News across Greater Champaign
PBL football loses 22-6 to Prairie Central
PAXTON – A 22-6 loss to Prairie Central made the Paxton-Buckley-Loda varsity football team winless through the first four weeks of a season for the first time since 2007. Regardless, head coach Josh Pritchard said his team is not quitting. “It’s been great coaching these kids…
Photo gallery: PBL football vs. Prairie Central (Sept. 11, 2026)
Here are some sights from Friday’s homecoming football game in Paxton, which Prairie Central won 22-6 … The post Photo gallery: PBL football vs. Prairie Central (Sept. 11, 2026) first appeared on Ford County Chronicle .
Illinois opens Big Ten play with draw against No. 14 Wisconsin
Illinois (3-0-4) opened its Big Ten season with a 0-0 draw against No. 14 Wisconsin (4-1-2) Thursday at Demirjian Park, combining an aggressive first-half attack with resilient defensive performances. The Illini controlled stretches of the opening half offensively, creating…
UI TPUSA chapter holds Charlie Kirk vigil
The University’s Turning Point USA chapter hosted a memorial stream and a vigil Thursday evening at Lincoln Hall to honor the anniversary of the late Charlie Kirk’s death. Around 40 attendees gathered to watch a two-hour national livestream from TPUSA, which featured speakers…
‘It’s one of the tightest golf courses in the world’: Illini look for success at Sahalee Players Championship
Illinois will head to Washington this weekend to compete in the Sahalee Players Championship, looking to get its heavily anticipated season off on a hot start. The Illini finished second in the Big Ten championship last year, getting slightly edged out by UCLA Bruins in the final…
Obituary: Melvin Fischer
Melvin H. Fischer, 88, of Gibson City peacefully passed away Wednesday September 9, 2026, at the Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. A private family funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City. Memorial contributions may be made to FFA…
Ford County probation department eyes move to former dental office
PAXTON — A former dental office in downtown Paxton could become the temporary new home of Ford County’s probation department, whose officers have been working remotely ever since their courthouse basement offices were flooded in August. Jennifer Harrison, the probation…
Déjà Blue: Illinois, Duke face off for second-straight season
Just over a year ago, Illinois (1-0) took down Duke (1-0) in dominant fashion. A one-point game at halftime turned into a 45-19 blowout fueled by a strong passing attack and an abundance of defensive takeaways. Now, the two teams have weathered the offseason storm, adding and…
UI administrator updates on construction for UGL, Illini Hall
For the past couple of years, cranes have surrounded both the Undergraduate Library and Illini Hall as they undergo construction. How long until the two buildings reopen to students? Steve Breitwieser, an administrator of communications and external relations for Facilities &…
Students, administrator discuss Business professor’s use of AI avatar
Students in the online class ACCY 200: Fundamentals of Accounting were greeted in the first week of instruction by an AI avatar of Danielle Green, professor in Business, introducing herself to the class — resulting in a buzz on TikTok. Digital avatars, also known as AI avatars,…
Shauna Green signs contract extension with Illini
Illinois head coach Shauna Green signed a two-year contract extension Thursday. Pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Green is under contract through at least the 2029-30 season. She also has the opportunity to sign up to four additional one-year…
Illini dismantle Lions in 3-0 sweep
Illinois (4-2) has extended its winning streak to three games, as it completed a 3-0 sweep over Lindenwood (5-2) Wednesday. Junior middle blocker Kristina Starostenko set the tone early for the Illini, scoring a quick strike down the middle for the first point of the match.…