NORMAL - Mahomet-Seymour's Ellie Barker cheers with teammates Ava Yeakel, Erin Dallas and Anna Streicher after a point during second set action against DePaul College Prep during Friday's semifinal match at CEFCU Arena. The Bulldogs advanced to the title game after defeating the Rams in straights 25-18, 25-22. A day later, Mahomet-Seymour went on to win the Class 3A title, beating Limestone in an exciting three-setter 22-25, 25-22, 25-18. Below are 21 more photos from the opening match.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour State Volleyball Champions, DePaul Rams, State Volleyball, Mahomet Volleyball Team
Brandpoint - When it comes to health, women's intuition isn't just a hunch - it's practically a superpower. According to recent research from MD Live by Evernorth, more than two-thirds of women say they have a sixth sense when it comes to their health. This "ill-tuition" is the innate ability to sense when something may be wrong with your body - and 81% of women trust it. Yet, despite this trust, most women hold off on seeking care until their symptoms interfere with their daily lives, instead of being proactive at the first sign that something is off. This delay can lead to unnecessary worsening of symptoms.
"Many common symptoms can be early warning signs of an underlying health condition. Ignoring your body's signals can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment," explains Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, Associate Chief Medical Officer for MD Live by Evernorth. "Trusting your intuition and acting on it early can make all the difference in managing your health."
Roundtree discusses five common symptoms that women tend to dismiss, according to the research, what conditions they may point to and why it's important to seek timely medical care when your intuition sounds the alarm.
1. Itching that doesn't go away
Itching may seem like just a minor annoyance, but if it's persistent, it may point to various underlying health issues. Itching could signal hormonal fluctuations, skin conditions like eczema, or even liver or kidney problems. Itching without a visible rash can be a sign of broader health issues because it often indicates that the root cause lies beneath the surface of the skin rather than on it. For pregnant women, persistent itching may be a symptom of cholestasis, a liver condition that requires immediate medical attention.
2. Persistent bloating
Bloating is normal after eating a big meal or when experiencing the occasional digestive issue. But, when bloating occurs frequently, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bloating that gets worse over time could be a symptom of stomach inflammation or certain cancers. In fact, bloating is one of the more common early warning signs of ovarian cancer, caused by the buildup of fluids in the stomach.
3. Fatigue
Feeling tired is often unavoidable, especially for women balancing work, family and other responsibilities. However, when that tiredness becomes persistent and starts affecting your quality of life, it might point to fatigue, a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your daily life. Fatigue is often a symptom of an underlying chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, depression or thyroid disorders. If a good night's sleep or taking time to rest doesn't make a noticeable difference in your energy levels, it's time to consult a doctor to explore the potential causes.
4. Unexplained weight fluctuations
It's not uncommon for a woman's weight to naturally fluctuate, especially during their menstrual cycle. However, unexpected weight gain or loss can indicate hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems or metabolic disorders. When weight changes are sudden and not resulting from changes in your diet or exercise routine, it's important to rule out any larger health issues, like cancer or chronic illness.
5. Chronic anxiety
Although anxiety is commonly associated with mental health disorders, its presence can also point to underlying physical health issues. If you're feeling anxious without a clear reason, or your anxiety is constant, it's important to explore whether a physical condition could be contributing. Anxiety is often linked to cardiovascular diseases and endocrine problems, like hyperthyroidism. Regardless of whether it stems from something physical or mental, early intervention is critical.
Your first call: A doctor
These symptoms may not always seem urgent, but it's important not to ignore them, especially if they become persistent or chronic. "If you feel something is off with your health, trust your intuition and seek medical advice promptly," Roundtree advises. "Doctors are here to help you get to the bottom of your symptoms - no matter how big or small they may seem." When your instincts tell you something is off, you can schedule a virtual visit with an MD Live board-certified doctor to get an expert medical opinion without unnecessary delays.
Remember, it's always better to address a potential health concern when it's small rather than wait until it becomes more serious. The next time your ill-tuition kicks in, trust it.
BRANDPOINT - As any athlete will tell you, you can't win unless you have a game plan.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the personal savings rate in the U.S. hovers below 4%, while household debt and credit card delinquency rates are both rising, especially among Gen Z, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
In the game of life, saving should be just one part of your financial strategy but knowing the benefits of responsibly managing your credit is equally important. Whether you are gearing up to buy a home, get an education or start a business — understanding your FICO® Score is an important first step in laying the foundation for financial literacy.
That’s why this summer, FICO, a leading software analytics company, teamed up with Chelsea Football Club and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to offer free financial education workshops for students and adults in the cities where Chelsea is playing on their summer tour.
Workshop participants were also able to attend their local match for free.
Here is a starter playbook of the 3 ways soccer and financial literacy are similar:
Know Your FICO® Score. A credit score is a three-digit number that helps lenders, such as a mortgage company, auto lender, or credit card issuer, quickly (based on data and without bias) determine how likely you are to repay a loan as agreed. The higher your number, the more likely it is lenders will offer you credit and better repayment terms such as interest rates.
Many factors go into your FICO® Score. It’s calculated based on data that is collected by the three major credit bureaus. This data is grouped into five categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%). Because your credit report changes based on your financial behaviors, like whether you pay your bills on time, so does your FICO Score. That means it’s important to know how your financial choices can impact your FICO Score.
Have a Game Plan. Championships don’t happen accidentally. They require thoughtful planning, precise execution, and the ability to make in-game adjustments as events unfold. It’s just as important to have a game plan for your household finances to help foster positive habits such as creating a monthly budget, setting a system to stay up to date on bill payments, and keeping credit card balances under control.
Focus on Continuous Learning and Improvement. Athletes continuously train to stay in shape and are always looking for ways to improve their skills. You can do the same to understand more about building good financial habits. FICO has developed many free educational tools and resources to help educate people throughout their financial journeys.
To access useful educational resources — and find out how to participate in a live or virtual Score A Better Future™ workshop — visit https://www.fico.com/sabf/.
Whether your goal is purchasing a home, financing a car, or simply starting off your financial journey strong, these educational tips can help you win in the game of life.
CHAMPAIGN - Six Illinois soccer student-athletes were named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, the organization announced on Tuesday.
Senior midfielder Kennedy Berschel, senior defender Ella Karolak, junior forward Sarah Foley, senior defender Angie Galo, senior midfielder Sarah Hiestand, and junior forward Lia Howard each earned the prestigious academic distinction for the first time in their careers.
Berschel started all 18 matches this season, posting career-bests in goals (4), assists (4), points (12), and shots (18). Foley, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection, tallied personal-high marks in goals (11), shots (33), shots on goal (22), and game-winning goals (6).
Karolak helped the Illini defense record four shutouts, while also registering a career-best two assists. Galo started every match, setting new personal standards in goals (3), assists (2), shots (14), shots on goal (5), and minutes played (1,472).
Hiestand started all 18 games, scoring her first career goal and adding an assist. She also ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 79 interceptions during conference play. Howard found the back of the net three times, all in the 80th minute or later, and tied for the team lead with four assists.
The Academic All-District honorees will advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with first, second and third-team selections to be announced in early December.
BRANDPOINT - Yearning for a luxury vacation unlike any other? Consider the unique cultural, culinary and wellness experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. This signature paradise offers a winter getaway where you can indulge in natural beauty, nurturing environments and flavors that nourish the soul.
While the entire region boasts beautiful tropical weather and is steeped in rich Mayan culture, each of the Mexican Caribbean's 12 destinations has its own distinct identity. You'll enjoy turquoise waters, white sand beaches and remarkable archaeological sites. The region is also home to otherworldly cenotes for freshwater swimming, boundless nature and more. Along with these natural wonders, you'll discover an enticing culinary scene, rich culture, world-class entertainment and top-notch accommodations.
Ready to plan your trip? Here are some Mexican Caribbean experiences you won't want to miss.
Make a splash in over-the-top pools
Travelers seeking the perfect vacation filled with sipping, sunning and relaxing in unique pools have their choice of options in the Mexican Caribbean. In the Riviera Maya, the adults-only luxury inclusive La Casa de la Playa features a stunning 130-foot-long swimming waterway overlooking the sea that provides breathtaking horizon views. For ultimate relaxation, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers villas with private pools, creating a more intimate experience. Similarly, Cancun's Nizuc Resort & Spa offers opulent pool villas for guests looking for total seclusion and privacy. Wellness takes to the water at Grand Velas Riviera Maya's Floating Sound Baths. This meditative practice allows individuals to discover their inner peace and achieve maximum relaxation by gently moving while floating in water.
Indulge in next-level spa treatments
The Riviera Maya offers a wealth of opportunities for indulgence and rejuvenation, with several resorts dedicated to wellness. At Fairmont Mayakoba, locally inspired spa treatments like the Copal Mayan Purification and the Cha Chac Rain Ritual provide a deeply calming, refreshing and energizing experience. St. Regis Kanai Resort features rituals inspired by ancient Mayan astronomy. Senses can be further awakened at the Maroma Spa by Guerlain at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel in the Riviera Maya. Their unique Bee Healing Ritual incorporates resort-made honey from the stingless Melipona bee which is sacred in the Mayan culture, helping guests connect with nature. At the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, luxury spa treatments include the Yaxche Journey which facilitates personal discovery and healing on a spiritual, emotional and physical plane to balance the body, mind and spirit.
Savor custom-made culinary experiences
The Mexican Caribbean has become a culinary powerhouse offering myriad globally recognized restaurants and exceptional dining experiences. At Etereo, Auberge Resorts Collection in the Riviera Maya, guests can enjoy a regionally inspired four-course menu during a private moonlit dinner at the beach or alongside the Tranquilo pool. Alternatively, discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine through the hands-on Comal Cooking Class, which offers the opportunity to craft fresh tortillas and prepare delicious small dishes using a traditional Mexican griddle. At the MICHELIN Recommended Maria Dolores at ATELIER Playa Mujeres, celebrity Chef Edgar Nunez presents seasonal dishes with an haute cuisine approach to Mexican gastronomy. His signature creations combine flavors and stories from every corner of Mexico, creating a sensory experience in each dish. At the one MICHELINE Star HA' at Hotel Xcaret in the Riviera Maya, Chef Carlos Gaytan presents contemporary Mexican cuisine through a 9-course tasting menu, where each dish is perfectly harmonized with exquisite wines and spirits.
Imbibe in modern mixology
Cocktail aficionados will be thrilled at the region's offerings, including Chaak in the Jungle at Conrad Tulum, an enchanting tropical mixology experience in the magical jungle under the stars. For a speakeasy vibe in the tropics, Bambuco by Handshake at Marmona, a Belmond Hotel, offers a haven for creative cocktailing; it's the perfect spot for a nightcap and small plates among lush tropical palms. Or check out the award-winning Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba, a love letter to the Yucatan Peninsula, celebrating the heritage, culture and people of the region.
For more information, visit MexicanCaribbean.Travel.
Last month, reporter Anna Clark and I hosted an in-person photo gallery and group discussion about what motivated us to tell stories of Flint, Michigan, residents 10 years after the start of the water crisis and to talk about how we work to understand the communities we serve. As a visual fellow at ProPublica, I’m focused on documenting the lives of people in our stories through photography. Throughout history, photography has been a powerful tool for recording moments in time, providing visual evidence and evoking emotions that urge us to understand experiences outside of our own. Here are suggestions for aspiring visual storytellers who may find themselves in similar situations.
Ask “Why Does This Story Need to be Told?”
Anna and I previously worked in Flint in different capacities: I interned as a photojournalist at the Flint Journal; Anna wrote a book, “The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water and the American Urban Tragedy.” To us, Flint is not just a news story, it’s a complex place full of real people who have been and continue to be denied adequate resources and support. We wanted the public to know that generations of Flint residents still live with physical and psychological challenges. By sharing what Flint residents think accountability would look like, we were able to show how many feel betrayed by the failure to hold anyone criminally responsible. They also remain frustrated by how long it’s taking to fix the local water system and the lingering mental wounds that may never be repaired.
The photo essay gave a glimpse into the experience of three residents and how their present-day concerns, fears and decisions are shaped by the water crisis. Over about four months, I made frequent visits to Flint — stopping by nonprofits, churches, after-school programs and other places that are part of everyday life. I spoke with incredibly kind people. Some wanted to help me; others were hesitant, usually because they wanted to move on or felt things would never change. Robert McCathern, Teagan Medlin and Jacquinne Reynolds granted me a great deal of trust. They were able to open up and make themselves vulnerable because of their commitment to cultivating change for future generations. I tried to represent that through the environment in the photographs.
Be Sincere With Your Approach
During the discussion at the visual storytelling event at Totem Books in Flint, we asked residents to ponder what type of stories resonate with them most, what questions they wish someone would ask them and who is one person they would like to interview. We discovered a common thread of wanting to feel more connected as neighbors and fellow human beings.
Then we flipped the exercise to challenge ourselves as journalists and receive questions from residents. “Why Flint?” one participant asked us. We told her how we’d come to admire the community and wanted to present a multidimensional view of it to readers. “Something about this place seems to get in people’s blood,” the participant told us, and it does seem that for a city of its size, Flint has attracted a disproportionate number of storytellers — even before the water crisis. And yet, some residents still wonder: What has changed? Over the past decade, Flint residents have been in the public eye not by choice, but as a result of a disaster created and prolonged by public officials. So what does that mean for us and our responsibility as storytellers?
Being in the business of transparency requires us to also be transparent with the communities we document. Without transparency, it’s hard to build mutual trust, especially in communities that have faced betrayal and have had little control over how their stories are shared with the world.
During the early stages of the project, before lifting my camera to make any photos, I listened to Flint residents and learned about their stories, then let what they told me naturally guide the photos I made. Early on, I also stressed that I believe their stories are important to share because people outside of Flint should know that for many Flint residents, the crisis is still not over.
I also should note that our stories go through many layers of revisions and fact-checking. From beginning to end, I tried to communicate how the project was developing and made sure that our sources were aware of how the story would be framed, how they would be portrayed and how they would be quoted. Once the story was published, I followed up to gauge how they were feeling, and later made them aware that photographs of them would appear at our galley in Flint.
Look for Connection and Insight
The beauty of visual storytelling is that the story can always change shape. Let go of any assumptions and let the story lead you where it may. Anna and I learned so much by taking this approach.
We found that, after a decade, many residents are still waiting for the change they want to see. The flood of the resources and attention Flint initially received has dwindled. But one of the reasons I wanted to revisit this story is because of the people I’ve met and will continue to meet. The city has introduced me to people who care deeply about their community and embrace one another with generosity, care and compassion. And I learned about a host of local programs, from the Flint Rx Kids program that provides financial support for mothers to the McKenzie Patrice Croom Flint Community Water Lab, which trains youth to give back and provides free water testing. Although communities like Flint shouldn’t need to be resilient, we can learn from their empathy, advocacy and support for one another during hard times. My job is to make photographs, but a big part of the fulfillment I get is from making connections.
We closed out our event in Flint by making photographs of attendees that they could have as keepsakes. One woman, who told me she had recently been displaced from her home, said she was going to email the photos of herself to her grandchildren who live in another state. It reminded me that photographs are invaluable in many facets of our lives. They keep us connected.
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
Sarahbeth Maney is ProPublica’s first Diamonstein-Spielvogel Visual Journalism Fellow, focused on documenting in-depth investigative stories through photography.
Keywords: Photojournalism, Visual Storytelling, Telling stories through pictures, More than taking pictures, Documenting history
Illustrious - Showcases and the stories behind Illinois’ most iconic high school gyms
CHICAGO - On a quiet Saturday afternoon in January 2012, at the Oak Park-River Forest field house, a simple thought refused to leave Vincent Johnson alone.
Covering a girls basketball game for the Oak Leaves, Johnson found himself looking beyond the box score and into the bones of the building itself. The space was overwhelming in the best way. Big. Empty. Striking. The field house - massive, architectural, overwhelming in character - was alive with echoes. The gym itself demanded his attention.
How good is your next steak? Look closely at the marbling
By Casey Cartwright
A premium steak makes an impression before it even reaches the grill. Fine streaks of fat run through the muscle, creating the visual pattern known as marbling. Those delicate flecks do much more than make a steak look appealing. They influence flavor and tenderness and affect how the beef performs over high heat.
Marbling plays a major role in the experience people expect from premium beef, but understanding it takes more than looking for the fattiest steak in the case. The amount and distribution of intramuscular ...
