Recent study suggests childhood trauma could haunt Illinois adults for life

Photo: Dan Meyers/Unsplash

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 75% of U.S. high school students said they have had at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACE.

Research has shown ACEs can alter a child's brain chemistry and produce a prolonged toxic stress response. Experiencing at least one ACE as a child is linked to having alcohol and substance use problems in adulthood, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Joe Bargione, a certified school psychologist, said the symptoms are troubling.

"We're seeing some of the same kinds of patterns," Bargione pointed out. "That increased sense of loneliness, isolation in our youth, increased levels of suicide ideation, exposure to violence, exposure to other adverse childhood experiences."

The Illinois Department of Public Health said 61% of adults have had at least one ACE, including witnessing domestic violence in the home, parental separation, or physical and sexual abuse. Females and several groups who identify as a racial or ethnic minority were at greater risk for experiencing four or more ACEs.

The Illinois Department of Health said preventing ACEs may lower the risk for depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes in adulthood. Bargione added schools can help address the youth mental health crisis by cultivating a sense of belonging and connectedness, as well as increasing suicide prevention programs.

"Promoting mental health awareness," Bargione urged. "Teaching kids around social-emotional learning and dealing with their emotions in an effective way, increased mental health services."

The Illinois Department of Health said healthy childhoods can provide lasting benefits throughout their lives. One way to help at-risk youth is by educating communities, youth-serving and faith-based organizations, coaches, and caregivers to better understand ACEs.

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Editorial |Which candidate do we endorse for president? We're not the marrying type

During the 2016 election, only 20 papers endorsed Donald Trump's candidacy. Hillary Clinton received 243 endorsements from daily newspapers. Just six weekly papers endorsed Trump’s first run, while Clinton received support from 148. However, the endorsements had no measurable effect on the outcome. Clinton, who lost the election in the Electoral College, had 2.9 million more votes nationwide than her opponent, a margin of 2.1% of total votes cast.

"In 2016, nearly every newspaper in America endorsed Hillary Clinton. Obviously, the endorsements of Clinton did not lead to her victory, but it was a reflection of a widespread belief that Trump was unfit for office," David Mindich told Temple Now. Mindich is a professor of journalism at Temple’s Klein College of Media and Communication.

Last week, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, two of America’s most prominent newspapers, broke with the longstanding tradition of endorsing a presidential candidate. The owners of both newspapers forbade their editorial staffs from selecting and endorsing the candidate they deemed best suited to lead the United States.

Newspaper endorsements of political candidates date back to before the 1830s. Newspapers were once partisan tools owned or funded by politicians themselves to disseminate political views and give endorsements. That changed with the rise of the independent press.

"After the commercial press in the United States was born in the 1830s, newspapers started to become independent. The leading newspaper of the so-called penny press era was the New York Herald, run by an editor named James Gordon Bennett," Mindich said. "From the inception of his paper to the American Civil War, Bennett endorsed candidates from both major parties. Endorsements became a regular feature of independent American newspapers."

Melita Garza, associate professor and director of graduate studies in journalism at the University of Illinois, said, "There is little empirical evidence that these presidential endorsements swayed readers to vote one way or another."

There is speculation that C-suite executives feared backlash and subscription cancellations from readers angered by a particular endorsement. Garza notes that journalists on the ground are ultimately the ones who suffer.

"The only people hurt by the cancellation were the journalists, who probably will face another round of layoffs," she said.

However, another likely reason for the abstinence from endorsements is the increasingly hostile climate created by conservative politicians and their social media agents. It is rare, if not unheard of, for liberal politicians to threaten media outlets or employees. Meanwhile, Trump has made numerous threats aimed at journalists and publishers. The fear of retaliation if he takes office runs deep not only among the billionaire owners of America’s largest news organizations but also among independent community publications that challenge or criticize him.

In 2022, at a Texas rally, Trump said he would jail reporters and “marry them to a prisoner” if they did not reveal confidential sources for stories he didn’t approve—a clear violation of the First Amendment. He repeated this stance weeks later at a rally in Ohio.

Donald Trump: "The reporter goes to jail, and when the reporter learns that he's going to be married in two days to a certain prisoner..." pic.twitter.com/wvK7Ilrhn9

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) November 8, 2022

While newsrooms and editorial boards are often operated as separate departments or even entities within a newspaper, readers may not understand the distinction between an editorial and a news article.

News articles state facts, answering the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and sometimes how. The purpose is to provide a clear, accurate account of an event as observed by the reporter or witnesses.

Editorials (and editorial columns) express opinions and viewpoints—right or wrong—by the publication’s editorial board. The objective is to present a perspective or stance and persuade readers toward that stance. Commentaries have the same purpose but are written by individuals not employed by the paper.

All that said, the editorial staff at The Sentinel agrees that the best candidate to lead the United States into the future would be one not leading a party that threatens the bodily autonomy of women, the freedom of the press, and economic recovery now in full effect. However, we won’t be endorsing either candidate because, as they say, we aren’t the marrying type.

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Unity football team celebrates playoff win over Roxana, date with SJO set

Photo: Sentinel/Chris Johns

ROXANA - With Roxana's Mason Shaw looking on, Unity's Jacob Thomas and Tre Hoggard celebate after Hoggard’s touchdown in the first half in Saturday’s Class 3A first-round matchup. The Rockets (7-3) ended the Shells playoff run via a 44-31 defeat. The win sets up a football playoff showdown against undefeated Illini Prairie Conference rivals St. Joseph-Ogden (10-0) on Saturday at 2 pm at Hicks Field. See more photos from Unity - Roxana game here.

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Unity advances to Round 2 after ousting Roxana from playoffs

ROXANA - Unity's Garrett Richardson outruns Roxana defensive players Dalton Carriker (10), Mason Shaw (51), Zebediah Katzmarek (22), and Mason Forsythe (72) for Unity touchdown. Up 24-3 at the half, the Rockets held on for the IHSA first-round playoff win, 44-31. Improving to 7-3, Unity will host rival St. Joseph-Ogden at Hicks Field on Saturday at 2 pm, playing for a spot in the Class 3A quarterfinals.

Photo: For the Sentinel/Lori Garrett

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Seggebruch leads Spartans, SJO falls to St. Thomas More in regional title match

OAKWOOD – The St. Joseph-Ogden (18-19) Spartans faced a formidable opponent in the St. Thomas More Sabers during the Oakwood Regional Championship on Thursday night, ultimately falling in straight sets, 25-18, 25-15. The loss marked the end of the season for the Spartans, whose relentless efforts came up short against a disciplined and polished Sabers team that finished second in the Illini Prairie Conference.

The Sabers (33-4), led by a balanced offense and impenetrable defense, established dominance early in the first set. Despite SJO's strong efforts, which included 13 kills in the opener, they struggled to maintain momentum.

Senior Ava Seggebruch spearheaded the Spartans' offense, tallying six kills and contributing two blocks and five digs. The Spartans aimed to turn the tide after the initial setback, but St. Thomas More's cohesive play kept SJO on the defensive in the second set.

Fellow senior Reese Wheatley joined Seggebruch in leading the defensive efforts, contributing the Spartans’ two blocks, while Ally Schmitz and Tinley Ideus added offensive depth with five and four kills, respectively. Ideus also showcased her defensive agility, totaling 10 digs, while Thea Smith supported with four saves. x

Setter Emma McKinney delivered 16 assists, keeping the offense in motion as SJO fought to stay within striking distance of the Sabers.

This year's St. Joseph-Ogden varsity squad was made up of Katie Ericksen, Kylie Barrowman, Timera Blackburn-Kelley, Tinley Ideus, Ally Schmitz, Amelia Huckstadt, Thea Smith, Addison Brooks, Hadley McDonald, Emma McKinney, Lillian Ahart, Adelyn Childers, Reese Wheatley, Emma Wells, Ava Midkiff, Ava Seggebruch, Vivian Smith, McKenzie Atwood, Adeline Stevens, Alivia Learned, Kayla Osterbur, Lexie Barrowman, and Emerson Williams.

St. Thomas More advances to the Monticello section semifinal on Tuesday against Maroa-Forsyth.

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Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball, Oakwood regional championship, high school volleyball playoffs, St. Thomas More volleyball, SJO Spartans volleyball

Voting in Illinois: Ensuring election integrity and voting security

URBANA - As election season approaches, understanding the voting process in Illinois is crucial for making informed choices. The state takes significant measures to ensure that voting and ballot counting systems are secure, reliable, and transparent.

Election officials in Illinois regularly conduct tests on voting and ballot counting machines, performing “logic and accuracy” tests to confirm that votes for every candidate and issue on the ballot are counted correctly. These tests are standard practice across almost all states, aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

In Illinois, all voting systems must be certified by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) or tested by an EAC-accredited Voting System Test Laboratory before use. The state's ballot handling procedures are designed to protect against both intentional and unintentional ballot destruction, ensuring the integrity of both mail-in and in-person voting.

Prior to and following elections, Illinois conducts thorough testing of voting equipment and ballot counting processes, which are open for public observation. Post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits, are also performed to verify that vote counts are accurate, reinforcing public trust in the results.

"Election officials implement ballot processing and tabulation safeguards designed to ensure each ballot cast in the election can be correctly counted," explained Becky Simon, President of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. "These safeguards include chain of custody procedures, auditable logging requirements, and canvass processes. Illinois safeguards mail ballots by verifying signatures, tracking barcodes, and setting clear chains of custody for all ballots."

Amidst these safeguards, voters should remain vigilant against false claims regarding election results. Disinformation can spread quickly, often fueled by individuals seeking to undermine confidence in the democratic process. If you encounter misleading information online, you can report it at reportdisinfo.org. It is essential to respect all votes cast, regardless of the outcome.

Every election, organizations like the League of Women Voters play a pivotal role in equipping voters with essential information. By sponsoring candidate forums and providing resources like IllinoisVoterGuide.org, they help ensure that voters are prepared to make their voices heard.

In the lead-up to elections, it’s common for voters to receive calls and texts from political groups, urging them to support specific candidates or measures. However, it is important to be aware of potential scams that exploit these tactics. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Be cautious if a caller or texter requests personal information, such as your Social Security number. They may falsely claim you can vote early by phone or fix nonexistent errors in your voter registration.
• Avoid sharing credit card or financial information over the phone, especially if the caller offers seemingly free gifts in exchange for participation in surveys.
• If asked to donate over the phone, verify the legitimacy of the request by asking for a website where you can find more information.

Being informed and vigilant is key to participating in a secure electoral process. As voters in Illinois prepare for the upcoming elections, knowing how to navigate the system and protect oneself against misinformation and scams is more important than ever.

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Keywords: Voting in Illinois, Election integrity, Ballot counting process, Voter information, Election disinformation, Protect against election scams

Affordable storage ideas for small apartments, clever hacks to make more space

Photo: Michal Jarmoluk/Pixabay

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SNS - Living in a small apartment or home can be challenging, especially when it comes storage space. However, you can maximize your space affordably with creativity and clever solutions. Here are some affordable storage hacks tailored for every room in your home, helping you declutter and organize efficiently with style.

The Benefits of Decluttering

Another crucial aspect of maximizing space in small apartments is decluttering. Regularly assess your belongings and determine what you truly need. That can be a liberating process that frees up physical space and creates a more peaceful living environment. Consider implementing the "one in, one out" rule: for every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one. This practice helps maintain order and prevents accumulation. Additionally, donating items you no longer use can benefit others in your community while satisfying you with a clean, organized apartment. By embracing a minimalist mindset, you can simplify your living space and make it more enjoyable.

Living Room Affordable Storage Hacks

The living room is often the heart of the home, but it can also become a clutter magnet. One effective way to create more storage is by using multi-functional furniture. Consider investing in a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit or an ottoman with hidden compartments. These pieces serve a purpose and help keep your space tidy. Wall-mounted shelves are another great option for the living room. They can display books and decorative items while freeing up floor space. Additionally, consider using decorative baskets or bins to store remote controls, magazines, and other small items. That keeps your living room organized and visually appealing.

Kitchen Storage Hacks

Kitchens in small apartments can feel cramped, but there are plenty of affordable storage hacks to make your small kitchen more functional. Start by utilizing vertical space with wall-mounted racks for pots and pans. That saves cabinet space and adds a rustic charm to your kitchen. Use drawer organizers to keep utensils and kitchen tools tidy. Consider installing a magnetic strip for knives to free up drawer space and enhance safety. Additionally, clear bins in your pantry can help group similar items, making it easier to find what you need.

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Maximize your living space in small apartments by using under-bed storage options. Buy a ready made solution or create your own.

Photo: StockSnap/Pixabay

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Small Bedroom Storage Hacks

Maximizing space is essential to creating a serene environment when organizing a small bedroom. Begin with under-bed storage solutions. Use rolling bins or vacuum-sealed bags to store off-season clothing, shoes, or extra bedding. That is a perfect way to keep your bedroom uncluttered. At the same time, invest in furniture with built-in storage, like a bed frame with drawers or a bench with a hidden compartment. Also, consider using hanging organizers on the back of your closet door for accessories or shoes, making everything easy to find while keeping your closet neat.

Bathroom Storage Hacks

Bathrooms can quickly become overcrowded, but there are many ways to organize this small space. Use tiered shelves or corner caddies to maximize vertical space. These can hold toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies without wasting valuable floor space. Over-the-toilet shelving is another clever storage hack. This area is often underutilized, so adding shelves can create extra storage for towels and decorative items. Use baskets or bins under the sink to group similar items, keeping your bathroom organized and functional. These storage ideas allow you to turn your small bathroom into a spa.

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Creative storage solutions can make a small home office seem more spacious.

Photo: Michael Burrows/PEXELS

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Office Area Storage Hacks

Creating a productive home office in a small apartment can be challenging, but effective storage solutions can help. Use vertical file organizers to keep important documents in order while freeing up desk space. Wall-mounted shelves can also display books, plants, or office supplies. Consider a desk with built-in drawers for additional storage, keeping your workspace clutter-free. Utilize a pegboard to hang tools or supplies, allowing easy access and organization. These hacks can transform your home office into a functional and inspiring workspace.

Dining Area Storage Hacks

Maximizing space is key in small dining areas. Look for a dining table with built-in storage or a foldable option that can be tucked away when unused. Use wall-mounted shelves to display dishes or decorative items, keeping the table clear. Consider adding a rolling cart for extra storage and serving space. They can be easily moved and hold everything from utensils to beverages. Decorative baskets can also serve as stylish storage for items like napkins or tablecloths, keeping your dining area organized.

Seasonal Storage Solutions

Managing seasonal items can be challenging in a small apartment. To tackle this, consider implementing a seasonal storage solution. Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress off-season clothing, blankets, or holiday decorations, allowing you to store them compactly. Designate a specific area for seasonal items, whether a closet or storage bin and switch items out as the seasons change. That keeps your apartment organized and makes it easier to access items when needed.

Consider Renting Storage Units

For those needing additional space, renting a storage unit can be affordable. Many facilities offer various sizes of units, allowing you to choose one that fits your needs and budget. Renting a storage unit can be especially beneficial for keeping seasonal items, sports equipment, or furniture you don’t use daily. While costs vary based on location and unit size, many storage facilities offer promotions or discounts for long-term rentals, making it a cost-effective option. Additionally, having a separate storage space can help reduce clutter in your apartment, leading to a more organized living environment.

Affordable Storage Hacks for Small Apartments

Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing organization or style. With these affordable storage hacks for every room in your home, you can maximize your space and create a comfortable, clutter-free environment. From utilizing vertical space to investing in multi-functional furniture, plenty of strategies exist to make the most of your home. By implementing these ideas, you’ll find that your small apartment can be stylish and practical, proving that great things come in small packages.

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Keywords: Affordable storage Hacks, Creative home storage space idea, Apartment storage ideas, Storage ideas for college students

Richardson leads Comet Cross Country team at Tuscola Regionals

TUSCOLA - The Oakwood Comets girls cross country team concluded their regional campaign with a fifth-place finish at the IHSA regional meet held at Wimple Park last Saturday. The team advanced to Saturday's sectional meet at Lake Land College in Mattoon.

All five scoring runners for Oakwood achieved PRs at the regional meet. Sophomore Callie Richardson led the charge, securing a seventh-place finish with a time of 18:37.25, a nearly 10-second improvement over her previous best.

Juniors Bracie Hird (20:59.99) and Taylor Wells (21:00.51) followed closely, placing 27th and 28th respectively. Hird shaved over 15 seconds off her previous best, while Wells, in only her third varsity race, continued her impressive development. Sophomores Taylor Remole (21:11.96) and junior Zoe Moudy (23:01.73) rounded out the scoring five, both achieving significant PRs. Moudy's improvement was particularly noteworthy, dropping over six minutes from her season debut.

The team's combined score of 124 points placed them behind regional powerhouses Unity (40 points), St. Joseph-Ogden (70 points), Paxton-Buckley-Loda (94 points), and Urbana University (106 points).

The Comets turn their attention to Saturday's IHSA Class 1A Sectional meet at Lake Land College. While the competition will be fierce, the team's recent performance suggests they are well-positioned to make a strong showing to qualify for the state meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on November 9.

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Keywords: Oakwood Comets cross country, IHSA regional meet, Class 1A Sectional, Detweiller Park, personal records, state meet qualification.