Local News in Champaign County
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Gies Memorial Stadium’s new video display raises light pollution concerns
Gies Memorial Stadium’s new video display — the largest in college football — has received mixed reactions from students and community members because of its brightness since its debut. It made its public debut on Aug. 8, and it had its football game debut on Sept. 3. While some,…

Congressional candidate Jeff Wilson talks energy production, backs Trump
Jeff Wilson, Republican candidate for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District, is running on a platform of increasing energy generation, decreasing federal debt, securing American borders and bringing back “Lincoln-esque values” to central Illinois. The Daily Illini spoke with…

Opinion | America is on track, but is Amtrak?
In 1956, the U.S. Congress, along with support from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 — changing Americans’ reliance on automobile transportation for generations to come. Founded in 1970, Amtrak began operations in 1971, hoping to inspire…

All eyes on defense as Illini look to tackle Salukis
Illinois (1-1) head coach Bret Bielema has been pushing the idea that the team can’t get beat by Duke twice following its 31-27 loss on Saturday. A second loss to the Blue Devils wouldn’t show up in the standings but would be manifested through a lack of improvement this weekend…

Column | Illinois’ Big Ten games to look forward to
Illinois just released its conference schedule for the 2026-27 season. In 18 games, Illinois will play every Big Ten team once, with only Northwestern having two matchups. The Big Ten made its mark last season at the NCAA tournament, with 12 teams making the cut. Illinois…

Column | Top storylines to follow from Illinois’ 2026-27 Big Ten schedule
The 2026-27 basketball season is on the horizon, and Illinois now has its complete regular season schedule after it announced its Big Ten slate on Wednesday afternoon. The Illini will see every Big Ten team once over the course of the three-month schedule with the exception of…

Column | Previewing Illinois’ non-conference schedule
Illinois’ 2026-27 non-conference schedule was released Tuesday, and one thing stood out. There are only two power conference opponents, and neither of them were ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll from last season. That may sound like a low number, but last season, Illinois had…

Campus Scout | Cashless cover is ridiculous
Campus Scout is NOT HAPPY. Sorry for the aggressive introduction, folks, but Scout is really frustrated about this one. Scout was originally going to have a much milder introduction to this article, probably something like the following paragraph. “Hello, folks! Scout is here to…

Review | ‘Practical Magic 2’ casts a spell on nostalgic watchers
Rating: 7/10 Almost three decades after “Practical Magic” introduced audiences to the Owens sisters, director Susanne Bier attempts to bring back the ’90s magic in the sequel “Practical Magic 2.” The movie follows the Owens family as they work to overcome a family curse that…

Sunday Scaries: Illini finish 4th in Sahalee Players Championship
Illinois took its talents to Washington this weekend to compete in the Sahalee Players Championship. A fantastic performance Saturday combined with a mediocre showing on Sunday led the Illini to a fourth-place finish. The team finished the weekend 27 over par after a 16 over par…

Penalty kicks pave Michigan’s path past Illinois
The air at Demirjian Park carried the heavy, humid heat of a mid-September afternoon as 479 fans filed into the stands. On paper, Illinois entered Sunday’s Big Ten clash with clear momentum, holding a 3-0-4 record while sitting tied for No. 9 in the conference standings. Michigan…

The week in news: UI TPUSA chapter remembers Charlie Kirk; Dylan Blaha faces federal recognition withdrawal
On campus: UI TPUSA chapter remembers Charlie Kirk The University’s chapter of Turning Point USA hosted a vigil Thursday for the anniversary of the death of late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk. Roughly 40 people attended the event, which began with viewing a two-hour nationally…