for safe streets policies that save lives. Learn more at https://www.familiesforsafestreets.org/stop-super-speeders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2026 Media Contact Information: Fox Valley Review / OrganoSys Media Group submit@foxvalleyreview.com https://foxvalleyreview.com
Strategic collaboration highlights the intersection of athletics, leadership, and storytelling in the Fox Valley
Saint Charles, IL — May 1, 2026 — Fox Valley Review, a regional arts, culture, and ideas magazine, is proud to announce a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Tony Chahino (@tchahino on X, and @tony_chahino on Instagram), the standout quarterback for Roosevelt University. This collaboration marks the publication’s first athlete partnership and signals a broader commitment to elevating the voice and story of the modern student-athlete. More than a traditional endorsement, the partnership represents a strategic alignment between performance and perspective, bringing together one of the region’s rising athletic leaders with a publication dedicated to thoughtful storytelling and community engagement. Chahino is no stranger to the Fox Valley. A native of Geneva, Illinois, his name has carried weight in the community since his high school days, when he led the Geneva Vikings to the 2024 IHSA State Championship game as their starting quarterback. That run did not just energize the town, it cemented Chahino as a hometown figure whose rise has always felt shared by the people who watched it begin. Widely recognized for his leadership on and off the field, he has emerged as a defining presence within Roosevelt University’s football program. His discipline, work ethic, and command of the game have positioned him as not only a top-performing quarterback, but also as a role model for young athletes across the region. Through this partnership, Fox Valley Review will develop a series of editorial features, digital content, and community-facing initiatives that highlight Chahino’s journey, offering readers a deeper look into the mindset, preparation, and character behind the position. The collaboration will include a flagship feature story, a dedicated athlete profile, and integrated storytelling across the magazine’s platforms. “This partnership reflects where we believe the future of regional media is headed,” said Dr. Baudelaire Ulysse, Editor-in-Chief of Fox Valley Review. “We are not simply sponsoring an athlete; we are building a platform around a voice. Tony represents a powerful combination of discipline, leadership, and purpose, and we’re excited to help tell that story in a way that resonates with our readers and our community.” Chahino echoed that vision, noting the opportunity to connect with audiences beyond the field. “I’m honored to partner with Fox Valley Review,” he said. “This is about more than football; it’s about sharing my journey, representing my community, and hopefully inspiring others who are working toward their own goals.” The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities are being approached. By centering storytelling, intellectual engagement, and community presence, Fox Valley Review aims to redefine the role of NIL collaborations, moving beyond visibility toward meaningful connection. As part of its expanding media ecosystem under OrganoSys Media Group, Fox Valley Review continues to explore new ways to bridge culture, education, and public life. This partnership with Chahino represents the beginning of a new initiative focused on athlete storytelling and regional influence. Additional features and content related to Chahino will be released in upcoming issues and across digital platforms. About Fox Valley Review Fox Valley Review is a regional arts, culture, and ideas magazine rooted in the Fox Valley. Through essays, features, and visual storytelling, the publication captures local stories with global resonance, connecting community voices to broader conversations in education, culture, and public life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aaron Franco, communications director (312) 520-9802 aaronfranco@isms.org
CHICAGO – Tripti C. Kataria, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., is the new president of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) following its recent annual meeting. Dr. Kataria will become the first woman of color to hold this office. Dr. Kataria earned her medical degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, then completed an anesthesiology residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. She also earned an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. As a part of Physician Anesthesia Consultants physician group, Dr. Kataria practices as an independent attending anesthesiologist at community teaching hospitals, free-standing surgical centers and private physician offices throughout the Chicagoland area. She has been an active member of ISMS for more than 15 years, most recently serving as president-elect. She has also served as speaker, vice speaker and chair of the Governmental Affairs Council. Dr. Kataria is actively involved in leadership roles within the American Medical Association (AMA), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and the Illinois Society of Anesthesiology (ISA), where she previously served as President from 2020-2021. Dr. Kataria’s term as president will run through April 2027.
##
CHICAGO – The outstanding contributions and commitment of three Illinois physicians were recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) during its annual meeting this past weekend. The doctors are recipients of awards that celebrate the achievements of Illinois physicians in the fields of medicine, education, advocacy and volunteering. These three physicians were chosen for recognition among the many quality nominations received. Physician of the Year An addiction medicine physician whose advocacy and education work have had a profound impact on the community, Ruchi Fitzgerald, M.D., is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Physician of the Year award. Dr. Fitzgerald is the service chief for PCC Community Wellness Center-MacNeal Hospital’s addiction medicine consult service and an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at Rush Medical College. As a family physician and addiction medicine specialist, she has expanded the scope of services for pregnant women experiencing substance use disorder across diverse settings. She has spent her career focused on advancing equitable addiction treatment, reducing the stigma of addiction for new mothers and increasing access to evidence-based treatment for underserved communities, including those on Chicago’s West Side. Beyond the hospital setting, she has contributed clinical expertise to policy reforms regarding perinatal substance use disorder treatment in Illinois and served as a subject matter expert for the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy. Physician Leader of the Year A nationally recognized educator, researcher and specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, Archana Chatterjee, M.D., PhD, is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Physician Leader of the Year award. As Dean of the Chicago Medical School and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs at Rosalind Franklin University, she ushered the institution through the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and secured the school’s first eight-year Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation in over two decades. Under her tenure, the school also saw increased student enrollment, expanded clinical partnerships across multiple states and the tripling of endowed scholarships for under-resourced students. Dr. Chatterjee is a nationally recognized authority in pediatric infectious diseases and vaccinology, serving on the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and multiple other advisory bodies. Throughout her 30-year career, she has coauthored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and led more than 120 clinical trials, contributing to the licensure of many life-saving vaccines used worldwide. Her selection also recognizes a trailblazing career: Dr. Chatterjee is the first woman and person of color to serve in her current role, and she is the first woman of South Asian descent to serve as dean of a LCME-accredited medical school. Physician Volunteer of the Year For his work as an orthopedic surgeon and for his commitment to expanding global access to specialty surgical care, Andre Ivy, M.D., is the recipient of the 2026 ISMS Volunteer Physician of the Year award. Dr. Ivy is an orthopedic surgeon at Duly Health and Care who specializes in hand and upper-extremity surgery. An international fellowship in the East African country of Tanzania led him to found a nonprofit called HandZania in 2019. Since then, Dr. Ivy has worked to bridge the gap in surgical care for a country that previously lacked a single specialized hand surgeon. Through the nonprofit, Dr. Ivy conducts recurring training missions and provides long-term mentorship to local surgeons in Tanzania. His exchange model also brings Tanzanian surgeons to the United States for three-month immersions, where they live with his family, train at his practice and travel around the country learning from other hand surgeons. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dr. Ivy views international service as one way to make an impact on the world while embodying the highest professional ideals of service, education and humility.
ISMS recognizes physicians in these award categories every year at its annual meeting for members. These awards were created to recognize and show appreciation for individual Illinois physicians for their commitment to serving their patients and community. If you know of an Illinois physician who should be nominated for a future award, please contact our Membership Division by email. Founded in 1840, ISMS is a professional membership association representing Illinois physicians in all medical specialties, and their patients, statewide.
Click Image to Find the IPA Disaster Checklist!