One of the best bigs in the portal has committed to Kansas State. Former Illinois standout Coleman Hawkins announced Friday that he’ll suit up for Jerome Tang’s Wildcats for his final season of college basketball.
Hawkins’ NIL deal is slightly north of $2 million, sources told CBS Sports. Schools that were recruiting Hawkins in recent weeks were all willing to go north of $1.5 million to attain his commitment. Kansas State emerged as the favorite over the past week-plus.
Hawkins ranks in the top 20 of David Cobb’s list of the best portal players in this year’s cycle. It’s a significant addition for a program looking for a bounce-back season in Tang’s third year on the job. With Hawkins in the mix, Kansas State is likely to be a significant player in the new-look, 16-team Big 12.
After a four-year career with the Fighting Illini, Hawkins put his name into the NBA Draft process but ultimately opted to come back to college after receiving feedback he wasn’t a surefire NBA pick. In choosing to return — and in going into the portal — he became one of the most sought-after talents on the market over the past six weeks. Hawkins picked Kansas State after considering the likes of North Carolina, LSU, Louisville, SMU, Arkansas and others.
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Hawkins averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season. He also shot 36.9% from beyond the arc for the Illini. He’ll join a K-State team that’s completely made over its roster thanks to what’s regarded as one of the largest NIL war chests in the sport. The Wildcats have added former Michigan guard Dug McDaniel (16.3 ppg), former Samford stretch four Achor Achor (16.1 ppg), former Cal State Fullerton combo guard Max Jones (15.3 ppg) and former Kentucky big Ugonna Onyenso (3.6 ppg), among others. K-State’s lone semi-regular starer is David N’Guessan (7.8 ppg), who started 21 times last season.
Few teams overhauled in the portal like the Wildcats. Hawkins could have All-American potential if he becomes the scoring centerpiece at a program that took a drop in offensive efficiency last season. K-State ranked 57th in offensive efficiency at KenPom.com in Tang’s first season, which included a run to the Elite Eight. Last season the Wildcats went 19-15, missed the NCAAs, and had the 139th-ranked offense in college hoops.
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Editor’s note: This article discusses domestic violence.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence or an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or visit www.thehotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous.
Two teenagers have been taken into custody following a shooting spree targeting a family in southern Illinois that left five people dead and two others wounded, authorities said.
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The 15- and 16-year-old suspects were arrested on July 12 at Frank Holten State Park, a recreation area near the city of East St. Louis, according to the Illinois State Police. The suspects were apprehended after state police officers executed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT, maneuver on a vehicle that one of the suspects was driving.
During a brief news conference, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the shootings unfolded at three locations within a few miles of one another and targeted members of the same family.
“At least seven members of the targeted family were shot at multiple locations in the East St. Louis area, and as of right now, five victims have been confirmed deceased,” Kelly said, adding that the two other victims were seriously injured.
At least one of the suspects is related to the victims, according to Kelly. State police declined to provide further details on the suspects and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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Kelly noted that state police are working with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and will seek charges against the suspects. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
East St. Louis is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, and has a population of nearly 18,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city is located across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis.
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Victims slain in shooting spree identified
State police identified the five people killed as Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25.
One victim was killed near North 39th Street and Summit Avenue, three were killed at the Samuel Gompers Homes, and another died at Jones Park, according to Kelly.
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The two other victims were wounded at Jones Park and survived, Kelly said. They sustained serious injuries and were being treated at a hospital in St. Louis.
“These alleged acts of horrific violence, taking this number of lives, here in this community it’s terrible. It’s evil, but it will not keep this city down,” Kelly said.
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Latest domestic-related shooting
The incident in East St. Louis is the latest domestic-related shooting to occur in the United States in recent months.
A man killed four people, including his parents, brother, and his brother’s girlfriend, in a shooting at the family’s home in suburban Detroit before surrendering to police on June 9, authorities said. At the time, police said the suspect had a “contentious relationship” with his parents.
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On June 1, a 52-year-old man killed six members of his family in a shooting spree across a small city in eastern Iowa in an apparent domestic dispute, according to local police. The suspect killed himself when confronted by officers, police said.
In May, the Houston Police Department said it was investigating a murder-suicide after four relatives were found fatally shot in their home. Authorities later reported that evidence indicated a 52-year-old man had shot his wife and two children before shooting himself.
A community in northwest Louisiana was rocked by a mass shooting in April that left eight children dead. At the time, the Shreveport Police Department said the suspected gunman killed seven of his own children and injured his wife and another woman.
That same month, authorities said former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before killing himself while the couple was involved in a “complicated or messy” divorce. Police said the couple’s teenage son and daughter were at the home at the time of the incident but were not harmed.
American annihilation: US families face a unique danger – murder from within
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Domestic violence in the United States
According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, domestic violence is a “public health crisis, and, given the accessibility and availability of guns in America, this violence is often perpetrated with a firearm.”
Researchers have found that almost half of all women murdered in the United States are killed by a current or former intimate partner, the center states on its website. Of those cases, the center said over half involved a firearm.
The center also noted that about 68% of mass shooting cases that occurred from 2014 to 2019 included a perpetrator who either killed family or intimate partners, or had a history of domestic violence.
A 2023 investigation from the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network, identified at least 227 family annihilation cases across the United States from 2020 to April 2023, resulting in 754 deaths. The newspaper’s analysis found such killings occurred on average once every five days.
The investigation described family annihilations as among the most extreme forms of domestic violence. It also found that family annihilators killed themselves in 64% of the cases.
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Contributing: Mary Claire Molloy, Indianapolis Star
Illinois is full of small towns where the downtown square still serves as the heart of the community. Many are centered on a historic courthouse and ringed by brick buildings, local shops, and cafes. Festivals and farmers’ markets still fill these gathering spaces through the year. The squares feel personal and walkable, keeping an unhurried rhythm that makes them easy to explore. Each one has its own personality shaped by history and local culture.
Galena
Main Street in historic downtown Galena, Illinois. Image credit: Dawid S Swierczek via Shutterstock.
This town is one of the best-known towns in Illinois, known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown and dramatic hillside setting. With a population of just a few thousand, the entire town feels like a historic postcard, especially along Main Street, where brick buildings, antique shops, and locally owned boutiques line the steep, walkable streets. The architecture is remarkable and among the best preserved in the Midwest, giving the town a timeless, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Visitors can spend hours exploring the downtown shops, tasting local food, and learning about history at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Site. Scenic overlooks above the town offer wide views of the river valley, and seasonal events like holiday walks and fall festivals make the square feel even more alive. Galena is especially popular for weekend trips because it combines history, scenery, and a strong small-town identity that makes individuals feel at home.
Woodstock
Woodstock Square in Woodstock, Illinois.
This town is a classic courthouse-square place with strong Victorian-era character and a lively downtown centered around its historic square. The centerpiece is the Woodstock Opera House and the surrounding courthouse square, which has remained visually consistent for over a century. The town is also famous as the filming location for the movie “Groundhog Day,” which adds a unique cultural layer to the experience.
Things to do in Woodstock include walking the squares’ boutique shops and cafes, visiting the Opera House for unique and entertaining performances, and exploring the filming locations scattered around downtown. The town also hosts farmers’ markets, festivals, and seasonal events that keep the square active year-round. It feels both historic and lively, making it one of the most balanced small-town downtowns in Illinois.
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Petersburg
Petersburg, Illinois. In Wikipedia. By Matt Turner – Menard County Courthouse, IL, CC BY 2.0, Wikipedia
This town is small and quiet, located in central Illinois, with a population of just a few thousand people. Its courthouse square is simple but handsome, surrounded by small shops, cafes, and antique stores that reflect its deeply local character. The pace here stays unhurried, and the town feels more like a preserved community hub than a tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the square, enjoy local diners, and browse antique shops, but the biggest draw is its connection to Abraham Lincoln’s history. Nearby New Salem State Historic Site lets visitors step into a recreated pioneer village where Lincoln once lived. The mix of calm downtown life and major historical significance gives Petersburg a unique and intriguing identity among Illinois towns.
Mount Carroll
The Historic District in Mount Carroll, Illinois. Image credit: Randy von Liski via Flickr.com.
This town is one of the most architecturally impressive towns in Illinois, with a downtown that feels like a preserved 1800s historic district. The entire square is surrounded by ornate brick buildings, giving it a rich, old-world environment. With a population of around 1,500, it is quiet, walkable, and deeply rooted in history.
Things to do include exploring antique shops, visiting local cafes, and walking the surrounding residential streets filled with historic homes. Unlike more commercialized towns, Mount Carroll feels peaceful and authentic, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy architecture, photography, and quiet exploration.
Princeton
Colorful old brick buildings and storefronts in downtown Princeton, Illinois. Editorial credit: Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com.
This town offers a lively but still small courthouse square surrounded by antique stores, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. With a population of under 10,000, it serves as a hub for the surrounding farming communities, giving it a steady flow of local activity without losing its character. The downtown area is especially known for its welcoming, community-focused feel.
Visitors can shop in antique malls, dine in cozy and relaxing cafes, and attend seasonal festivals that often take over the square. Nearby attractions like the Red Covered Bridge add a scenic countryside element to the experience, making Princeton a mix of historic downtown appeal and rural Illinois beauty.
Clinton
Exterior of downtown building and storefront in Clinton, Illinois.
This town has a traditional Midwestern courthouse square that feels clean, simple, and welcoming. Its center is a foundation surrounded by small businesses that serve both locals and visitors passing through central Illinois. With a population of 7,000, it maintains a close-knit community environment.
Things to do include walking around the square, visiting local shops and cafes, and exploring the DeWitt County Museum for a deeper look at the town’s history. Clinton is not heavily tourist-driven, which gives it an authentic everyday feel that reflects small-town Illinois life.
Dixon
Old building and storefronts in downtown Dixon, Illinois. Editorial credit: Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com
This beautiful town has a scenic stretch of the Rock River and a downtown that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The square and surrounding streets include murals, shops, and cafes, while the riverfront adds a peaceful, open atmosphere. With a population of around 15,000, it is larger than some of the other towns but still retains a strong small-town identity.
Visitors can explore the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, walk along the riverfront parks, and browse downtown shops and restaurants. The combination of presidential history and river scenery makes Dixon stand out as both educational and visually appealing.
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Edwardsville
City Hall in Edwardsville, Illinois. Editorial credit: RozenskiP / Shutterstock.com
This town has one of the most active and developed town squares on this list, while still maintaining a historic courthouse-centered layout. Located near the St. Louis metro area, it has a population of around 26,000 residents and serves as a regional hub with restaurants, cafes, and shops surrounding the square. Despite its growth, it still holds onto its small-town character through community events and preserved architecture.
Visitors can enjoy dining downtown, attending farmers’ markets, and walking through the courthouse square during festivals and concerts. The town also offers nearby trails and parks, making it a great mix of outdoor recreation and downtown appeal. Edwardsville shows how a town square can stay relevant while adapting to modern growth.
Where The Square Still Matters
Overall, these Illinois towns show just how diverse and meaningful small-town squares can be. Some feel frozen in time with preserved architecture and quiet streets, while others are active hubs of local life filled with entertaining events and commerce. What they all share is a strong sense of place, where the town square is not just a location, but the identity of the community itself.
CHICAGO (WLS) — A man has been charged with trespassing at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s home in Chicago, court documents show.
The incident happened around on July 4 on the city’s North Side.
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A suspect was arrested by police around 10:06 p.m. after he was allegedly seen on camera jumping over a fence and trespassing in the backyard of Pritzker’s house in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
Dwayne Cortez Milton has been charged with trespassing, Cook County court documents showed.
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The suspect was ordered to be released from custody in this case pending his trial, but he was been ordered to not return to the property.
However, Milton pleaded guilty in a separate theft case on July 7, and he is currently in custody for that case, documents show.
Milton is scheduled to appear in court again July 27 for the trespassing case.
No further information about the trespassing incident was immediately available.
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