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Within seconds of the final whistle blowing in the Fighting Illini Elite Eight win, hordes of students knew exactly where they were going to celebrate on campus: the Alma Mater, a 10,000-pound bronze Memories of 2005 Final Four team still top of mind for many. University of Illinois students and fans revel in 1st Final Four spot in over 20 years Within seconds of the final whistle blowing in the Fighting Illini Elite Eight win, hordes of students knew exactly where they were going to celebrate on campus: the Alma Mater, a 10,000-pound bronze statue of a woman with outstretched hands. Read Story Related articles: Illinois earns trip to Final Four for 1st time in 21 years: 'We knew we had something special' Photos: Illinois students celebrate Final Four berth on campus © Copyright 2026 Chicago Tribune. All rights...

Some local officials are fuming because recent changes in Illinois law mean they no longer have the option to say no. And nearby residents are bracing for the day when 20-foot-high solar panels could Local officials say state law ties their hands to push back as planning commission poised to vote Monday on Earthrise Energy's 6,100-acre project. A sprawling solar farm in Will County: Some residents cashing in; others fear being surrounded Some local officials are fuming because recent changes in Illinois law mean they no longer have the option to say no. And nearby residents are bracing for the day when 20-foot-high solar panels could surround their homes. Read Story Related articles: Illinois farmers brace for another bruising season as Iran war spikes fertilizer prices Illinois bill would ease rules on solar plug-ins, expand access to renters and condo owners ...