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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Head football coach Bret Bielema observes his team during the Orange and Blue Spring Game April 19. Bielema and Lovie Smith recruited heavily from Florida which indicates Illinois approach for the upcoming season.

Smith, Bielema recruits reflect coaches’ approaches

By Claire O'Brien, Sports Video Editor June 4, 2021

Illinois football has seen many changes under new head coach Bret Bielema. Most notably, Bielema has prioritized looking in-state and recruiting players...

Gov. JB Pritzker answers questions at a news conference on March 26, 2021.

Illinois lawmakers approve state budget, maintain UI funding

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Interim Editor-in-Chief June 2, 2021

Illinois lawmakers approved a $42.2 billion state budget proposal Tuesday, part of which would hold state appropriations at current-year levels for the...

Junior Kofi Cockburn jumps to shoot a basket against a player from Loyola Chicago during the second round of the NCAA Tournament March 21. Illinois needs a top performing athlete to continue the basketball programs relevance.

Column | Illini need big man for conference relevance

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer June 1, 2021

Ayo Dosunmu didn’t have to come to Illinois. The former four-star prospect took a chance on his state’s flagship school, and the results — albeit...

Sophomore Olivia Howell runs in the women's 1500 meter at the NCAA West Prelims in late May at College Station, Texas. Three Illini received All-America honors including Howell, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships this past weekend in Eugene, Oregon.

Howell, Wells, Plater earn spots in NCAA Outdoor Championships

By Andre Thomas, Staff Writer May 30, 2021

The weather had plans for something other than the NCAA West Prelims in College Station, Texas because the tournament activities on Friday had to be postponed...

Junior Jacob Campbell holds his mitt up to catch a ball during a game. Campbell was the leading force in the Illini’s dominant offensive performance this weekend despite losing to Rutgers in the final series of the season.

Illinois loses final series of season to Rutgers; Janas finishes with best batting average in Big Ten

By Jared Ebanks, Staff Writer May 30, 2021

The Illinois baseball team’s season came to a close this weekend after the Illini went 1-2 in Piscataway, New Jersey against Rutgers.  Game one was...

Illinois softball players celebrate Jaelyn Vickery during the game against Ohio State May 8. The team reflects on a successful season with multiple accolades amidst the pandemic.

Softball season rewind: Illinois makes strides, earns accolades in unusual season

By Allende Miglietta, Staff Writer May 30, 2021

The well-rounded Illinois softball team ended the season with a winning record, 24-20, improving upon its 11-11 campaign cut short by COVID-19 in 2020....

An oil painting of a skull inspired by Pieter Claesz and painted by Farwah Tariq, senior in FAA, is shown above. University students show off their creative abilities on campus.

Student artists explore their craft on campus

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer May 29, 2021

There are many various pockets of beauty and inspiration artists found around campus. Iffat Memon, junior in Business, finds inspiration in some expected...

Human Zhao research group consisting of from front left, Stephan Lane, manager of the Illinois Biological Foundry for Advanced Biomanufacturing; graduate student Guanhua (Daniel) Xun; Huimin Zhao, the Steven L. Miller Chair of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and a professor of chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering. In back, from left, electrical and computer engineering undergraduate student Vassily Petrov; and mechanical science and engineering undergraduate student Brandon Pepa, who recently graduated pose for a photo. The team created a portable Covid-19 testing device.

New portable testing system allows for detection of COVID-19, other viruses

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer May 28, 2021

Researchers at the University have recently developed a new portable testing device capable of detecting COVID-19 in under 30 minutes. It uses a different...

Graduate student Jonathan Wells makes a backwards leap over the high jump on Saturday at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. The Illinois track and field team hopes to keep their pace amongst other schools in preparation for the NCAA West Prelims.

Illinois looks to solidify place among top teams at NCAA West Prelims

By Andre Thomas, Staff Writer May 26, 2021

It is now late May, and the NCAA West Prelims is about to end the last week of the month. Illinois has trained and competed in Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska,...

The University of Illinois Solar Farm 2.0 sits at the corner of First Street and Curtis Road on an overcast day. The Solar Farm is in its final stages of completion.

University begins final stage of completing sustainable solar farm

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Interim Editor-in-Chief May 25, 2021

The University is commencing the final stage of completion for Solar Farm 2.0 with the planting of seeds for its pollinator habitat.  Part of the University’s...

A large crowd of people congregate in front of Alma Mater passing out transgender flags and stickers on Saturday. University students protested the use of deadnames during the most recent commencement ceremony.

Students protest UI’s use of deadnames during commencement ceremony

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Interim Editor-in-Chief May 24, 2021

Students protested in front of Alma Mater Saturday after multiple instances occurred of transgender students having their deadname called when walking...

Senior Aleks Kovacevic shakes hands with another player during their game against Notre Dame May 8.  Aleks Kovacevic, Siphosothando Montsi and Zeke Clark will enter the NCAA singles competition.

Three Illini enter NCAA singles competition

By Enji Erdenekhuyag, Staff Writer May 22, 2021

Three strong links in Illinois’ chain will continue their NCAA campaigns in the individual singles tournament: Aleks Kovacevic, Siphosothando Montsi...

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