The Illini defense had a bounce-back game after giving up 76 points the last two games in losses to No. 1 Ohio State and Washington.

The Scarlet Knights were “outcoached” and “outplayed” throughout the 35-13 loss they suffered against the Illini, head coach Greg Schiano said after a game at Memorial Stadium in which the final score did not come close to reflecting the host’s domination.

Both Illinois (5-3) and Rutgers (4-4) are hoping to turn the dial back in their favor after Saturday’s showdown in Champaign.

The Illinois Senate passed a bill that will allow medical assistance in dying. It passed the MAiD bill Thursday night with a 30 to 27 vote. This comes after the House passed the bill in May. A person is eligible for medical assistance in dying if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill blocking federal immigration arrests near courthouses and allowing civil lawsuits for constitutional rights violations.

Illinois’ high school graduation rate has hit a 15-year high, as students continue to show academic growth post-pandemic, state officials announced Thursday with the release of the 2025 Illinois

SNAP benefits will lapse on Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown. Gov. JB Pritzker ordered $20 million for food banks to help, as food pantries are already seeing increasing demand.

On the other end of the spectrum, they could get star wide receiver Ian Strong back after he missed the meeting with the Boilermakers in West Lafayette. The Long Island native was listed as questionable. Altogether, Rutgers has 24 players out for the game (half of which out for the season) and another five players listed as questionable.

The Northern Iowa Panthers take on the Illinois State Redbirds hoping to find a win on the road as big underdogs.

Addison, Illinois, residents are being asked to shelter in place amid ongoing police activity on Thursday. Police are responding to the 200 Block of East La Porte Drive for what they characterized as an "active situation" near a home.