Click Here for details.
Save Save Save Save
University of Illinois student JJ Kim works at his apartment in Champaign recently. Kim, a junior, is the editor-in-chief of The Daily Illini student newspaper. His reporting on domestic abuse on campus helped led to the dismissal of a member of the university’s football team. (Photo provided)
Editor's Note: This is one of a series of stories about young fast-risers in Illinois journalism.
By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN For Illinois Press Association
CHAMPAIGN – Before JJ Kim spoke to a domestic abuse victim about her fight for justice, and her fear for her life, they talked about a Matthew McConaughy flick.
“She went through a traumatic experience,” the 20-year-old editor-in-chief of The Daily Illini said. “Going into it, I really wanted to make sure she was comfortable. I wanted to have a conversation like I was a longtime friend.”
Over the course of 4 hours in a Starbucks on campus, they talked movies. “Interstellar”, specifically. He got to know Hana Inman-Grabow as a person. She’s as intrigued as he was about transcendentalism. She’s into astrology.
She was also missing classes because she knew that on her way there was a chance she’d run into Lere Oladipo, a sophomore defensive lineman on the university’s football team. They shared a route to class. After all, they live very close to each other.
Yet Inman-Grabow was determined to hold Oladipo accountable for severely beating her on multiple occasions. She didn’t want to remain anonymous.
“She wanted to be named so that survivors going through the same thing would be encouraged to step forward,” Kim said.
He helped her share her story, which undoubtedly resonated with others in abusive relationships, and students who felt reports to the Title IX office would be fruitless. Inman-Grabow told Kim that for many the office designated by federal law to investigate reports of abuse was “just there to look good on paper.”
“And she was living in fear that, now that she’d shared her story and tried to get justice for it, he’d come after her,” Kim said. “That really opened my eyes.”
Leading up to the interview, Kim consulted his sports journalism professor and mentor, Jean McDonald. She gave him some basics: break the ice, don’t immediately turn on the recorder. That sort of thing.
But you can’t teach a student how to be empathetic.
“He’s a compassionate kid. He cares a lot,” McDonald said. “He’s interested in what people have to say, and he’s curious, which is one of those key components you always want in a journalist. You can’t teach that. It has to be intrinsic.”
As Kim pointed out, you couldn’t treat such an interview “like this is a sports press conference or something.”
Funny, since before being promoted to managing editor of reporting, Kim had served as The Daily Illini’s assistant sports editor. So he was all too familiar with athletic departments’ behaviors.
“Football is such a big moneymaker for this school,” Kim said.
Oladipo was dismissed from the team Nov. 19, 2019. He violated five student codes, from causing bodily harm and stalking to behaving in a way that kept Inman-Grabow from participating in the university community. While those violations warranted dismissal from school, Oladipo remains enrolled, with a dismissal held in abeyance sanction until he graduates.
“Just because he was a football player, I think he was able to get off the hook for this,” Kim said.
Kim’s reporting was undoubtedly the reason that shortly after the story ran, he received an anonymous email from a rape survivor. She discussed going on the record. And then she vanished, without ID’ing her assailant.
“I wished I could have done something more,” Kim said. “Maybe I could have phrased something better.”
He wanted to help her and others. Sure, a byline story would have generated a ton of eyes and clicks, but that didn’t matter to Kim.
“When it first happened, and she first wouldn’t reply for a week, for me the byline and the clicks were secondary,” he said. “This is a real person who went through an experience no person should go through.
“If my friends or family are hurting, I’m hurting, too.”
When The Daily Illini’s managing editor for reporting accepted an opportunity to study abroad, Kim stepped into the role and got a taste for what the editor-in-chief role would entail.
Feeling up for the task, he took the leap and applied for the EIC job.
He got it.
“As soon as I got the job, within the week, the pandemic hit,” Kim said. “My biggest concern was the safety of our staff.”
He canceled the print edition for the semester and made sure safety precautions were ironed out, communicated, and followed to a “T”.
Then he organized game nights.
“We went from people who were almost living in the newsroom together. I couldn’t even see my staff face-to-face in the newsroom,” Kim said. “Team bonding was my biggest concern, and I didn’t want anyone to feel isolated.”
He and his staff got together virtually to play Jackbox games, such as Drawful – a game in which players try to draw a clue on their smartphones, and then guess what all the others have drawn.
Talk about a way to get to know your staff, right?
“Oh, so this is the way this person thinks to describe a certain thing,” Kim said, laughing.
He said the team hit its stride over the summer, and has since done great work. For instance, The Daily Illini just published a guide that shows every university employee’s salary.
“These are taxpayer dollars that are paying these officials,” he said. “We’re making sure there’s nothing fishy going on. That’s what makes me so proud, is we’re an independent daily student newspaper. To keep them accountable for their actions is something I take very seriously.”
As a teenage, die-hard Chicago Bears fan, Kim learned the art of the scoop.
He’d attend training camps in Bourbonnais, scrutinize rookies’ performances and then post his observations on a subreddit.
“People are dying to hear how the new players are performing,” he said.
He subscribed to every sports media source worth its salt – from WGN to The Athletic – and found his analyses were on par with those of the most grizzled sports writers, and that they shared a lot of thoughts on what was going on in camp.
He also had a lot in common with McDonald (left), who despite not being a sports buff, previously served as the sports editor of The News-Gazette in Champaign.
“I like the fact that sports is a microcosm of the world,” McDonald said. “If you can do sports, you can do any other beat.”
She immediately recognized not only Kim’s talent, but also his insatiable curiosity and relentless work ethic. When they weren’t in class, Kim could often be found picking McDonald’s brain in her office in the basement of Gregory Hall.
She introduced him to other professors, who would return with rave reviews, marveling at the sheer number of questions Kim asked them.
In McDonald’s sports reporting class, Kim not only got access to press boxes, fields and courts of play, locker rooms, and the great minds of sports media. He also formed irreplaceable bonds with two classmates who are now his roommates and co-workers at The Daily Illini – the sports editor and assistant sports editor.
“It’s the ones who are fearless who get the best experiences,” McDonald said.
Kim relished those opportunities, but had his eyes forward.
“But I’ve always been fascinated by news,” Kim said.
Kim is genial and respectful. He says he’s doing OK in his role, but that he has a long way to go.
“He’s a quiet assassin,” said Ben Holden (left), who teaches two intro classes at the university and, notably in Kim’s case, media law. “If there was one steak, and we were both starving, I wouldn’t want to be in that fight with him.”
Kim said he was fascinated by what he learned in Holden’s class.
“Learning the intricacies of the Constitution was very fascinating,” he said. “Growing up, I thought it was black and white. I realized there’s so much gray area left for interpretation and critical thinking.”
He’s considering getting his law degree after he finishes his undergraduate work in journalism.
Kim admires the career Holden has carved out. In addition to a heralded career in law, he served as editor-in-chief at the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Georgia, and was a reporter at The Wall Street Journal.
“I can have the best of both worlds,” Kim said. “I can get a law degree and then come back and be a kickass reporter.”
Holden recalls going over an exam in media law. His students were groaning over their grades and jockeying for credit on questions they’d gotten wrong, claiming the questions weren’t clear.
Holden calls himself a “creampuff” when it comes to grading, and he’s sympathetic when it comes to grading on a curve.
“These are kids who are getting a 3.8 or a 3.9, who thought they were going to get an A, and then they get a C or an F,” Holden said.
The griping went on for about half an hour, Holden said. Kim aced the exam – the same way he aced the two intro courses he’d taken through Holden – and approached him after class. To paraphrase, he said the students needed to suck it up and do the work.
“I thought it was funny as hell,” Holden said. “There’s a line between arrogance and confidence. If you can do it, it isn’t bragging.”
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
Member Log-In + Contact Us + Events + PressLines + Job Bank + Advertising Toolbox + Upload Pages
+Regular Member Newspapers
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2025 Contact Information: Cadeala Troublefield, project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (678) 364-2962 ext. 111 cadeala@gspclaw.com Courtney Clark, deputy project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (404) 348-0690 ext. 113 courtney@gspclaw.com
VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING DETAILS DATE(TENTATIVE): Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6 PM CST/7 PM EST Interested Participants Can Register Here: https://gspclaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/ytfUEAagQzqnrQE8eO8mSQ#/registration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Contact Information: Kara Kienzler, associate executive director - communications Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Ph: (217) 528-9688
SPRINGFIELD — November 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day. The day of recognition is an occasion to build community awareness about the important role school board members play in a representative democracy by providing a local voice for community education decisions. In 2007, the Illinois House of Representatives declared November 15 as School Board Members Day in the State of Illinois. The resolution states the annual recognition is “a way to honor those citizens who devote so much of their time and energy for the education of our children.” “School board members serve as our local, volunteer education advocates striving for quality learning opportunities for every student. They take on this immense responsibility not for a paycheck, but because they are committed to their communities and the belief that every child deserves a quality education,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Our school board members wear many hats; beyond their educational leadership, they are policy-makers, contract negotiators, and budgeteers. They are also our neighbors, our friends, and our schools’ biggest fans. On November 15 –– School Board Members Day — it is our chance to say, ‘Thank You.’” IASB encourages school districts, communities, businesses, and others to thank local school board members and recognize them for their dedication to providing successful education opportunities for all students. Resources and images to recognize school board members on November 15 are available at www.iasb.com/thankaboardmember.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Media Contact Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director PH: 217-299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
SPRINGFIELD – In a direct response to the growing school leadership shortage across Illinois, the Illinois Principals Association, through its Ed Leaders Network (ELN), has teamed up with Aurora University to launch an exciting and streamlined Alternative Principal Endorsement Program. This endorsement pathway enables educators who already have five years of experience and hold a master’s degree in education to earn their Principal Endorsement in just one year – without completing an additional graduate degree. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, the program blends an immersive one-year internship with micro‑credentials tailored to school leadership practice. Eligible educators can earn licensure‑approved endorsement within one calendar year. This program is significantly less expensive than a full master’s degree and delivered on a fully remote platform. Participants in the program have appreciated the flexibility and experience the program provides as they enter or continue their school leadership journey. “Having already completed my master's degree, I knew I wanted to add the Principals Endorsement to my license, but I did not want to enroll in another full master's program. I was able to pull from previous leadership experience as I worked through the micro-credentials while still gaining valuable experience during my internship activities. The program is challenging but rewarding as it offers a way to reflect on previous experiences while building new skills as an educational leader."
- Jon Pieper, division head for Career & Technical Education, Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Health Education at Elk Grove High School
“The Alternative Principal Endorsement program was a great fit because everything was online, and I could work at my own pace. The flexibility allowed me to balance professional responsibilities while advancing my leadership skills. I would highly recommend this program to aspiring leaders.”
- Dr. Maribel Guerrero, director of language acquisition, Naperville CUSD 203
Dr. Ed Howerton, director of graduate education programs at Aurora University and former district administrator, shared: "Our program leans heavily into a ‘learning by doing’ framework that is extremely self-driven. It provides flexibility for professionals and ownership in the learning process. Many of our completers have moved into administrative roles sooner than if they had gone through a master’s degree program, and filling leadership voids in our schools is key to promoting student success.” Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, also shared: “When compared to a little over a decade ago, the State of Illinois has experienced an almost 60% reduction in the number of individuals who earn their principal endorsement each year. This alternative pathway provides a rigorous, cost effective, and expedited opportunity for quality educators to demonstrate they possess the skills necessary to be effective school leaders.” Eligible candidates must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), possess a master’s degree in education, have completed five years of teaching or school support experience, are employed in a full‑time, permanent educational position before program start, and complete required evaluation training and principal content exams to qualify for endorsement. Currently, 81 students are enrolled at various stages of the program at Aurora University, including 30 students that began this fall semester. Twenty-four students have completed the program since its inception, with 12 individuals working in leadership positions. Aurora University Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Aurora University is committed to preparing leaders for the future of education. For a full overview of the program’s structure and registration information, visit the Alternative Principal Endorsement at https://aurora.edu/academics/graduate/principal-endorsement/index.html. Illinois Principals Association The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves more than 6,900 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org. Program Contacts Aurora University – Ed Howerton, director of Graduate Education Programs, ehowerton@aurora.edu, 630-844-5626 Ed Leaders Network / Illinois Principals Association – Arlin Peebles, Ed Leaders Network director, arlin.peebles@ilprincipals.org, 217-241-0598
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2025 Contact Illinois Bar Foundation Jessie Reeves, director of events & administration Ph: 312-920-4681 jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org
CHICAGO, November 5, 2025 - Mark D. Hassakis, a personal injury and workers' compensation attorney at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was recently honored with the Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence on Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Mark D. Hassakis has the legal advocacy of Illinois victims in his blood. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father, Demetri, a lifelong Mount Vernon attorney, to practice law at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C, now celebrating 75 years. Mark has dedicated his professional life to helping his fellow Illinois citizens and the community at large. In addition to his exceptional career representing individuals’ needs in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, and general tort injury cases, Mark is a true leader with unparalleled dedication to giving back to the community. The Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence, the organization’s highest honor, is awarded annually to individuals whose career and personal life exemplify their ongoing commitment to the law and legal community. “The selection of Mark Hassakis for this year's Distinguished Award of Excellence reflects our belief in the principle that legal excellence and community service go hand in hand. His career demonstrates how individual attorneys can make a lasting impact not just through their practice, but through their commitment to strengthening the legal profession and ensuring access to justice for all Illinois residents.”
Lauren N. Tuckey, Tuckey Law Illinois Bar Foundation President 2025-26
Bar leadership and community impact Mark's commitment to the legal profession extends far beyond his practice. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association (2010-11), he championed juvenile justice reform, established young attorney mentorship programs, and highlighted the vital role lawyers play in strengthening their communities. His passion for juvenile justice led to the establishment of the Illinois Bar Foundation's M. Denny Hassakis Fund, which focuses on improving Illinois' juvenile justice system through public policy changes and programs supporting vulnerable youth. Mark served as president of the Illinois Bar Foundation from 2000 to 2002, during which time he was instrumental in creating the organization's signature fundraising events, including the Gala and Lawyers Rock concert. Mark has held numerous other leadership positions, including chairman of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company; president of the Jefferson County Bar Association; and board member of the Hellenic Bar Association, the Lawyers' Trust Fund of Illinois, and the Juvenile Justice Initiative. Beyond his legal work, Mark has been a driving force in Mount Vernon and Southern Illinois development. He has spearheaded projects focused on downtown development, historical building restoration, and the support of community parks and arts initiatives. Notable achievements include bringing nationally acclaimed jazz artists to teach area grade school students and commissioning an "Abraham Lincoln as a Lawyer" sculpture for the 5th Appellate Court grounds in Mount Vernon. A proud Northwestern University alumnus, Mark continues to serve as an alumni regent and member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle since 2012, acting as an ambassador for the university. Mark's extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Downtown Development Corporation of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County Historical Society, Lincoln Park Foundation, Vernon West Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and numerous other local organizations dedicated to enriching Southern Illinois. Bar Admissions