News across Champaign County
UI student launches social media app
A University student recently developed and launched a social networking app, kwyd: plans with close friends. First made publicly available in August, the app seeks to create a space where friends can spontaneously meet up and create memories. Adam Wittwer, junior in LAS and…
Illini Electric Motorsports revs up engine to compete
For some, the screeching of tires, the smell of rubber and the soreness in their hands from gripping the steering wheel indicate a bad car ride. But for the Illini Electric Motorsports team, it signifies a successful day of training. Initially specializing in combustion vehicles,…
Illinois set to jump into action against Purdue
Illinois begins a new season Friday at home against Purdue, also kicking off its 2026-27 season. The Illini are coming off a 7-4 year with all four losses coming in conference meets. After a 14th-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, the new squad splashes into a new season…
Opinion | Instagram sucks now
If you’ve ever seen long captions about the “Mercedes CLR GTR,” Vogue World: Hollywood or how #🇯🇵Japan is turning footsteps into electricity under Instagram posts, you’re not alone. How many times can you scroll through Instagram posts without seeing AI summaries or…
Column | Illinois prepares for high-stakes tilt vs. No. 22 Washington
Despite decisive victories over then-No. 15 Minnesota (6-4, 0-2) and then-No. 23 USC (7-5, 1-1), Illinois (10-3, 2-0) is still unranked. While one may quibble with that decision, one thing remains true: The Illini have the opportunity to earn the respect of their peers Friday, as…
IGNITE empowers women in politics
For women interested in politics, getting involved can feel like one of the hardest parts of their journey. At the University, one student organization is working to bridge connections and make that first step a little easier. IGNITE is a nonpartisan group designed to encourage…
Retired astronaut Mike Hopkins to lead UI’s Homecoming Parade
Mike Hopkins, a retired astronaut and University alum, will be attending the University’s Homecoming Parade Friday as its grand marshal. He will lead the parade’s procession. “The thing that excites me the most about getting to come back on campus is just getting to spend some…
Opinion | The undemocratic nature of selective reporting
As an avid CNN 5 Things reader, here are the five things I can tell you about CNN right now: Journalism. Is. An. Indisputable. Right. In all irony, a nation that prides itself on freedom of speech only seems to theoretically own up to its concept. Journalism is society’s leading…
UI, TechRise to host startup pitch competition with $25,000 prize
In partnership with the University, P33 Chicago’s TechRise will host its annual startup pitch competition Thursday, where five companies will compete for $25,000 in funding. The competition will be at 5:00 p.m. at EnterpriseWorks, the startup incubator at Research Park. Five…
Campus Scout | Your ‘business professor’ is actually AI slop
Zǎoshang hǎo, it’s your friendly Campus Scout here! Sorry about the Mandarin, folks. Scout’s artificial intelligence assistant, his new, improved and too-dangerous-to-be-publicly-released Brain-Blaster 2.0 must’ve had some Mandarin in its training data. Scout is not sure how it…
Letter to the Editor | UI students: SIUE’s student paper needs your help
College is perhaps the best place on Earth to develop critical thinking skills and real-world experience. At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, those opportunities are under threat. I’m Dylan Hembrough, editor-in-chief of SIUE’s student newspaper, The Alestle. I’ve been…
Horse Lords, Barreleye hypnotize concertgoers at PYGMALION Day 4
Funky guitar swells and heavy distortion filled Gallery Art Bar on Sunday as Barreleye and Horse Lords performed for the final night of PYGMALION. Both bands brought an experimental feel to the stage, incorporating unique tuning styles and prolonged sequences, often transitioning…