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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
Brendyn Jones

Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports On-Air Editor

[email protected]

The Community United Church of Christ houses Jubilee Café and stands at 805 S. 6th Street, in Champaign March 21. The cafe celebrated their four year anniversary of serving free meals to students and community members.

Campus church celebrates fourth anniversary of providing free meals

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 20, 2021
A second arrest has been made in connection to the shooting that took place at Centennial High School on Sept. 25 for aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Second suspect arrested in connection with shooting near Centennial High School

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 13, 2021
The Abbott Power Plant stands at 1117 S. Oak St. in Champaign near the west end of campus. UI professor emeritus expresses environmental and safety concerns for the proposed location of the reactor.

New climate law has little impact on UI power

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 30, 2021
The "Royal DystruXion” dance group from Danville performs at the Buy Black Chambana hosted pop-up shop in Helms Park on Sept. 11. The event aims to document and share Black-owned businesses in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Buy Black Chambana hosts pop-up shop in Helms Park

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports On-Air Editor • September 22, 2021
A syringe filled with the Moderna vaccine sits beside boxes of bandages and wipes at the Church of the Living God on Feb. 20. The deadline to be begin the vaccination process at the University was Sept. 16, yet the undergrad vaccination rate is at 91%.

91% of undergrads vaccinated as vaccine deadline looms

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 15, 2021
Members of the organization Black Students for Revolution pose for a photo. The organization recently called out the University on their silence regarding police shootings.

Black Students for Revolution call out UI silence toward police shootings

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant on-air editor • May 3, 2021
Author Michael Fischbach poses for a photo with his book “Black Power and Palestine” at the Middle East Studies Association awards on Nov. 16, 2018. University RSO’s Black Students for Revolution and Students for Justice in Palestine spoke with Fischbach about intersectionality of Black and Palestinian struggles.

RSOs discuss intersectionality of Black and Palestinian struggles

By Mona Alrazzaq and Brendyn Jones • May 3, 2021
Senior Milo Eifler wraps up an Iowa ball carrier during competition. Eifler is leaving the Illinois football team to pursue opportunities in the NFL.

Milo Eifler leaves Illinois in pursuit of NFL dreams

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 30, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams throws a pass during the game against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 56-21.

Notes, player grades: Illini struggle on both ends of the ball in final loss

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 20, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams runs the ball in Illinois' game against Northwestern Saturday afternoon. The Illini struggled in all areas of the game, falling 28-10.

Notes, player grades: Illini struggle all around in regular season finale

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 12, 2020
Illinois players Kofi Cockburn and Giorgi Bezhanishvili attempt to block a shot from Duke's Matthew Hurt during the game between the two teams on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 83-68.

Illinois defense shows growth early

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 10, 2020
The Illinois offensive line prepares to hike the ball during the game against Iowa on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 35-21.

Notes, player grades: Underperformance continues for Illini

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 5, 2020
Da'Monte Williams shoots a three-pointer in Illinois' game against Ohio on Friday. Williams has proved his offensive ability, making six three-pointers through three games.

Da’Monte Williams’ three-point shot rounds out his game

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 28, 2020
Running back Mike Epstein runs the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini won 41-23.

Notes, player grades: Illinois finds identity at Nebraska

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 22, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams runs through Rutgers defenders on Saturday. The Illini won 23-20.

Notes, player grades: Defense steps up late as Illini pick up first win of season

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 14, 2020
Junior defensive back Jartavius Martin tackles a Minnesota player during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 41-14.

Notes, player grades: Illini can’t stop the run

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 8, 2020
Illinois running back Mike Epstein sweeps left during the game against Purdue on Oct. 31. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Notes, player grades: Illini defensive line continues to impress

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 2, 2020
Brendyn Jones fills his water bottle from the filtered sink in his kitchen. Water filters are one of several necessary items new students shouldn’t forget.

[Photo] Don’t forget to bring these items to your apartment

By JJ Kim, Editor-in-Chief • October 5, 2020
The Illini huddle up during the game against Indiana on March 1. Illinois is highly ranked in multiple preseason polls.

Preseason rankings favor Illini

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 28, 2020
Illini football players junior Jamal Woods, junior Kendrick Green and senior Kendall Smith lead the way of the Black Lives Matter protest on Monday. The athlete-led protest included multiple on campus representatives from different Illini sports teams, including the football team.

Illini athletes lead protest, call for unity

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • August 31, 2020
House of Paign player Billy Garrett goes for a layup during the match against Red Scare on July 10. House of ‘Paign was one of the 24 teams invited to Columbus, Ohio. to compete in The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination style tournament.

Illini basketball alumni excel in The Basketball Tournament this summer

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • August 24, 2020
Two I-Guides push a cart loaded with a student’s items during move-in on Aug. 22, 2019.

Pack these items for Move-In Day

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • August 17, 2020
Junior Kylie Bruder sets the ball during the match against Loyola Marymount on Sept. 21, 2019.

Best Illini Uniforms: Orange with blue stripe ranks at top of 2019 volleyball jerseys

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • May 13, 2020
Team of the Century: Wrestling wins 2005 Big Ten Title

Team of the Century: Wrestling wins 2005 Big Ten Title

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • May 4, 2020
Illinois wide receiver Donny Navarro breaks free for a touchdown during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19, 2019.

Navarro commits to continued success for upcoming football season

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • April 26, 2020
We need to learn to live without sports

We need to learn to live without sports

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • April 10, 2020
Senior Travis Piotrowski grabs at a Purdue opponent's shoulder during the Illinois' dual against Purdue at Huff Hall on Feb. 16.

Wrestlers reflect on careers, look toward future

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • March 25, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu hypes up the crowd at State Farm Center during the game against Iowa on March 8. The Illini beat the Hawkeyes 78-76 in what might have been Dosunmu's last game as an Illini.

Coronavirus halts sports world, affects NBA draft

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • March 15, 2020

Alex Brown wins Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Week

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • March 10, 2020
Senior Travis Piotrowski wrestles Austin Assad during the Illinois’ dual against Michigan on Jan. 26 at Huff Hall. Six Illini wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

Six Illini earn bids to NCAA Championships following Big Ten tourney

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • March 9, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu rises through two Indiana players for a dunk during the Illini's game against the Hoosiers at State Farm Center Sunday afternoon. Illinois outplayed Indiana, 67-66 and bounces back into the Associated Press top-25 poll for the first time in three weeks.

Illinois snatches No. 23 spot in latest AP Poll

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • March 2, 2020
Illini sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu throw the ball in during Illinois' game against Michigan State on Dec. 11 at State Farm Center. Dosunmu earned his first Big Ten Player of the Week award, the conference announced Monday.

Dosunmu named Big Ten Player of the Week

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • February 25, 2020

Eli Sharping named new volleyball assistant

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • February 13, 2020

Illini volleyball assistant coach Reft accepts San Diego job

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • February 5, 2020
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn attempts a layup during the game against Minnesota on Thursday at the Statefarm Center. The Illini lost the match 59-51.

Hawkeyes snap Illini’s seven-game win streak

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • February 3, 2020

Former Illini, Robert Archibald, dies at 39

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • January 26, 2020
Center Kofi Cockburn prepares a jump shot during a game against Northwestern on Saturday. Illinois won the match 75-71.

Illini earn No. 21 spot in latest AP college hoops poll

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant Sports Editor • January 21, 2020
Defensive lineman Wole Betiku Jr. looks on from the sidelines during Illinois' game against Eastern Michigan on September 14. Betiku declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, he announced via Twitter Saturday. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports.

Betiku declares for the NFL Draft

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • January 11, 2020
Kennedi Myles drives past a Merrimack defender during Illinois’ game against Merrimack at State Farm Center on Tuesday.

Illinois dominates Merrimack College

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • December 11, 2019
Outside hitter Jacqueline Quade spikes the ball during the Illinois’ game in Utah at Provo, Utah, Friday. The Illini’s loss to the Utes in the first round of the NCAA tournament ended the team’s season.

Illinois falls to Utah at NCAA Tournament

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • December 9, 2019
The Illini celebrate after scoring a point during the match against Eastern Michigan in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Huff Hall on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

Volleyball gets ready for NCAA tournament

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • December 4, 2019
Petra Holešínská (13), Kennedi Myles (44) and J-Naya Ephraim (0) run down the court of the State Farm Center during Illinois’ game against Presbyterian. Illinois beat Presbyterian 71-52 on Saturday.

Illinois women’s basketball capitalizes on assists to beat Presbyterian

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • December 2, 2019
Illinois defeats Northwestern in final regular-season match

Illinois defeats Northwestern in final regular-season match

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 28, 2019
Morgan O’ Brien (middle) sets up Jacqueline Quade (left) for a spike during Illinois’ game against No. 8 Penn State at Huff Hall on Friday. The Illinois volleyball team will play at Maryland on Friday and Ohio State on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball prepares to face Maryland and Ohio State on the road

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 21, 2019
Senior outside hitter Jacqueline Quade spikes the ball against two defenders. Illinois faced Penn State at Huff Hall on Friday.

Illini bounce back after Nittany Lions’ loss

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 18, 2019
Sophomore guard J-Naya Ephraim drives in for a layup during Illinois’ game against Austin Peay at the State Farm Center. Illinois beat Austin Peay 76-62 on Wednesday.

Illini fall to Redbirds in first loss of season 74-58

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 18, 2019

Holešínská, Peebles lead Illinois to defeat Austin Peay

By Brendyn Jones and Brendyn Jones • November 14, 2019
Coach Tamas gazes at the court at Huff Hall on on Sept. 28.

Illini fall to Wolverines, look forward to weekend matches

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 13, 2019
Ali Andrews pulls up for a three pointer at the Illini's game vs. Holy Cross at the State Farm Center on Nov. 10.

Illinois hosts Austin Peay Wednesday

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 12, 2019
Jada Peebles runs down the court at the State Farm Center on Saturday.

Illini women’s basketball wins in overtime battle

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • November 10, 2019
Kennedy Collins sets the ball over a Michigan defender at Huff Hall on Friday.

Illinois volleyball prepares for Iowa

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 5, 2019
Brandi Beasley runs up the court at State Farm Center on Feb. 17. The women's basketball team will open their season on Tuesday, hosting Chicago State.

Illinois to host Chicago State in season opener

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 4, 2019
Diana Brown sets the ball to outside hitter Jacqueline Quade during Illinois’ game against Michigan at Huff Hall on Friday. The Illini fell to the Wolverines in four sets.

Illinois volleyball splits weekend series to pick up milestone victory

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 4, 2019
Jacqueline Quade celebrates with the Illini Volleyball team after scoring a point at Huff Hall vs Minnesota on Oct. 9. Illinois lost to Penn State on Wednesday, 3-2.

Illinois falls to Penn State

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 25, 2019
The Illini celebrate after defeating Indiana 3-0 on Saturday. The team will play Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Penn State this week.

Illini prepare to play three top-10 teams

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 18, 2019
Mica Allison (13) celebrates with the Illini volleyball team after scoring a point at Huff Hall against Indiana on Saturday. Allison, who transferred from Auburn University this season, brings a variety of position experience to the table.

Allison brings versatile talent from Auburn to Champaign

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 17, 2019
Megan Cooney rises up to spike the ball on Wednesday. The Illini lost 1-3.

Illinois falls to Minnesota

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 11, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Megan Cooney (15) spikes the ball during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illini win against Boilermakers 3-1

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 8, 2019
Ashlyn Fleming (12) and Diana Brown (5) jump to block a ball at Huff Hall vs Iowa on Saturday.

Illini lose to Cornhuskers, win against Hawkeyes

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 30, 2019
Illinois defensive specialist Megan O’Brien (16) gets ready to pass the ball during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illinois prepare for No. 3 Nebraska

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 26, 2019
The Illini celebrate after scoring a point at Huff Hall on Sept. 1. Illinois defeated Tennessee 3-2.

Illinois finishes 1-2 at Redbird Classic

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 16, 2019
Megan Cooney (15) and Kyla Swanson (6) attempt to block a shot at Huff Hall on Sept. 1. Illinois defeated Tennessee 3-2.

Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge hands Illini first losses

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 9, 2019
The Illini shake hands with Tennessee after their victory at Huff Hall on Sunday. The Illini won 3-2.

Collins shines in first matches with Illini

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 5, 2019
The Illini celebrate at Huff Hall on Sunday after scoring a point.

Illinois outplays Tennessee, starts fall campaign 2-0

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • September 3, 2019

Small named Coach of the Year

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • May 2, 2019
Varun Chopra golfs at the Olympia Field Country Club/Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields on Sept. 16.

Starters selected for Big Ten tournament

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • April 25, 2019

Men’s golf travels to Iowa for Hawkeye Invitational

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • April 18, 2019
Adrien Dumont de Chassart prepares for his next putt at the Olympia Fields Country Club/Fighting Illini Invitational in Olympia Fields, Illinois, on Sept. 16. The Illini finished in sixth with a score of 22-over-par.

Freshman contribution drives team forward

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • April 15, 2019
Adrien Dumont de Chassart prepares for his next putt at the Olympia Fields Country Club/Fighting Illini Invitational in Olympia Fields, Illinois, on Sept. 16. The Illini finished in sixth with a score of 22-over-par.

Golf prepares for Augusta meet

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • April 4, 2019
Michael Feagles follows the ball after a drive.

Three Illini finish in top 25 at tournament

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • March 28, 2019
Senior earns All-American honors at championship

Senior earns All-American honors at championship

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • March 25, 2019
Illinois’ Mike Carr wrestles with Iowa’s Max Murin in the 141-pound match at Huff Hall on Jan. 25. The Illini lost 31-8.

Illinois bound for Big Ten Championships

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • March 7, 2019
The Braunagel twins talk during a break in practice at the Wrestling practice space at Huff Hall. The two brothers decided to attend the University after each having a successful high school campaign.

Double trouble: Brothers share first-year experience

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • February 28, 2019
Illinois' Emery Parker is declared the winner against Maryland's Niko Capello in the 184 pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. The Illini won 25-18.

Parker gets last win at Huff Hall; Illini drop both weekend meets

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • February 19, 2019
Illinois’ Deuce Rachal wrestles with Maryland’s Youssif Hemida in the 285-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Seniors strive to leave legacy

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • February 18, 2019
Illinois' Mike Carr wrestles with Iowa's Max Murin in the 141-pound match at Huff Hall on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. The Illini lost 31-8.

Carr wrestles with ambitious goals on and off the mat

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • February 11, 2019
Illinois’ Eric Barone wrestles with Iowa’s Kaleb Young in the 157-pound match at Huff Hall on Friday. The Illini lost 31-8.

Team faces uphill battle after frustrating loss to Iowa

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • January 28, 2019

Illini set to fight Hawkeyes

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • January 24, 2019
Illinois’ Travis Piotrowski wrestles with Maryland’s Brandon Cray in the 125-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Illinois wrestling to host Golden Gophers

By Brendyn Jones • January 17, 2019
Illinois’ Emery Parker wrestles with Maryland’s Niko Capello in the 184-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Parker strong as Illini take down Spartans but fall to Wolverines

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • January 14, 2019
Illinois’ Travis Piotrowski wrestles with Maryland’s Brandon Cray in the 125-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Illini prepare for second dual meet

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • December 6, 2018
Illinois’ Eric Barone wrestles with Maryland’s Alfred Bannister in the 149-pound weight class during a meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18.

Illini compete in Las Vegas

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • December 3, 2018
Illinois’ Deuce Rachal wrestles with Maryland’s Youssif Hemida in the 285-pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Jan. 28. The Illini won 25-18. Rachal will compete this year alongside his two brothers who joined the program.

Star wrestler Rachal offers guidance to younger twin brothers

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • November 29, 2018

Hometown kid Cardani wins first match as Illini

By Brendyn Jones • November 15, 2018

Illini bounce back in St. Louis match

By Brendyn Jones, Staff writer • November 12, 2018
Illinois' Emery Parker wrestles with Maryland's Niko Capello in the 184 pound weight class during the meet at Huff Hall on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. The Illini won 25-18.

Illini wrestling falls to Missouri 30-8 in season opener

By Brendyn Jones, Contributing writer • November 7, 2018
Senior Michael Feagles follows the ball after a drive. Feagles will look to build on his success from last season and continue the program’s success.

Men’s Golf wins second consecutive tournament at Notre Dame

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 16, 2018
Illinois men’s golf freshman Adrien Dumont de Chassart competes at the OFCC/FI Invitational in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

Illini of the Week: Freshman birdies team to victory

By Brendyn Jones, Contributing Writer • October 4, 2018
Senior Michael Feagles follows the ball after a drive. Feagles will look to build on his success from last season and continue the program’s success.

Macdonald Cup: Men’s golf takes first

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • October 3, 2018
ILLordle: Play now