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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

Angel Saldivar, Assistant Photo Editor

My name is Angel Saldivar and I’m nearing the end of my Journalism degree at the University of Illinois and currently serve as the Assistant Photo Editor at the Daily Illini. When I’m not out taking photos, I’m diving into filmmaking with my film club (shoutout Illini Film and Video) or playing the drums. Got questions or just want to connect? Don’t hesitate to email me!

Redshirt freshman guard Niccolo Moretti dribbles towards the Iowa side of the court during the second half.

[Photo] Narrow win over Iowa sets No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball back on track

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 24, 2024
Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers surges past Michigan's defense in the second half on Feb. 13.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s last-second loss at Penn State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 23, 2024
Graduate student outfielder Kelly Ryono takes the plate before batting against Maryland on May 6.

[Photo] Illinois softball travels west for Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • February 22, 2024
Fifth-year Terrence Shannon Jr. directs the Illini offense against Michigan on Feb. 13. Shannon led Illinois with 35 points in its loss to Penn State.

[Photo] No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball suffers late collapse at Penn State

By James Kim, Sports Editor • February 21, 2024
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. weaves through the Michigan defense before making an assist in the second half on Feb 13.

[Photo] No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball looks for season’s 20th win on trip to Penn State

February 21, 2024
Fifth year guard Terrance Shannon Jr. dribbles inside the Michigan defense on Tuesday.

[Photo] Shannon drops 31 points, No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball dominates Michigan

By James Kim, Sports Editor • February 13, 2024
Fifth year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. taunts the Rutgers defense after making a layup on Jan. 21.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball falls short at Michigan State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 10, 2024
Sophomore Forward Shay Bollin celebrates the victory against Northwestern with fellow teammates on Thursday night.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball sweeps Northwestern with 11-point victory at home

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024
Graduate student forward Marcus Domask challenges the Nebraska defense in the first half on Sunday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 14 Illinois’ overtime victory over Nebraska

By Conor Blount and James Kim • February 6, 2024
Senior Forward Coleman Hawkins celebrates a three-pointer fastbreak in the second-half against Nebraska.

[Photo] No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball survives Nebraska in late overtime thriller

By James Kim, Sports Editor • February 4, 2024
Fifth Year Terrence Shannon Jr. makes a drive against Rutgers on Jan. 21.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 14 Illinois’ 87-75 away victory over Ohio State

By James Kim and Conor Blount • January 31, 2024
Guard Sophomore Ty Rodgers completes a dunk in the first half against Rutgers on Jan. 21.

[Photo] No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball picks up 12-point road win at Ohio State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 30, 2024
Senior forward Kendall Bostic takes a shot for two during the fourth quarter against Ohio State on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball falls short in nail-biter matchup against No. 12 Ohio State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 27, 2024
Senior Forward Coleman Hawkins drives down the court, setting up a jumper against Indiana on Saturday.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball comes out on top in heated rivalry clash with Indiana

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 27, 2024
Graduate Student Forward Marcus Domask looking to make a pass during the second half against Maryland on Jan. 14.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 10 Illinois’ overtime loss away at Northwestern

By James Kim and Conor Blount • January 26, 2024
DJ F.O.H. applies stage effects to unite the crowd at Canopy Club on Saturday.

[Photo] The Canopy Club honors Mac Miller with themed charity event

By Felicity Abbott, Staff Writer • January 22, 2024
Fifth-Year Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. and Graduate Student Quincy Guerrier celebrate a defensive rebound in the exhibition against Kansas on Oct. 29.

[Photo] Shannon returns for No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball’s meeting with Rutgers

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 21, 2024
Fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. marks his return with a dunk against Rutgers on Sunday.

[Photo] Shannon scores 16 in return as No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball downs Rutgers in Champaign

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 21, 2024
Head coach Tyra Perry yells from the field as Illinois faces off against Ohio on Apr. 15.

[Photo] Coach Tyra Perry eyes improvement after 12th-place finish in 2023

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • January 21, 2024
The Illini group together before facing up against the Buckeyes on Apr. 15.

[Photo] Illinois softball anticipates start of 2024 season

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • January 18, 2024
Sophomore Ty Rodgers calls for the ball in the second half against Colgate on Dec 17.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball welcomes Michigan State to Champaign for fourth Big Ten clash

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 11, 2024
Sophomore Ty Rodgers completes a dunk in the first half against Michigan State on Thursday. Rodgers contributed a total of 15 points during the encounter.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball gets back into win column with narrow victory over Michigan State

January 11, 2024
Graduate student Marcus Domask attempting a free throw against Colgate on Dec. 17. Domask scored 32 points against Purdue on Friday.

[Photo] Late comeback falls short for No. 9 Illinois in elite Big Ten clash against No. 1 Purdue

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 5, 2024
Guard Makira Cook catches her breath as she holds possession of the ball on Feb. 22. Illinois suffered a defeat from Indiana on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball resumes Big Ten play with intense loss against Indiana

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 2, 2024
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • December 31, 2023
Samantha Simmons, senior in LAS and events director of TFN, walks down the platform, showing off her bright pink ear muffs.

[Photo] Review | Heads turn for CFE.4

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • December 5, 2023
Junior Wide Receiver Isaiah Williams rushes to the ball as it approaches him with Indiana close behind on Saturday.

[Photo] Illini football returns home, looks to continue momentum

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2023
Senior forward Kendall Bostic putting herself in front of the ball following a Michigan State free throw on Jan. 29. Illinois is ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois women’s basketball prepares for season with exhibition against Truman State

By Mathias Spitzer, Staff Writer • October 29, 2023
Postdoctoral researchers Seemesh Bhaskar, Renato Azevedo and Samuel Olatunji stand in front of the fountain at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center for Homecoming Kickoff on Oct. 15. Official Homecoming events occurred from Oct. 15-22.

Gallery | Homecoming 2023 recap

By James Hoeck, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Alyssa Shih and Matt Stepp • October 28, 2023
Senior Megan Ward gets ready to hit the softball against Wisconsin on May 10. Ward's performance earned her MVP of the game.

[Photo] Illinois softball wraps up sweeping fall action with intrasquad Orange & Blue World Series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 15, 2023
Performance by the AAA Fashion Show at Main Quad on Oct. 7.

[Photo] TASC Night Market uplifts Asian creators, artists

By Abrahám Chávez, Staff writer • October 10, 2023
University and Wright around the afternoon as a group of students cross on Sunday.

[Photo] Unpacking the complex racial history of University Avenue

By Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting • September 27, 2023
Young adult novelist Allison Boot shares her literary works at the Urbana Free Library on Saturday. Boot is also known as the "Wheelin’ Wordsmith".

[Photo] Allison Boot, Katherine Gaffney share literary works at Pygmalion day 3

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • September 24, 2023
Performance at Canopy Club Featuring Calle Verde. Adrian Sanchez on Guitar.

[Photo] Canopy Club’s Latin Night brings Latin pride to CU community 

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • September 25, 2023
Midfielder Kennedy Berschel faces of ISU on Aug. 18, 2023. The Illini's latest match on Sunday resulted in a draw with both teams not making a goal during the match.

[Photo] Illinois soccer battles out scoreless draw versus Dayton, extends unbeaten streak

By James Kim, Sports Editor • August 28, 2023
Students drink on the roof of a house during Unofficial 2023.

[Photo] College advice your mama won’t tell you

By Raphael Ranola, Opinions Editor • May 22, 2023
Senior right fielder Kelly Ryono whacked her second hit of the day to lead off the inning agianst Nebraska on Thursday. Though Illini fails to make the NCAA tournament, it was arguably one of the best two-game stretch for the Illini.

[Photo] Illinois softball season ends in hard-fought battle against Nebraska

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 12, 2023
Illinois softball gathers around home to cheer after redshirt senior outfielder Danielle Davis hit a grand slam in the top of the third inning.

[Photo] ’We’re not gonna let you have it’: No. 12 Illinois softball upsets No. 5 Wisconsin in 1st round of Big Ten tournament

By James Kim, Sports Editor • May 10, 2023
Avrey Steiner up to bat as Gabi Robles starts to steal first against Maryland on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois softball swept by Maryland in final series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 7, 2023
The Telephone Junkies opens the "F@#& Finals" event with an energetic rock set at Canopy on May 3.

[Photo] Musicians light up Canopy Club in pre-finals jam

May 5, 2023
During his performance of "Fire Burning," Sean Kingston brought multiple students on the stage.

Gallery | Sean Kingston performs at Spring Jam 2023

By James Hoeck, Angel Saldivar and Michael Chew • April 25, 2023
Kingston performs multiple hit songs during his hour-long performance.

[Photo] 04.23.23_SpringJam

April 24, 2023
During his performance of "Fire Burning," Sean Kingston brought multiple students on the stage.

[Photo] Sean Kingston pumps up Spring Jam with electrifying performance

By Kiran Bond and Odeth Rubio • April 23, 2023
The Illini softball team wipes their softballs during a rainy game against Rutgers on Mar. 24. The Illini traveled to Michigan where they took on an unfortunate loss.

[Photo] Illinois softball falls in Ann Arbor

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 9, 2023
The Disability Resources & Education Services building on Friday.

[Photo] Letter to the Editor | UI disability services fails to meet students’ needs

By Rowyn Kruiswyk • April 7, 2023
Armani White tosses fruit snacks into the crowd during his performance at Foellinger Auditorium on Wednesday. White also threw the box, which hit a concertgoer in the head.

[Photo] Armani White takes Foellinger Auditorium by storm with energetic performance

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer • April 6, 2023
On Tuesday, Steve Kornacki, an NBC News and MSNBC national political correspondent spoke at the Spurlock Museum.

[Photo] Steve Kornacki shares experience, inspires students in Q&A panel

By Marta Narag, News Editor • March 8, 2023
Junior guard Makira Cook yells during a game against Nebraska on Feb. 22. On Thursday, Cook had a strong performance against Rutgers, putting up 24 points.

[Photo] Absurd shooting gives Illinois women‘s basketball comfortable trip to Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • March 3, 2023
Junior forward Kendall Bostic guards Nebraska’s Isabelle Bourne during Illinois’ final home game on Wednesday.

[Photo] Injuries leave No. 25 Illinois women’s basketball shorthanded in final home game of regular season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 22, 2023
Forward Kendall Bostic enjoying herself during a game against Michigan State on Jan. 29. Bostic tied for a season high in rebounds during a game against Penn State on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball earns first 20-win season for first time in 15 years

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 19, 2023
Guar Makira Cook attempts to block a shot by Michigan Sate on Jan. 29. Cook managed to give the Illini a short comeback on Sunday against Maryland unfortunately, the Illini was not able maintain the lead resulting in a win for Maryland.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball comes up short against No. 8 Maryland

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 12, 2023
The cast of "Dream Hou$e" poses after the show at The Station Theater on Thursday.

[Photo] ‘Dream Hou$e’ navigates Latina identity

February 6, 2023
Junior forward Kendall Bostic putting herself in front of the ball after a Michigan state free throw on Jan. 23. Bostic and guard Genesis Bryant carried in points for the Illini during Thursday's game against Michigan however the Illini were unable to secure the win.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball comes up short in Ann Arbor despite strong third quarter

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 2, 2023
Players of the Illinois women's basketball team line up after the game on Sunday against Michigan State to sing "Hail to the Orange." After a back and forth game, the Illini came out on top with 86 points to the Spartan's 76.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball gets back on track with 10-point win over Michigan State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 29, 2023
Redshirt senior Kendra Pasquale stands in front of Loyola's goal during awaiting Illinois' corner kick on Sept. 11.

[Photo] Kendra Pasquale leaves legacy of hard work, passion at Illinois soccer after five years with program

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 7, 2022
The Illini come together during a break against Loyola on Sept. 11. On Sunday the Illini suffered an unfortunate 1-6 defeat against Ohio State.

[Photo] Illinois soccer gets dismantled by No. 20 Ohio State following dreadful second half showing

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • October 17, 2022
The Illini get together after a tie against Loyola on Sept. 11. The Illini suffered a huge defeat against Penn State with no notable performances from the Illini resulting in a 0-5 loss.

[Photo] Illinois soccer falls on the road to No. 17 Penn State in worst defeat of season

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • September 26, 2022
A recruiter speaks with a student during the Gies Business career fair at the I-Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday. Students reflect on both, the Engineering and Gies Business, career fairs with it being held in-person and online.

[Photo] Students weigh attending career fairs online, in-person

By Jessie Wang, Contributing Writer • September 19, 2022
Sophomore forward Maeve Jones attempts to steal the ball from Illinois State on Aug. 18. The Illini will be back home at Demirjian Park against Texas A&M on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois soccer looks ahead to No. 18 Texas A&M in search of second victory over ranked opposition

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • August 30, 2022
Senior forward Summer Garrison walks on the field during the game against Illinois State on Aug. 18. The Illini will be going up against Notre Dame on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois soccer travels to Notre Dame in search of fourth consecutive victory

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • August 27, 2022
Junior goal keeper Julia Cili signals to teammates during the game against Illinois State on Aug. 18. The Illini fall to Notre Dame 4-0.

[Photo] Illinois soccer suffers heavy loss against Notre Dame for first defeat of season

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • August 28, 2022
Defensive senior Aleah Treiterer takes the ball away from Illinois State player during the game on Aug. 18. The Illini will be on the road to go up against Butler on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois soccer prepares for No. 17 Butler in first road match

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • August 24, 2022
Multimedia artist Sarah Marjanovic creates artwork inspired by nature and science. Marjanovic's passion for art began during her childhood and would lead her to participate in an event held at Link Gallery called 8 to Create.

[Photo] HOCU | The world is her canvas: Naturalistic artist Sarah Marjanovic

By Izzy Perpich, Contributing Writer • April 12, 2022
Charles Fogelman, professor in LAS, participated in the famous game show “Jeopardy!” in December. Fogelman talks about his experience and love for the show.

[Photo] Global studies professor appears on ’Jeopardy!’, wins game

By JP Legarte, Staff Writer • March 3, 2022
Cesar Monsalud, senior in Engineering, is a part of the Illini Reddit community. Monsalud created a matchmaking thread on the app to set students up on blind dates for Valentine’s Day.

[Photo] UI students play matchmaker, create blind dates for Valentine’s Day

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, News Editor • February 14, 2022
A student throws a big snow chunk during the snowball fight on the quad.

Gallery | Snow Day gives students a chance to decompress

By Sydney Laput, Cameron Krasucki, James Hoeck, Logan Hodson, Angel Saldivar and Brigida Dockus • February 4, 2022
The Illini volleyball team huddles together before a set during the match against Indiana on Nov. 12. Sports editor Jackson Janes reviews the '21 volleyball season as it officially came to an end on Thursday.

[Photo] Volleyball season in review: Illinois makes NCAA tournament return, pulls off three road upsets in bounce-back year

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 14, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team huddles together during its match against Indiana at Huff Hall on Nov. 12. The Illini fell in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament to the No. 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday, ending their season.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball falls in straight sets in Sweet 16, sees tournament run end in Austin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 9, 2021
Setter Diana Brown reaches for the ball during the game against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team is traveling to Austin, Texas to compete against Nebraska in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball heads south to take on familiar foe Nebraska in Sweet 16 of NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 9, 2021
Illinois volleyball prepares for a serve during the match against Indiana at Huff Hall on Nov. 12. The Illini took down the West Virginia Mountaineers to advance in the NCAA tournament on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball takes down West Virginia in four sets, advances in NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 3, 2021
The Illini volleyball team huddles up during the game against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team is traveling to Lexington for the first-round showdown with West Virginia.

[Photo] Tournament time: Illinois volleyball travels to Lexington for first-round showdown with West Virginia

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 3, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team huddles together during the match against Indiana on Nov. 12 at Huff Hall. The Illini will take on the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans this week to close out the regular season.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball closes regular season with matches at Michigan, Michigan State

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 24, 2021
Illini Volleyball team huddle together before their match against Indiana on Nov. 12. The team will be hosting their final home game of the regular season on Sunday against Maryland .

[Photo] No. 24 Illinois volleyball enters final two weeks of regular season, concludes home schedule

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 18, 2021
Megan Cooney prepares for an incoming serve during No. 25 Illinois' 3-0 win over Indiana on Friday at Huff Hall. The Illini fell to the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes in three sets on Sunday afternoon.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois volleyball struggles to find consistency on offense, falls to No. 10 Ohio State in three sets

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 14, 2021
Junior outside hitter Jessica Nunge goes up for a kill against Minnesota on Nov. 6. The No. 25 Illini took down the Indiana Hoosiers, 3-0, on Friday night at Huff Hall.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois volleyball gets back on track with three-set sweep of Indiana

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 12, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Indian Food

By Raina Kutliroff, Staff Writer • November 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Mexican Food

By Raina Kutliroff, Staff Writer • November 3, 2021
The Illini Cross Country team runs together while surpassing other opponents during the 2021 Illini Open Oct. 22.

[Photo] Illinois cross country places second at Illini Open

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • October 22, 2021
Junior Josie Frazier readies herself on the court during the game against Michigan State on April 9. The Illini look to improve this season with fresh faces after losing four athletes to graduation.

[Photo] Illini women’s tennis looks to improve on .500 season

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • September 24, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong celebrates winning a point with her teammates cheering her on from a neighboring court at the match against Michigan State April 9. The team capped off the year with a 9-9 record.

[Photo] Illinois finishes off eventful season with respectable record

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • May 12, 2021
Sophomores Ashley Yeah and Josie Frazier celebrate after scoring against Minnesota on April 9. The team's season is over after a lost against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament.

[Photo] Illinois gets knocked out of Big Ten tournament after Michigan loss

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong finishes up a match against Michigan State April 9 at Atkins Tennis Center. The team prepares to take on Purdue in the Big Ten tournament Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois heads to Madison to compete in Big Ten tournament

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • April 28, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong swings at the tennis ball during their match on April 9 against Michigan. The Women's Tennis team celebrates finishing their regular season by beating Northwestern.

[Photo] Illinois pulls off huge upset against No. 7 Northwestern

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • April 18, 2021
Freshman Kate Duong hits a ball during a match against Michigan State on April 9. The Illinois women's tennis team will play their final match of the regular season on Sunday against Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center.

[Photo] Illinois to finish off regular season against Northwestern

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • April 17, 2021
Allen Hall sits quietly at 1005 W. Gregory Drive in Urbana on Oct. 24. University housing occupancy rates have been declining due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] University Housing experiences occupancy decline amid pandemic

By Thomas DeMouy, Staff Writer • April 8, 2021
Sophomore infielder Justin Janas rounds third base in a game against Northwestern on March 27 at Illinois Field.

[Photo] Spring sports update: Men’s tennis on 10-match winning streak, soccer enters playoffs with momentum

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • April 6, 2021
Freshman Peyton Hutchings pitches in a game against Northwestern on March 27. The Illinois baseball team lost their series to the Cornhuskers this weekend.

[Photo] Illini drop grueling series against Cornhuskers

By Jared Ebanks, Staff Writer • April 4, 2021
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