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With so many moving parts, the Illinois basketball team hires a general manager

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With so many moving parts, the Illinois basketball team hires a general manager


The Illinois basketball team is in the middle of a huge season for the program, as this squad is poised for great heights.

Despite dropping two out of the last four contests, the Illini find themselves back in the AP Top 25 at No. 24 in the nation. This ranking is impressive considering we are only 8-3 overall. The three losses aren’t bad, and Illinois has also beaten a good Missouri program and ranked Arkansas and Wisconsin squads.

While Brad Underwood is trying to develop talent and lead this team to the promised land, there is clearly a need for continuous program development on and off the court. On Friday night, the Illini “front office” got a little stronger.

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According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Illinois is hiring Neel Ganta as the new general manager for the program. The Illini managed to snag him away from the Denver Nuggets front office.

Neel Ganta should have an expansive role as the general manager of the Illinois basketball team

Ganta’s roots are actually with the Illini. He was a basketball analyst for the Illini from May 2019 to August 2020. After that, he moved into a graduate assistant role with the program from August 2020 to August 2021.

After his time with the Orange and Blue, Ganta then took a player development coordinator role with the Grand Rapids Gold, the G-League team of the Denver Nuggets. He then parlayed that position into multiple roles with the Nuggets, which ended with him being a pro scout.

Illinois is now bringing back Ganta, but what does the general manager title do for a college basketball team?

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Well, this is the same situation that ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski took with St. Bonaventure just months ago.

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In the description of what Wojnarowski does for the Bonnies, it includes name, image, and likeness opportunities. This is huge in the college game today. It also sounds like Wojnarowski is the front face for the program when it comes to collectives.

This is what I imagine Ganta will do for the Orange and Blue. He will be out there wheeling and dealing. Ganta will likely be the one who brings in the money to help pay for the athletes to come to Illinois.

I like this addition to the Illinois basketball program. We needed someone out there bringing in the money so the coaching staff can focus on recruiting and on court issues.





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Illinois

Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings

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Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings


Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”

Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.

The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.



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‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie

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‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie


ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Sunday, December 14, 2025 6:16PM

'Home Alone' house being restored to mirror Christmas movie

WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) — “Home Alone” is one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The holiday classic debuted 35 years ago. Now, the iconic house featured in the film is in the spotlight, again.

It underwent an interior renovation and was sold earlier this year.

Now, ABC7 learned that it will be transformed back to the way it looked in 1990, when film audiences got to peek inside it for the first time.

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John Abendshien is the former owner of the Winnetka house. He has fond memories of the days spent filming the movie.

READ MORE | Original owner of ‘Home Alone’ house writes memoir about iconic movie

Abendshien said he and his family stayed and watched while the movie was being shot.

He has written a memoir called “Home but Alone No More.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Person of interest in deadly Cicero, Illinois stabbing apprehended after long pursuit

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Person of interest in deadly Cicero, Illinois stabbing apprehended after long pursuit



A suspect in a deadly stabbing was apprehended early Sunday morning following a pursuit from Cicero that ended up on Chicago’s Far South Side.

Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Cicero police were called after Ubano Diaz, 73, was tsabbed in the 3200 block of South 54th Court in the west Chicago suburb. Diaz was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died, Cicero police said.

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Police immediately identified a person of interest, who was found driving out of the town. They launched a pursuit as the suspect headed northeast on the Stevenson Expressway.

At 1:21 a.m. Sunday, Illinois State Police were called in to assist Cicero police with the pursuit as the suspect cruised up the Stevenson Expressway at California Avenue.

The pursuit kept going along the Stevenson and Dan Ryan expressways before finally ending at 119th Street and Vincennes Avenue west of I-57 in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at that point, Cicero and Illinois State Police said.

There were no crashes or injuries during the pursuit.

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Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public.

State police did not specify the route of the pursuit.



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