Free rapid testing for HIV, Hepatitis C in Aurora
AURORA — Swing by the Aurora Public Library Wednesday afternoon to get a rapid (and free) test for HIV and Hepatitis C. Provided by Open Door Health Center of Illinois, the testing provides results within 30 minutes, lessening stress and paving the way for immediate treatment if needed. Studies show starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis can help a patient reach the “undetectable and untransmissible” stage more quickly. The rapid test is conducted non-invasively with either a finger-prick, or a mouth swab. The testing session is 4 to 7 p.m. at the library, 101 S. River St. For more information on Open Door Health Center, head to their website at odhcil.org.
Church's anti-Pride sign spurs protest in Palatine
PALATINE — A church sign that reads, “Ditch Pride, Embrace Humility” triggered a protest in Palatine Friday (ABC7-Chicago). Groups represented at the protest of New Hope Community Church included leaders of the Northwest Suburban Pride Network and Liberal Moms of the Northwest Suburbs. The disagreement comes after some Palatine residents and the city council clashed over requests to fly a Pride flag at Village of Palatine City Hall. Council members had refused the request, citing the city’s code that authorizes only U.S., state, village and a veterans’ flag, reported ABC 7. The city did post a proclamation from its mayor recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Sugar Grove named second-tastiest tap water
SUGAR GROVE — This Chicago suburb has the tastiest tap water in America, according to a recent competition (Daily Herald). The Village of Sugar Grove also has the second-tastiest tap water in all of North America, declared the American Water Works Association at is annual conference last week. To reach the competition, Sugar Grove first was named the tastiest water in Kane County, and then in Illinois. “The water was judged in blind taste tests for overall flavor and a crisp, drinkable profile; clarity, which assesses transparency and the absence of turbidity (suspended particles); and odor — meaning it should not have any organic or chemical scent.” reported the Daily Herald. Sugar Grove’s water is pumped from wells, and treated with chlorine, fluoride and an ion exchange treatment that removes radium and other minerals, writes the Herald.
