Illinois

What to watch for: Illinois

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2024

Coming out of the bye week, things are looking relatively bleak for the No. 24 Michigan football team. With two losses in just six games, the Wolverines face an uphill battle to find success both in the Big Ten and nationally in the second half of the season.

That uphill battle begins with a road trip to No. 22 Illinois, for what will likely be another dogfight for Michigan. The Fighting Illini struggled last week against 1-5 Purdue, but they’re still a ranked conference opponent playing in their home stadium. Beating Illinois on the road would be a first step for the Wolverines toward showing that they can compete with future opponents like No. 16 Indiana, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 2 Oregon.

But rather than look ahead, Michigan is focused on “going 1-0 this week,” same as always. Here are a few key storylines to watch for that will help determine who comes out on top on Saturday:

Did the bye week help Michigan recover?

Over the Wolverines’ extremely successful three-season stretch from 2021 to 2023, they excelled coming out of the bye week. Michigan won each game after the week off by an average margin of 25.3 points, proving it was well-rested and taking advantage.

This season, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Wolverines. They had just flown back overnight from the West Coast after a demoralizing loss to Washington, so the extra rest was especially helpful according to Michigan coach Sherrone Moore.

“Going there, there wasn’t any effect,” Moore said Monday. “But obviously, coming back, we got back at like 5:30 in the morning so that bye week was much needed.”

In addition to jet lag afterwards, the Wolverines were also contending with a laundry list of injuries during the game against the Huskies. Their pregame injury report featured 12 players out and another three listed as questionable, with the secondary particularly thin. A week of rest and recovery should help at least a few of those players get healthy, giving Michigan a bit more depth.

Also, given that graduate quarterback Jack Tuttle had barely participated in live practice prior to entering the game against Washington, an extra week should help his preparation for his first start of the season. So this Saturday, watch how the Wolverines took advantage of the bye week, and if there’s a noticeable difference in how rested they look.

Third time’s the charm?

Senior quarterback Davis Warren lasted just three games before being benched. Junior quarterback Alex Orji only made it through 2.5 games.

But with Tuttle set to start for the first time this season, Michigan is hoping that he can break the trend. If everything goes according to plan, he might even finish out the season as the starter.

While Tuttle didn’t have the starting job through the first six games of the season, he didn’t exactly lose it, either. Tuttle was still recovering from an injury to his throwing arm during that time. As mentioned earlier, he barely practiced prior to taking over for Orji in Seattle, and just returned to practice this week.

Against Washington, Tuttle briefly gave the Wolverines hope, leading three consecutive scoring drives to bring them back from a 14-0 deficit. However, he later turned the ball over twice in Michigan’s own territory, leaving the Wolverines reeling and the Huskies able to take control of the game.

Despite the late turnovers, Michigan is confident that a now-healthy Tuttle is its best answer at quarterback moving forward.

“(Tuttle) played for three days of practice, really, (and) went in the game and competed at a high level,” Moore said. “The turnovers are what they are, and we have to eliminate them, but we wanted to make sure that he knew we were confident in him and what he could do.”

With Tuttle under center, the Wolverines’ offense has the potential to be more multi-dimensional. Don’t expect Michigan to deviate from its run-first identity, but Tuttle’s throwing ability should help the Wolverines put out a more balanced product. This Saturday, watch if the third time truly is the charm, and Tuttle can fully establish himself as Michigan’ best option at quarterback.

How will the Wolverines fare against Luke Altmyer?

When asked what he expects to see from Illinois Saturday, Moore doled out a few typical praises for an upcoming opponent: well-coached, physical, tough and so on. But he also dedicated a large portion of his answer to Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer, and the steps he’s taken in the past year.

“Luke Altmyer, the quarterback, he’s gotten so much better,” Moore said. “He’s just progressed from last year to this year, you can see him being in the system for another year.”

In his first season as Illinois’ starter last season, Altmyer was nothing special. He threw for 1,883 yards and 13 touchdowns, but also threw 10 interceptions. This season, though, he’s drastically reigned in his turnover troubles while increasing his production. Altmyer has already thrown for 14 touchdowns and 1,426 yards, and only one interception.

Combine Altmyers’ improvements with the Wolverines’ struggles in the secondary, and Michigan might have trouble containing the Illini offense. The Wolverines currently have the 110th-best passing defense in the country, allowing nearly 260 yards per game through the air. That’s the third-most yards per game of any team in the Big Ten, only ahead of Northwestern and UCLA.

The one saving grace for Michigan might be that Illinois has struggled to protect Altmyer this season. He’s absorbed 19 sacks through six games, the worst mark of any quarterback in the Big Ten.

If the Wolverines’ stellar defensive line can create enough pressure, they might be able to help their secondary out by keeping Altmyer uncomfortable in the pocket. That was the key to Michigan containing Southern California quarterback Miller Moss, and it could be the key again Saturday. Watch if the Wolverines’ D-line pressure is too much for Altmyer to handle, or if he has enough time to pick apart Michigan’s secondary.

***

Illinois might not be the biggest game left on the schedule, but it’ll be a key indicator of where the Wolverines sit following their bye week. How they’ve taken advantage of that bye week, along with what both teams get out of their quarterbacks, will help illuminate what the rest of the season will look like for Michigan. So watch for those three storylines, and put yourself in position to know whether or not the Wolverines can come out with a win Saturday and turn things around.

Source link

Illinois

Illinois Wesleyan to Launch First-of-its-Kind Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Quantum Science and Engineering Program

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Illinois Wesleyan to Launch First-of-its-Kind Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Quantum Science and Engineering Program

Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering positions Illinois
as a leader in next generation quantum education

Wanda Lindquist ’26 conducts research in a quantum lab at Illinois Wesleyan University.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University today announced the creation of the Fisher Center for
Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate
program that brings together multiple areas of study to better prepare students for
careers in this emerging field.

The Fisher Quantum Center will make Illinois Wesleyan the first undergraduate liberal
arts university in the United States to offer an interdisciplinary quantum program,
positioning both the University and the state as leaders in the quantum space.

The Fisher Quantum Center is supported by a founding gift from Ann ‘82 and Alan Fisher,
providing the resources to establish the center and launch programming. Ann is a graduate
of Illinois Wesleyan University and serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to grow in phases and will expand its curriculum,
facilities, and partnerships over time.

“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a defining step forward as the first undergraduate
interdisciplinary quantum program. Quantum is reshaping industries and the way we
solve complex problems, and this complexity is an ideal fit with Illinois Wesleyan’s
cross-curricular approach to undergraduate education. We are especially grateful to
Ann and Alan Fisher for their generous gift that is making this distinctive program
possible,” said Illinois Wesleyan University President Sheahon J. Zenger.

What is Quantum?

Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at the smallest scale, where
the differences can be used to create new, more powerful technologies. Because of
this, quantum has a wide variety of real-world applications and is poised to transform
everyday lives and revolutionize industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity
to healthcare, finance, and agriculture.

Most quantum programs are primarily offered at the graduate level and focus on a single
area of study. The Fisher Quantum Center takes a fundamentally different approach
by focusing exclusively on undergraduate education and bringing together physics,
chemistry, computer science, mathematics, biology, business, philosophy, and engineering
into one holistic curriculum. Instead of separating these fields and narrowing the
focus, it connects them to better reflect the broad applications of quantum. This
first-of-its-kind approach prepares students not only with the technical skills for
these emerging careers, but with an understanding of the economic, ethical, environmental,
and societal implications of quantum technologies.

Ben Heinz at a computer in a physics lab — Ben Heinz ’27 studies quantum science at Ilinois Wesleyan as a double major in physics
and instrumental performance (euphonium). He has also conducted research on the ethical
implications of quantum computing.

Students will be able to engage with quantum in multiple ways, including through individual
courses, certificates, concentrations, hands-on experiments, projects, faculty-mentored
research, and internships. The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to be flexible, inclusive,
and accessible to undergraduate students from all areas of study to create a gateway
into quantum for students who might not otherwise encounter the field. It will also
serve as hub for visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to collaborate
on strengthening undergraduate quantum laboratories and infrastructure.

“We are proud to support the creation of the Fisher Quantum Center and the unique
opportunity it creates for students coming to Illinois Wesleyan. The Fisher Quantum
Center will open the door for students from many different backgrounds to engage with
quantum in a way that is accessible and better prepares them for future careers. We
are excited to see how this program grows and the impact it will have on Illinois
Wesleyan students, the university, and the broader community,” said Ann and Alan Fisher.

The first courses through the Fisher Quantum Center will be available in Spring 2027,
alongside enhanced quantum lab space, with programming expanding throughout the year.
Beyond the classroom, the Fisher Quantum Center will support outreach initiatives
to engage high school teachers and students to strengthen pathways into quantum and
STEM fields. Beginning in Summer 2026, Illinois Wesleyan will host a fully funded
Quantum Day Camp for high school STEM teachers and counselors from surrounding counties,
with a residential Quantum Camp for high school students anticipated for Summer 2027.

“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a first-of-its-kind program that will create
new opportunities for students to engage with quantum across disciplines while preparing
them for the high-quality jobs of the future. Quantum technology is already shaping
the future of the global economy, and Illinois is positioning itself as a global leader.
To compete, we need to continue building a strong workforce pipeline, and Illinois
Wesleyan is playing a critical role by giving students the skills and training needed
to fill these emerging jobs and help keep Illinois at the forefront of innovation,”
said Gov. JB Pritzker.

At a time when Illinois is emerging as a national hub for quantum innovation, the
Fisher Quantum Center will play a critical role in developing the next generation
of talent, expanding awareness of quantum careers and opportunities, and ensuring
the state remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field.

“Developing the next generation of talent is essential to maintaining Illinois’ momentum
in quantum,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois Wesleyan’s new program creates opportunities for students in high demand
fields while helping build the workforce pipeline Illinois industries need. The Fisher
Center reflects the forward-thinking approach that has helped position Illinois as
a growing hub for quantum innovation and emerging technologies.”

For more information about the Fisher Quantum Center, visit www.iwu.edu/fisher-quantum-center.

Source link

Illinois

Host of new Illinois laws would target various parts of the AI industry

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Host of new Illinois laws would target various parts of the AI industry

Illinois Senate Democrats are trying to impose limits on artificial intelligence, or AI, in the final weeks of the legislative session.

The proposed package of eight different bills would target specific areas impacted by the emerging technology, including its effects on mental health and the usage of AI in schools.

State Sen. Bill Cunningham said because Congress has not put much regulation around AI, state lawmakers feel they have to step into the void.

“Artificial intelligence, or AI, can be a powerful tool for good, but currently there are minimal guardrails in place. It’s like the wild, wild west. Illinois needs to create a roadmap for responsible innovation to prevent catastrophic risks. And that is why we are all here today,” said State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen.

Edly-Allen’s proposal, which passed out of committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate, aims to increase transparency from big AI companies like ChatGPT and Claude. It would require large companies to make annual reports explaining what they are doing to prevent what lawmakers call “catastrophic risks.”

If a company learns about a critical safety incident, it has to report it within 72 hours, or 24 hours if the incident poses a serious risk of harm or death.

Another bill, led by Sen. Laura Ellman, aims to address the growing number of young people turning to AI during a mental health crisis, specifically people who confide in a chatbot about their suicidal thoughts. AI companies would have to implement methods to detect self harm and refer the user to a resource, such as the suicide hotline.

Other bills try to crack down on AI being used to fix rent prices, curb someone’s data from being used for targeted ads or sold to third parties, ban teachers from using AI to grade a student’s work and cut down on bots scooping up tickets to concerts and sports.

The current legislative session is set to end on May 31, with lawmakers working to pass a host of bills before that date arrives.

Source link

Illinois

First Dutch Bros coming to Chicagoland. Here’s where

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

First Dutch Bros coming to Chicagoland. Here’s where

The Chicago metro area is getting its first Dutch Bros cafe this week, with additional Illinois locations set to open later this year.

The West Coast coffee chain announced the openings in a press release Wednesday, May 13, adding details about available freebies.

Dutch Bros coming to Melrose Park

Dutch Bros will be making its Chicago suburbs debut in Melrose Park, with doors set to open Thursday, May 14, at 1931 N. Mannheim Road.

The cafe will operate from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Melrose Park customers will be able to snag a free keychain with any drink purchase on opening day, while supplies last, according to the chain.

“Opening in the Chicago area has always been a dream for us at Dutch Bros, and Melrose Park is just the beginning,” Dutch Bros Local Market Lead Allie Lahti said in the release.

Where else is Dutch Bros opening locations in Illinois?

The chain also announced plans to open cafes in Rockford, New Lenox and Buffalo Grove, with locations slated to open this summer. The chain lists the Rockford location as “coming soon” to 7103 E. State St. on its website.

Meanwhile, job listings for “Broistas” at 550 W. Maple St. in New Lenox and 80 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove are available for applicants on the site.

But that’s not all.

A spokesperson for the Village of Oak Park told NBC News Chicago the chain “is also in the process of opening a location in Oak Park” at 316 Madison St.

The village approved plans for the new location in October 2025, and the chain told NBC the cafe is still “in the very early stages.”

Peoria City Councilman Alex Carmona told the Journal Star in April that a new Dutch Bros location will be built at the busy intersection of University Street and War Memorial Drive.

Construction is set to kick off in May at 3624 N. University St., with the location slated to open in the fall.

The Peoria Journal Star reached out to Dutch Bros about the upcoming Illinois locations and will update this story accordingly if a response is provided.