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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
Candice Zhou

Candice Zhou, Assistant Photo Editor

Hey! My name is Candice Zhou, and I’m a junior majoring in accounting and finance. I joined The Daily Illini in spring 2022 as a photographer and am now the assistant photo editor. I love music and singing (I am currently in a band called Too Soon!). I also like traveling, watching movies, playing tennis, etc. Fun fact about me: I am a DJ! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

The Illini line up during their game against the Penn State Lady Lions on Feb. 13.

[Photo] 4 key success factors heading into Shauna Green’s 4th season

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Oct 29, 2025
Runners participate in the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in Champaign on Apr. 26. Race organizers announced the theme for the 2026 race weekend — "Leave Your Legacy."

[Photo] Christie Clinic Race Weekend unveils 2026 theme

By Valeria Petryshchuk, Contributing Writer • Oct 28, 2025
Students study at the second level of the Grainger Engineering Library on Sept. 8, 2024. The University was ranked the No. 36 best university by U.S. News and World Report, with the Grainger College of Engineering taking the No. 5 spot for best undergraduate engineering programs.

[Photo] UI drops slightly in US News & World Report rankings

By William Karr, Contributing Writer • Sep 24, 2025
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema talks to a referee at a game against Penn State on September 16, 2023.

[Photo] Watch out for Bielema

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Jul 11, 2025
Runners compete in 2025's Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend on April 26. People have the option to compete in several different races, including the full and half marathon.

[Photo] Illinois Race Weekend sprints into town, fosters community

By Elizabeth Bichkoff, Contributing Writer • Apr 26, 2025
Good Neighbours perform their song "Ripple" at canopy club on Monday.

[Photo] Good Neighbours bring welcoming vibe to Canopy Club

By Thomas O’Sullivan, Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter • Apr 23, 2025
The Illini link arms on the court in a show of unity during a game against Florida State on Feb. 13.

[Photo] Illini place as No. 8 seed in NCAA tournament

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Mar 16, 2025
Redshirt sophomore utility player Yazzy Avila runs to second base during a game against Ohio State on April 15, 2023.

[Photo] Back at Eichelberger Field

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 11, 2025
Slow Pulp performs at City Center on Mar. 4.

[Photo] Slow Pulp takes over City Center with indie rock perfection

By Thomas O’Sullivan, Staff Writer • Mar 7, 2025
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[Photo] Unofficial 2025: Live updates

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Mar 7, 2025
The Orange Krush student section waves their Daily Illini newspapers during pregame introductions against Purdue on March 5, 2024.

[Photo] DI sports picks | Illinois vs. Purdue

By Sports Staff • Mar 7, 2025
Wei Wang, senior in LAS, takes a nap on the Illini Union chairs on Feb. 17.

[Photo] Best of CU ’25 | Best Nap Spot: Illini Union Chairs

By Nina Issel, Staff Writer • Mar 6, 2025
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant watches her three-point shot fall in the basket during the game against Penn State on Feb. 13.

[Photo] Illinois seniors close season finale with late-game loss to Michigan

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Mar 2, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic and senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill fight for a rebound under the basket during a game against Penn State on Feb. 13.

[Photo] Opinion | Player grades from Illinois’ trip out West

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 26, 2025
The Illini stand side by side after their victory over the Penn State Lady Lions on Feb. 13.

[Photo] Week 15 player grades for No. 25 Illinois

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Feb 18, 2025
Runners race around the track corner during a relay on April 8, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois splits up for double meet

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2025
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant dribbles in front of a Florida State defender on Nov. 3, 2024.

[Photo] Highs, lows from Illinois’ overtime win over Rutgers

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2025
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook handles the ball against Florida State on Nov. 3, 2024.

[Photo] Makira Cook, Gretchen Dolan ruled out for remainder of 2024-25 season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • Jan 8, 2025
A pile of snow near the Main Quad on Jan. 24, 2024.

[Photo] City offices, schools among closed in CU due to inclement weather

By Anya Nair, Staff Writer • Jan 6, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie waiting for an inbound pass against Florida State on Nov. 3.

[Photo] Against Southern Indiana, Illinois seeks 11th straight home victory

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Dec 15, 2024
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant takes the ball up top as fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic posts up down low on Jan. 25.

[Photo] No. 21 Illinois opens Big Ten play at No. 12 Ohio State

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Dec 8, 2024
Senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill sets a screen for fifth-year guard Makira Cook to drive to the paint in a game against No. 19 Florida State on Nov. 7.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois women’s basketball faces first true road game at Canisius 

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2024
Sophomore guard Gretchan Dolan curls around a screen for a wide open shot on Nov. 3.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois blows by UMES to open Music City Classic

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 27, 2024
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook drives to the basket against No. 19 Florida State on Nov. 3.

[Photo] Player grades, notes for No. 19 Illinois in Week 4

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Dec 1, 2024
Sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan takes the ball at the left wing in a big win over Florida State on Nov. 3.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois heads to Nashville for Music City Classic

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • Nov 26, 2024
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook uses a screen to drive to the basket for a layup against No. 19 Florida State on Nov. 3.

[Photo] No. 22 Illinois seeks 5-0 start in final game of homestand against Oregon State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 22, 2024
Roland Realty property located on First Street on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

[Photo] Roland Realty is not sorry for partying

By Lillie Salas and Ella Narag • Oct 21, 2024
Books sit on a shelf in the University's Main Library on W Gregory Drive.

[Photo] Banned Books Week sparks powerful conversations about freedoms

By Felicity Abbott, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2024
Students study at the second level of Grainger Engineering Library on Sunday night.

[Photo] UPDATED: Man arrested at Grainger Engineering Library

By Anna Ceja, Staff Writer • Sep 9, 2024
Corn in-stock at County Market on Saturday.

[Photo] Corn sweat increases humidity in Midwest, UI professor talks corn research

By Reyanna Paul, Senior News Reporter • Sep 8, 2024
Champaign Police cars stand by on Green Street during the Pro-Palestine Encampment on April 26.

[Photo] ILEAP awards CPD highest accreditation

By Ashwin Padmanabhan, Staff Writer • Sep 6, 2024
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[Photo] Live coverage: Third day of encampment persists on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Apr 30, 2024
#88 Keith Randolph Jr. celebrates a dropped pass during a football game against Penn State on Sept. 16.

[Photo] Chicago Bears sign former Illini Keith Randolph Jr. as undrafted free agent

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Reporter • Apr 27, 2024
Police officers block off Green street east of Wright Street.

[Photo] Live coverage: Students supporting Palestine hold encampment at Alma Mater

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Apr 26, 2024
Defensive players Tarique Barnes, Tyler Strain and Zachary Tobe leave the field after a turnover during the Homecoming Football game against Wisconsin on Oct. 21.

[Photo] Illinois defensive back Zachary Tobe enters transfer portal

By Tess Eken and Ben Fader • Apr 16, 2024
Professor Hermann von Hesse sits at his desk on April 12.

[Photo] Q&A with Hermann von Hesse: UI professor, recipient of 2024 ACLS fellowship

By Andy Cho and Naveed Ahmed • Apr 16, 2024
A group of moms and their children riding an Illini Pub Cycle on Green Street, Saturday, April 13.

[Photo] Moms Weekend 2024: Live Coverage

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Apr 10, 2024
The corona of the solar eclipse radiates light during full totality. On Monday, students flooded campus, ditched classes and took a trip to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in Illinois.

Gallery | Let’s watch the eclipse

By James Hoeck, Isaac Pinkus, Yichen Liu, Bianca Olson, Anh-Khoi Pham, Angel Saldivar and Candice Zhou • Apr 9, 2024
A hot latte from the Literary at 22 N Neil St provides company to astrophysics homework.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Study Spot — Coffee: The Literary

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
A plate of honey roasted beet and arugula from Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano on Mar. 23. The restaurant serves as a perfect spot to bring your mom for a top-notch dinner.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Place to Take Your Mom to Dinner: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

By Ashwin Padmanabhan, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
The Illini Pantry glows during the night on sixth street on March 23.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Liquor Store: Illini Pantry

By Meghna Sarkar, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
The T. rex burger with extra mushrooms from Jurassic Grill, a campus-favorite spot for late-night munchies and drunk eats, located accessibly on Green Street.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Burger: Jurassic Grill

By Michael Bales, Assistant News Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Four dishes of rib tips and burnt ends from Black Dog Smoke & Ale House on Feb. 9. The sokehouse is located on North Chestnut Street in Champaign.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best BBQ: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
The Fat F sandwich from Fat Sandwich Company, located on John Street, on March 23. Fat Sandwich Company has come to be a beloved drunk haven for Illinois students.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Drunk Food (TIE): Fat Sandwich Company

By Abby Tiu, Assistant Copy Chief • Mar 28, 2024
A tablet and a cup of coffee in The Literary on March 23.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Off-Campus Study Spot: The Literary

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Senior guard Makira Cook dribbles and defenses Ohio State on Jan. 25.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball hosts Missouri State in Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament 

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • Mar 21, 2024
Graduate student Marcus Domask attempts to get a shot through Purdue on Mar. 5.

[Photo] Career night from Dainja lifts No. 3 Illinois men’s basketball to second round

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 21, 2024
Graduate Student Marcus Domask defenses during the game against Purdue on Mar. 5.

[Photo] No. 13 Illinois men’s basketball kicks off Big Ten tournament against Ohio State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 15, 2024
Graduate student Kelly Ryono gets ready to hit back the ball during the game against Ohio on Apr. 15.

[Photo] Illinois drops 3 of 5 in Purple & Gold Challenge

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • Mar 4, 2024
Graduate student Marcus Domask trys to score against Purdue during the 1st half on Tuesday.

[Photo] No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball falls short against No. 3 Purdue in top of Big Ten clash

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Mar 5, 2024
Spicy pork bowl from Jip Bap on Feb. 25.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Korean Food: Jip Bap

By Saagar Kolachina, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
The parking meter displays "Expired" on Chalmers street on Sunday.

[Photo] Champaign City Council discusses ‘missing middle housing,’ minimum parking requirements 

By Erin Morrison, Staff Writer • Feb 29, 2024
Redshirt Senior pitcher Addy Jarvis throws out the ball against Ohio State on Apr. 15.

[Photo] Illinois softball looks for first 2024 win at Spring Games

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • Feb 15, 2024
Audience cheers up during football game against Penn State on Sep. 16.

[Photo] Column | Sporting events are quintessential to the college experience — attend more games!

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 20, 2024
Senior forward Kendall Bostic and fifth year Center Camille Hobby hustle back on defense against Ohio on Jan. 28.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball looks to sweep Northwestern

By Mathias Spitzer, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2024
TikTok displays the Chinese Beaver meme through the user feed on Sunday.

[Photo] Music disappears off TikTok as UMG fights for new contract

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • Feb 2, 2024
Books stand in the shelf in the Main Library on Jan. 31, 2024.

[Photo] Illinois becomes first state to prohibit funding for libraries with book bans

By Reyanna Paul, News Writer • Jan 31, 2024
Fifth-year Center Camille Hobby shields the ball and passes the defender during the game against Ohio State on Jan. 25.

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

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • Jan 27, 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 • Dec 31, 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 • Oct 28, 2023
Wisconsin fights to get to the ball on Oct. 21.

[Photo] 2023_Homecoming

Oct 26, 2023
Customers wait in line at Legends on Sunday afternoon. Legends serves a an excellent location to visit during Homecoming week for drinks.

[Photo] Raise the bar for Homecoming with UI’s signature drink spots

By Lillie Salas and Lisa Chasanov • Oct 19, 2023
Legends locates on green st., opens from 11 am - 2am.

[Photo] Best places to score a meal, watch Homecoming game

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • Oct 18, 2023
An MTD bus arrives at Transit Plaza on Thursday.

[Photo] MTD Board meeting covers ridership numbers, Eagle Express route 

By Jude Panlilio, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2023
Setter Diana Brown sets the ball for her team against Minnesota on Nov. 16, 2022.

[Photo] Meet the Illini: Pan, Barry infuse winning mentality into Illinois volleyball

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • Sep 15, 2023
Illini and Penn State lineup against each other before starting their plays on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois football faces big test in 1st conference matchup against No. 7 Penn State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 15, 2023
Wide receiver Casey Washington and wide receiver Ashton Hollins celebrating by touching each other's helmets.

Gallery | Illini fumble second home game this season

By James Hoeck, Candice Zhou and Daniel Zhou • Sep 17, 2023
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[Photo] 09.16.23_FTBLvsPennState

Sep 16, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielma takes action on the field during the fourth quarter of today’s game against Penn State.

[Photo] Illini offense sputters in Penn State drubbing

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 16, 2023
Josh Spinner performed at 2 p.m. on Saturday during Champaign's Street Fest.

[Photo] Champaignʼs Street Fest takes over Campustown

By Kiran Bond and Maaike Niekerk • Sep 10, 2023
Tacool Tacos, originally located on the East John Street, on Aug 24 were closed. Tacool bids farewell amidst disagreements with the restaurant owner, and transforms into Taco 7.

[Photo] Family behind Tacool announce departure from restaurant

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • Aug 24, 2023
Lauren Wiles delivers a pitch to Abby Ryniec against Ohio State on April 15. Sydney Sickels and Lauren Wiles have been a successful tandem lately and will be relied on to get the Illini into the tournament.

[Photo] Illinois softball hosts Maryland in season finale

May 5, 2023
Senior outfielder Kelly Ryono hits a ball to straightaway center in the game against Ohio State on April 15 to give the Illini a 2-0 lead.

[Photo] Kelly Ryono leads Illinois softball to victory over DePaul for 4th consecutive win

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 25, 2023
The Japan House, located at 2000 South Lincoln Avenue in Urbana, has many sights to see and opportunities for guests to get involved.

[Photo] UI‘s Japan House springs into celebration

By Tianxin Li, Contributing Writer • Apr 26, 2023
The illini come together celebrating halfway through the game on date. Though they did not display the strongest performance on day but were able to pull the win against team.

[Photo] Illinois softball splits doubleheader against Ohio State amid inconsistencies

By Shawn Sloan, Contributing Writer • Apr 16, 2023
Wei Wang, sophomore in LAS, coding in Grainger.

[Photo] UI partners with Amazon to establish AI center on campus

By Liam Mathews, Staff Writer • Apr 14, 2023
Einstein Bros. Bagel selection at the Illini Union on April 12. Einstein Bros. Bagels will be leaving campus this month on April 28.

[Photo] Satire | Campus Scout | Campus Scones to fill void left by Einstein Bros.

By Campus Scout • Apr 14, 2023
Graduate Student Bret Dannis sprints while performing in a relay race on Saturday. The Illini faced off against a variety of teams during their Illini Challenge meet on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois men’s track & field shows out at Illini Challenge meet against Midwest rivals

By Said Nonoal, Contributing Writer • Apr 10, 2023
A statue of a mammoth was recently installed on the south end of the Natural History Building.

[Photo] Woolly mammoth statue sparks reactions from students

By Jessie Wang, Assistant News Editor • Mar 27, 2023
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[Photo] Letter to the Editor | Smoke shops near campus undermine student safety

Mar 31, 2023
KAMS sits empty on Wednesday night, contrary to its normal busy nature on weekend days. Senior columnist Nathaniel Langley argues that the bar is so straight that it is gay.

[Photo] Opinion | KAMS is so straight it’s gay

By Nathaniel Langley, Senior Columnist • Mar 9, 2023
GEO members march around the quad on Wednesday protesting for women’s rights.

[Photo] Graduate Employees’ Organization marches for women’s labor rights

By Lisa Chasanov, Staff Writer • Mar 8, 2023
Hub Champaign Daniel, constructed in 2021, stands at the corner of Sixth and Daniel streets. The building's sign, pictured on Saturday, is missing a letter.

[Photo] Editorial | Unreasonable high-rises tower over modest housing

By The Daily Illini Editorial Board • Feb 22, 2023
Hailey Alessandra, senior in LAS, opened a smoke shop off South Sixth Street in Champaign to help fight negative stigmas about girls who smoke. Alessandra hopes to hold a grand opening on Friday.

[Photo] Hailey’s gets blunt about smoking stigmas

By Cecilia Milmoe, Features Editor • Feb 16, 2023
The COVID-19 testing center operated by Shield Illinois in the Campus Recreation Center East is the last one open on campus after the location in the Illini Union closed on Feb. 10.

[Photo] Closure of Illini Union testing site creates concern among students, faculty

By Anneliese Cornejo Garcia, Contributing Writer • Feb 16, 2023
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