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Jun 11, 2025 10:58 pm .::. Area football players to play in all-star football game June 21 
Jun 11, 2025 07:53 pm .::. Guest Commentary |It was a terrible idea for Musk to become so heavily involved in government and politics Elon Musk's wealth mainly comes from his ownership stakes in two companies: 1. Tesla – around 37% of his wealth is from Tesla stock, although it was as high as 75% in 2020. 2. SpaceX – valued contracts include a $20 billion deal with the United States federal government. 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 10, 2025 11:22 pm .::. Father McGivney win state semifinal baseball game over Pawnee in four innings CHAMPAIGN - 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. Jun 09, 2025 01:42 pm .::. How sweet it is! Cyclones win Class 2A state baseball title in heart-stopping thriller CHAMPAIGN - The Sacred Heart-Griffin baseball team mug teammate Tommy Lauterbach after he drilled the game-winning RBI deep into left field during their Class 2A championship baseball game against Teutopolis. Jun 09, 2025 12:45 pm .::. Bill allows Illinois highway cameras to be used to investigate other crimes SPRINGFIELD - 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 Why URBANA - 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 set ST. 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 2026 URBANA - 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? 
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 voting SPRINGFIELD - 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 package SPRINGFIELD - 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 
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Sentinel Digest |Our stories from June 4 to June 11
Opening your home, opening your world: Families invited to host exchange students this fall
Throughout the school year, exchange students attend a local high school, participate in community life, and immerse themselves in American customs.
Photo: African Student Association/Unsplash
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. The experience is more than just providing a bed and meals—it’s a chance to share daily life, build lifelong friendships, and foster deeper understanding between cultures. Students, aged 15 to 18, come from over 60 countries, including France, Japan, Italy, Australia, and Denmark. They are carefully selected for their academic performance, English proficiency, and strong personal character. Five really good reasons to be a host:
1. Cultural Enrichment at Home
You don’t have to travel the world to experience it. Hosting a student brings another culture straight into your living room. Experience new foods, new traditions, even fun phrases in a different language.2. Lasting International Friendships
You’re not just hosting a student, you’re gaining a new family member. Many families stay in touch for years, visiting each other and celebrating milestones from across the globe.3. Personal Growth and Family Connection
Welcoming someone new into your space teaches patience and understanding. It often brings families closer together as you all work as a team to make the experience great.4. Educational Opportunities for All
Your kids (and you!) can learn so much just by chatting at the dinner table. Exchange students bring new perspectives that can spark great conversations and open up your view of the world.5. Giving Back Without Financial Strain
You provide the home and meals, and the student covers their own spending money and insurance. It’s a rewarding way to make a difference—without breaking the bank.More stories ~
Don't forget the tip: Why your hotel housekeeper deserves a little extra during your stay
Just like tipping a server or barista, tipping your housekeeper is part of good travel etiquette.
Asad Photo Maldives
Taking off to vacation for a few weeks is great for stress release, getting to know a loved one better, and good overall for mental health. While you are relaxing and decompressing from all that ails you, remember there is someone working hard to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
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. Most guests don’t think twice about tipping a server at a restaurant or a driver for a ride, but many forget or don’t realize that housekeeping staff also deserve recognition for their work. Leaving a few dollars behind in your hotel room might not seem like much, but to a housekeeper, it can be a meaningful boost in both income and morale.
Why Your Tip Matters More Than Ever
In this environment of staffing shortages, increased workloads, and ongoing wage struggles, tipping isn’t just a nicety, it’s a real way to make a difference.
1. Housekeepers Work Hard
Cleaning multiple rooms a day is physically demanding. It requires speed, strength, and attention to detail. A small tip is a simple way to acknowledge that hard work.
2. They’re Not Paid Much
For workers earning close to minimum wage, tips can make the difference between getting by and falling behind.
3. They Make Your Stay More Comfortable
From fresh towels to clean sheets to a spotless bathroom, housekeepers create the environment that makes your hotel room feel like a break from the real world.
4. Tips Encourage Better Morale
A few dollars shows someone that their effort is seen and appreciated. That’s powerful motivation—especially in a job that can feel invisible.
5. It’s a Common Courtesy
Just like tipping a server or barista, tipping your housekeeper is part of good travel etiquette. Many travelers leave $2–$5 per night. If you’re staying multiple days, consider tipping daily, as the staff may rotate.
A small gesture with a big impact
It might seem like a small thing, but leaving a tip for your housekeeper helps support the people who make your trip more enjoyable. At a time when housekeepers are doing more work for the same (or even less) pay, your gratitude makes a real impact.
Photo:Liliana Drew/PEXELS
Hotel housekeepers work hard to make the guest experience pleasant. Unfortunately, during peak travel months they can be overworked and underappreciated.
And in today’s hospitality industry, where housekeepers are more overworked and under-supported than ever, that small gesture matters even more.
The hidden workers who keep hotels running
Hotel housekeepers are the backbone of the guest experience. They clean 10 to 15 rooms per shift working under tight time constraints and physically demanding conditions. With the chronic understaffing in the industry today, they typically clean even more. They lift heavy linens, scrub bathroom floors, replace used items, and sanitize spaces to keep guests safe and comfortable. Despite this essential role, housekeepers are among the lowest-paid workers in the hospitality sector, often earning between $8 to $15 an hour, depending on the region. Many rely on tips to help cover basic needs like groceries, gas, and childcare. And yet, unlike other roles in hospitality, housekeepers usually work in the background. Guests rarely see them, and because of that, their work often goes unnoticed or unappreciated.How the pandemic changed everything
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States in 2020, the hotel industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors. At its worst, an estimated 70% of all hotel staffs was reportedly laid off or placed on leave, leading to nearly 400,000 jobs vanishing between February 2020 and August 2022. The upheaval pushed many hospitality workers to rethink their career paths. Tired of low pay, long hours, and unpredictable schedules, many moved into retail, warehouse jobs, or started small businesses where working conditions were more stable and allowed for more time to engage in social activities or raise families. Today, the effects are still being felt. A recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association revealed that nearly 90% of U.S. hotels face a staffing shortage, and more than a third are dealing with severe understaffing. Housekeeping is the most affected area with 43% of hotels reporting it as the hardest role to fill. An estimated 115,000 hotel jobs remain unfilled since the initial pandemic cuts. That shortage means fewer hands to do more work and more pressure on the housekeepers who continue to work hard to keep up on the daily demand.Immigration crackdowns and staffing issues
The problem didn’t start with the pandemic. Years of immigration crackdowns, especially during the Trump administration, added to the industry’s hiring struggles. The hospitality sector, especially housekeeping, has long relied on immigrant labor, including many undocumented workers.
Photo: Rodrigo Salomón Cañas/Pixabay
A 2020 report by the Center for Migration Studies of New York estimated that U.S. hotels employed about 137,000 undocumented immigrants. But with heightened threats of deportation and anti-immigrant rhetoric, many left the workforce or the country altogether. According to Business Travel News, industry leaders say that these immigration policies worsened existing labor shortages. Even in 2024, hotel employment remains roughly 200,000 jobs short of pre-COVID levels. So before you check out of your next hotel room, take a moment to say thank you. Leave a few dollars on the nightstand with a quick note if you like. It’s not just a kind gesture, it’s a small way to let the staff know that you appreciated their work in making your stay clean and comfortable. For many, your tip is a show of respect and compassion for the essential workers who work hard behind the scenes.
More stories ~
Brian E. Smith captures 400m state title, cements sprint legacy for North Shore Country Day
Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day. Senior medaled in three events at Saturday's state track finals.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
CHARLESTON - North Shore Country Day senior Brian E. Smith II closed out his high school track career with a historic finish at the IHSA Track and Field State Finals, held May 29–31 at Eastern Illinois University. Smith claimed the Class 1A state championship in the 400-meter dash, turning in a winning time of 48.47 seconds, good for the third-fastest 400m time across all three IHSA classes. With the title, Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day, a private school of just over 500 students in Winnetka. His performance came during what proved to be one of the driest and mildest weather weekends the state finals have seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith advanced to the 400m finals after posting his personal-best time of 48.12 seconds in Thursday’s qualifying round. In the championship race, he outran Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley’s Evan Landers-Kristensen, who placed second at 49.06 seconds, and Casey-Westfield’s Hayden Parcel, who took third in 49.36.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Smith also competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, placing in both to cap a rare triple-threat showing. In the 100m final, he finished fifth with a time of 10.99 seconds. Morrison junior Brady Anderson won the event in 10.74, followed by Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting (10.78), Morrison’s Levi Milder (10.92), and Red Bud’s Gavin Baldwin (10.96). Later in the day, Smith took on the 200m dash and finished seventh with a time of 22.19. Milder secured his second gold medal of the meet with a personal-best 21.44 in the event.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
If you love food, here are the top cities you need to move to this year
If you enjoy eating and tasting unique flavors from around the world. Here are five cities that should be at the top of your list.
For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors. These five cities provide not only delicious dishes but also food experiences that can inspire and satisfy all tastes. So, whether it’s fresh seafood, exotic spices, or creative culinary twists, the right city can turn eating into an exciting adventure every day.
New York City: A global feast for every taste
New York City offers endless dining options from every corner of the world. Street vendors, diners, and fine dining restaurants fill the city’s neighborhoods with rich flavors. Home-cooked meals and famous food markets both play important roles here. Many recipes and food traditions bring the family together during special occasions or simple weeknight dinners.
Photo: Hussein Haidar Salman/PEXELS
The city’s energy pushes chefs to innovate while honoring classic dishes. Whether craving a slice of pizza or a Michelin-starred experience, choices are endless. New Yorkers enjoy a fast pace, but good food always finds time. This city invites food lovers to explore constantly and enjoy new culinary discoveries every day.
San Francisco: A Food Lover’s Dream with a Unique Local Flavor
San Francisco delivers a vibrant food scene that blends tradition with innovation. From fresh seafood by the bay to globally inspired flavors shaped by its diverse communities, the city offers something for every palate. But beyond the food itself, settling here involves more than just eating well. To truly make San Francisco feel like home, explore neighborhoods until you find one that fits your lifestyle, get familiar with nearby shops and cafes, and connect with people who share your interests. Local farmers markets, food trucks, and neighborhood eateries aren’t just about meals—they’re ways to build routine and community. Embracing the city’s culture through its food can help you feel grounded in your new surroundings. Whether you’re tasting iconic sourdough or discovering a new fusion dish, San Francisco turns everyday dining into a way to belong.
Photo: Kassandre Pedro/Pexels
Tokyo: Tradition meets modern flavors
Tokyo offers an impressive mix of food experiences that draws many people in. This city combines ancient recipes with innovative twists. So, if you ever decide to come to or live in this city, here are some highlights you should be aware of:- Fresh sushi from the Tsukiji market
- Authentic ramen shops in every neighborhood
- Street food like takoyaki and yakitori
- Elegant kaiseki dining that honors seasonal ingredients
- Trendy cafes offering unique desserts and drinks
Bangkok: The heart of street food delights
Bangkok offers an exciting street food scene filled with bold, spicy flavors. Food stalls and markets serve authentic dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The city’s food culture emphasizes freshness and bold tastes. Food lovers often seek out perfectly grilled seafood, a local specialty found in many night markets. Walking through neighborhoods, aromas of herbs and spices fill the air. Bangkok’s food options cater to all budgets and cravings. Exploring small eateries reveals recipes passed down for generations. The city’s fast pace contrasts with the relaxed way food is enjoyed. Every meal feels like a celebration of rich ingredients and local traditions. Bangkok remains a top choice for those eager to experience flavorful street food and authentic Thai cuisine.
Photo: Chait Goli/PEXELS
Barcelona: One of the best Cities you should move to if you love food
Barcelona offers diverse food experiences that excite every palate. The city mixes old recipes with modern twists. With that said, here are some foods that food lovers in Barcelona should try:- Traditional tapas like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico
- Fresh seafood dishes from the Mediterranean coast
- Seasonal Catalan specialties made with local ingredients
- Creative plates at new, affordable eateries
- Sweet treats such as crème Catalana
How to find a great city for food lovers
Finding the right city for food lovers means looking beyond famous dishes and trends. Start by exploring local markets and street food options where simple meals, like potato salad, reveal regional flavors. Next, check for a variety of restaurants that offer both traditional recipes and creative new dishes. Pay attention to places with fresh ingredients and a culture that values cooking. Also, consider cities where food brings people together regularly, whether for casual bites or festive meals. Reading reviews and food blogs helps spot hidden gems. Finally, experiencing the city’s food firsthand through visits or tasting tours reveals what makes each place special for food lovers. This approach ensures the choice fits personal tastes and offers daily culinary adventures.Discover your next food destination
Finding the best cities you should move to if you love food means looking beyond just a meal. These places offer the chance to explore new tastes, try fresh ingredients, and enjoy cooking traditions that keep evolving. Moving to a city with great food means opening the door to endless flavor discoveries and memorable dining moments. For food lovers, location matters as much as passion, and choosing a city with a rich food culture can make every day more enjoyable and full of delicious surprises.Other Stories ~
Season 2 of Champaign-Urbana men’s singles tennis league starting now, high school players and women wanted
The Champaign-Urbana men’s singles tennis league is back for a second season with expanded player opportunities and new divisions forming. New leagues for women and high school players are forming soon.
CHAMPAIGN - The Champaign Men’s 3.5 and 4.0 Singles Tennis League is back for its second season, bringing more matches, more players, and new opportunities for local competition. With 11 participants already registered, the league is accepting additional sign-ups through June 20, giving players across the area a chance to join the growing community. The summer-long league, part of the USTA Mid-South District, runs through August 31 and offers flexible scheduling for adult men looking to compete in outdoor singles play. Participants coordinate directly with their opponents to set match dates, times, and locations, with results contributing to each player's World Tennis Number (WTN).
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
In addition to being a great way to stay active and have fun, playing competitive league matches against a variety of players help sharpen your technique, strategy, and overall game.
All matches follow a best-of-three set format with a third-set tiebreak. Players may opt for short sets or no-ad scoring by mutual agreement. As in the inaugural season, each player brings a new can of tennis balls to each match, and the winner keeps the unopened can unless an alternative is agreed upon. This season also introduces added incentives and events. The top two players from each league in each participating city will qualify for the District Championship, to be held in September at a location yet to be announced. The season will conclude with a complimentary end-of-season party featuring food and games for all league members. Looking ahead, league coordinator Bret Schrama is collecting names for two new leagues expected to launch soon—a women’s singles league and a high school league for boys and girls ages 14 to 18. These additions aim to expand playing opportunities and increase access to competitive tennis throughout the Champaign-Urbana area. The cost to participate in the men’s league is $26 per season. With no court fees and a community-driven approach, the league remains focused on affordability, flexibility, and local engagement. Interested in playing competitive tennis summer? For more information or to register, contact USTA Illinois Tennis Service Representative Bret Schrama at (317) 333-3559 or by email at bret@midwest.usta.com
Spartans' big bats blank Mt. Zion in 11-0 rout, Pruemer polishes another gem
Houchens and Earley combine for 10 RBIs as St. Joseph-Ogden shuts out Mt. Zion 11-0 in five innings.
ST. JOSEPH - Bryson Houchens and Nolan Earley each drove in five runs as St. Joseph-Ogden overwhelmed Mt. Zion 11-0 in five innings on Wednesday in a dominant all-around home performance. The Spartans struck early and never let up, scoring in every inning and ending the game via the mercy rule after a two-run blast from Houchens in the fifth. Houchens finished 3-for-3 with two singles and a home run to left, while Earley’s three-run shot in the fourth broke the game open at 9-0. Pruemer, a right-hander, silenced Mt. Zion’s bats over five efficient innings, allowing just one hit, striking out eight and walking one. He faced only two batters over the minimum and got plenty of run support as SJO piled up 11 hits and stole four bases.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Nolan Earley hits an in-field fly during SJO's home game against Westfield. The senior collected 5 RBIs at Meier Field against visiting Mt. Zion.
Nationwide 'No Kings' Movement Gears Up for Flag Day Protests
The 50501 Movement is organizing a nationwide "No Kings" day of action on June 14—Flag Day—to protest authoritarianism and assert that real power lies with the people, not in military displays.
URBANA - As Flag Day approaches on June 14th, the 50501 Movement is poised for a nationwide show of defiance against what they perceive as authoritarianism in America. Dubbed the "No Kings" day of action, events are scheduled in 49 states, with notable absences, including Nebraska. The movement, known for its advocacy of nonviolence and grassroots mobilization, contrasts its vision with what they describe as Donald Trump's planned display of military might in Washington, D.C. Instead, they emphasize the power of community-driven action across the country, from bustling downtown Chicago to the quieter corners of small-town Illinois. Downstate Illinois will host multiple rallies, including gatherings in Kankakee, Urbana, Macomb, Carbondale, and Charleston, with the largest event planned for Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, starting at noon.
Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Protesters chant at Champaign's Hands-Off! rally in Champaign's April rally. June's 'No Kings' event is expect to draw an even larger crowd.
Spartans shut out Unity, finish Illini Prairie season undefeated
SJO defeats Unity 10-0 on the road to clinch the Illini Prairie Conference title behind Pruemer’s shutout and Houchens’ 3-run homer.
TOLONO — St. Joseph-Ogden wrapped up a dominant Illini Prairie Conference season with an emphatic 10-0 shutout victory over rival Unity on Thursday, capping off a perfect run through league play.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Spartan pitcher winds up for a pitch against Westville on April 30. The junior hurler picked the win against Unity on Thursday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Spartans' Bryson Houchens loads for swing on Normal U-High pitch last month. He has hit home runs in last three outtings for SJO.
Online alcohol delivery fuels concerns in Illinois Youth Survey, Marijuana use surges
New survey data shows a concerning rise in teen substance abuse in Illinois, including the impact of online alcohol delivery and marijuana trends among Illinois teens in the 2024 Youth Survey.
CHAMPAIGN - A new report on youth substance use in Illinois paints a sobering picture of emerging trends and longstanding challenges as more adolescents experiment with drugs and alcohol—and in some cases, suffer serious consequences. The 2024 Illinois Youth Survey (IYS), released this spring, revealed that while overall youth substance use has not spiked dramatically, troubling new behaviors and increased accessibility are raising red flags for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.
Photo: R+R Medicinals/Pixabay
Among the most startling findings: Illinois teens are drinking at nearly double the national rate. Thirteen percent of Illinois youth reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days, compared with just 6.9% nationally. The data, collected by the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, also showed a growing number of youth engaging in binge drinking, acquiring substances online, or misusing prescription drugs. The IYS, a biennial self-report survey first administered in 1993, is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and designed to provide both local-level insights and a scientific estimate of health and social behaviors statewide. It surveys eighth, 10th, and 12th graders on a wide range of issues including bullying, school climate, and substance use. This year’s sample included responses from more than 10,490 students. Doug Smith, CPRD director and a professor of social work at the University of Illinois, said one unexpected pattern to emerge was teens acquiring liquor through home delivery services.
Clinicians are seeing an uptick in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—a condition tied to heavy cannabis use that causes extreme nausea and vomiting.
“This is a newer trend that started when retailers moved to online delivery during the pandemic,” Smith told the University of Illinois News Bureau. “It may be time to think about what regulatory approaches, if any, are needed to prevent kids from ordering alcohol online.” Substance access is also a concern when it comes to marijuana, especially highly potent products such as edibles. Among surveyed students, 1% of eighth graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 5% of 12th graders reported using cannabis 20 or more times a month. The risks of cannabis products among children were underscored just last month when a 14-year-old was arrested at Urbana Middle School for possessing more than 500 grams of cannabis-infused edibles. Urbana police reported that the child may have been attempting to distribute the edibles, and that another student required medical attention after ingesting one. Experts note these products often contain THC levels up to six times the adult dosage, making them particularly harmful to young users. Smith said clinicians are seeing an uptick in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—a condition tied to heavy cannabis use that causes extreme nausea and vomiting. “We’re getting increasing reports of teens experiencing cyclical vomiting syndrome,” he said. “It’s something we didn’t talk much about even five years ago.” The IYS data also highlighted the continued presence of more dangerous narcotics among youth. While fewer students reported using illicit drugs like heroin or LSD—just 1% of eighth and 10th graders and 2% of 12th graders—these numbers still translate to thousands of teens across the state. Prescription drug misuse was also flagged, with some students reporting using medications not prescribed to them. Many students acknowledged that their substance use was not without consequences. Fourteen percent of 12th graders and 8% of sophomores said their use had led to fights, injuries, or poor academic performance. Ten percent of seniors and 6% of sophomores reported experiencing blackouts. Others admitted to riding with or driving under the influence—11% of seniors and 6% of sophomores.
The reality of addiction has already touched some students. About 5% of high school sophomores and seniors said they were in recovery from a substance use problem.
In terms of perception, many teens seem to underestimate the risks of regular alcohol or marijuana use. While most students viewed daily cigarette smoking as dangerous, far fewer expressed concern over marijuana or moderate drinking. Only 61% of seniors thought using marijuana once or twice a week was harmful. And when asked about daily alcohol use, 21% of eighth graders and nearly one in five high schoolers saw little or no risk in having one or two drinks a day. Still, the survey also found encouraging signs: More than 90% of students reported that their parents or guardians had talked to them about substance use in the past year, and a similar percentage said their families had clear rules around these behaviors.
Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
Despite these preventative conversations, the reality of addiction has already touched some students. About 5% of high school sophomores and seniors said they were in recovery from a substance use problem. Smith noted this seemingly small percentage represents thousands of young people in Illinois who might benefit from alternative education options like recovery high schools, which offer a structured environment for students overcoming addiction. While Illinois currently has no such schools, other states have implemented them with promising results. “This data tells a much bigger story than just who’s using what,” Smith said. “It’s about the environments young people are navigating, the access they have to substances, and the types of supports they need to move toward healthier choices.” The survey’s findings underscore the need for continued investment in prevention, education, and recovery programs for youth. The research was supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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Opening your home, opening your world: Families invited to host exchange students this fall
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 . . .