Illinois

The Kitchen Inc. will break ground on 12-unit addition to Springfield emergency shelter

Published

1 year ago

December 29, 2024

The Kitchen Inc. will break ground on 12-unit addition to Springfield emergency shelter

Those experiencing homelessness in the Springfield area will soon have more options for shelter, according to a press release.

The Kitchen Inc. will break ground at 11 a.m. Jan. 10 on a second group of units for its Emergency Shelter program.

The new group will feature 12 modular units at 1855 E. Chestnut Expressway, each of which has a private bathroom and kitchenette. A half-court basketball court will also be part of the addition, adding to already-existing amenities that include a laundry room, computer room, playground, animal kennels and on-site case management, according to the press release.

“This expansion addresses Springfield’s urgent need for temporary housing solutions, offering a supportive environment for families and individuals as they transition to permanent housing,” said Meleah Spencer, CEO of The Kitchen Inc.

What is the Emergency Shelter program?

The Emergency Shelter program opened in November 2018 with 13 units and a 50-bed capacity, according to The Kitchen. It is a 90-day program that provides temporary shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“This program creates a path to permanent housing and this expansion marks a significant step in our mission to end homelessness in Springfield,” Spencer said in the press release. “In shelter, participants have the safety and support to address their barriers to stable housing. Case Managers work with these individuals to connect them with the necessary resources. Emergency Shelter 2.0 will provide a safe haven for individuals and families, giving them the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.”

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Illinois

Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Published

5 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Decorated Illinois guard Josh Gesky met with Saints ahead of draft

Once again, the NFL pre-draft circuit is in full effect, as teams spread out their staff all over the country to try and ensure they view as many pro days as physically possible. With some of the most substantial schools being next up on the schedule, it is going to draw national attention from the media, especially with results from the top prospects and potentially some passing drills from the quarterbacks.

Among the plentiful news coming out of these events is some intriguing meetings from the New Orleans Saints, with one of the most recent being Illinois guard Josh Gesky, who they met with at the school.

Gesky had an extremely impressive 2025 season when it comes to the metrics, allowing only 1 sack and 12 pressures, while only having 1 penalty tied to his name. While his run blocking left a bit to be desired, he has shown promise there in previous years, and it is something he has been solid at in various years.

At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, he has great size and has quite a few distinctions during his time at Illinois. He was listed as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2023, an Academic All-Big Ten from 2022 to 2025, and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention from 2023 to 2025. These types of things certainly factor into potential draft selections, and with the Saints needing another guard, Gesky could be an option for them in 2026.

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Illinois

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

Published

17 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more

No. 3 Illinois knocked off No. 9 Iowa on Saturday night in Houston, now they’re advancing to the Final Four in the men’s NCAA Tournament.

The Fighting Illini pulled away late and ended their the Hawkeye’s Cinderella run in the Elite Eight with a 71-59 victory.

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Illinois fans know this is special, it’s the team’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, so now it’s time to celebrate.

Get the gear the players wore on the court, including Illinois Final Four hats, Illinois Final Four shirts, and more.

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Illinois Final Four game location

Illinois will play its Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Get your Illinois Final Four NCAA Tournament tickets now.

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Illinois Final Four appearances

The last time the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team made the Final Four was in 2005. They also made it in 1989, 1952, 1951 and 1949.

When is the Final Four?

The 2026 NCAA Tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6. Saturday’s games are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET respectively, while the National Championship game is set to tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 6.