National outrage continues after Illinois State Police released new bodycam video of a sheriff’s deputy fatally shooting a Black woman in her home. Two officers were at Sonya Massey’s home to investigate reports of a prowler in the neighborhood. Please be warned that the video may be disturbing for some.

The Illinois Fighting Illini thought they were on the way to an impressive victory against Wisconsin last October.

They were ahead 14 in the fourth quarter before reverting to old form. The Illini were outscored by 18 in yet another close loss.

Linebacker Seth Coleman highlighted a late substitution that forced coach Bret Bielema to call a timeout. Coleman is fond of the play because he was involved with Ezekiel Holmes on the mishap.

If it was avoided, the blown timeout would have been useful when the Illini need it on offense.

“Coach B had to waste a timeout,” Coleman said. “Due to wasting that timeout, Wisconsin was able to prepare a play and we didn’t have a timeout for when the offense was out there. That was a critical moment.”

The Illini blew a chance to build momentum by moving to .500. Instead, it was another afternoon filled with disappointment. They lost three games by four points or less last year, including the final two against Iowa and Northwestern.

It was the difference from going 8-4 with a bowl game instead of 5-7.

The Illini are out to correct those issues with practices set to begin within a week. Coleman said the issue has already been addressed.

“We go over situational football with a lot with Coach B,” Coleman said. “In our team meetings, I see those small details really, really matter. I can’t stress it enough.”

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Lisa Simpson a volunteer and former Extension Employee in Wayne County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

In 2024, 70 individuals were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by county University of Illinois Extension staff. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion at the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration events.

“Lisa’s staff member and volunteer role in Wayne County 4-H was crucial, combining her exceptional organizational skills with compassionate leadership. Her expertise was instrumental in the success of county fairs and creating memorable experiences for 4-H youth and their families. Lisa’s dedication extended beyond her professional duties, as she actively supported her children’s 4-H involvement and volunteered in various aspects of the county extension program, embodying the true spirit of 4-H through her unwavering commitment and genuine care for others.” Said Ryan Littlejohn, Wayne County 4-H Extension Program Coordinator.

Illinois 4-H programs in Wayne County reach nearly 500 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes. Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.