Uni athletes turned in outstanding performances at Friday's unofficial indoor state finals. Meanwhile, sophomore Elizabeth Russell won the triple jump as the outdoor season began Thursday with a five-team meet in Gibson City.

Almost exactly a year ago, Uni fell to the Chargers by the same score as in Friday's match. Things won't get easier for the Illineks anytime soon. They host Class AA Urbana on Tuesday.

Machine Head have been scorned recently for trying to sound like "nu-metal" band Korn. Can they break this criticism with their newest offering? Carl Zielinski delivers his opinion.

Uni upperclassmen received their prom invitations in the mail Wednesday, and the hallways are already buzzing with excitement. Michelle Gao shares her take on the budding prom madness.

The Student-Faculty Advisory Committee has come up with guidelines for a student honor council -- a mechanism in which students themselves can adjudicate cases of academic dishonesty.

Only 10 students are named to the Chicago Tribune's academic team each year. If Annie Liang makes it all the way through the selection process, she would be Uni's fifth Trib All-Stater since 1999.

Two weeks from now, the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company will begin auditioning for the areawide student summer production of "Ragtime," the Tony Award-winning musical. But prospective cast members can get a head start by attending a free audition workshop Saturday in Urbana.

On Tuesday evening, the Uni High Activism Club sponsored a panel and forum on the effectiveness of popular protest. Is it time to abandon the old methods of demonstrations and rallies? Sarah Pfander was on hand and gives this account of the discussions.

According to music industry experts, the album as a commodity is dying. But Carl Zielinski won't let that cultural staple go quietly into the night.

Freshman Michelle Wong began her high school soccer career by scoring her team's only goal in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to visiting St. Thomas More. The Illineks host Centennial on Friday.

Adam Tiouririne brings you up to date on what happened in Uni sports while you were away on break, including News-Gazette honors for nine Illinek basketball players.

The Iris Chang and Peter Kolodziej Writing Awards began last year in memory of two distinguished Uni graduates. Entries for this year's contest are now being accepted. The deadline is April 19. See inside for more information.

The Illineks host St. Thomas More in their season opener this afternoon. Leading scorer Suran Yoo and MVP goalie Mandy Grill are among the returning starters. With a new coach, the team is aiming for a big improvement over last year's 4-15 record.

Will Ferrell and Jon Heder hit the ice in "Blades of Glory," which opens Friday. In the music world, Redman and Macy Gray return from extended absences, while the Kaiser Chiefs try to top their successful 2005 debut. And the DVD shelves feature a number of solid new releases, including the acclaimed "Children of Men."

Does protest have a role in today's world, or is resistance futile? The Uni High Activism Club will sponsor a panel discussion and open forum Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Room 109. Sarah Pfander has the story inside. [UPDATED]