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.
In Champaign-Urbana, activists will convene at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana from 10am to 2pm for a local "No Kings" rally, highlighting the movement's commitment to grassroots democracy and peaceful protest.
The National Day of Action follows a spirited May 1st celebration where the 50501 Movement joined over 1,100 protests nationwide in solidarity with unions and immigrant rights groups. Reflecting on their mission, Kat Duesterhaus, 50501's Communications Lead, stated, "We're building a massive resistance to the Trump Regime. 50501 isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a people-powered movement."
Hunter Dunn, National Press Coordinator for 50501, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the movement's stance against perceived attacks on democracy. "When the Trump administration attacks one of us, it is an attack on us all."
For more information on the "No Kings" movement and its upcoming events, visit FiftyFifty.one.
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.
The Spartans (27-2) controlled the game from the opening inning and never let up, scoring in four of six innings and leaning on a sharp pitching performance from Asher Pruemer to keep the Rockets (14-10) scoreless on their home field. The win clinched the conference title outright and extended SJO’s winning streak with just days remaining in the regular season.
Pruemer was in command throughout, scattering just two hits while striking out four in a six-inning complete game. The right-hander walked one and faced minimal traffic, thanks in part to clean defense and early run support.
SJO got on the board quickly in the first. After Will Haley drew a walk in his opening at-bat, he scored the game’s first run on Trevor Ames’ two-out single to center. That opened the floodgates — Logan Rosenthal, Ames, and Nolan Earley also came around in the inning to give the Spartans a 4-0 lead.
Unity’s Brady Parr struggled with command, allowing six hits, nine total runs — four earned — and issuing six walks in just 2 2/3 innings.
The Spartans added two more runs in the second behind Kodey McKinney’s sharp single down the right field line, extending the lead to 6-0. But the big blow came in the bottom of the third, when Bryson Houchens crushed a three-run homer to left, scoring Rosenthal and Pruemer to put SJO up 9-0.
McKinney, who went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, drove in the final run in the sixth, plating pinch runner Dalton York to end the game via run rule.
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.
Houchens finished with three RBIs on the homer, and also scored twice. Rosenthal and Ames also crossed the plate twice apiece as the Spartans combined for nine hits and seven walks in the contest.
Unity’s lone offensive highlights came from Nolan Remole and Coleton Langendorf, who each recorded one hit, but the Rockets couldn’t generate sustained pressure against Pruemer.
St. Joseph-Ogden now turns its attention to a nonconference home matchup against Reed-Custer on Saturday as the Spartans continue to build momentum for the postseason.
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.
Local attorney empowers professional mothers through candid conversations with her 'The Billable Mom' podcasts.
Shelbyville - Shelbyville native and accomplished attorney Cari Rincker has wrapped up another successful season of her podcast, The Billable Mom. With a mission to explore the challenges faced by professional mothers, Rincker's podcast has found a steady audience, offering practical insights on topics ranging from time management to maternal health.
The show, available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and ListenNotes, features 23 episodes filled with thoughtful discussions and real-world advice. Rincker, who also operates Rincker Law, PLLC, was inspired to start the podcast during maternity leave after the birth of her second child. “I was home on maternity leave holding my sleeping baby in arm and running my life and law practice from my iPhone in my other hand,” she recalled. “I knew I wasn’t the only professional parent facing this balancing act.”
Photo provided
Cari Rincker and a variety of guests tackle work-life balance and more on The Billable Mom podcast. A safe space for professional working mothers, the show offers insights on productivity, time management, and the challenges of balancing life at work and at home.
Guests have included a diverse mix of attorneys, entrepreneurs, and coaches who are also parents. Among them are Manu Brune of Beyond Birth Basics, Laura Hanaford from The Trip Trotter, and Mahomet-based photographer Emily Donohoe. Each brings personal stories and professional advice, covering subjects like postpartum health, sleep training, and travel planning.
Legal professionals such as Tiffany Dowell Lashmet of Texas A\&M University, Bloomington attorney Michelle Mosby Scott, and fellow Shelbyville natives Liz Nohren and Kaylee Boehm have also been featured. “I have absolutely loved getting to know these women on a different level and hearing their stories as they are all unique,” Rincker said.
Rincker is now pausing new recordings to focus on curating recommendations for her listeners, including books, software, and other tools. The podcast is sponsored by organizations such as Beyond Birth Basics, Lawmatics, and Minors Co., which supports task management consulting through Asana.
More information about The Billable Mom is available at www.thebillablemom.com. The podcast can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter X, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Cari Rincker may be contacted directly at cari@thebillablemom.com.
Through The Billable Mom, Rincker continues to build a space for candid conversations and shared experiences—reminding working parents they are not alone in the daily juggle of career and family.
With its presence already established in Illinois, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space of cannabis culture.
URBANA - As cannabis culture continues to gain ground across the United States, one brand is carving out its niche with a low-key, socially friendly twist. Wynk, a hemp-derived THC-infused seltzer brand, is expanding its distribution footprint once again, this time into Wisconsin, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. The move signals the brand’s growing influence in the alternative beverage market, particularly in regions new to cannabis-derived drinkables.
Photo courtesy Wynk/PR Newswire
With its presence already established in states like Georgia, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space. The brand’s core appeal lies in its approachability: low-dose THC, zero calories or sugar, and a flavor-forward lineup that includes Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and Tangerine.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly.
This latest regional rollout comes on the heels of key distribution partnerships. Wynk has aligned with Sarene in Kentucky, C&M Sales in Arkansas, United - Johnson Brothers in Alabama, and Beechwood Sales & Service in Wisconsin. These relationships are helping bring the product to grocery chains, liquor stores, and independent retailers alike.
In Kentucky, for example, Wynk is now stocked at well-known outlets like Total Wine and Liquor Barn, while Alabama consumers can find the brand at Piggly Wiggly. Arkansas residents are seeing the product pop up in cities such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Harrison. And in Wisconsin, Wynk becomes the first THC beverage in the Sheehan Family of Brands portfolio.
Part of Wynk’s appeal is rooted in science. Thanks to nano-emulsification technology, which breaks THC into particles that are absorbed faster by the body, consumers can feel the effects in as little as 10 minutes—offering a more predictable and palatable experience than traditional edibles. That consistency, coupled with social flexibility and the absence of alcohol, has helped drive demand.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly. Many brands have entered the space, but few have captured the blend of taste, control, and accessibility that Wynk seems to prioritize. Available locally at Binny’s Beverage Depot for $23.99 per 12-pack (with store card), the product represents a new frontier in casual, cannabis-adjacent consumption.
As more consumers seek alternatives to alcohol for social occasions or wellness reasons, Wynk’s growth reflects a broader shift in behavior—especially in communities where traditional cannabis use has been slower to gain mainstream traction. With this latest expansion, Wynk is placing a firm foothold in new territories and giving consumers more choices in how they unwind.
A new voting bill could make name changes a voting hurdle for many women. Illinois leaders are speaking out.
URBANA - A newly revived federal voting bill is drawing renewed scrutiny, especially in Illinois, where voting rights advocates warn it could create significant barriers to ballot access.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the U.S. House last week with unanimous Republican support and four Democratic votes, would require all voters to present proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — when registering or updating their registration. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, though no vote has been scheduled.
This is not the first time the legislation has surfaced. A previous version passed the House during the last session of Congress but stalled in the then-Democratic-controlled Senate.
Proponents of the SAVE Act argue it is essential for protecting the integrity of elections by ensuring that only American citizens can cast ballots. However, critics see it as a thinly veiled attempt to suppress voter participation under the guise of security. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) delivered that message directly to lawmakers during a subject matter hearing before the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee on April 22 in Springfield.
Kathy Cortez, LWVIL’s Vice President for Issues and Advocacy, testified that the legislation risks disenfranchising large swaths of the voting population by introducing new hurdles that disproportionately affect low-income individuals, women, and others who may have difficulty assembling documentation.
No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote
“We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters,” Cortez said. “The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation.”
A major point of concern raised during the hearing was the bill’s disproportionate impact on women. Cortez explained that because many women in Illinois changed their names after marriage, the SAVE Act would require them — and not men — to produce documentation of name changes through marriage, divorce, or remarriage in order to vote.
The League also highlighted the financial implications of the legislation. For many residents living paycheck to paycheck, obtaining official documents like certified birth certificates or divorce decrees could present a real hardship.
“No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote,” Cortez said. “We believe that even one individual losing their ability to vote because they could not afford to comply with the requirements of the SAVE Act is one voter too many.”
Despite their opposition to the measure, LWVIL expressed a willingness to support voters if the bill becomes law. With a statewide network and long-standing relationships with Illinois' 108 election authorities, the League says it is prepared to help residents navigate any new requirements.
As the debate continues, Illinois remains a microcosm of a broader national conversation — one that pits concerns over election integrity against the practical realities of access and participation.
CHAMPAIGN – The Fighting Illini women's basketball program is gearing up for a dynamic boost with the addition of Aaliyah Guyton, announced head coach Shauna Green. Guyton, a 5-foot-7-inch guard hailing from Peoria, Illinois, joins Illinois as a rising sophomore transfer from Iowa, marking a significant recruitment coup for the Big Ten squad.
Guyton, who played her prep ball at Peoria High School, brings a robust basketball pedigree to Champaign. Her career trajectory includes a notable stint with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she made 29 appearances and averaged 4.7 points per game during her freshman campaign. Iowa, a formidable force in NCAA competition, secured a No. 6 seed in the tournament and advanced to the Round of 32 last season.
"I chose Illinois because of the strong sense of community, the incredible growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of something meaningful alongside an amazing team and staff," said Guyton, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "I'm truly grateful to Coach Green for recruiting me again; it really speaks to the belief she has in me. I'm excited to get started and be a part of the FamILLy!"
Recognized as the No. 57 prospect nationwide by ESPN HoopGurlz and the top player in Illinois by PrepGirlsHoops.com in the Class of 2024, Guyton's accolades extend beyond her collegiate debut. As a high school standout, she earned consensus all-state honors, averaging 21.6 points per game during her junior season before an injury-shortened senior year.
Coach Green expressed her excitement about Guyton's addition, highlighting her versatility and leadership potential. "I am absolutely thrilled to have Aaliyah join our family," said Green. "She brings Big Ten experience and the ability to lead our team at the point guard position. Aaliyah's scoring ability and elite defensive skills will be invaluable to our system. I cannot wait to get Aaliyah to campus!"
With Guyton set to don the orange and blue for the 2025-26 season, Illinois fans can look forward to her having a positive impact on and off the court. With the next season months away, the Fighting Illini look poised to capitalize on Guyton's talents as they pursue new heights in Big Ten competition.
So far, 43 types of mammals have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S.
The bird flu cases are rising in cats. A pet from the Champaign-Urbana area was recently diagnosed infected with the virus.
Photo: Annette Meyer/Pixabay
(Urbana) - A growing number of cases of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, have been detected in domestic cats across the United States, raising concerns about its potential transmission to humans. Veterinary experts and public health officials are warning pet owners to be vigilant as the virus spreads across multiple states and is linked to contaminated food sources.
Dr. Leyi Wang, a virologist and professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently confirmed the presence of H5N1 in a cat at the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported 130 cases of bird flu in domestic cats, spanning 23 states, including Illinois. Since 2022, 126 domestic cats have been infected, with around half of those cases occurring in 2024. Many cats were exposed through contaminated food or raw milk.
Lethality and Transmission Risk
"Bird flu H5N1 infections in cats are usually serious and life-threatening, with a high mortality rate. Infected cats show severe clinical signs such as lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and neurological issues like tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness," Wang explains. "Domestic cats are companion animals and have close contact with humans, potentially transmitting viruses to owners. A previous report revealed a cat-to-human transmission of influenza A virus, so H5N1 transmission might be possible as well."
Infections have been reported most often after prolonged and unprotected exposure to an infected animal.
Although no confirmed cases of cat-to-human transmission of H5N1 have been recorded in the current outbreak, Wang and other experts warn that as the virus circulates in mammals, the risk of mutation increases. "Previously, H5N1 had limited infection in mammals. However, the new H5N1 involved in outbreaks since 2022 mutated and acquired the capability to infect different mammal species including domestic and wild cats. So far, 43 types of mammals have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S., with domestic cats being the highest number," Wang says.
Pathways of Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people can be infected with avian influenza viruses through contact with infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic animals. Infections have been reported most often after prolonged and unprotected exposure to an infected animal. The CDC has previously documented avian influenza transmission from mammals to humans in the U.S., including a case involving a cat in New York City in 2016 and a cow in 2024.
The virus has been detected in poultry and cattle, allowing it to enter the raw food supply. Concerns over food contamination led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes (84 ounces) and Small Chicken Boxes (21 ounces) due to the potential presence of H5N1. These products, with a “better if used by” date of November 15, 2026, were distributed in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Pet owners who have fed their cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, nasal and eye discharge, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, or blindness. If a cat exhibits these symptoms, immediate veterinary attention is advised.
Public Health Concerns
Public health experts fear that as H5N1 spreads among mammals, the likelihood of a pandemic increases. The New York Times recently reported that domestic cats could serve as a critical pathway for the virus to evolve and potentially become more transmissible to humans. If the virus mutates or swaps genes with another flu virus, it could pose a greater threat to human populations.
"If you work with animals, wash your hands well after interacting with poultry, livestock or animals outside the household. I also would suggest changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status, before interacting with your own pets," Wang advised.
Prevention and Protection
With no available vaccine or antiviral treatment for H5N1 in cats, prevention is key. Experts recommend keeping cats indoors to limit exposure to infected birds and wildlife. Pet owners should also avoid feeding raw meat or raw milk to their pets and ensure they do not come into contact with potentially contaminated food sources.
Wang stresses the importance of vigilance among pet owners. "Cat owners should contact their veterinarians if they are concerned their pet has contracted bird flu. Tell the veterinarian if your pet has been exposed to raw meat, raw milk, backyard birds or wild waterfowl. Unfortunately, only supportive care is available for cats with bird flu, and no antiviral drugs are yet available."
Beyond pet care, experts urge the public to remain cautious when handling animals and animal products. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for veterinarians and those working closely with animals at risk of infection.
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 . . .
CHICAGO - An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United States without court hearings. 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 . . .
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