ChimpersCage

    Freedom Sings USA Retreat Brings Healing Through Song in Heyworth, Illinois On June 17 and 18, 2025, the small town of  Heyworth, Illinois  became a stage for healing, connection, and patriotism as  Freedom Sings USA  hosted a moving two-day retreat. The event brought together U.S. military veterans and accomplished Nashville songwriters to collaborate on powerful original songs inspired by each veteran’s personal story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Veterans  Austin Whiskers, Gary Simpkins, Del Saam, Cherish Masters, Mark Buchholz , and  Carl Johnston  opened their hearts and memories to the songwriting team, allowing deeply emotional and authentic music to emerge. These stories were then turned into songs by a lineup of renowned hitmakers including  Don Goodman, Bill DiLuigi, Bill Whyte, Steve Dean , and  Bobby Tomberlin —artists with credits spanning country music charts and decades of storytelling excellence. Joe Her...

  The Illinois men’s basketball program is facing an early setback this offseason with the news that veteran guard-forward Ty Rodgers will be out indefinitely due to a knee injury sustained during a workout session. The injury, which requires surgery, is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season, if not all of it. Rodgers’ absence goes far beyond stats. A staple of the Illini rotation, he has been a consistent and hardworking presence on the court since his freshman year. In his second season, Rodgers started every game, bringing a gritty, physical edge to the team. He averaged over six points, grabbed more than five rebounds per game, and added a couple of assists each night. What made Rodgers so valuable was his ability to contribute in ways that didn’t always show up in the box score—defensive intensity, second-chance rebounds, and his commitment to doing the little things right. Known for his high motor and toughness, Rodgers had developed ...