News across Greater Champaign

Students, community members rally at anti-data center protest
Students for Environmental Concerns held a rally Friday and demanded stricter regulations on large data center development in Champaign County. The possible development of hyperscale data centers in Champaign County has raised concerns and been a topic of discussion for the…

Mary Helen Specht talks ‘Mudlark,’ analog technology at PYGMALION
Author Mary Helen Specht’s book talk on her newest novel, “Mudlark,” opened PYGMALION weekend with a blend of science fiction, mother-daughter love and Greek references. Students and Champaign-Urbana community members gathered at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at 5:30…

The Belair Lip Bombs close out tour at PYGMALION Day 1
The Rose Bowl Tavern filled with sounds of guitar riffs, warm vocals and energetic drums as Australian indie-rock band, The Belair Lip Bombs, took the stage Thursday for PYGMALION Day 1. The four-member band — Maisie Everett, Mike Bradvica, Jimmy Droughton and Daniel Devlin —…

Gov. Pritzker offers tax relief for summer storm damage
A new tax relief is available for Illinois residents who were impacted by summer storms. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced the initiative in mid-August for individuals and businesses in 15 Illinois counties who were affected by storm damage.…

‘We know what we have in this group’: Illini open season focused on confidence
The Illinois (0-0-0-0) men’s hockey team will compete in two games against Michigan State (4-2-2-4) this weekend. New season, new focus This weekend marks the Illini’s 2026-27 season home opener. Despite sweeping Cincinnati (2-2-0-4) in its final games of the 2025-26 season,…

Anamanaguchi gives back, reminisces on Urbana roots ahead of PYGMALION
Anamanaguchi is traveling back to the Midwest this weekend for its upcoming PYGMALION performance, far from the suburbs of New York where it began. The band is playing at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Saturday alongside opener Covet, where it will also be hosting a donation drive.…

Column | How the Illini can take down the No. 7 Buckeyes
After closing out its non-conference slate 2-1, Illinois is finally going on the road to open up Big Ten play against none other than No. 7 Ohio State (2-1). While the Illini enter this matchup as scrappy underdogs, anything is possible in college football. “A tremendous…

Illinois heads to Missouri for Gains Creek Classic
After finishing first at the Fighting Illini Invitational earlier this month, the Illini have a chance to continue their momentum at the Gains Creek Classic. The meet — hosted by Missouri — begins Friday at 8 a.m. with the women’s 6k, while the men’s 8k starts at 8:45. The men’s…

PBL volleyball loses 25-19, 25-20 to Pontiac
PONTIAC – The Paxton-Buckley-Loda varsity volleyball team lost 25-19, 25-20 to Pontiac on Thursday. Ellie Dirks had 13 kills and five digs while Emmy Bagwell had six kills. Hallee Johnson had five kills while Logan Loschen had 15 assists and Kylie Rust had 10 assists. Josie…

GCMS powderpuff football 2026

GCMS 2026 homecoming parade

Column | Defense holds the line, but attack must deliver as Illini take on Purdue
The stakes couldn’t be clearer as the Illini (3-1-5, 0-1-2) head across state lines for a rivalry clash with the Purdue Boilermakers (8-1-1, 2-1) at Folk Field. Armed with an elite defensive foundation but eager for an offensive finish, Illinois is chasing a breakthrough victory…