Jun 11, 2025 10:58 pm .::. Area football players to play in all-star football game June 21ST. JOSEPH - Two of central Illinois’ top high school football talents and other members from the Illini Prairie Conference will join an elite group of players from across the state for one final game in their prep careers.
Coy Taylor of St. Joseph-Ogden and Robert Boyd-Meents of Paxton-Buckley-Loda will take the field June 21 at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington for the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m., with pregame ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the gate.
Jun 11, 2025 06:49 pm .::. Commentary |From Holocaust Remembrance to Gaza: Scholars raise genocide alarm
Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza." This veto was issued despite the resolution’s description of the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," and in the face of unanimous support from the council's other 14 members.
Jun 09, 2025 12:45 pm .::. Bill allows Illinois highway cameras to be used to investigate other crimesSPRINGFIELD - A bill passed in this year’s legislative session would rewrite the definition of a “forcible felony” to allow Illinois State Police to use images obtained from automatic license plate readers in cases involving human trafficking and involuntary servitude.
Jun 06, 2025 12:15 pm .::. Snoring Could Signal a Hidden Stroke Risk – Here’s WhyURBANA - Here’s another reason to pay attention when your partner complains that you’re snoring or gasping for air at night: sleep apnea – repeated episodes of stopped or slowed breathing during sleep – and stroke go together in more ways than you think.
Jun 05, 2025 07:50 pm .::. State Rep to hold satellite office hours for St. Joseph, stops in Vermilion County also setST. JOSEPH - State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is ready to hear from his constituents. Earlier this week, Niemerg announced "Satellite Office Hours" for St. Joseph, Homer, Fairmount and Georgetown on Tuesday, June 10.
This popular program provides opportunities for constituents to meet with legislative staff to receive help and discuss state issues and concerns.
Jun 05, 2025 01:06 pm .::. OSF to merge Urbana, Danville hospitals in overhaul for 2026URBANA - OSF HealthCare announced a major transformation in its east central Illinois operations Tuesday, revealing plans to merge two regional hospitals into a single entity with dual campuses.
Jun 05, 2025 11:26 am .::. Microplastics: Why you should worry about in our food supply?URBANA - From news reports to social media blurbs to medical studies, they’ve been in the public eye a lot lately. And experts say that likely won’t change.
We’re talking about microplastics or nanoplastics, incredibly small pieces of plastic that can get into our body.
Jun 05, 2025 03:48 am .::. Guest Commentary |Bitcoin King: From luxury townhome to jail
Would a million dollars make you happy? Would you be satisfied knowing you could eat well and do whatever you wanted? A million dollars isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still a huge sum of money. You could earn about $40,000 a year in interest. But wait—what if you had $100 million? You would be one of the richest people in the world! Can your mind even comprehend having that much money? Would you be satisfied? What about $100 million in bitcoin?
Jun 05, 2025 02:23 am .::. Updated: Urbana to host two 'NO KINGS' protests on June 14
After the courthouse protest, a free community dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in Lincoln Square Mall, sponsored by the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Jun 04, 2025 11:43 pm .::. U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Illinois congressman’s appeal of mail-in votingSPRINGFIELD - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear an appeal on a lawsuit led by Illinois Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost challenging Illinois’ mail-in voting law.
Bost and a pair of Illinois primary delegates for President Donald Trump sued the Illinois State Board of Elections in 2022, arguing that the state’s law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted after Election Day violates the federal law establishing an “Election Day.” Both a lower federal trial court and federal appeals court have ruled Bost lacked standing to sue.
Jun 04, 2025 10:58 pm .::. Book Review |Sky High: A Soaring History of Aviation
Humans have dreamed of flying since the beginning of time. Now that transcontinental air travel is common, flight is often taken for granted. Sky High: A Soaring History of Aviation by Jacek Ambrożewski traces the grand story of humanity's pursuit of flight, beginning with ancient legends passed down through cultures and ending with the historic journey of the solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 in 2015–2016.
Jun 04, 2025 09:27 pm .::. Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid packageSPRINGFIELD - Nearly every year, Illinois lawmakers pass a package of measures dealing with the state’s Medicaid program, the joint federal and state health care program that covers low-income individuals.
Known as the Medicaid omnibus bill, it sometimes includes bold components, like a 2021 initiative that made millions of dollars available to local communities to help them plan and design their own health care delivery systems. Other packages have focused on smaller changes like guaranteeing coverage for specific conditions and medications or adjusting reimbursement rates for different categories of health care providers.
Jun 04, 2025 02:14 pm .::. Opening your home, opening your world: Families invited to host exchange students this fall
As families across the country plan for the school year ahead, one nonprofit is inviting them to take part in a cultural exchange that reaches far beyond the classroom. World Heritage International Student Exchange Programs is currently seeking host families willing to welcome international students into their homes for the upcoming school year.
Jun 04, 2025 01:24 pm .::. Don't forget the tip: Why your hotel housekeeper deserves a little extra during your stay
Vacation season is here, and travelers everywhere are packing bags, booking hotel rooms, and looking forward to a break. But while you’re relaxing poolside or enjoying a freshly made bed, there’s someone working hard behind the scenes to make your stay more comfortable: your hotel housekeeper.
Father McGivney's Omar Avalos celebrates on third base after hitting a line drive to right field. The sophomore collected the team's first RBI, tying the score at 1-all. The Griffins went on to defeat the Indians in four innings 16-1, advancing to the Class 1A title game against Marquette High School. Avalos finished the game 3-for-4 with one run and 2 RBI.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Left: Freshman Gavin Greer lays down a bunt to third base in the first inning. He scored the team's only run on a Coy Clarke hit to center field later in the frame. Middle: Kannon Kamp is welcomed to home plate after his grand slam shot over the right field wall with Evan Koontz, Ty Etcheson, and Reilly Sutberry. The four-run homer put the Griffins up 5-1 on the scoreboard. Right: Pawnee pitcher Riley McElroy, who took the loss for Pawnee, unloads a pitch in the bottom of the third inning. The senior gave up seven hits in semifinal loss.
CHARLESTON - Marquette High School's Gwen Jimenez makes her second throw during the Class 1A shot put prelims at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals on Thursday. The sophomore thrower finished the day with her best throw at 30' 5.5", finishing the season 34th in the state. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.
Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, Ottawa Track & Field, Shot Put, Thrower, Marquette High School,
NORMAL - Last March, in a heartbreaking buzzer-beater, Emy Wardle of Peoria Notre Dame scored a layup with one second left to clinch the Class 2A title, 48-46.
The sting of defeat lingered throughout the season until Saturday night at CEFCU Arena, where The Hornettes exacted revenge in a state title rematch against Peoria Notre Dame. This time, Nashville left no doubt about the superior team, handing the Irish a decisive 55-29 loss.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Nashville's Avery Reeder, is all smiles while carrying the team's newest piece of state hardware. Saturday's trophy is the second one for Hornette program, who won their first state title in 2013.
Only two other teams held PND to fewer than 30 points all season: Alton, who secured a 41-27 victory in the state Class 4A third-place game on Friday, and Missouri's Incarnate Word Academy, who limited the Irish to their lowest output of the season at 26 points, scoring 69 themselves.
After a competitive first quarter, PND struggled over the next three, managing just 18 points total. Nashville surged with an impressive 18-point fourth quarter, sealing the championship and heading home with the hardware south of Interstate 70.
The victory was especially poignant for Nashville's lone senior, Avery Reeder.
"It means so much to me. It's everything I've ever wanted," Reeder said. "Honestly, I always wanted to end my last game with a win. On Thursday, I said I wanted to dominate them, and that's exactly what we did."
Emma Behrmann led Nashville's offense with 14 points, supported by the Brinkman twins, Summer and Samantha, who contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Summer also shone defensively with seven rebounds and five steals, while Samantha grabbed six boards and three steals.
Julia Mingus led Notre Dame with 11 points, while Lexi Baer and Cora Heinz added six points each.
NORMAL - Peoria Notre Dame continued its dominance on the biggest stage, rolling past Mt. Carmel 61-35 in the Class 2A state semifinal at the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals on Thursday at CEFCU Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.
The Irish, defending Class 2A champions, extended their winning streak to 15 games and remain undefeated in back-to-back state finals appearances. They advance to face the winner of the other semifinal between Phillips and Nashville in Saturday's championship game.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Peoria Notre Dame's Lexi Baer drives to the paint backdoor during the second half. The junior led all scorers with 18 points to help the Irish advance to Saturday's Class 2A title game.
Lexi Baer led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds, powering Notre Dame's offense in key moments. Emy Wardle added 15 points, connecting on three of her four attempts from beyond the arc, while Julia Mingus chipped in 10 points to round out the team's top scorers.
Up by just three points at halftime, the Irish found another gear in the third quarter. Baer scored six points in the frame, while Alli Stickelmaier and Cora Heinz each contributed four points to help Notre Dame stretch its lead to 15. That surge put the game out of reach and sent the Irish back to the title game with a chance to repeat as state champions.
For Mt. Carmel, Maycee Randall delivered a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Madison Stevens added eight points and seven boards. The Aces were making their first-ever appearance in the Final Four after a convincing 61-42 victory over Kankakee McNamara at the Unity Supersectional.
Despite keeping pace through the first half, Mt. Carmel struggled to contain Notre Dame's offensive pressure after the break. The Irish's ability to spread the scoring across multiple players and tenacious defense left little room for a comeback.
The Aces are back on Doug Collins Court Friday evening, hoping to take home the division's third place trophy at 6:30 PM on Friday.
Carrollton basketball players on the bench errupt with fans at the sound of the final buzzer in their state semifinal game against Cissna Park at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The Lady Hawks advanced to the Class 1A title game after a resounding victory Thursday morning.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Lauren Flowers goes up for shot over Cissna Park's Mady Marcott. Flowers led all scorers with 28 points and eight rebounds. NORMAL, IL - In a display of dominance at the CEFCU Arena on the Illinois State University campus, the Carrollton Lady Hawks soared to a commanding 55-39 victory over the Cissna Park Lady Timberwolves in their Class 1A state semifinals at the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals on Thursday morning.
Led by a scorching performance from Lauren Flowers, who tallied 28 points and showcased her shooting accuracy with 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, Carrollton wasted no time asserting their authority. Flowers ignited the offense with a pivotal three-pointer following two early free throws, setting the tone for the Lady Hawks' victory.
By halftime, Carrollton had firmly established their lead, thanks to strategic play under the guidance of head coach Brian Madson. "I told them in the locker room at halftime to keep their composure and move the ball around," Madson emphasized. He was proud of the way the team played in the first half saying, "Confidence is contagious, and so is the lack of it."
The Lady Hawks' confidence continued to soar after the game mid-game break.
The second half saw Carrollton extend their lead to 23 points by the third quarter, effectively securing their fifth appearance in the state title game in school history. Blake Driskill contributed 11 points, while Harper Darr added 10 and Abby Flowers chipped in with six points, underscoring a cohesive team effort that highlighted their depth and resilience.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Carrollton's Harper Darr battles for a loose ball with Cissna Park's Lauryn Hamrick.
Defensively, Lauren Flowers asserted her presence in the paint with eight rebounds, complemented by Chloe McAdams' six rebounds, stifling Cissna Park's scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Despite a valiant effort from Cissna Park, led by Addison Lucht and Lauryn Hamrick with 12 points each, and Josie Neukomm contributing nine points, the Lady Timberwolves fell short of advancing to the title game in their first state appearance in 25 years. Hamrick and Neukomm both secured eight rebounds apiece.
Looking ahead, Carrollton will face the winner of St. Edward High School and Pecatonica in the Class 1A title game on Saturday at 1pm. Meanwhile, Cissna Park will compete for third place against the loser of the upcoming matchup.
"I'm super excited to be playing on Saturday," said Madson during the postgame press conference."This team just sticks together, fights for each other. It is going to fun this coming Saturday."
Ramblers' Harlee Hiller (left) pushes Hampshire's Amelia Nidelea-Polanin head to the mat on her way to winning her second state champion title. In her four-year prep career, Hiller never placed below third at the IHSA state tournament.
BLOOMINGTON – Loyola Academy senior Harlee Hiller capped her high school wrestling career with another championship performance at the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Hiller won all four of her matches in the 115-pound division at Grossinger Motors Arena, earning her second consecutive state title.
Hiller allowed just three points across the tournament while controlling each match. In the finale, she defeated Mt. Zion’s Sydney Cannon by a 12-0 major decision. After a scoreless first period, Hiller broke the match open in the second with a takedown and nearfall to go ahead 7-0. The Rambler added an escape and another takedown early in the third period, then tacked on one final point in the closing seconds.
The title run marked a return to the top for Hiller, who finished as the 115-pound runner-up last season after a 4-3 loss to Gabby Gomez of Glenbard North. As a sophomore, she captured the 105-pound championship, and she placed third in the inaugural IHSA girls wrestling state series during her freshman year in 2022.
Hiller opened her final state tournament with a first-period pin against Metea Valley’s Ashley Basmajian in 1:21. She advanced through the quarterfinals after LaSalle-Peru’s Kiely Domyancich was disqualified in the second period. In the semifinals, Hiller shut out Hampshire’s Amelia Nidelea-Polanin with an 11-0 major decision.
With two titles and four state medals in as many years, Hiller leaves Loyola Academy as one of the program’s most accomplished wrestlers.
More photos from Hiller's 115 pound match against Hampshire’s Amelia Nidelea-Polanin.
BLOOMINGTON - Members of the Columbia High School cheerleading team perform during Friday's preliminary competition at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. The Eagles went on to win this year's state title on Saturday battling against the nine top teams in the state in the Small School Division. Earning the division top score of 93.82, Columbia finished ahead of Breese Mater Dei (90.84) in second place, and St. Francis (90.60) in third.
This year's Eagle cheerleading team includes Lucy Moore, Daylen Stevens, Mia McConachie, Morgan, Kelley, Sophia Walters, Lylah Bridges, Maddie Mudd, Ava Stanley, Maya Dill, Addie Ramage and Ellie Davis. The is coached by Robbie Walters, who is assisted by Marla Rose.
Six ways Trump's budget will damage rural Americans' way of life
Right now, Congress is working on a giant, fast-track bill that would make historic cuts to basic needs programs to finance another round of tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations.
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 . . .
