Keywords: Illinois soccer, Academic All-District, College Sports Communicators, Illini women's soccer, Student-athlete honors
Six Illini soccer players earn all-district academic honors
CHAMPAIGN - Six Illinois soccer student-athletes were named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, the organization announced on Tuesday.
Senior midfielder Kennedy Berschel, senior defender Ella Karolak, junior forward Sarah Foley, senior defender Angie Galo, senior midfielder Sarah Hiestand, and junior forward Lia Howard each earned the prestigious academic distinction for the first time in their careers.
Berschel started all 18 matches this season, posting career-bests in goals (4), assists (4), points (12), and shots (18). Foley, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection, tallied personal-high marks in goals (11), shots (33), shots on goal (22), and game-winning goals (6).
Karolak helped the Illini defense record four shutouts, while also registering a career-best two assists. Galo started every match, setting new personal standards in goals (3), assists (2), shots (14), shots on goal (5), and minutes played (1,472).
Hiestand started all 18 games, scoring her first career goal and adding an assist. She also ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 79 interceptions during conference play. Howard found the back of the net three times, all in the 80th minute or later, and tied for the team lead with four assists.
The Academic All-District honorees will advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with first, second and third-team selections to be announced in early December.
Vacay in style, Top luxury experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
Photo provided
BRANDPOINT - Yearning for a luxury vacation unlike any other? Consider the unique cultural, culinary and wellness experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. This signature paradise offers a winter getaway where you can indulge in natural beauty, nurturing environments and flavors that nourish the soul.
While the entire region boasts beautiful tropical weather and is steeped in rich Mayan culture, each of the Mexican Caribbean's 12 destinations has its own distinct identity. You'll enjoy turquoise waters, white sand beaches and remarkable archaeological sites. The region is also home to otherworldly cenotes for freshwater swimming, boundless nature and more. Along with these natural wonders, you'll discover an enticing culinary scene, rich culture, world-class entertainment and top-notch accommodations.
Ready to plan your trip? Here are some Mexican Caribbean experiences you won't want to miss.
Make a splash in over-the-top pools
Travelers seeking the perfect vacation filled with sipping, sunning and relaxing in unique pools have their choice of options in the Mexican Caribbean. In the Riviera Maya, the adults-only luxury inclusive La Casa de la Playa features a stunning 130-foot-long swimming waterway overlooking the sea that provides breathtaking horizon views. For ultimate relaxation, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers villas with private pools, creating a more intimate experience. Similarly, Cancun's Nizuc Resort & Spa offers opulent pool villas for guests looking for total seclusion and privacy. Wellness takes to the water at Grand Velas Riviera Maya's Floating Sound Baths. This meditative practice allows individuals to discover their inner peace and achieve maximum relaxation by gently moving while floating in water.
Indulge in next-level spa treatments
The Riviera Maya offers a wealth of opportunities for indulgence and rejuvenation, with several resorts dedicated to wellness. At Fairmont Mayakoba, locally inspired spa treatments like the Copal Mayan Purification and the Cha Chac Rain Ritual provide a deeply calming, refreshing and energizing experience. St. Regis Kanai Resort features rituals inspired by ancient Mayan astronomy. Senses can be further awakened at the Maroma Spa by Guerlain at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel in the Riviera Maya. Their unique Bee Healing Ritual incorporates resort-made honey from the stingless Melipona bee which is sacred in the Mayan culture, helping guests connect with nature. At the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, luxury spa treatments include the Yaxche Journey which facilitates personal discovery and healing on a spiritual, emotional and physical plane to balance the body, mind and spirit.
Savor custom-made culinary experiences
The Mexican Caribbean has become a culinary powerhouse offering myriad globally recognized restaurants and exceptional dining experiences. At Etereo, Auberge Resorts Collection in the Riviera Maya, guests can enjoy a regionally inspired four-course menu during a private moonlit dinner at the beach or alongside the Tranquilo pool. Alternatively, discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine through the hands-on Comal Cooking Class, which offers the opportunity to craft fresh tortillas and prepare delicious small dishes using a traditional Mexican griddle. At the MICHELIN Recommended Maria Dolores at ATELIER Playa Mujeres, celebrity Chef Edgar Nunez presents seasonal dishes with an haute cuisine approach to Mexican gastronomy. His signature creations combine flavors and stories from every corner of Mexico, creating a sensory experience in each dish. At the one MICHELINE Star HA' at Hotel Xcaret in the Riviera Maya, Chef Carlos Gaytan presents contemporary Mexican cuisine through a 9-course tasting menu, where each dish is perfectly harmonized with exquisite wines and spirits.
Imbibe in modern mixology
Cocktail aficionados will be thrilled at the region's offerings, including Chaak in the Jungle at Conrad Tulum, an enchanting tropical mixology experience in the magical jungle under the stars. For a speakeasy vibe in the tropics, Bambuco by Handshake at Marmona, a Belmond Hotel, offers a haven for creative cocktailing; it's the perfect spot for a nightcap and small plates among lush tropical palms. Or check out the award-winning Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba, a love letter to the Yucatan Peninsula, celebrating the heritage, culture and people of the region.
For more information, visit MexicanCaribbean.Travel.
Visual storytelling; How one photographer gets the right image and tone
Last month, reporter Anna Clark and I hosted an in-person photo gallery and group discussion about what motivated us to tell stories of Flint, Michigan, residents 10 years after the start of the water crisis and to talk about how we work to understand the communities we serve. As a visual fellow at ProPublica, I’m focused on documenting the lives of people in our stories through photography. Throughout history, photography has been a powerful tool for recording moments in time, providing visual evidence and evoking emotions that urge us to understand experiences outside of our own. Here are suggestions for aspiring visual storytellers who may find themselves in similar situations.
Ask “Why Does This Story Need to be Told?”
Anna and I previously worked in Flint in different capacities: I interned as a photojournalist at the Flint Journal; Anna wrote a book, “The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water and the American Urban Tragedy.” To us, Flint is not just a news story, it’s a complex place full of real people who have been and continue to be denied adequate resources and support. We wanted the public to know that generations of Flint residents still live with physical and psychological challenges. By sharing what Flint residents think accountability would look like, we were able to show how many feel betrayed by the failure to hold anyone criminally responsible. They also remain frustrated by how long it’s taking to fix the local water system and the lingering mental wounds that may never be repaired.
The photo essay gave a glimpse into the experience of three residents and how their present-day concerns, fears and decisions are shaped by the water crisis. Over about four months, I made frequent visits to Flint — stopping by nonprofits, churches, after-school programs and other places that are part of everyday life. I spoke with incredibly kind people. Some wanted to help me; others were hesitant, usually because they wanted to move on or felt things would never change. Robert McCathern, Teagan Medlin and Jacquinne Reynolds granted me a great deal of trust. They were able to open up and make themselves vulnerable because of their commitment to cultivating change for future generations. I tried to represent that through the environment in the photographs.
Be Sincere With Your Approach
During the discussion at the visual storytelling event at Totem Books in Flint, we asked residents to ponder what type of stories resonate with them most, what questions they wish someone would ask them and who is one person they would like to interview. We discovered a common thread of wanting to feel more connected as neighbors and fellow human beings.
Then we flipped the exercise to challenge ourselves as journalists and receive questions from residents. “Why Flint?” one participant asked us. We told her how we’d come to admire the community and wanted to present a multidimensional view of it to readers. “Something about this place seems to get in people’s blood,” the participant told us, and it does seem that for a city of its size, Flint has attracted a disproportionate number of storytellers — even before the water crisis. And yet, some residents still wonder: What has changed? Over the past decade, Flint residents have been in the public eye not by choice, but as a result of a disaster created and prolonged by public officials. So what does that mean for us and our responsibility as storytellers?
Being in the business of transparency requires us to also be transparent with the communities we document. Without transparency, it’s hard to build mutual trust, especially in communities that have faced betrayal and have had little control over how their stories are shared with the world.
During the early stages of the project, before lifting my camera to make any photos, I listened to Flint residents and learned about their stories, then let what they told me naturally guide the photos I made. Early on, I also stressed that I believe their stories are important to share because people outside of Flint should know that for many Flint residents, the crisis is still not over.
I also should note that our stories go through many layers of revisions and fact-checking. From beginning to end, I tried to communicate how the project was developing and made sure that our sources were aware of how the story would be framed, how they would be portrayed and how they would be quoted. Once the story was published, I followed up to gauge how they were feeling, and later made them aware that photographs of them would appear at our galley in Flint.
Look for Connection and Insight
The beauty of visual storytelling is that the story can always change shape. Let go of any assumptions and let the story lead you where it may. Anna and I learned so much by taking this approach.
We found that, after a decade, many residents are still waiting for the change they want to see. The flood of the resources and attention Flint initially received has dwindled. But one of the reasons I wanted to revisit this story is because of the people I’ve met and will continue to meet. The city has introduced me to people who care deeply about their community and embrace one another with generosity, care and compassion. And I learned about a host of local programs, from the Flint Rx Kids program that provides financial support for mothers to the McKenzie Patrice Croom Flint Community Water Lab, which trains youth to give back and provides free water testing. Although communities like Flint shouldn’t need to be resilient, we can learn from their empathy, advocacy and support for one another during hard times. My job is to make photographs, but a big part of the fulfillment I get is from making connections.
We closed out our event in Flint by making photographs of attendees that they could have as keepsakes. One woman, who told me she had recently been displaced from her home, said she was going to email the photos of herself to her grandchildren who live in another state. It reminded me that photographs are invaluable in many facets of our lives. They keep us connected.
Series: A Closer Look:Examining the News
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ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
Sarahbeth Maney is ProPublica’s first Diamonstein-Spielvogel Visual Journalism Fellow, focused on documenting in-depth investigative stories through photography.
Keywords: Photojournalism, Visual Storytelling, Telling stories through pictures, More than taking pictures, Documenting history
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Despite strong play from Will Riley and Kylan Boswell, Illinois suffers first loss of the season
Illinois' Kylan Boswell dives after a loose ball with Alabama's Mark Sears at Legacy Arena on Wednesday. Boswell turned in a 17-point performance for the Orange & Blue in his 33 minutes on the floor in the Fighting Illini's first loss of the season.
Photo: Courtney Bay/Illinois Athletics
BIRMINGHAM - The Illinois basketball program's hope of snapping a long-standing losing streak against Alabama came up short Wednesday night, as the No. 8 Crimson Tide secured a decisive 100-87 victory in Birmingham at Legacy Arena in front of over 11,000 basketball fans. Despite a strong offensive showing from Illinois, Alabama’s depth proved to be the difference maker, handing the Illini (3-1) their first loss of the season. No. 25 Illinois is 0-2 against ranked opponents this season if you include an exhibition matchup on Oct 27 against No. 24 Ole Miss. Alabama (4-1) dominated early, surging to a 52-38 lead by halftime behind efficient shooting and a balanced attack. Grant Nelson led the Crimson Tide with a game-high 23 points, while freshman guard Aden Holloway added 18 points in 29 minutes off the bench. Alabama’s bench accounted for 39 points, compared to Illinois' 24, proving crucial in maintaining the Tide’s lead throughout the contest. Illinois struck first with a three-pointer from freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis, giving the Illini a brief early advantage. A layup by junior guard Kylan Boswell later pushed Illinois ahead 7-6. However, Alabama quickly regained control with a three-pointer from Latrell Wrightsell Jr. at the 17:19 mark, sparking a dominant stretch that saw the Tide extend their lead to as many as 18 points in the first half. Despite Illinois trimming the deficit to eight points on two occasions in the second half, the Illini couldn’t sustain momentum against Alabama’s relentless pace. Seven turnovers in the first half hampered Illinois’ comeback attempts, allowing Alabama to seal the victory with consistent scoring from its starters and reserves. Illinois freshman forward Will Riley showcased his potential, leading the team with 18 points off the bench. Riley nearly posted a double-double, pulling down nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, while also dishing out four assists. It marked Riley’s third double-digit scoring effort in four games. Boswell turned in a season-best performance with 17 points and seven rebounds. Jakucionis contributed a career-high 15 points, along with four rebounds and six assists, while sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic recorded his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 boards. For Alabama, Nelson’s versatile scoring effort, combined with Wrightsell’s and Holloway’s sharp shooting, kept Illinois at bay. Labaron Philon chipped in 16 points, rounding out the Tide’s top double-digit scorers. The loss marked Illinois’ fourth consecutive defeat to Alabama, with their only win in the series dating back to 1953. Wednesday’s contest highlighted Illinois’ offensive potential, as they out-rebounded Alabama and shot better from beyond the arc. However, defensive lapses and a lack of bench production underscored the challenges Illinois must address as they navigate a competitive early-season schedule. Illinois will look to bounce back this Saturday at State Farm Center when they host Maryland-Eastern Shore at 3 PM.
Keywords: Illinois basketball, Crimson Tide basketball, Will Riley Illinois basketball, Grant Nelson Alabama
Blackburn-Kelley leads SJO in road loss
Pleasant Plains – St. Joseph-Ogden opened the season on the road with one of the toughest foes on their 2024-25 schedule, falling to the Pleasant Plains Cardinals 54-19 on Thursday night. The defeat marks a challenging start for the Spartans, who finished last season with a commendable 16-12 record and a second-place finish in the Illini Prairie Conference.
Timera Blackburn-Kelley led St. Joseph-Ogden with 10 points, demonstrating persistence despite the team's struggles. Blackburn-Kelley also went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. Addie Brooks finished with 5 points. Kara Osterbur and Atleight Moller each added 2 points to the Spartan tally.
On the opposing side, Pleasant Plains showcased a dominant performance, with Anna Webber leading all scorers with 23 points. Webber's scoring barrage included a remarkable stretch during the second and third quarters, where she scored all but five of her points. Bailey Leach also reached double figures, contributing 18 points and successfully converting 6 of 7 free-throw attempts.
Looking ahead, the Spartans have a challenging road ahead as they prepare for their next three games away from home. St. Joseph-Ogden will travel to Paris (1-0) next week, followed by matches at Tuscola on December 2 and Oakwood on December 4. The Spartans' first home game is scheduled for December 5, where they will host the Danville Vikings.
This season's Spartan team includes Katie Ericksen, Mia Jones, Sara Kearney, Timera Blackburn-Kelley, Abby Crider, Addison Brooks, Mackenzie Loschen, Hayden Dahl, Ashlyn Miller, Kenzie Atwood, Atleigh Miller, Kayla Osterburm, Lexi Lackey, and Kaitlyn Beyers.
Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden basketball, Pleasant Plains basketball, girls basketball season opener, Spartans game recap, Anna Webber performance, high school basketball news.
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Budget-Friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home
Renovating your home can be affordable with the right approach. Simple changes, like repainting walls or updating fixtures, can create a fresh, modern look without a high price tag. Whether you’re improving outdated spaces or enhancing functionality, these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home will help you achieve a stylish, updated space while staying within your budget.
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