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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

Maaike Niekerk

Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor

My name is Maaike Niekerk, and I am a sophomore majoring in English with minors in music and journalism. I began working with The Daily Illini during the fall semester of my freshman year as a buzz staff writer, and joined the editorial team summer of 2023. I love bringing live event coverage to you from Champaign-Urbana’s vibrant music scene and sharing stories of local artists and musicians. Outside of The Daily Illini, you’ll find me performing at every football game with the Marching Illini or cycling with the 2024 Illini 4000 bike America team.

Man shot and killed in Champaign

Man shot and killed in Champaign

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 25, 2023
Chicago-style hot dog meal

Chicago-style hot dog

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 22, 2023
Frame from 1988 TV series "Garfield and Friends"

‘Garfield’ celebrates 45th birthday

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 19, 2023
The back corner of CBPB, which features an antique popcorn machine and several tins available for purchase to customers.

Devil’s dust

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 16, 2023
The premium flavor shelf at CBPB, home of caramel corn.

Caramel corn

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 16, 2023
Hidden gems in Champaign-Urbana

Hidden gems in Champaign-Urbana

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 9, 2023
The Bread Company’s french onion soup includes a striking gruyère cheese pull

French onion soup

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 9, 2023
The Bread Company’s grilled chicken sandwich and french onion soup

Grilled chicken sandwich

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 9, 2023
Andes Mint donut from Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

Andes Mint Donut

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 1, 2023
Base of a donut lamp at Ye Olde Donut Shoppe

Custard-filled Long John

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor June 1, 2023
"Let's meat" pizza from Mia Za's Cafe

‘Let’s meat’ pizza

By Maaike Niekerk, Summer Editor May 23, 2023
The intrusive side of Hollywood romance

The intrusive side of Hollywood romance

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer February 8, 2023
Best Off-Campus Bar: The Blind Pig Brewery

Best Off-Campus Bar: The Blind Pig Brewery

By Maaike Niekerk, Staff Writer November 4, 2022
ILLordle: Play now