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NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State Redbirds football team has unveiled its complete schedule for the 2025 season, featuring eight games against Missouri Valley Football conference opponents adn two non-conference matchups. The schedule,released August 30,2025,will test the Redbirds under head coach Brock Spack as they prepare for a challenging fall campaign.
The announcement provides fans and stakeholders with a clear roadmap for the season, impacting travel plans, game-day preparations, and local economic activity surrounding Redbird football. The team’s performance will be closely watched as they aim too improve upon previous seasons and contend for a conference championship.The schedule’s emphasis on MVFC play underscores the competitive nature of the league and the importance of each game in the conference standings.
The Redbirds will kick off their season on Saturday, September 6, with a road game against Oklahoma at 7 p.m. Central Time. Their home opener is slated for Saturday,October 4,at 6 p.m. against North Dakota State, broadcast on ESPN+. Illinois State will then travel to Murray State on Saturday, October 11, for a 6 p.m. contest, also on ESPN+.
October continues with a home game against Youngstown State on Saturday, October 18, at 2 p.m. (ESPN+), followed by a road trip to South Dakota on Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m. (ESPN+).November brings a home contest against Northern Iowa on Saturday, November 1, at 2 p.m. (ESPN+), and a noon game at Indiana State on saturday, November 8 (ESPN+).
The Redbirds will face South Dakota State on the road on Saturday, November 15, at 2 p.m. (ESPN+), before concluding the regular season at home against Southern Illinois on Saturday, November 22, at noon (ESPN+).
- Saturday, Sept. 6: at Oklahoma, 7 p.m. (Central)
- Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. North Dakota state, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Saturday, Oct.11: at Murray State, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. Youngstown State, 2 p.m.(ESPN+)
- Saturday, Oct. 25: at South Dakota, 1 p.m.(ESPN+)
- Saturday, Nov. 1: vs.Northern Iowa, 2 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Saturday, nov. 8: at Indiana State, noon (ESPN+)
- Saturday, Nov. 15: at South Dakota State, 2 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Saturday,Nov. 22: vs. Southern Illinois, noon (ESPN+)
Abuse Victim’s Mother Released From Prison After Six Years
The release of Jody Simpson, the mother who inflicted horrific abuse on her baby son, has ignited widespread outrage. Despite the severe injuries that caused her son to have both legs amputated, she’s now free, while the child continues to face lifelong consequences.
The Release and Its Aftermath
Jody Simpson, 33, has been released from prison after serving roughly six years of her ten-year sentence. She and her partner, Anthony Smith, were convicted in 2018 for causing or allowing the torture of their son, Tony Hudgell, who is now ten.
Tony Hudgell, who is the youngest recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising, has endured significant challenges due to the injuries he sustained. Simpson was initially released on license in February 2023, only to be sent back to prison less than a year later.
“It just feels very unfair that Simpson is now free to live her life and Tony is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life.”
—Paula Hudgell, Tony’s Adoptive Mother
Simpson is now subject to strict license conditions, including reporting new relationships and regular drug testing. Data from the Prison Reform Trust indicates that re-offending rates are a significant concern, with nearly half of released prisoners being re-convicted within a year (Prison Reform Trust, 2024).
Previous Offenses
Simpson was recalled to prison after she started a relationship with a sex offender, violating her conditions. Though scheduled for automatic re-release earlier this year, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intervened, leading to a parole hearing in May.
Simpson and Smith were convicted of causing injury to a child and neglecting him by failing to seek medical attention. Doctors discovered numerous severe injuries to Tony’s body, which required amputation of both legs. Tony continues to deal with the lasting effects of this abuse.
Advocacy for Change
Paula Hudgell, who adopted Tony, stated that Simpson is now free. She is campaigning for a national Child Cruelty Register, similar to the sex offenders register. This register would provide continuous monitoring to prevent future incidents of abuse, according to Hudgell.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the horrific nature of the crime. They stated that Simpson will be under strict supervision and face immediate return to prison for any rule breaches.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of child abuse and the importance of protective measures.
Herne Bay Welcomes State-of-teh-Art david Lloyd Leisure Complex
Work has officially begun on a sprawling new leisure complex in Herne Bay, set to become a hub for health, fitness, and wellness in the region. The facility, developed by David Lloyd Leisure, will span an area larger than two football pitches and is expected to open its doors this winter.
Located at Altira Business Park, the complex will feature a wide range of amenities, including a 100+ station gym, racquet sports facilities, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool. The project is poised to create between 80 and 100 jobs, offering opportunities in sport, well-being, catering, and hospitality.
the UK chain was granted planning permission for the site by canterbury City Council in September 2024, following a public consultation. Despite Herne Bay already being home to six gyms, the application highlighted a growing demand for extensive health and wellness facilities in the area.
This will be the third David Lloyd club in Kent, joining existing locations in Dartford and Kings hill. Plans for a fourth club in Waterbrook Park, Ashford, have also been approved, with an anticipated opening in 2026.
The herne Bay complex is set to become a cornerstone of the community, offering residents access to premium fitness and leisure services.
Key Features of the New David Lloyd Club
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Altira business Park, Herne Bay |
| Size | Larger than two football pitches |
| Facilities | 100+ station gym, outdoor pool, racquet sports, spa |
| Jobs Created | 80–100 roles in sport, well-being, catering, and hospitality |
| Opening Date | Winter 2025 |
The development marks a significant investment in Herne Bay’s infrastructure, promising to enhance the town’s appeal as a destination for health and leisure.For more details on the project, visit the official declaration by Foxton Construction, the firm leading the build.
Stay tuned for updates as the grand opening approaches, and explore how this new facility could transform your fitness journey.David Lloyd Herne Bay: A New Era of Health and Wellness Set to Open in Winter 2025
Work has officially begun on the highly anticipated David Lloyd Herne Bay, a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility that promises to redefine leisure in the region. Spanning the size of two-and-a-half football pitches, the sprawling complex is set to open its doors in winter 2025, offering a wide range of amenities for individuals and families alike.
A Hub of Premium Facilities
The new David Lloyd Herne Bay will feature heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools,perfect for year-round enjoyment. Tennis enthusiasts will be delighted by the premium cushioned acrylic indoor tennis courts,while the addition of outdoor padel courts introduces a fresh dimension to the club’s offerings.
For those seeking relaxation, the Spa Garden will provide a tranquil retreat complete with a plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool, loungers, and a sauna. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with a Clubroom that includes a family zone and an indoor soft play area for children.
A Commitment to Community
Stuart Caswell, New Club Acquisitions Director at David Lloyd Clubs, expressed his excitement about the project: “We are thrilled to announce that work has begun on David lloyd Herne Bay and we’re excited to see the development progress, in preparation for opening in winter 2025. We look forward to offering a fantastic new health and wellness facility for people of all ages, alongside generating a wide range of new jobs for the Herne Bay community.”
The facility will also cater to younger members, offering structured swim and tennis coaching for children aged three months to 12 years, after-school and holiday clubs, and a creche for children up to five years.
A Visual Preview
Computer-generated imagery of the complex showcases its impressive scale, including a 226-space car park and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by dozens of sun loungers. The development is being built at Altira Business Park in Herne Bay, a location that promises convenience and accessibility for members.
Key Features at a Glance
| feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Swimming Pools | Heated indoor and outdoor pools |
| Tennis Courts | Premium cushioned acrylic indoor courts |
| Padel Courts | Outdoor courts for a modern twist on racket sports |
| Spa Garden | Plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool, loungers, and sauna |
| Family Amenities | Clubroom, indoor soft play area, creche, and kids’ coaching programs |
| Opening Date | Winter 2025 |
A Boost for Herne Bay
The development of david Lloyd Herne Bay is not just a win for health and wellness enthusiasts but also a significant boost for the local community. The facility is expected to create numerous job opportunities, further enhancing the area’s economic landscape.
For those interested in staying updated on local developments, the Public Notice Portal provides valuable data on planning applications that may affect the community.
As the countdown to winter 2025 begins, David Lloyd Herne bay is poised to become a cornerstone of health, wellness, and community engagement in the region.Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses!