Illinois
Illinois lands commitment from 2026 QB Michael Clayton
Orlando Seminole three-star junior quarterback Michael Clayton has committed to Illinois.
He chose the Fighting Illini over Ole Miss, Nebraska, South Carolina, Louisville, Auburn and Missouri.
Clayton is the nation’s No. 391 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 26 quarterback in the class and the No. 69 recruit from Florida.
Clayton is the first recruit to join Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class.
More on Illinois recruiting
Seventeen recruits are currently committed to the Illini’s 2025 class. Illinois ranks No. 52 in the 2025 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 15 in the Big Ten.
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Mt. Zion (Ill.) three-star wide receiver Brayden Trimble ranks No. 492 nationally and is the top prospect in Illinois’ class. He’s joined on offense by the likes of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas running back Cedric Wyche, Arlington Heights (Ill.) John Hersey tight end Logan Farrell and Saint Louis (Mo.) Cardinal Ritter College Prep quarterback Carson Boyd.
On defense, the Illinois class is led by Roseville (Mich.) safety Desmond Straughton and Miami Northwestern safety Tywan Cox.
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.
These real estate transactions, recorded the week of January 5, are compiled from information on file with Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more.
PEORIA COUNTY
523 S. Anna Ave., Peoria: Ortman Property Management LLC to Kimberly and Herschel Miller, $93,000.
3510 N. Kingston Drive, #5, Peoria: Jeffrey Imig and Judy Edwards to Tracy J. Sumrell, $100,000.
907 S. Manual Ave., Peoria: Debra Hurt and Brian Dewasme to Caleb Bowling, $103,900.
5122 N. Willard Road, Peoria Heights: Heights Properties LLC to Allison Smith, $105,000.
200 W. Virginia Ave., Peoria: Victoria L. Szmania to Brandon J. Jackson, $113,520.
312 S. Fourth St., Dunlap: F Street Investments LLC to Mark and Katelyn Stoller, $122,500.
609 W. Hudson St., Peoria: Timothy Shea to Isaac Vega, $123,500.
5112 W. Pfeiffer Road, Bartonville: Leslie L. Bowman to Brent T. Godsey, $124,900.
3563 W. Saymore Lane, Peoria: John M. and Tara Raine to Scott Hooste, $125,000.
614 N. Lammers Ave., West Peoria: 4115 N Chelsea LLC to Margaret Green, $130,000.
2011 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria: David and Erin Tankersley to Rylee Calzavara, $130,000.
814 W. Ridge Road, Peoria: Teresa A. Davis to Cynthia Chavez, $133,000.
1404 E. Moneta Ave., Peoria Heights: Federal National Mortgage Association to Matti Bielfeldt, $135,000.
5412 S. Juliette Drive, Bartonville: Makayla L. and Coby M. Donaldson to Ethan Ehnle, $144,000.
5203 Rutledge Ave., Bartonville: Richard J. and Deanna C. Merriman to Denise M. Merriman, $150,000.
3621 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria: 3623 Sterling LLC to Treyvon Graves, $152,000.
2209 W. Kensington Drive, Peoria: Lisa McFarlin to Tran Property Rentals LLC, $154,000.
15409 W. Glasford-Canton Road, Glasford: Bayley and Paige Carlile to Michael W. Schabatka, $155,000.
416 W. Maple St., Chillicothe: Brian E. and Taylor J. Moore to Andrew and Erynn Chirchirillo, $155,000.
611 W. Forest Lawn Ave., Peoria: Michael F. and Sandra L. Koch to Scotty Speagle, $160,000.
419 N. Lakeshore Drive, Hanna City: Brian J. Monge and David W. Hawkins to Seth E. and Chloe Stewart, $160,500.
310 W. Armstrong Ave., Peoria, and 1320 N. North St., Peoria: Scott A. and Sherrie Reed to Rebecca Ala, $165,900.
136 E. Oak Park Drive, Peoria: Brett Baldovin to Cory A. Tutaj, $172,500.
1124 N. Hushaw Ave., Chillicothe: Andrew J. and Keeley A. Ruhland to Noah and Mariah Ellis, $178,000.
4901 W. Pfeiffer Road, Bartonville: Jeremy Suddeth to Brayden Henry, $185,000.
4502 NW Scenic Drive, Peoria: Chris O’Niell Inc. to Rylee M. Joanis, $210,000.
317 N. Longbow Drive, Peoria: Makenzie K. Merriman and Jesse Page to Eric J. and Tamara E. Ruth, $214,000.
6311 N. Riviera Court, Peoria: Pedro P. and Kelly S. Orozco to Charles and Teara M. Howell, $220,000.
12700 W. Parks School Road, Princeville: Two G Farms LLC to Miles G. Smith, $250,000.
5118 W. Greenridge Court, Peoria: Kevin and Ellen Grohovena to Beth A. Hinchee, $259,900.
1516 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights: Robert L. Jr. and Kathleen F. Travers to Robert J. and Brooke N. Travers, $270,000.
2407 W. Miners Drive, Dunlap: Eithish Arisa and Sunitha Battu to Rachel K. Kangila and Pathou Kavena, $293,500.
3227 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: Mary L. Jacquin to Bradford Woodworth, $300,000.
19921 N. White Grove Road, Princeville: Theodore J. and Virginia Gilles to Nicholas B. and Brianna N. Milligan, $300,000.
1925 W. Courtside Drive, Peoria: Michael S.E. and Lisa T. Pace to Nucompass Mobility Services Inc., $325,000.
1925 W. Courtside Drive, Peoria: Nucompass Mobility Services Inc. to Suzanne Chave, $325,000.
13921 N. River Crest Drive, Chillicothe: Ryan W. and Thomas W. Blackorby to David C. and Columbia J. Ozuna, $359,900.
13628 N. Wild Spruce Lane, Chillicothe: Michael T. and Jennifer K. Swanson to Matthew E. and Megan Layne, $380,000.
6110 N. Oak Leaf Court, Peoria: Jay and Sara L. Bruer to Saleh N. Alarami and Nawa A. Dawadi, $422,000.
427 W. Westfield Court, Dunlap: William C. and Melissa N. Boley to Jose L. Reteguin and Maria T. Velasco Marquez Marlen, $539,900.
6100 N. Eagle Bend Court, Peoria: Associated Bank NA to Bonnie J. and Kenneth L. Humphrey, $800,000.
TAZEWELL COUNTY
1404 Matilda St., Pekin: B. Hayden & F.P. Ragland Investing LLC to Shannon Davies and George Stringham, $85,000.
235 Mount Aire Drive, East Peoria: Charlene R. and Jimmy F. Stevens to Daniel Z. Stevens, $90,534.
1515 N. 10th St., Pekin: Thomas Huff Jr. to NF Rentals LLC, $95,000.
557 Groveland St., Creve Coeur: Joshua L. Ristow to Andrew Pisel, $95,000.
2032 Broadway Road, Pekin: James E. Didonato to Generation Next Inc., $100,000.
315 Pekin Ave., East Peoria: Brandon and Crystal Gore to Bryce Conover, $105,000.
320 Lawndale Ave., Creve Coeur: Brian C. and Clara P. Hibbert to John H. Way Jr., $115,900.
132 McArthur St., North Pekin: Isabel Potts to James Greenacre, $116,000.
1004 Park Avenue, Pekin: Robert T. and Jennifer N. Buzdigian to Ian A. Smith and Autumn Spoor, $128,000.
1312 Sommerset St., Pekin: Kevin Goeken to William J. Forkell, $129,500.
1407 Lincoln St., Pekin: Austin Thomason to Adam Siefert, $140,000.
1005 Edison Court, Pekin: Jakob Bridenbaugh to Braden Cease, $152,000.
103 Mabee Ave., East Peoria: Eagle Property Management LLC to Philip Tharp, $160,000.
412 Whippoorwill Drive, Washington: Kristina M. and Patrick J. Shirley to Skyler R. Goode and Leah N. Kuykendall, $217,500.
27615 Schuck Road, Washington: Melody L. and Roland Campbell to Karen A. and Thomas D. Brecklin, $220,000.
27363 Broadway Road, Morton: Becky S. Watts to Shelby and Amanda Metzer, $225,000.
1400 Springfield Road, East Peoria: Bradley A. and Mckenzie Reeser to Zyrene D. Banas and Luke Barr, $230,500.
720 Lincoln St., Hopedale: Kevin and Lisa Litwiller to Benjamin and Kendra Litwiller, $241,000.
29585 Allentown Road, Mackinaw: John W. and Tobey L. Hauter to Alecia M. and Edward P. Hauter, $250,000.
922 Birchwood Drive, Washington: Anna J. and Kevin M. Koch to Samantha Sutter and Blake A. Sutter-Driggers, $263,000.
Parcel Number 23-23-05-200-007, Tazewell County: Sandra J. Morris to Luke Litwiller, $300,000.
2502 Plymouth Place, Pekin: Frederick J. and Pamela S. Dawson to Bradley J. and Jamie L. Siltman, $325,000.
2724 Broadway St., Pekin: Marjorie L. Fulton to Matthew and Rebekah Fulton, $349,500.
1707 W. Jefferson St., Morton: Ronald G. and Suzanne R. Reising to Brock A. Schwartz, $392,000.
108 Village Drive, Washington: Nelson Jeffery to Chong S. Calderon and Michael A. Marshall, $430,000.
2727 Aspen Court, Pekin: Lori L. Davis and Rhonda S. Ries to James K. Ruth, $442,500.
25901 E. Wildlife Road, Hopedale: Bright Blue Property Management LLC to Murphy Property Group LLC, $461,750.
623 Country Club Lane, Pekin: Edrick Ferguson to Cathryn S. and William M. Cash, $510,000.
1224 Autumn Ridge Court, Morton: Jiayan Sun and Zhihong Zhang to Brittain and Danielle Ladd, $580,000.
Parcel Number 23-23-05-200-007, Tazewell County: Sandra J. Morris to Edward J. and Rosemary E. Litwiller, $609,360.
2 Hunters Way, Washington: Beth and Matthew Lykens to Jennifer M. and Timothy M. Van Autreve, $649,900.
WOODFORD COUNTY
794 Northfork Road, Metamora: Steve Ahrens to Scott A. and Janet L. Huser, $125,000.
910 N. Church St., Roanoke: Hailey and Eric Schaefer to Jerry Frank, $170,000.
1285 Sunset Drive, East Peoria: Scott Vreeland to Brendan Kay, $267,500.
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