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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
WEFTOPIA benefit concert Sunday aims to raise $45K for C-U community radio station
Seventeen acts will perform at Rose Bowl Tavern Sunday to help fund 43-year-old radio station after critical transmitting equipment repairs.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
- 2:00 - 2:15 Roseli
- 2:20 - 2:35 Kevin Elliott
- 2:40 - 2:55 Flapjaques
- 3:15 - 3:40 TV Blues Band
- 4:00 - 4:25 Painkillers Blues Band
- 4:30 - 4:45 Tessa Turner
- 4:50 - 5:05 DJ Froztbyte
- 5:10 - 5:35 The K-Tels
- 5:40 - 5:55 Paul Kotheimer
- 6:00 - 6:15. 94 Cove
- 6:20 - 6:45 Broadmoor Quartet
- 6:50 - 7:05 Jules Rose
- 7:10 - 7:25 Curb Service
- 7:25 - 8:00 Hot Club of Urbana
- 8:00 - 8:25. Zen The Rapper
- 8:30 - 8:55 Gravefruit
- 9:00 - 9:30 Rory Book & The Volumes
Op-Ed |In all 50 states Americans joyfully and peacefully affirm: No Kings Here
It’s important that we remain vigilant — and important that we not let violence or intimidation keep us from the duty we owe ourselves, each other, and our country.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
by Peter Montgomery
OtherWords
What a hopeful sight! My social media on June 14 and 15 was filled with people sharing pictures from “No Kings” gatherings.
Aerial photos of massive crowds in big cities. Snapshots of surprisingly large turnouts in small conservative communities. Sidewalk gatherings by residents of an assisted living center.
Millions of Americans signed up, made funny and serious signs, and came together around a basic principle: No Kings.
No Kings means no one-person rule. Our president must abide by the Constitution, follow the law, and respect the other branches of government.
No Kings means no government by edict or tweet. No president can unilaterally rewrite the law, take away due process, and impose his will on the rest of us.
No Kings means no king. Other government officials, including those who serve in our armed forces, do not swear loyalty to a ruler but to the Constitution.
These aren’t radical ideas. They are foundational American ideals. They are being severely tested right now. But research from around the world shows that autocracies do not survive sustained nonviolent resistance.
The rallies came after a week in which the president mobilized the military against American protesters in Los Angeles. Americans declared “No Kings” on the same weekend as a military parade demanded by the president and held on his birthday rumbled through our capital city.
The parade was resisted by military leaders during the president’s first term. It came after a political purge of generals and military lawyers who might say no. And it came after the president made intensely partisan speeches at West Point and Fort Bragg that suggested he views the American military as an arm of his political movement. That’s scary.
If the president hoped the military parade would provide some kind of boost to his strongman self-image, he was sorely disappointed. Despite the millions of dollars wasted shipping tanks and troops to Washington, D.C., the crowd fell far short of expectations. It was a stark contrast with the energized turnout for No Kings.
That energy must be sustained.
Corruption and abuse of power continue to threaten American families and communities as politicians vote to cut people’s access to food, education, and healthcare so they can give tax breaks to influential billionaires.
OtherWords
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
The president is surrounded by people urging him to ignore our checks and balances. His worst impulses are being enabled by too many members of Congress who fear his wrath more than they respect the Constitution and their oath to uphold it. The president’s habit of demeaning and dehumanizing his opponents and political targets makes violence more likely. So did his decision to pardon people who attacked Capitol Police on January 6. The danger posed by our poisoned political climate became horrifyingly clear with the assassination and attempted assassination of Democratic leaders in Minnesota by a gunman with a list of pro-choice politicians, Planned Parenthood locations, and a flyer for local No Kings events. A rally goer in Utah was killed accidentally when a security guard opened fire to stop a man moving toward the crowd with a rifle. That same day, police arrested a man with a concealed handgun and two full ammunition magazines as he tried to get past security at a Pride event in Florida. It’s important that we remain vigilant — and important that we not let violence or intimidation keep us from the duty we owe ourselves, each other, and our country. If we want to keep “No Kings” a reality as well as a rallying cry, that will require ongoing commitment and action from “We, the people.”
Peter Montgomery is a Senior Fellow at People for the American Way. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Just what the doctor ordered, take vacations for better health
There are long-term benefits to taking regular vacations, including better sleep, improved mood and greater productivity.
Photo: Jill Wellington/PEXELS
by Paul ArcoOSF Healthcare
Photo: Daniel Frank/PEXELS
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Feeling a little down and out, don't feel the burn
Burnout doesn’t have a written-in-stone clinical diagnosis. In most cases, it is usually physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to navigate life.
Photo: Paola Chaaya/Unsplash
by Tim DitmanOSF Healthcare
Causes and symptoms
Bennett says burnout doesn’t have a written-in-stone clinical diagnosis like, for example, the flu does. But generally, she describes it as physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to navigate life. Issues with your job, school, finances, health and relationships can all lead to burnout.
Photo provided
Sara Bennett
Treatment
From your home to the doctor’s office, there are ways to navigate burnout.- First, Bennett says you should take stock of the situation you’re in. Is it one that will resolve itself soon? Or do you need a bigger plan? For example, Bennett says accountants can be stressed during tax season. But after all the filings are done and the chaos dies down, their mental health will likely get a boost.
- Take care of the basics. Get good sleep. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly.
- Ask someone for help. For example, if caring for an elderly family member causes stress, ask a neighbor to man the house for an hour so you can get some fresh air or take a nap.
- Learn to say no. You can’t be all things to all people. So, recognize when you don’t have the bandwidth to take on a task.
- “Learn to prioritize,” Bennett suggests. “Figure out the things you can’t say no to. The things that are really important. Or maybe there’s some suffering involved, and you’re the person that can help.”
- See a health care provider. “Doctors can prescribe something that might help you through a short-term experience,” Bennett says. “Therapists can engage you unlike others in your life. They can process stressors with you. They can give you good coping skills and relaxation techniques.”
This might also interest you:
- Urbana "No Kings" rally draws thousands in peaceful protest against Trump policies
- Commentary | Unlikely bedfellows: How platform companies shortchange ride-share drivers and adult content creators alike
- Sing your way to better health
- Three things you should do this spring to freshen up you home
- Microplastics: Why you should worry about in our food supply?
Taylorville School District sued by parents for alleged assault of 10-year-old daughter
Five-count lawsuit filed by a Chicago law firm on the behalf of parents of a 10-year-old girl who allegedly was assaulted repeatedly by a 14-year-old student in the Taylorville School District.
by Jade AubreyCapitol News Illinois
This young child was so confused and distraught by what was occurring that she did not even understand what was occurring.
The lawsuit also alleged that the perpetrator told the girl that he would harm her and her family if she reported the abuse, and that “the perpetrator admitted that he did not even know (her) name when he repeatedly assaulted her.” The girl is a special needs student living with autism and ADHD, according to the suit. “We are talking about one of the most vulnerable members of our society — a young, 10-year-old, special needs girl,” the lead attorney on the case, Cass Casper, said during a news conference about the lawsuit Tuesday. “This young child was so confused and distraught by what was occurring that she did not even understand what was occurring.” A spokesman for the school district did not respond to a request for comment by CNI. After reporting the incident, the mother said she obtained an emergency order of protection for her daughter and brought it to the principal of Taylorville Junior High School, who made a “safety plan” for her daughter. She said the plan prohibited the accused student from coming into contact with her daughter at school, which the order of protection already called for, and simply relocated him to another part of the school building. “This safety plan was shared with the bus company, my daughter’s fifth grade teacher and office staff,” the mother said during a news conference in the Statehouse in January. “No one else knew of the assaults. No one else knew of the safety plan.” During that news conference, Peden also said that after several meetings with the school board and multiple court orders, the student was removed from her daughter’s school and sent to an alternative school for the rest of the spring semester. However, in August, she received a phone call about the student’s reentry into her daughter’s school and again asked the school to remove her daughter’s perpetrator. “We have laws where a student gets expelled for bringing a weapon on school grounds, but what about cases like this, when the student’s body is the weapon?” the mother said. Casper said the school district conducted what he called a “radically deficient” Title IX investigation. He alleged the school district was “more concerned with absolving the school district of responsibility” than of fleshing out what events took place when and where. Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits sexual discrimination in any education program or activity. The court filing alleged that once the assaults were reported, the parents were informed about several other young victims in the community that the perpetrator had previously inappropriately touched. “We do have specific information from three other sources that there were similar, not the same, but similar acts that should have raised questions within the community and within the school officials,” Casper said.
Most of what the family has pursued in Taylorville has fallen on deaf ears
The lawsuits also mentions a previous Illinois court case decision, which ruled that a school district is responsible for child abuse occurring on a school bus, alongside the section in the Taylorville School District’s Student Disciple Code that says student conduct on school buses, at extra-curricular activities, on any property within 1,000 feet of school grounds, and “prohibited conduct that is plainly visible to a person situated on school grounds even if the misconduct occurs off of school property” is enforceable. The lawsuit also seeks compensatory damages for the cost of the girl’s psychological treatment and for her emotional distress, as well as the implementation of new policies that will “prevent future harassment and abuse.” “Most of what the family has pursued in Taylorville has fallen on deaf ears,” Casper said. During the news conference, Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, spoke about the failure of a bill he sponsored seeking to expel students who sexually assault another student at school. That bill had 31 co-sponsors in the Senate, 13 of whom were Democrats. “There are legislators that do not believe that there should be any expulsion or even suspension for any student at all,” McClure said. “There's a focus too much with some legislators on the perpetrator, we got to look after the perpetrator. What about the victim who can't even go to school without seeing someone that attacked them on a daily basis?”
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Sentinel Digest |Our stories from May 28 to June 3
Potential Medicaid, SNAP cuts could derail American education system
Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%.
by Judith Ruiz-BranchIllinois News Connection
Other interesting articles:
- Vaccination is key to ending a resurgence of measles and stopping a preventable disease from spreading
- Florida defies CDC advice telling parents it's okay to send unvaccinated kids to school during recent outbreak
- Measles cases reach 600: Experts warn of contagion risk and vaccine importance
- The risk of heart infection higher after Covid when compared to incidence post-vaccination
Guest Commentary |Israel: The Middle East's new regional superpower and catalyst for peace
by Rabbi Leor Sinai
History is unfolding before our eyes. We are witnessing the emergence of a fundamentally transformed Middle East, with Israel ascending as the region's dominant power. Still engaged in a multi-front battle for survival and now in direct conflict with Iran, Israel is pioneering a new era of regional dynamics.
While global diplomatic strategies have traditionally relied on appeasement, negotiations, and agreements with threatening actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, Israel has chosen a different path—taking its enemies at their word, especially in the aftermath of October 7th.
When a terrorist organization or authoritarian regime declares its intention to wipe you off the map and actively pursues that goal, the lesson is clear: believe them. There can be no negotiation over existence itself. History has taught us that the only reliable insurance policy for defending our right to exist is the exercise of military strength. This is the doctrine of peace through strength—a principle that those who haven't lived in the region, witnessed the terror, or spent nights in bomb shelters cannot fully comprehend.
The New Regional Reality
The people of Israel are not merely defending their homeland; they are defending the principles of the free world. This small nation—roughly the size of New Jersey with a population of just over 10 million—stands as a bulwark against the greatest threats to regional stability. These threats, by extension, pose challenges to European security and American hegemony in an era of rising destabilizing powers like China and Russia. Israel's remarkable military achievements following the October 7th invasion, and its comprehensive campaign against Iranian aggression through Tehran's proxy network, have definitively established Israel as the region's superpower. This transformation represents more than military victory; it signals a fundamental realignment of Middle Eastern power structures. Breaking Free from Iran's Stranglehold For decades, Iran has held the Middle East hostage, preventing the region from advancing toward an era of genuine peace and stability. The theocratic regime in Tehran has systematically undermined progress through its network of proxies, spreading chaos from Lebanon to Yemen. However, Israel's current position offers a different vision of what the Middle East could become. Consider the evidence: Israel maintains peaceful relations with Egypt and Jordan, has normalized ties with members of the Abraham Accords (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan), and stands on the threshold of potential agreements with Saudi Arabia. Looking ahead, there is even the possibility of Lebanon and Syria joining this expanding circle of peace—once freed from Iranian influence.The Democratic Advantage
Israel's strength lies not only in its military capabilities but in its democratic foundations. As the region's only functioning democracy, Israel offers a model of governance that respects human rights, protects minorities, and operates under the rule of law. This democratic framework makes Israel a natural partner for the United States and other Western democracies in promoting stability and progress throughout the Middle East. Unlike authoritarian regimes that rule through fear and oppression, Israel's democratic institutions provide legitimacy and resilience. This democratic foundation, combined with military strength, positions Israel to lead a regional transformation that could benefit all peoples of the Middle East.
A Vision for the Future: The Middle East Union
The potential for a Middle East Union—analogous to the European Union—is no longer a distant dream. Such a regional bloc could foster economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and lasting peace among member nations. Israel's position as the region's dominant power, combined with its democratic values and proven ability to make peace with former enemies, makes it the natural catalyst for such an initiative. The key to unlocking this potential lies in removing the Iranian regime's grip on regional politics. The ayatollahs' ideology of destruction and their support for terrorist proxies have been the primary obstacles to Middle Eastern integration and prosperity. With Iran's proxy network weakened and its regional influence diminished, the path toward a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East becomes increasingly viable.Strategic Partnership with America
Israel's emergence as a regional superpower strengthens rather than challenges American interests in the Middle East. As a democratic ally sharing Western values, Israel serves as a reliable partner in maintaining regional stability and countering threats from authoritarian regimes. This partnership benefits both nations while contributing to global security. The United States gains from having a strong, democratic ally that can independently address regional threats without requiring American military intervention. Israel's military capabilities and intelligence assets provide invaluable support for American strategic objectives in the region.The Path Forward
What stands before us is a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East for the better. Israel's position as the region's superpower, earned through defensive necessity rather than imperial ambition, creates the possibility for a fundamentally different regional order. This new order would be based on cooperation rather than conflict, economic integration rather than isolation, and democratic values rather than authoritarian oppression. The vision is clear: a Middle East where democratic Israel leads a coalition of peaceful nations, where economic cooperation replaces proxy warfare, and where the region's vast potential is finally realized. The removal of Iran's destabilizing influence represents the final piece of this puzzle. This transformation will not happen overnight, nor will it be without challenges. However, for the first time in decades, the possibility of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Middle East is within reach. Israel's emergence as a regional superpower is not an end in itself, but rather the means to achieve a better future for all peoples of the region. The new Middle East is taking shape, and Israel stands ready to lead it toward a future of peace, prosperity, and democratic governance. History will judge this moment as the turning point when the Middle East finally broke free from cycles of violence and embraced its potential as a beacon of progress and cooperation.About the author
Rabbi Leor Sinai is a Global Speaker, Education Diplomacy Thought-Leader, and long-time Campaign Executive. Sinai is Principal of Sinai Strategies, a consulting agency motivating influential actors to collaborate towards advancing Global – Israel relationships. Sinai is a member of the Israeli Emirati Forum, serves on the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors, and on the board of Atchalta—a non-partisan think tank advancing social cohesion and national resilience in Israel. Originally from New York, Sinai made Aliyah with his family in 2011.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group, organization or oursentinel.com. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Guest Commentary |Fake Policeman, knocking on doors at night is a bad idea
To this day I don’t know who that man was but I’m glad I didn’t shoot him.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
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Urbana "No Kings" rally draws thousands in peaceful protest against Trump policies
Over 3,000 people joined a peaceful protest in Urbana against Trump’s policies and rising authoritarianism. Here are 27 photos from Saturday's rally.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
URBANA — More than 3,000 people gathered in downtown Urbana on Sunday for a peaceful protest against former President Donald Trump’s policies and what organizers called a growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States. Many participants said they came not just to protest Trump’s immigration policies but also to stand up for democracy, civil rights, and free speech. Organizers and attendees stressed that these issues affect everyone — and that standing together is more important than ever. The protest, part of a national movement known as “No Kings,” was one of over 2,000 events held across the country and around the world. Similar rallies took place in large cities like New York and Chicago, and in smaller towns across Illinois, including Bloomington, Peoria, and Macomb. The event was co-sponsored by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) of Central Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 50501 Movement of Illinois and Mahomet Persisterhood. The Urbana protest started at 4 p.m. with a packed rally outside the Champaign County Courthouse and people standing along Main Street. There were a wide variety of flags throughout the assembly, including Pride, Ukrainian, Palestinian, Mexican, and American flags. Exercising their First Amendment right, protestors carried or held up signs, many clever and a few others not so family friendly, displaying clear messages against Trump and his efforts to concentrate power in the presidency.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
While many sought refuge from the hot sun in the cooler shade of the courthouse shadow, local leaders spoke to the crowd, including Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams, Mica Light of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, and Ricardo Diaz of the Champaign-Urbana Immigration Forum. They called for unity, equal rights, and more support for immigrants and working families. The protest was a block party with a purpose. As protestors made their way through the crowd, there was no shortage of handshakes, hugs and comforting smiles exchanged between friends and acquaintances. One thoughtful woman pulled a foldable wagon filled with bottled water, handing bottles to anyone who needed one under the hot June sun. After about 45 minutes of speeches and chants, the crowd began an impromptu march through downtown Urbana. Volunteers in yellow vests helped guide people safely through the streets using bikes, cars, and foot patrols. The march moved along Main Street, turned onto Race Street and University Avenue, then circled back to Vine Street and returned to the courthouse. Protestors began leaving the area around 6:30 p.m. The turnout was conservatively more than five times larger than the “Hands Off!” rally held in West Side Park this past April. Despite the large crowd, there was no visible police presence, and the event remained calm and respectful throughout. “Somewhere around 3,000 people turned out at the courthouse as part of a larger movement rejecting authoritarianism and the president’s attempted consolidation of power into the executive branch," Jeff Dougan, an organizer for Champaign county’s chapter of Indivisible, a progressive network organizing for democracy, said. "We the people have rejected a king once before, and were uniting our voices today to say ‘not again.’ We’re so grateful for the community showing up in unity.”
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Saturday marked the largest rally since the record-breaking Women’s March in 2017, when President Trump began his first term in office. Organizers with 505051 estimated that nationwide protests drew more than 5 million Americans on the day of the president’s 79th birthday. There were 51 “No Kings” protests planned across Illinois. From Rockford to Carbondale, the majority of the rallies - 26 in total - were held in cities and communities outside the Chicago metro area. Chicago hosted three separate events in different parts of the city. Some notable examples of estimated turnout in major cities include:
- Los Angeles: Over 200,000
- Philadelphia: 80,000
- Seattle: 70,000
- Chicago: 75,000
- New York City: Over 50,000
"No Kings" Photo Gallery
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