Here is a digest of some of the OurSentinel.com stories we published on this day in the past.
Keegan McCarty: "Everyone has a special meaning"
Going into this baseball season, Keegan McCarty had a long list of personal goals he was set on accomplishing this season.
That dream was interrupted by what appeared to be a temporary postponement to the season, and then weeks later the inevitable cancellation of the entire 2020 season, courtesy of the Coronavirus pandemic.
With Arms Open Wide benefit concert at the Rose Bowl
The Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois will be hosting a benefit concert on Saturday at the Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana.
Starting at 1pm, the concert will feature local bands from a wide range of styles and genres for three and a half hours. Admission is free.
SJO senior spotlights with Josh Sexton, Isaac Walden & Jackson Wooten
Advice from three departing St. Joseph-Ogden seniors in 2020:
Work hard, and to keep plugging away to be successful.
~ Jackson Wooten
Do not underestimate yourself.
~ Josh Sexton
Get all of your homework finished.
~ Isaac Walden
Mediterranean-style diet shown to reduce risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy
Photo: Edgar Castrejon/Unsplash
Following a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of developing preeclampsia, and Black women appeared to have the greatest reduction of risk, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Most of us have wondered about life beyond the grave. Many today are in search of life before the grave. Given what many people traditionally believe about heaven, eternity and life beyond, it would certainly seem very valuable to think about a life beyond. However, what about life here?
Over 2,000 runners compete in Illinois half marathon
URBANA - LoriKay Paden, from Fletcher, NC, and Urbana's Brenda Hixson stop to pose for a photo while running along McHenry Avenue during the half marathon race at this year's Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon.
Greta Kumskis placed 23rd among women and 7th in her age group at the Illinois Marathon, capping a strong race day performance in Champaign-Urbana.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Running down Logan Street in Champaign between the 14th and 15th mile, marathoner Greta Kumskis looks over at cheering spectators. She finished 7th in her age group in this year's race.
CHAMPAIGN - Greta Kumskis made her day at the Illinois Marathon count on a chilly Saturday morning in Champaign-Urbana. The 24-year-old from Iowa City, Iowa, powered through the 26.2-mile course to finish 7th in the women’s 20-24 division, clocking a 3:23:28. Kumskis placed 23rd among 268 female competitors and 170th out of 895 total marathon finishers, a strong showing in a field packed with experienced racers.
Kumskis started conservatively, covering her first mile in 8:05 before quickening her pace to a steady 7:41 per mile once the pack began to thin. She hit the 10K mark at 8:21 a.m. and crossed the halfway split at 1:41:24. Staying composed through the back half, she finished just behind Rachel Pfeifer (21st, 3:21:54) and Allison Kroeter (22nd, 3:22:28), while holding off Sarah Bass (24th, 3:24:11) and Paige Vanetten (25th, 3:24:35). Kumskis crossed the Memorial Stadium finish line at 10:56 a.m., averaging 7:46 per mile.
On a day that began with cool winds and ended under clearing skies, Kumskis and almost 900 other finishers proved they could handle whatever race day brought.
Tera Moody led the women’s field from start to finish, claiming the overall title with a 2:47:21 finish and a dominant performance in the 40-44 division. Moody was 20th overall among all marathoners, male or female.
Jessica Rockafellow of Palatine, Illinois, was the runner-up, posting a 2:50:11 to win the 30-34 age division and finish 27th overall. Rounding out the top three was Alicia Hudelson from Missoula, Montana, whose 2:58:48 effort secured second in the women’s 40-44 division and 50th place overall.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kumskis eyes the course ahead after finishing the first four miles of her race on Saturday.
Federal authorities walked Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan out of her Milwaukee courtroom in handcuffs.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Wisconsin News Connection
MILWAUKEE - Legal experts and advocates are outraged over the arrest of a Milwaukee judge last week who was charged with helping an undocumented defendant avoid arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal authorities walked Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan out of her Milwaukee courtroom in handcuffs. They said she allowed an undocumented defendant appearing in her courtroom to use a side door exit to avoid ICE agents who were waiting for him. The agents later apprehended him.
Protests have since broken out in response to the arrest and legal experts are calling the charges extreme and unnecessary.
John Gross, clinical associate professor of law at the University of Wisconsin Law School, described it as a photo op for federal prosecutors.
Dugan is charged with obstruction of proceedings and concealing a person, and faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
"Federal law enforcement is trying to send some kind of message to let state officials know that they will try to aggressively prosecute anyone who can be viewed as interfering in any way with their agenda," Gross contended.
In a post on X last week, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, warned anyone who impedes enforcement efforts or conceals "illegal aliens" will be prosecuted. Dugan is charged with obstruction of proceedings and concealing a person, and faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.
Ray Dall'Osto, partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin and Brown, has practiced law in Milwaukee since 1977. He said the complaint against Judge Dugan contains misperceptions and factual inaccuracies. It is common practice for lawyers and defendants to use side doors in courtrooms like Dugan's, Dall'Osto explained, which often have full dockets.
What is uncommon and unprecedented, he pointed out, is having six officers from different federal agencies show up unannounced to a state courthouse for one immigration arrest.
"This is part of the Trump administration's gathering and requiring all federal law enforcement, no matter what, whether it's alcohol, tobacco, and firearms or DEA or FBI, to basically become immigrant catchers," Dall'Osto asserted. "Unfortunately, that's taking them away from the real crimes."
He argued Dugan is being targeted as part of a larger agenda the Trump administration has against judges. Removing her from the bench in the interim, he added, places a significant burden on an already taxed judicial system in Milwaukee.
"Again, this is highly atypical when you have offenses of this nature, particularly of someone who is not a flight risk, who is a known upstanding citizen and a lawyer and a judge, to do that, that's outrageous and totally unnecessary."
Tennis is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that can improve both your physical and mental well-being. If you're moving to another state and love tennis, these top seven cities in the Midwest provide everything you need to enjoy the sport.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tennis fosters social connections, offering a chance to meet new people and form lasting friendships on and off the court. There are seven cities in the Midwest that have awesome tennis communities.
SNS - If you are a tennis enthusiast relocating to the Midwest, consider yourself fortunate. The Midwest consists of several of the country's most tennis-aware cities. Whether you are a newcomer to the sport or an experienced veteran, these top seven cities in the Midwest have excellent tennis facilities, dynamic tennis communities, and many avenues to improve your game.
Tennis is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that can improve both your physical and mental well-being. Regular play helps enhance cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and improve flexibility. Beyond the physical benefits, tennis fosters social connections, offering a chance to meet new people and form lasting friendships. Whether you're hitting the courts alone or joining a community league, tennis is a great way to stay active and engaged.
If you want to win more tennis matches, focusing on outdoor play is a great way to improve your game. Outdoor courts, with their unique conditions, can help you develop better footwork, adjust to different playing surfaces, and build mental toughness, all of which contribute to more victories on the court.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
While the summer months are a popular time to play tennis in the Midwest, lessons and competitive leagues operate year-round in larger cities thanks to the availability of indoor facilities.
Most people may think of cities in New York, Florida or California when they think of tennis hotspots. Still, there are thriving tennis communities with top-notch courts and competitive opportunities in the Midwest. While indoor facilities guarantee year-round playability, the local climate provides ideal conditions for outdoor tennis, particularly during the summer.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: A Tennis City with Active Communities
Minneapolis has a great mix of indoor and outdoor tennis options. There are many parks in the city, and many of them have tennis courts so you can play tennis with your kid or have an active day with friends. With numerous local clubs providing lessons, leagues, and events, Minneapolis boasts a robust tennis community as well.
Despite the city's frigid winters, there are plenty of indoor tennis courts, such as the Baseline Tennis Center, which make it simple to play all year round. Local tennis players can easily find opportunities to connect, whether through casual games or more competitive leagues. Thanks to the vibrant tennis culture here, both recreational and competitive tennis players have many chances to get better and compete.
Chicago, Illinois: A Tennis Lover’s Dream
Chicago boasts some of the finest tennis clubs in the Midwest, catering to recreational players and serious competitors alike. Leading the pack is Midtown Athletic Club, a luxury facility in the West Loop featuring indoor and outdoor courts, elite coaching, and USTA-sanctioned tournaments. Nearby, XS Tennis Village stands out with its 26-court complex in Washington Park, hosting major events like the Chicago Open while fostering youth development through its nonprofit arm.
The historic Chicago Tennis Club, one of the oldest in the city, offers a more intimate setting with red clay courts and a strong community vibe. For those seeking upscale amenities, East Bank Club in River North provides top-tier instruction and well-maintained courts alongside fitness and dining options. Meanwhile, McFetridge Sports Center serves as an affordable, year-round public option with reliable indoor play — making it a favorite among local leaguers.
For players looking for outdoor options, the Chicago Park District maintains more than 500 public tennis courts across the city, many free to use and set in scenic parks and neighborhoods. Popular sites like Lincoln Park, Grant Park and Jackson Park offer well-maintained courts that stay busy from spring through fall. The park district also offers lessons, leagues, and tournaments for all ages and skill levels, helping grow Chicago’s tennis community from the ground up.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Gabrielius Guzauskas, from Hindsdale, IL, plays in the 2024 Neitzel Family Open in Champaign. A senior at the University of Illinois, Guzauskas competes against the top college tennis players in the country. College towns are known to have pretty strong tennis programs in their communities.
Do you have an up and coming youth player in your family? When it comes to high school tennis, few programs match the sustained success of New Trier High School, whose boys and girls teams have claimed numerous state titles thanks to deep talent pools and elite coaching. Hinsdale Central is another perennial contender, particularly in boys tennis, with a reputation for producing nationally ranked juniors. Rounding out the top three is Stevenson High School, a consistent force in both singles and doubles, known for its disciplined players and strategic prowess. These programs not only dominate the state championships but also feed collegiate rosters, cementing Chicago’s reputation as a hotbed for junior tennis talent in the Midwest.
Indianapolis, Indiana: A Hidden Tennis Gem
Tennis is just one of the many sports that are popular in Indianapolis. There are several tennis facilities in the city, such as the Indianapolis Tennis Center, which holds events and tournaments. Tennis courts can be found in many local public parks, and some clubs offer memberships for access to the best facilities. Tennis enthusiasts from all skill levels congregate in Indianapolis. The city is also well known for having a low cost of living, which makes it an attractive choice for people who want to relocate to a new state without going over budget.
St. Louis, Missouri: A Thriving Tennis Hub
With a variety of tennis facilities and activities, St. Louis is an excellent city for tennis players. To foster a friendly atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts, the St. Louis Community Tennis Association offers programs that assist both novice and expert players.
To guarantee year-round play, St. Louis also has indoor tennis clubs and several excellent public tennis courts maintained by the city's parks department. With numerous tennis clubs and frequent tennis tournaments, the city offers a wide range of social and competitive opportunities. If you are planning on moving to another state, St. Louis should be at the top of your list.
Cleveland, Ohio: Where Tennis Meets Urban Living
Cleveland is another Midwestern city with a surprising love for tennis. With more than 200 tennis courts spread across the city, tennis players can find a court to match their needs. Cleveland also offers numerous tennis leagues, tournaments, and social events to engage with the local community.
The city’s tennis culture is welcoming to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you're looking for a casual game or want to compete, Cleveland is the place to be. The city is also undergoing significant revitalization, making it an even more attractive place to live for those looking to relocate and pursue their tennis passion.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
From world-class tennis facilities to active communities and regular events, there are both casual and competitive places in the Midwest that provides year-round opportunities for tennis lovers.
Madison, Wisconsin: A Smaller City with Big Tennis Appeal
Madison may be smaller than some of the other cities on this list, but it offers a fantastic tennis scene. The city has numerous public tennis courts, as well as private clubs that offer lessons and leagues. During the colder months, there are 32 indoor courts available for those who need their weekly tennis fix.
Madison’s tennis community is active and friendly, and the city frequently hosts local tournaments. With beautiful parks and outdoor courts, the city is perfect for tennis enthusiasts who love to play outdoors. Madison's smaller size makes it a great place to settle down, with a more relaxed pace of life compared to bigger cities. Its tennis culture makes it an ideal place for newcomers looking to find a welcoming and engaging tennis community.
Champaign-Urbana, IL: #7 - The Hidden Gem
If you're looking for a fresh start and a place to improve your tennis game, these cities should be at the top of your list. However, just two and a half hours south of Chicago, three hours north of St. Louis, and an hour and a half west of Indianopolis sits the twin cities of Champaign-Urbana, home of the University of Illinois.
The C-U area boasts two six-court indoor tennis facilities with affordable fees and year-round programs, all set within a vibrant campus community of 130,000. What makes the twin cities an ideal place to relocate is the abundance of outdoor courts: within a ten-mile radius of campus, there are more than a hundred courts open to the public at no charge, including over 40 with lights that stay on until 11 p.m., making evening play easy and accessible. As home to the Big Ten’s Fighting Illini, the area also offers no shortage of opportunities to watch high-level college and professional tennis year-round.
Like Madison, the Champaign-Urbana tennis community is active with the ability to play seven days a week with seven or more different organized groups at one of the dozens of outdoor, well-kept parks.
Finding Your Tennis Home in the Midwest
If you're moving to another state and love tennis, these top seven cities in the Midwest provide everything you need to enjoy the sport. From world-class tennis facilities to active communities and regular events, these cities offer both casual and competitive players a place to thrive. Whether you prefer outdoor tennis during the warmer months or indoor play when it's cold, the Midwest provides year-round opportunities for tennis lovers.
People need to "reach out to their elected officials to oppose executive orders threatening constitutional rights and the well-being of international community members and the university."
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO -It has been a busy week for supporters of higher education in Illinois, with two separate protests at Northern Illinois University and Northeastern Illinois University.
More than 100 students and faculty members rallied Tuesday at Chicago's Northeastern Illinois campus in support of the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. Students spoke about the importance of higher-ed funding, particularly for diverse campuses serving many low-income and first-generation students.
Brandon Bisbey, assistant professor of Spanish at Northeastern Illinois, said the bill would help to address the university's underfunding challenges. He pointed out state appropriations cover about 30% of their budget.
"It costs more money to serve students whose social identities have these different aspects that affect their experience," Bisbey pointed out. "This is something that we struggle with at Northeastern, because we just do not have the resources to give all the students all the resources that they need."
He noted the school has been forced to continue to increase tuition to keep up with the disinvestment in higher education, and said fair funding is even more critical in light of the Trump administration's attacks on university funding and academic freedom.
On Wednesday, Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., joined nearly 250 demonstrators on Northern Illinois' DeKalb campus. They rallied against the Trump administration's decision to revoke visas of at least five of the school's international students.
Mark Van Wienen, professor of English at Northern Illinois, said international students, faculty and staff received legal advice not to attend the rally due to potential threats from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He observed it all speaks to the idea freedoms of assembly and speech should in some way be curbed in the U.S.
"That there should be a line drawn between international colleagues and international students, who are here as our invited guests, brings just sadness and a sense of determination," Van Wienen emphasized. "This is not what the United States is fundamentally about."
Van Wienen, along with organizers, encouraged the demonstrators to reach out to their elected officials to oppose executive orders threatening constitutional rights and the well-being of international community members and the university.
"We need to stand up now in support of them and we need to stand up now for the support of our rights," Van Wienen urged. "Because if we don't now, and we don't continuously, those rights are at grave risk."
Jan Struhar crushed the 30-34 division and cracked the Top 10 overall at the Illinois Marathon, clocking 2:40:31. Meanwhile, Champaign’s own Jaime Marcos dominated the field with a repeat victory in 2:22:23.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Jan Struhar runs at the front of a mini-pack with Champaign's Josh Hinds and Springfield's Jeremie Bokata after passing the four mile mark on the Illinois Marathon course. Hinds finished first in the men's 35-39 division, 26th overall at 2:48:47. Bokata went on to finish 63rd overall 18th in men's 20-24 division, crossing the finish at 3:02:18.
CHAMPAIGN - Jan Struhar made sure his trip to Champaign was worth it. Racing under overcast skies and cool mid-50s temperatures, the DWRunning athlete took control of his race early and held strong to the finish, claiming first place in the Men's 30-34 age division at Saturday’s Illinois Marathon. Struhar’s time of 2:40:31 not only locked up the divisional win among 83 runners, but also earned him 10th place overall in the men’s division and 10th place across the entire marathon field.
Struhar’s splits showed early consistency, passing the 10K mark at 37:42 and reaching the halfway point (13.1 miles) at 1:19:47. Down the stretch, he fended off Samuel Fiedorek, who clocked 2:41:03 to finish 11th, and Haran Dunderdale, who came through in 2:42:03 for 12th. Struhar’s effort capped a strong day for Chicago’s DWRunning team, coached by longtime veteran Dave Walters, who’s been developing marathoners for decades.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Shedding Bokata somewhere after the 13th mile, Struhar runs solo uphill on Logan Street in Champaign near the 14-1/2 mile mark with Hinds (not pictured) still nearby.
Up front, it was all Jaime Marcos. The 26-year-old from Champaign defended his crown in style, slicing over seven minutes off his 2024 winning time to cross first in 2:22:23, running a blistering 5:26-per-mile pace. Marcos separated early and never looked back, leading at halfway in 1:10:59 and putting daylight between himself and the rest of the field.
Behind him, Martin O’Connell of Madison, Wisconsin, locked down second place in 2:26:04, four minutes adrift of Marcos. Just five seconds later, Caleb Kerr of Zionsville, Indiana, grabbed third with a 2:26:09 finish. The trio broke away from the pack early and never relinquished their medal positions, each benefiting from the flat, fast course winding through the three cities that make up the course.
Here's a look at the smiles, salutes, and thumbs-ups we captured from this year's Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon.
Layla Jessie, from Schaumburg, and Ian Schrader, from Waterloo, throw up peace signs as they make their way down Washington Street in Urbana while running in the Illinois Marathon's half marathon race. Schrader finished 216th out of 358 male runners in the 20-24 year-old division. Jessie finished 129th in the Women's 20-24 year-old division with 458 female athletes.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
I’ve always known my Arab culture is worth celebrating.
I heard it in Syrian tenor Sabah Fakhri’s powerful voice reverberating in my mom’s car on the way to piano lessons and soccer practice during my youth. I smelled it in the za’atar, Aleppo pepper, allspice, and cumin permeating the air in the family kitchen. Read more . . .
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally. Read more . . .
Photo Galleries
A couple of runners found themselves in the wrong race at this year's Illinois Marathon. Over 60 photos from the race that you should see.
Going into this baseball season, Keegan McCarty had a long list of personal goals he was set on accomplishing this season.
That dream was interrupted by what appeared to be a temporary postponement to the season, and then weeks later the inevitable cancellation of the entire 2020 season, courtesy of the Coronavirus pandemic.
