Sentinel Digest |
Our stories from May 28 to June 3

Jun 03, 2025 08:42 pm .::.
Brian E. Smith captures 400m state title, cements sprint legacy for North Shore Country Day

Running past Cumberland's Reid Carlen, Brian E. Smith runs to a second place finish in heat 2 of the 100m Dash prelims on Thursday. He qualified for the championship race with the sixth fastest time at 10.89 after running a 11.10 at sectionals.

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-Branch
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - As Congress considers federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance, groups advocating for Illinois schools are speaking out on how it would affect students across the state and the education system at large.

They said budget cuts would have both direct and indirect effects, from student eligibility to school reimbursements for things like meals and health screenings, and straining the state budget as well.

Jessica Handy, executive director of Stand for Children Illinois, highlighted the importance of students having access to health care and food, linking it to issues like chronic absenteeism, which has recently spiked in Illinois.

"These things really are all interconnected," Handy explained. "It's not that kids can show up to school hungry, show up to school with some severe chronic health issues and not have treatment and then be able to sit there and learn as if those things didn't happen."

She stressed implementing stricter qualifying requirements for Medicaid would reduce the number of students with health coverage and school funding from Medicaid reimbursements.

Handy pointed out changes in school-based Medicaid reimbursements like expanding coverage to include therapy services and vision screenings are now a significant funding source for schools. Illinois' "trigger law" could also lead to over 700,000 adults losing Medicaid coverage if federal reimbursement rates drop below 90%, potentially affecting school staff.

"If the Legislature comes back into session and wants to change that trigger law, then we have another really expensive budget pressure that leaves fewer flexible dollars to fund our schools," Handy observed.

Handy noted potentially shifting SNAP benefit costs to states could also jeopardize school funding. Although Illinois' 2025 legislative session has adjourned, she emphasized lawmakers would have to come back this year if federal budget cuts are implemented to rework the state budget, with the uncertainty further compounding matters.

"Schools can't budget and plan effectively for programs throughout the school year when they're not sure what the impact's going to be," Handy added. "It leaves everybody in a kind of gray area that's not good for stability and not good for really being able to focus on programs, instead of on logistics and keeping the doors open."

Other interesting articles:

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

The recent murder of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Horton and her husband Mark has dropped jaws across the country. The couple was gunned down in their home by someone masquerading as a police officer. Obviously, he was able to fool them long enough to kill them. Moments before and only five miles away he had visited the home of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette shooting them multiple times, most likely thinking he was leaving them for dead. At this writing they are expected to survive.

Such an intrusion scares citizens because criminals copy the acts of other criminals. How do we know if a legitimate policer officer is knocking on our door whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of the day?

Two officers should make the visit and announce themselves as police loud and clear. They should clearly state the reason for the visit before entering a home. Flashlights or outside lighting should be on to help with visibility and identification. Uniforms should be visible with badges and IDs. The knock pattern should be a firm knock or doorbell press then they should announce themselves as police again. There should be a 30 second to one minute wait for a response from the resident before knocking or ringing the doorbell again. For a search warrant, the warrant should be shown before entry. Your local sheriff or city chief of police may have a different protocol and it needs to be made known.

Unfortunately, this still doesn’t keep a criminal from copying the protocol to achieve their criminal endeavor.

I believe 99 percent of Americans are good law-abiding people. However, no one wants to be caught off guard by a criminal invasion. Representative Horton would not have wanted to mistakenly shoot a real policer officer who might have been doing his job to protect her. Sadly, the man was there to kill she and her husband. He succeeded. This is why door knocking after dusk is a bad idea unless you have a pre-arranged appointment and everyone knows who everyone is and the reason for the visit.

When I was 12 years old, I was home alone while my parents were at church. About eight o’clock it was pitch black with darkness and a man started knocking on our front door. He then went to the back door and started knocking. He then came back to the front door and continued pounding the door. I was terrified. I didn’t know who it could be. I loaded our 12-gauge shotgun and aimed it at the front door in fear he would soon be coming through.

Like a fool, I opened the door but knew the outer storm door was locked. I had the shot gun close by. The man asked if my dad was home to which I replied, “No. he’s gone to church.” The man then inquired if my father still had hogs for sale to which I replied, “Yes, but you’ll need to speak to him about that.” The man said he would come back later. To this day I don’t know who that man was but I’m glad I didn’t shoot him. It’s too bad Representative Horton or Senator Hoffman didn’t shoot the man knocking on their door in the middle of the night.

Knocking on doors at night is a bad idea.

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.

This might also interest you:

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.

Protestors chant under an image of Abraham Lincoln in Urbana, IL

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Protestors shout and cheer from the corner of Broadway and Main Street in Urbana at the "No Kings" rally on Saturday. More than 3,000 people were on hand to support and express their opinion on the president's policies and his administration's inhumane immigration policies.

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.

A woman waves the Mexican flag at the Urbana No Kings protest — A young woman wearing a crown waves the Mexican flag while standing on the median on Main St. with other protestors. The second most-popular flag behind the Stars & Stripes, flags from Ukraine and Palestine were also carried by demonstrators.

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.”

Urbana sidewalks filled with anti-Trump protestors — An estimated of more than 3,000 demonstrators of all ages and backgrounds crowded the sidewalk on both sides of the street between Vine and Main Street at Saturday's rally.

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

Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of the nonprofit Indivisible, another No Kings coordinator, told NPR the atmosphere at the event was joyful. "Today what I saw was a boisterous, peaceful display of First Amendment rights," he said.

"No Kings" Photo Gallery

Anti-Trump protestor on Trump's birthday

4th Quarter Honor Roll for Unity Junior High School

Last month, Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the fourth quarter. Congratulations to the students who earned the requisite grade point average to celebrate the honor. See the names of UJHS students who made the quarter's High Honor Roll list here.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Lylla Lorene Bennett
Emily Grace Blumer
Mila Marie Lynn Brown
Journie Elizabeth Castle
Liberty Cenzano
Gersey Marie Cler
Avery Brooks Curry
Claire Bronte Davis
Wyatt Michael Deakin
Hayven Corrine Douglas
Kennedy Phoenix Dykeman
Hunter Byron Estes
Odin Jeffrey Evans
Aneela Joy Hagerman
Ezekiel Makai Hastings
Luke Raymond Hottman
Christian Timothy Vincent Johnson
Khloe Nikita Kellogg
Jerzey Lawler
Hunter Reed McIntosh
Brielle Raine Molina
Autumn Polaczek
Brantley Hunter Pugh
Jace Alek Revell
Olivia Ann Ruggieri
Felix Richard Runyan
Nolan Dwight Seidlitz
Jayceon Simmons
Paige Elizabeth Siuts
Elizabeth Ann Stewart
Haven Marie Thomas
Jaylynn Whiteside
Parker James Wilson

7th Grade Honor Roll

Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Liam Aeron Blom
Isaac Mathew Boitnott
Madilynn Botkin
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Rowan Bryant
Wyatt Thomas Burr
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Jolene Marie Hartman
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
William Timothy Huntington
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Matthew Stephen Kroes
Azaria Christianne Lisanby
Owen Thomas Menacher
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Makena Jade Pruitt
Riker Alan Rogers
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Kataryna Sperry
Daisy Mae Stierwalt
Clementine Lucille Summitt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Levi Nelson White
Jovianna Hilton Wishall
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft

8th Grade Honor Roll

Sawyer Michael Abrahamson
Grace Bailey
Carter Ryan Bickers
Ella Addyson Bromley
Elizabeth Cazares
Ryker Cenzano
Hadley Marie Cler
Katelyn Dhom
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Skippy Followell
Keelie Rae Germano
Jaxson Edward Glad
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Holly Marie Howey
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Russell Patrick McCabe
Scarlet Rosemary McCann
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Ellery Merkle
Emma Grace Mohr
Parker William Thomson Owens
Jaxon David Pendleton
Lucas Neal Reinhart
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Trevor James Shallenberger
Hayden Dale Smith
Jasper Lee Souza
Abigail Elise Spomer
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Cade Robert Styan
Olivia Jane Styan
Jayden Michael Terven
Charles Reider Watson
Hallee Ann Weber Patterson
Za'Brya White-Thompson

Unity Junior High students earn academic high honors

Unity Junior High School announced the names of the students who achieved high honor roll status during the fourth quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for honor roll recognition during this period. Honor Roll students that did not qualify for high honors can be found here.

6th Grade High Honor Roll

Madelyn JoAnn Bear
William Terrance Bieser
Jace Boyett
Rachel Elaine Sharples Brooks
Connor John Chesnut
Brielle Mun-Yee Chin
Madisen Diane Coy
Dominic Dees
Finley Douglas
Reid William Edwards
Jackson Carter Elam
Ashlyn Elizabeth Estes
Shirley Arianna Garcier
Liam Thomas Grussing
Aubrey Lou Hartman
Asher Jett
Pyper Rayne Jones
Zaylee Elaine Kohlenberg
Elijiah Cole Lambert
Avalee Susan Little
Landon Robert Little
Lucas James Michels
Logan Alexander Nasser
Peyton Elizabeth Neighbors
Charlotte Rose Ocasio
Zachary David Ruhter
Mallory Mya Schmid
Brody Lee Skibbe
Blake Robert Stierwalt
Giselle Ann Thomas
Jase William Kenneth Wierman
Conor William Zumbahlen

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Ashlyn Nicole Alt
Landon Robert Alt
Maylie Rose Bates
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Brailey Marie Cain
Viola Ayame Carman
Raeann Loucille Cozad
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Evelyn Anne Gould
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Jessica Marie Hamilton
Harper Quinn Harris
Dylan Paul Holladay
Mason James Holladay
Aaron Joseph Hood
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Adeliah June Little
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Graham Charles Moore
Ashley Ann Mumm
Nicole Nava Palomares
Caylynn Josie Parker
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Matias Alberto Rios Toro
Camdon Levi Schmid
Layla Marie Scott
Drake Alan Siuts
Colby Aaron Weaver
Lucy Jeane Weaver
William Ross Wetherell
Kadence Ryleigh Wiese
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Kelsey Marie Adcock
Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ty Craig Benedict
Ethan Earl Bent
Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Sylvia Lola Cahill
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
Alec Joseph Daly
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Emma Nicole Denney
Giulietta DiBello
Steven Gambill
Amelia Marie Good
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Alivia Krall
Cora Dee Leonard
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Tatum Faith Meharry
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Lillian Calen Mohr
Holden William ONeill
Marley Rae Parks
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Makaylin Pugh
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Bella Rose Robbins
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Jaylan Serczyk
Austin David Shafer
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Jack Christopher Terven
Nicholas James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt
Quentin Stephen Webber

Bryson Matthew Williams
Lucas Neal Williams
Olivia Lynn Wilson
Ethan Matthew Wishall
Ashton Jace Wolf
Adam Scott Wolken

Area football players to play in all-star football game June 21

Record-setting Taylor, power back Boyd-Meents headline Shrine Game rosters.

ST. JOSEPH - Two of central Illinois’ top high school football talents and other members from the Illini Prairie Conference will join an elite group of players from across the state for one final game in their prep careers.

Coy Taylor of St. Joseph-Ogden and Robert Boyd-Meents of Paxton-Buckley-Loda will take the field June 21 at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington for the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m., with pregame ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the gate.

Illinois' leading high school receiver Coy Taylor runs the ball

Robert Boyd-Meents picks up yards against the Spartans

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

RIGHT: Coy Taylor looks for running room on punt return for SJO during their home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda. Taylor made five catches for 72 yards and rushed for 102 more on Senior Night. LEFT: PBL's Robert Boyd-Meents runs the ball against the Spartans on the same night. Boyd-Meents averaged 5.1 yards per carry and finished the game with 70 all-purpose yards against a stout Spartan defense.

This all-star event, sponsored by the Illinois Coaches Association and the Shriners of Illinois, benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, with all proceeds supporting pediatric specialty care. Last year’s game raised nearly $13,000 for the cause.

Taylor, who will continue his football career at DuPage College, leaves behind a record-setting legacy. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver holds the IHSA all-time career receptions record with 259 catches, surpassing the previous mark held by Marist’s Nic Weishar. Taylor also ranks fourth in state history in career receiving yards with 3,658 and became only the second receiver in Illinois history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His senior year included 83 catches for 1,045 yards, highlighted by a postseason performance in which he had seven receptions against Unity in his final game.

Boyd-Meents, meanwhile, anchored PBL’s offense for three seasons. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back amassed 4,020 total yards over 31 varsity games, averaging 129 yards per contest. In addition to his ground attack, he hauled in 39 receptions for 747 yards, helping the Panthers reach the playoffs each of the last three seasons.

The Blue Team will feature both Taylor and Boyd-Meents alongside Milford’s Caleb Clutteur, an 8-man football tight end. They’ll be guided by one of their own: St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Shawn Skinner, who joins the Blue Team coaching staff.

Skinner brings a resume full of recent success. He led the Spartans to a 10-1 finish in 2024, including a perfect 8-0 record in Illini Prairie Conference play. Over the past three seasons, Skinner’s teams have gone 25-5 and made deep playoff runs, including a narrow second-round postseason loss last fall to Roxana. In an interesting twist, Skinner will coach alongside Roxana head coach Wade Devries, whose team ended SJO’s 2023 season with a last-minute defensive stand on a 2-point conversion attempt.

The Red Team will also include a solid contingent of area athletes:

George Rouse, QB, Champaign Central
Carter Foran, WR, Monticello
Mason High, NT, Monticello
Evan Parish, ILB, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin
Matt Suaava, OL (G), Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Ryker Grauer, ILB, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Matt Allen, DE, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley

Monticello's Carter Foran takes a handoff from quarterback Ike Young (left) during their semifinal game against Unity. He will be joined at the All-Star game with teammate Mason High. The two seniors saw action in the Class 3A championship game against Montini after defeating the Rockets last November.

Now in its fifth decade, the Shrine Game continues to celebrate Illinois’ football tradition while raising awareness and support for young patients. This year’s banquet speaker will be Jared Williamson, newly appointed head coach at Illinois Wesleyan University, and a former Shrine Game MVP in his home state of Alaska.

Full rosters and game-day information are available online at IL HS Shrine Game.

Guest Commentary |
It was a terrible idea for Musk to become so heavily involved in government and politics

Is Musk too rich to go broke? Probably, but anyone can fail financially.

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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. He also earned money from selling PayPal to eBay for $1.5 billion in stock, receiving $175.8 million personally. His net worth is estimated to be around $424.7 billion but this varies from week to week depending on the stock market.

Other business ventures of Musk’s are Neuralink – brain machine interfaces and neurotechnology, The Boring Company - underground tunnels and infrastructure and

SolarCity which is solar energy, but was sold to Tesla in 2016. In 1995 Musk owned Zip2 which was an online content publishing company that was sold to Compaq. He also owns Starlink which is an internet constellation company.

No doubt Musk is a a true visionary, entrepreneur and one of the greatest geniuses of our era.

Musk is still a young man, born June 28, 1971. The world may be yet to see what he will achieve.

However, anyone can spread himself too thin. Obviously, he has a lot of great people working for him, but anyone can overdo their capabilities or overestimate themselves.

In my opinion, it was a terrible idea for Musk to become so heavily involved in government and politics. He makes billions from the government contracts with SpaceX. I think that is definitely a conflict of interest.

However, he is now out of his leadership role in Washington. After his temper tantrum last week and saying all kinds of dumb stuff about President Trump he probably won’t be returning to any leadership roles. He further over elevated himself and his role in Trump’s election.

This reminds us again of this truth: Intelligent geniuses can do and say stupid things. Throwing mud at President Trump on social media has made Musk look like a spoiled brat who has seemingly always gotten his way. Again, we are reminded, no one always gets his or her way in this life.

Is Musk too rich to go broke? Probably, but anyone can fail financially. Musk’s wealth is mostly tied up in stocks, making him “cash poor,” or having low liquidity. But with SpaceX capturing 70% of the global launch market, his financial downfall is unlikely. Unless, he continues to hurl ill-will at President Trump which could potentially cost Musk a lot.

The problem is that if the US cancelled its contracts with SpaceX, it could impact our manned missions to the International Space Station. New space projects like NASA’s Artemis moon program could be impacted. Dozens of NASA science programs would be affected plus the impact on national security as SpaceX provides critical space launch and communication services to the US military. These and other consequences could significantly affect the US space program and national security.

Trump, Musk and all the others on Capitol Hill need to work together for the common good of our nation. Musk has proven his genius and capabilities. However, his temper tantrum and verbiage last week make me wonder a bit as to just what he is really capable of doing in a moment of rage?

About the author ~

Commentary |
From Holocaust Remembrance to Gaza: Scholars raise genocide alarm

Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, vetoed a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza despite unanimous support from other Security Council members. Critics, including international scholars and rights organizations, allege Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing widespread destruction, displacement, and dehumanization of Palestinians.

by Terry Hansen
Guest Commentary

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.

Ironically, in a speech on Holocaust Remembrance day, Shea stated that "hatred, dehumanization and apathy can lead to genocide...Atrocities like the Holocaust don't just happen'; they're allowed to happen. It is up to us to stop them."

Yes, it is. In fact, the U.N. Genocide Convention, ratified by the United States in 1988, requires nations to prevent and punish genocide.

... over 55 scholars of the Holocaust, genocide and mass violence released a statement deploring the atrocities committed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as by Israeli forces,...

Notably, on October 13, 2023, less than one week after the start of Israel's intensive bombing campaign in Gaza, Israeli Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies Raz Segal wrote:

"Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza is quite explicit, open, and unashamed....Israel’s goal is to destroy the Palestinians of Gaza. And those of us watching around the world are derelict in our responsibility to prevent them from doing so."

And just a few days later, nearly 800 scholars and international lawyers working in the fields of conflict and genocide issued a public statement titled, "Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza." They cite the dehumanization and mass displacement of Palestinians, statements by Israeli officials, as well as the high casualty rate and "obliteration" of neighborhoods and families.

Finally, on December 9, over 55 scholars of the Holocaust, genocide and mass violence released a statement deploring the atrocities committed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as by Israeli forces, and warning of the danger of genocide in Gaza. Particular concern is expressed regarding statements by Israeli leaders holding all Palestinians in Gaza responsible for October 7. These scholars assert:

"Casting an entire civilian population as enemies marks the history of modern genocide, with the Armenian genocide (1915-1918) and the Rwanda genocide (1994) as well-known examples."

Yet the U.S. has repeatedly dismissed evidence of genocide in Gaza. Despite these denials, allegations of genocide have intensified.

Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch published reports accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, and these organizations are not alone in reaching this determination.

Amos Goldberg, a Holocaust and genocide researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has also concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Goldberg asserts:

"What is happening in Gaza is genocide because the level and pace of indiscriminate killing, destruction, mass expulsions, displacement, famine, executions, the wiping out of cultural and religious institutions...and the sweeping dehumanization of the Palestinians — create an overall picture of genocide, of a deliberate conscious crushing of Palestinian existence in Gaza."

Goldberg explains that, historically, most perpetrators of genocide have claimed they were acting in self-defense.

Moreover, the U.S. must advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, while ensuring that food, water and medicine can reach civilians without restriction.

Significantly, a Dutch investigation published in May in the newspaper NRC interviewed seven internationally known genocide and Holocaust scholars from six countries—including Israel. All found Israel’s actions in Gaza to be acts of genocide. The scholars interviewed include:

Martin Shaw, author of the book, "What is genocide?"
Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars
Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research

The refusal of the U.S. to act, and its obstruction of efforts to prevent further atrocities, betrays the principle of “never again.” To fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention, the U.S. should acknowledge these findings and halt military aid to Israel that could be used to commit genocide.

Moreover, the U.S. must advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, while ensuring that food, water and medicine can reach civilians without restriction. In addition, the U.S. should support international investigations, including the work of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

If not, history will judge this moment, and the record will be clear: the duty to prevent genocide was willfully ignored.

Terry Hansen is an opinion writer who has contributed multiple articles on Gaza, focusing on humanitarian issues, U.S. policy, and Israel’s actions in the region. He is a retired educator from Milwaukee.

Father McGivney wins state semifinal baseball game over Pawnee in four innings

Omar Avalos celebrates his first-inning triple with a yell, standing on third — Father McGivney's Omar Avalos celebrates on third base after hitting a line drive to right field. The sophomore collected the team's first RBI, tying the score at 1-all. The Griffins went on to defeat the Indians in four innings 16-1, advancing to the Class 1A title game against Marquette High School. Avalos finished the game 3-for-4 with one run and 2 RBI.

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Left: Freshman Gavin Greer lays down a bunt to third base in the first inning. He scored the team's only run on a Coy Clarke hit to center field later in the frame. Middle: Kannon Kamp is welcomed to home plate after his grand slam shot over the right field wall with Evan Koontz, Ty Etcheson, and Reilly Sutberry. The four-run homer put the Griffins up 5-1 on the scoreboard. Right: Pawnee pitcher Riley McElroy, who took the loss for Pawnee, unloads a pitch in the bottom of the third inning. The senior gave up seven hits in semifinal loss.

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Tagged: High School Sports, Baseball, State Baseball, Pawnee Baseball, State Baseball Qualifiers, Father McGivney Baseball