Illinois
Former NC State Commit Robert Jones III Commits to Illinois
3-Star 2025 Center Isaac Sowells Jr. (6’2″/295) took an Official Visit to NC State last weekend. I caught up with him to get his take on the experience.
Walk through the visit. What did you do? Where did you go? Who did you meet?
We did a lot of things. We went through academics, facility tours, photo shoots, a lot of eating, and just getting to get comfortable around the people in the building.
What was the message from the coaches to you? What is your relationship like with the coaches?
The message from the coaches to me is I can be the Center of the future and help this program in the right direction. I’ve had a great relationship with Coach 2J since they offered me in August. He’s been texting me basically every single day, multiple times a day.
How do you think NC State might be a good fit for you?
I feel like I could fit in there because the depth chart is appealing and I can have the opportunity to play early. They have an explosive offense and keep getting top-tier Recruits. They also have a top ranked defense.
What were your favorite parts?
I’d say my favorite parts were just really getting to hang out with the people at dinner and just getting to know a little bit more about the commits and recruits.
Who was your host?
Zeke Correll
What are your thoughts on where NC State’s at, and where they are headed?
I feel very great about the program. They have a Top 25 defense and a very explosive offense. They keep bringing in top guys and don’t go too deep into the portal.
Where does NC State stand in your recruitment? What do you like about the Wolfpack?
I’d say they sit pretty high in my recruitment. I just like the way they treat their top guys and make you feel like a priority.
When do you plan on making your college decision?
July 18th.
What’s your relationship like with the current players and some of the other players they are recruiting?
I’d say with the current players I’m getting to know them a little bit more, like Zeke Carroll and I got to meet (Jacarrius) Peak. When it comes to recruits, me and (Michael) Gibbs talk every day, and I’ll talk to Gus (Ritchey) and Will (Wilson) periodically.
What is it that you like the way Coach 2J coaches the O-Line?
I like his approach. He’s there to coach you hard, but he also loves you and he makes that known.
_______
A month ago, Sowells Jr. released his Top-5, and NC State was included along with Kentucky, South Carolina, Miami and Louisville. He has taken Official Visits to South Carolina, Miami and Kentucky.
ESPN ranks Sowells Jr. as the #3 Center in the nation, and the #4 player overall in the state of Kentucky.
As a Junior last year, he had 85 Knockdowns for Louisville Male High School (Louisville, KY).
Firefighters in McHenry, Illinois, battled a large fire that broke out at a popular suburban bakery Sunday afternoon.
McHenry firefighters were called to the Riverside Bakery shop around 2 p.m. and found smoke billowing out of the roof.
The cold made fighting the fire difficult, and crews had to be called in from surrounding communities to get it under control. The fire has since been extinguished.
Two people, including a civilian and a firefighter, suffered minor injuries outside and were not involved in the fire. They were taken to Northwestern McHenry Hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Eastern Illinois Food Bank’s mobile food truck may be rolling near you soon. The program’s truck covers 21 counties and is adding more stops.
This month, the food bank has added two more stops in two different counties. The executive director, Amanda Borden, shares more on why the bank chose these areas to add.
“We’ve added two additional stops so far, one in McLean County and one in Vermilion County,” Borden said. “We looked at the data, and we assessed the areas that were the most impacted by the SNAP disruptions as part of the government shutdown. We were able to find some locations and add additional distribution so that we can ensure that we’re able to get more nutritious food into the hands of people who need it the most.”
She also said the government shutdown may be over, but people are still catching up. For the added dates, you can visit Eastern Illinois Food Bank’s website.
Illinois
Illinois’ Historic State Park An Hour Outside Chicago Has A Scenic Canal Trail, Camping, And Canoeing – Islands
Chicago is home to famous green spaces like Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Lincoln Park, which offer a number of outdoor activities in the metropolis. But if you need to escape the Windy City for something more rugged, there are plenty of nearby options. Close to Chicago — which was voted the “World’s Most Beautiful City” in 2025 — is Channahon State Park, a historic area that became a state park in 1932 and is certainly worth exploring.
Channahon State Park is located at the confluence of the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee Rivers, so there’s nature to enjoy as well as history. First, step back in time at Lock 6, where you’ll find the original locktender’s house on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. These historic sites were restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps, making them a well-preserved glimpse into the past. Elsewhere in the park, the Forgotten Warrior Memorial honors those in the U.S. Army who have been affected by PTSD.
Channahon State Park is well-known for its scenic canal trail — the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail. This travels alongside the canal for 61 miles between Rockdale and LaSalle. It’s primarily composed of crushed gravel and paved surfaces, making it an ideal spot for bikers and hikers. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like great blue herons and other birds, as they’re common sightings in the area. Want to squeeze in even more miles? It’s possible to connect to more scenic trails in McKinley Woods and Gebhard Woods State Park along the way.
More activities in Channahon State Park
The state park has a number of other outdoor activities to enjoy. While the I & M Canal Trail provides recreation for hiking and biking, you can also canoe part of the canal itself. There are 15 miles suitable for canoeing between Channahon and Morris; Illinois DNR highlights the pretty scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting you can enjoy on your paddle. Fishing is popular here, too — anglers can cast a line in either the DuPage River or the I & M Canal. Common fish include bluegill, crappie, bass, and more.
Camping is available at Channahon State Park, although it’s limited to basic tent camping. After getting a permit from the information center, you’ll need to carry your gear to campsites. One reviewer for The Dyrt notes that parking is close by, so it shouldn’t be much of an ordeal. Campground facilities include picnic tables, grills, and fire pits; there are also pit toilets and a drinking fountain nearby for campers to use.
Channahon State Park is easily accessible from Chicago — it’s just a 1-hour drive away, which makes it an appealing option for a day trip or weekend getaway. Although Midway International Airport is the closest airport, O’ Hare International Airport, the most well-connected airport in the country, is the best option with more flights and international connections. It’s about an hour’s drive from the airport to the park. As per the Illinois DNR, there is no admission fee to visit Channahon State Park. As it’s a rural area, you’ll want your own vehicle to get around.
The biggest question in Louisiana politics for months had been whether President Trump would endorse U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow to be Louisiana’s next senator over Sen. Bill Cassidy or stay neutral.
Snow showers on tap for Maine on Monday before coldest air of the season so far arrives
Maryland is rethinking how it pays for special education — and it could cost a lot more
When did Big Ten — beside Michigan or Ohio State — last win national championship?
A storm dumped snow across Mass. overnight Sunday. Here’s how much has fallen so far
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Nancy Pelosi faces social media backlash over behavior at Bob Weir tribute event
Billionaires have more money and political power than ever, Oxfam says
Parts of Florida receive rare snowfall as freezing temperatures linger
Did Hunter S. Thompson Really Kill Himself?
Wife of former American detainee released after more than a year in Venezuelan prison
-
Montana1 week agoService door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says
-
Virginia1 week agoVirginia Tech gains commitment from ACC transfer QB
-
Montana1 week ago‘It was apocalyptic’, woman tells Crans-Montana memorial service, as bar owner detained
-
Minnesota1 week agoICE arrests in Minnesota surge include numerous convicted child rapists, killers
-
Lifestyle4 days agoJulio Iglesias accused of sexual assault as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations
-
Oklahoma1 week agoMissing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe
-
Education1 week agoVideo: A Viral Beauty Test Doesn’t Hold Water
-
Oregon1 week agoDan Lanning Gives Oregon Ducks Fans Reason to Believe