​Notes from the newsroom, dated July 9 — Congratulations to Crew Carwash, which earned recognition in June from Champaign American Legion Post 24 for its proper display of the American flag. The flag is clearly visible at the busy location at 2029 N. Prospect Ave., a site that has been open since March. If you’d like to nominate a flag display, contact Post 24’s Chuck Zelinsky at 217-356-5114 or email him.
In other news, veteran Illini beat writer Scott Richey enjoyed a wonderful conversation with basketball stars David Mirkovic and Andrej StoJakovic at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday. As Illinois gears up for what many insiders anticipate could be a magical basketball season, Richey’s pace is only likely to accelerate. He already has an impressive streak of more than 2,600 consecutive days of college hoops reporting. Since June 24, 2019, he has been the force behind his popular “Good Morning, Illini Nation” feature, and he has maintained daily publication without fail. That dedication runs in addition to his long-running weekly podcast, “Inside Illini Basketball,” a Monday staple since early 2018. You can reach him by email for more insights and commentary.
For readers seeking even more depth and timely updates, Richey’s reporting continues to deliver, with a steady thread of insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes access that complements his daily notes and longer, feature-style pieces. His ongoing coverage remains a trusted source for Illini basketball fans and followers of college hoops alike, offering a blend of in-person observations from practice facilities, interviews with standout players, and thoughtful context as the season unfolds. If you’d like to connect with him or explore his work further, an email is available.