April marks the observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of child abuse and neglect. This month-long initiative highlights the importance of families and communities working together to safeguard the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children across the nation. Each one of us can play a vital role in preventing severe neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by being proactive and informed. 

State lawmakers left Springfield without passing any ethics reform legislation during committee deadline week. House Republicans told reporters that they are frustrated their Democratic colleagues refused to call any of the bills addressing corruption for a committee vote.

Some argue this was the perfect time to show the public that lawmakers want to close the lawmaker to lobbyist revolving door and end the use of campaign funds to pay for public corruption defense.

"When Democratic politicians were arrested, indicted, charged, convicted and incarcerated, we waited for action," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "We've been disappointed time after time."

Autism Awareness Month in April is a special time to recognize and support the autism community. Autism Awareness Month, highlighted by World Autism Day on April 2nd, is a powerful reminder to embrace inclusivity, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful action. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) touches the lives of millions, and understanding its impact is critical to building a more understanding world.

The 1848 Illinois Constitution remains a defining document in our state’s history, setting key reforms in place while modernizing Illinois’ government. While the Prairie State’s new constitution went into effect on April 1,1848, the story of Illinois’ second constitution begins in the summer of 1847, when discussions and debates established the foundation for one of Illinois’ most prominent transformations.

By the mid-1800s, Illinois had outgrown the framework of its first constitution, signed in 1818. The state’s population had surged and its economy had evolved thanks to advancements in farming, newly created railroads, and, notably, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While these benefited the state immensely, they also underscored the imperfections within the 1818 Constitution, which could not meet the needs of a rapidly expanding society.

Time is running out to file your state and federal income tax returns. The filing deadline for Illinois taxpayers is Tuesday, April 15. Illinois is participating in the IRS Direct File Program this year, which means eligible taxpayers can complete their 2024 federal returns electronically for free. The Illinois Department of Revenue features several online programs to aid in tax preparation. Filing extensions can also be requested.

Since the 1960s, the concept of spring break in March and April has been alive and well all over the world and most notably in the United States. March and April serve as sweet spots for half-way through the semester and students take full advantage by taking trips or using the time to recharge before tackling the remainder of the school year.

In Illinois, three physicians are bringing their medical expertise to the state legislature. State Representatives Paul Jacobs, Bill Hauter and Kevin Schmidt are proving that healing extends beyond the clinic, as they work to shape policies that prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents.