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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
James Hoeck

James Hoeck, Assistant Photo Editor

Heyo! I am James Hoeck, a second year undergraduate student majoring in Photography with a minor in Media. I hold the position of Assistant Photo Editor here at The Daily Illini and have been a part of it since Fall 2021. I also take photos and manage the photo department for Illini Media's Illio Yearbook, so there is a good chance you'll see me out and about on campus taking photos for one of the two or both! If you want to checkout more of my work, feel free to follow me on Instagram @semaj.jpeg
or contact me at:

Forward Coleman Hawkins exits the court during the last home game of the season on Mar. 2. Coleman, whom is currently a junior in university, took to social media on Tuesday to make public on entering the 2023 NBA Draft.

[Photo] Coleman Hawkins declares for 2023 NBA Draft following 3-year career at Illinois

March 28, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins leaps into the air going for a dunk against Michigan during the first half on Mar. 2. The Illini faced a lot of challenges during this season and despite giving some amazing performances this season they were not able to meet their potential with an early exit in the NCAA tournament.

[Photo] “A lot of ups and downs:” Illinois men’s basketball experiences 2022-23 season of early highs, late struggles

March 29, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoves on through Michigans defense during the first half of the Illinis last home game of the season on Mar. 2. Shannon played great offensive against Penn State unfortunately the team was unable to secure the win and are now out of the Big Ten tournament.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois’ early Big Ten tournament exit against Penn State

March 9, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. gives directions to the rest of the team to make a play against Michigan on Thursday. Shannon gave Michigan a challenge with his performance that led the Illini to win the last home game of the season.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s double-overtime victory over Michigan

March 3, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. blocks Northwesterns guard player Matthew Nicholson during the second half of Thursday nights game. Columnist Theodore Gary writes on missing out on watching the Illini face off against Northwestern.

[Photo] Column | I couldn’t watch the Northwestern game…

February 28, 2023
Guard Jada Peebles and Forward/Center Geovana Lopes during their senior night after their last home game on Wednesday. The Illini ended of their last game on Sunday against Rutgers.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball closes regular season on high note with dominant win at Rutgers

February 26, 2023
Guard R.J. Melendez gets the ball to the opposing side of the court on Thursday. Melendez showed growth in his role for the team during his play time against Ohio on Sunday.

[Photo] Player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s loss to Ohio State

February 26, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins after a missed shot by the Illini during the first half of Thursday nights game against Northwestern. Struggling with offense, the Illini fell to Ohio State on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball unable to overtake Ohio State, falls 72–60

February 26, 2023
Guard Jayden Epps makes a pass to his team in a attempt to score against Northwestern during the first half of last nights game. During the game against Northwestern Epps did not play an effective role to the defeat of the team on Thursday.

[Photo] DI Sports podcast: Shannon the key to success in March

February 24, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. walks the court during the start of the second half of the game against Northwestern last evening. After an earlier injury leaving Shannon away from the court for the past two matches, Shannon came back swinging to defeat Northwestern this Thursday.

[Photo] Terrence Shannon Jr. ignites Illinois men’s basketball past No. 21 Northwestern in return from injury

February 24, 2023
Guard/forward Ty Rodgers pulls guard Sencire Harris to the side after a foul around the start of the second half during last nights game. After Harriss rough performance during the first half Harriss team helped get him back on track in order to make a comeback to defeat Northwestern.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s electric comeback against No. 21 Northwestern

February 24, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. rushes to recover the ball after a missed shot by Northwestern during the second half. During tonights head-to-head game Shannon was able to pull through during the second half to recover the match and win.

[Photo] Illinois overcomes 18-point deficit to knock off No. 21 Northwestern

February 23, 2023
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[Photo] Column | Illinois needs a real rival, Northwestern can’t compete

February 22, 2023
Guard RJ Melendez executes a specialized handshake ending in a salute with assistant coach Tim Anderson before the start of last nights game. Melendez played with confidence throughout last nights game against Minnesota as significantly improving from his presence on the court earlier this season.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 9-point win over Minnesota

February 21, 2023
Guard/Forward Matthey Mayer slips through Minnesotas defense around the start of the second half of tonights game. Mayer led the Illini with constant scores against Minnesota bouncing back from the defeat by Indiana on Saturday for the Illini.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball bounces back in Champaign with 78-69 victory over Minnesota

February 20, 2023
Students, friends and family walk out of Weston Hall during a sunny Sunday afternoon. Columnist Megan Harding writes on the benefits that makes university housing the top choice to live in on campus.

[Photo] Opinion | On-campus living deserves a revamp

February 20, 2023
Evening view on Sunday of the Midtown Plaza apartment building alongside Boneyard Creek. Columnist Daniel Kibler writes on the benefits of off-campus living as compared to university living.

[Photo] Opinion | Off-campus housing puts dorms to shame

February 21, 2023
New York City Band Bandits on the Run perform an encore while walking across the bar at Rose Bowl Tavern on Feb. 11.

[Photo] ‘Family’ band Bandits on the Run makes magic at Rose Bowl

February 13, 2023
Residents enter Florida Avenue Residence on Nov. 8. Recently, students have expressed concern with an incident involving a Peeping Tom.

[Photo] Alleged peeping tom to appear in court

February 14, 2023
Guard Genesis Bryant tries to get past Indianas defense on Wednesday. Bryant led the team during Sundays game against Northwestern resulting in a win for the Illini.

[Photo] No. 21 Illinois women’s basketball gets back on track with win at Northwestern

January 22, 2023
Head coach Brad Underwood yells at the referee during the Illinis game against Indiana on Thursday. Underwood gives praise to Trayce Jackson-Daviss performance against the Illini on Thursday that resulted in Indianas victory.

[Photo] Underwood reacts to Trayce Jackson-Davis’ 35 points in win over Illinois men’s basketball

January 20, 2023
Indiana States forward Trayce Jackson-Davis blocks a layup from guard Sencire Harris during Fridays game. Harris made over half of his shots during Thursdays game but still needs improvement.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from the Hoosier’s dominance at State Farm Center

January 19, 2023
Head coach Bret Bielema speaks to referee during game against Virginia on Sept. 10. Bielema speaks on the Illinis defensive coordinator position and Ryan Walters who is set to transfer from the Illini as announced on Dec. 13.

[Photo] Massive changes for Illinois football defensive staff as Walters, Kane leave for Purdue, Henry elevated to coordinator

December 22, 2022
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema on the sideline during Illinois 2022 game against Virginia.

[Photo] Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema signs contract extension through 2028

December 20, 2022
University students and local community members gather at the Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest hosted on Oct. 1. On Thursday, Congress passed a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriages.

[Photo] House of Representatives passes same-sex, interracial marriage protection act

December 8, 2022
Outside hitter/right side Jessica Nunge sends the ball to the opposing team during homecoming week on Oct. 3, 2021. Nunge and the rest of the Illini celebrate senior weekend and two victories continuing the teams winning streak.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball triumphs on senior weekend with two big wins

November 20, 2022
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. pushes through EIUs defense during last Mondays game. The Illini achieve another victory during Monday nights match against Monmouth with a score of 103-65.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball blows out Monmouth for third straight victory

November 14, 2022
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[Photo] Best tattoo shop: No Regrets Tattoos

November 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best kept secret: Walnut Street Tea Company

November 5, 2022
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[Photo] Best restaurant to take your parents: Black Dog

November 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best drunk food: Burrito King Mexican Grill

November 5, 2022
Political campaign signs placed outside of the entrance of FAR, the least-crowded polling location, on Nov. 8.

[Photo] Florida Avenue Residence Halls: The least crowded polling place on campus

November 8, 2022
Forward Dain Dainja prepares to pass the ball during last nights game against Eastern Illinois. Dainja achieved his first double-double within his 16 minutes of court time during last nights match.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball home opener

November 8, 2022
Guard/forward Ty Rodgers makes an effort for layup against Eastern Illinois during Mondays game. Despite the teams lack of offensive rhythm from the Illini Rodgers managed a team high of five-assists alongside a great performance.

[Photo] Takeaways from night one of Illinois men’s basketball season

November 8, 2022
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. attempts to get past the opposing team during tonights match. Shannon made his premiere for the Illini with a performance that played a big hand to the teams 87-57 victory.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball steamrolls Eastern Illinois 87-57 in season opener

November 7, 2022
FAA freshman Trey McCallister and Sachi Tillu, freshman in LAS prepare pumpkins to be smashed at Red Herring on Sunday. The Student for Environmental Concerns held its first pumpkin smashing event supported by SCARCE.

[Photo] SECS hosts sustainable pumpkin smashing event

November 7, 2022
Emily the Band lead singer Emily Antonacci sings at the Rose Bowl Tavern while playing her ukulele alongside the rest of Emily the Band on Friday.

[Photo] emily the band cultivates safe, queer space in music

October 18, 2022
Bassist player for Neon Trees performs for the C-U community at the State Farm Center on Wednesday.

Gallery | University celebrates 2022 Homecoming Week

October 16, 2022
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[Photo] Neon Trees concert leaves everybody talking

October 14, 2022
The Illini come together after a math against Rutgers during senior night on Mar. 27. The Illini will be heading into the new season under the direction of the teams new head coach and former head coach for the Dayton Flyers, Shauna Green.

[Photo] Analyzing Shauna Green’s first Big Ten basketball media days as Illinois head coach

October 12, 2022
Demonstrators assemble at the front of the Champaign County Courthouse after a march for womens rights on Sunday.

[Photo] C-U holds sixth annual Women’s March

October 3, 2022
Photography Professor Rachel Fein-Smolinki prepares ARTS 265 students to create contact sheets in the School of Art & Designs darkroom facility on Sept. 15. The University made public on Sept. 8 that $50 million will be put forward to hiring new faculty members, expecting to hire around 150-200 new employees with the plan.

[Photo] UI to spend $50 million hiring new faculty

October 5, 2022
Protestors come together at the front of the Champaign Courthouse after a march for women’s rights from Alma Matter on Sunday. 100 days after the Dobbs v. Womens Health Organization outcome CU-community protest from Alma to the Courthouse their voices of opposition towards the decision.

[Photo] 100 days after Dobbs: C-U Women’s March amplifies community voices

October 4, 2022
CJ Brown, also known as Karma Carrington, performs to music during Uniting Prides drag show at Canopy Club on Thursday. Brown opened up about drag as well as how it has assisted towards them experimenting with their gender identity and stage performance.

[Photo] Uniting Pride hosts Canopy Club’s first drag, burlesque show

October 3, 2022
A pride parade festival member hands out leighs to the community during the pride parade on Saturday.

[Photo] CU Pride Fest empowers LGBTQ+ community

October 2, 2022
Journalist Eli Murray sits next to Charles Ledford, associate professor of journalism, as he answers questions during a Q&A in the ACES Funk Library on Thursday. Earlier this year Murray won a Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Journalism.

[Photo] Pulitzer-winning alum Eli Murray returns to campus for Q&A

September 15, 2022
Students in Block I use cards to create a massive sign displaying 2022 during the first home game against Wyoming on Saturday.

Gallery | Illinois football welcomes fans back for 2022 season

By Sydney Laput and James Hoeck • August 29, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge elevates the ball to serve against Wisconsin during the homecoming match on Oct. 3. Despite Illinis match performance Nunge managed to pull 15 kills against Ole Miss leading to the teams victory on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball splits matches in season opening tournament

August 28, 2022
Scott Currid, member of the Service Employees International Union Local 73, holds a flyers during the SEIU protest in front of the Ikenberry Commons on April 29.

[Photo] UI service workers reach tentative agreement with UI

August 23, 2022
Defender Kendra Pasquale runs to intercept the ball from Rutgers on Oct. 23. Pasquale pulled a performance leading to a 2-0 victory for the Illini with the support of her team, fans, and family during the senior day match on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois soccer shines against Toledo during senior day showdown

August 22, 2022
Defensive Aleah Treiterer attempts to keep the ball away from Rutgers on Oct. 23. Despite the disappointing performance last season for the Illini, this season shines hope for a better turn out with the teams new faces and performance during the recent August exhibition matches.

[Photo] Finding Big Ten success remains looming question for Illinois soccer in 2022

August 12, 2022
Graduate student runner Rebecca Craddock runs during the Illini Classic on April 9. A handful of smaller sports do not receive as much traction from fans in comparison to football and basketball when it comes to small crowds and less social media attention.

[Photo] Pack the stands of underappreciated sports

July 13, 2022
Illinois Soccer athletes approach the stands after a senior day match against Rutgers on October 23. The Illini soccer team welcomes eight new athletes to the team for the anticipated Fall 2022 season.

[Photo] Illinois soccer signs eight talented recruits in preparation for 2022 regular season

June 11, 2022
Distance Runner Halle Hill pushes forward to maintain position at the front of the race during the track Illini Classic on April 9. Hill was able to participate in the NCAA postseason regional as a freshman within the 1500m but was unable to place for finals.

[Photo] Two Illini punch their ticket to the NCAA Championships after Illinois track & field competes at regional meet

May 29, 2022
Members of the Local 73 of the Service Employees International Union strike outside of the Ikenberry Commons on April 29. More than 50% of the Local 73 group has voted to approve a strike authorization due to no progression being made with negotiations with the University.

[Photo] UI service workers’ union votes to authorize strike over stalled contract negotiations

May 24, 2022
The Illinois womens gymnastics team cheers from the sides during the floor exercise routines on March 4. The Illini scored 5-3 for the the season overall.

[Photo] ‘In the right place to take that next step’: 2021–22 Illinois women’s gymnastics season provides promise for future of program

May 19, 2022
Vanessa Blas, junior in Engineering, and Selena Alena, junior in Media, are Undergraduate Library student assistants, and are two of the last people to work at the UGL as operations at the library close on Friday.

[Photo] Books, breaks left behind: Last students in UGL share thoughts

May 17, 2022
Athletics Director Josh Whitman sits on the bleachers during Illini Classic Track meet on April 9. Whitman recently released a statement that the University will have to suspend its consideration for the admission of I mens Hockey to Division I.

[Photo] UI suspends Division I hockey efforts

May 3, 2022
Leslie David Baker holds a pretzel given by a fan during “The Office” Q&A event on Monday. Baker shared his past career choices before becoming an actor and starring in the hit TV show “The Office.”

[Photo] Did I stutter: ‘The Office’ actors visit Foellinger Auditorium

April 26, 2022
A banner for the Asian American Cultural Center is displayed inside the entrance of the center. The department of Asian American Studies and the Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory will be hosting an “Asian America Otherwise” conference from May 6-7.

[Photo] Upcoming conference at UI to address anti-Asian racism

April 27, 2022
Senior distance runner Emma Milburn runs alongside freshman distance runner Annalyssa Crain during the Illini Classic meet on April 9. The Illini will be hosting an invitational on Friday and Saturday featuring other teams from Illinois State, SIUE and more.

[Photo] Illinois track & field return for final home meet of 2021-2022 season

April 22, 2022
Illini soccer team athletes embrace each other after the senior day game on Oct. 23. The Illini soccer athletes dominated matches against Illinois State and Indiana on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois soccer earns dominant wins against Illinois State, Indiana in exhibition matches

April 16, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa performs on the balance beam during a meet against Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Boise State on March 4. Takekawa placed 20th on uneven bars during her final performance of the season at Fort Worth, Texas.

[Photo] Illinois women’s gymnastics leaves its mark on the national stage, concludes 2021-2022 season

April 14, 2022
Junior Mia Townes poses on the beam for her event during the meet against Central Michigan, Boise State and Northern Illinois on March 4. Townes and junior Mia Takekawa heads down to Fort Worth, Texas, to take on the NCAA Women’s National Championship from Thursday to Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois gears up for national stage, travels to NCAA Women’s National Championship

April 13, 2022
Senior distance runner Michael Madiol runs during the Illini Classic on Saturday. The Illini heads to California for the Mt. Sac Relays on from Thursday to Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois track & field ‘taking advantage of the warmer weather,’ sets its sights on event titles at competitive Mt. Sac Relays

April 14, 2022
Eric Semelroth and Jean Lachant walk around the Illini Media office during the newsroom and studio tour on Friday. Illini Media alumni discuss the future of student media in a more digital world.

[Photo] Illini Media Company alumni reflect on future of student media

April 13, 2022
Former executive director of Illini Media Kit Donahue reacts to the unveiling of her personalized paver stone on Sunday. Donahue worked for Illini Media for 37 years.

Gallery | Celebrating 150 Years, Illini Media Hall of Fame

By Sydney Laput, James Hoeck and Cameron Krasucki • April 13, 2022
Illini Esports President and ACES research assistant, AJ Taylor and Illini Esports community director Alec Forest-Pierson discuss hosting a LAN party at the Union on Saturday which consisted of cosplay contests and raffles among the many games being played.

[Photo] Spring Semester LAN unites gamers across campus

April 10, 2022
Charlie ‘Chaaaarlie’ Tang, senior in LAS, is a competitive Esports gamer who plays for the University’s Esports team. Tang specializes in the game Valorant and ranks in the top 4,000th in the game within the North America region

[Photo] Charlie ‘Chaaaarlie’ Tang dreams of professional ‘Valorant’ career

April 11, 2022
Kamila Glowacki plays her guitar by Oregon Street and Goodwin Avenue on April 5. Glowacki, founder of the band Nectar and alum from the University, provides insight to her positive relationship with the C-U area, which often inspires the creation of her songs.

[Photo] Local musician, artist embraces CU charm

April 13, 2022
Students were notified of an assault around 308 East Armory building on March 29. The offender claimed to be a maintenance worker and proceeded to enter the building, touching the student’s leg without consent.

[Photo] UI student battered in apartment by man posing as maintenance worker

April 5, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa performs her beam routine during the competition against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. Takekawa scored 9.950 for bars during the NCAA Regionals on Thursday, and the Illini overall placing fourth.

[Photo] Illinois places fourth in NCAA women’s gymnastics Seattle Regional: Takekawa, Townes earn National Championship bids

April 4, 2022
A new RSO, the GWS Club, meets at the Gender & Womens Studies building every other week to provide students interactions with social justice and gender equality activities on campus.

[Photo] New club connects students, GWS department with social justice issues

April 4, 2022
Lucy Economos, senior in LAS, performs at the rehearsal for “Legally Blonde in Lincoln Hall on Wednesday. Economos and other members from the production talk about their involvement and enthusiasm for the musical.

[Photo] Illinois Student Musicals make ‘orange the new pink’ for Legally Blonde production

March 31, 2022
Junior Mia Townes poses during her beam event against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. The Illini will be heading to Seattle for the NCAA Regions from Thursday to Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s gymnastics looks to leave their mark at NCAA Seattle Regional

March 31, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa poses at the end of her floor exercise routine during the competition against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. Takekawa has played a major role for the team with recently being named the 2022 All-Team Big Ten.

[Photo] Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares for Big Ten Championships in Ohio

March 19, 2022
The Illini basketball team applaud after the playing of Hail to the Orange at the end of a match against Rutgers on Sunday. The Illini went on to break an 11-game losing streak during the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday against the Badgers.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball lights it up from downtown in Big Ten Tournament victory over Wisconsin

March 3, 2022
Guard, Aaliyha Nye, receives a pass against Florida State on December 2nd. Nye goes on to play a prominent role shooting threes against the Badgers on Wednesday resulting in a win.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball starters shine against Wisconsin in Big Ten tournament

March 3, 2022
Forward Kendall Bostic hugs forward Geovanna Lopes during the senior ceremony after the game against Rutgers on Sunday. The Illini will be up against Wisconsin for the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday.

[Photo] 14-seed Illinois women’s basketball opens Big Ten tournament with matchup against 11-seed Wisconsin

March 2, 2022
Guard, Sara Anastasieska, drives through the court during the game against Florida State on Dec. 2. Anastasiek will be honored alongside senior teammates, Eva Rubin and Geovanna Lopes during the upcoming home game against Rutgers.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball to play Rutgers in final game of regular season

February 27, 2022
Leon Dash, professor within the college of media, has shaped his professional career in journalism by telling stories of his many interactions that he has made within his life and career.

[Photo] Professor Leon Dash discusses decorated journalism career

February 23, 2022
Distance runner Logan Hall gets ready for his event during the Illini Classic meet on Friday. This will be the Illinis last indoor meet for the season and will be heading to Ohio for the Big Ten Championships this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois track & field wraps up indoor regular season with strong performances at home facilities

February 20, 2022
Andres Munoz, student in the English Institute, discusses how online classes have been beneficial toward him understanding English through the use of headphones.

[Photo] Opinion | What’s your experience with online versus in-person courses?

February 23, 2022
Andrew Buckley, graduate student in FAA, practices playing his clarinet inside one of the auditoriums within the Universitys School of Music building. Buckley will be debuting his album, “Where We Go Next,” this spring at the Smith Memorial Hall.

[Photo] Krannert Center debut artist discusses musical journey

February 23, 2022
Guard Jayla Oden runs past a Nebraska opponent on Saturday. The Illini will be heading away to Purdue on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball travels to West Lafayette for a matchup with Purdue

February 17, 2022
Guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini will be hosting against Ohio State on Monday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball welcomes No. 18 Ohio State to State Farm Center

February 14, 2022
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