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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
Matt Stepp

Matt Stepp, Visual Director

Hey there! I’m Matt, and I’m a junior majoring in graphic design with a minor in media. I joined The Daily Illini in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer, and now I am continuing my role as the Visual Director. I’ve always had a passion for photography — you’ll probably spot me around campus capturing sports, other events or anything that catches my eye. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m likely poolside working as a lifeguard at the ARC or CRCE.

A sign advertising The Rose Bowl Tavern on Race street in Urbana on Feb. 28, 2024.

[Photo] Rose Bowl Tavern trivia travels around the world

By Blake Noble, Staff Writer • Nov 23, 2025
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema on the field during the game against Ohio State on Oct. 11.

[Photo] Illinois to lose first players to transfer portal

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Dec 2, 2025
Junior wing Andrej Stojaković drives to the rim against Alabama at the United Center on Nov. 19.

[Photo] International Illini lead No. 13 Illinois to tough victory over UTRGV Vaqueros

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 24, 2025
Senior guard Kylan Boswell dribbles the ball at the top of the key against Alabama on Nov. 19.

[Photo] No. 8 Illinois set for home matchup with UTRGV

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 24, 2025
Freshman guard Keaton Wagler dribbles on the perimeter against Colgate on Nov. 14.

[Photo] No. 8 Illinois bounces back with commanding victory over LIU

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 22, 2025
Junior wing Andrej Stojaković shoots a three-pointer against Alabama at the United Center on Nov. 19.

[Photo] No. 8 Illinois hosts LIU for Saturday matinee at home

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 21, 2025
Sophomore guard Mihailo Petrović handles the ball against Alabama on Wednesday.

[Photo] Player grades, notes from No. 8 Illinois’ first loss against No. 11 Alabama

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 20, 2025
Alabama sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. drives to the basket against Illinois junior center Zvonimir Ivišić at the United Center on Nov. 19.

[Photo] No. 11 Crimson Tide roll past stagnant No. 8 Illini in Chicago

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 20, 2025
Freshman guard Keaton Wagler drives against Colgate Nov. 14.

[Photo] No. 8 Illinois travels to United Center to face No. 11 Alabama

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 19, 2025
Illini freshman forward David Mirković drives toward the basket against Colgate on Nov. 14 at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Mirković’s record-setting night propels No. 14 Illinois past Colgate

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 14, 2025
Junior center Zvonimir Ivišić shoots a three-pointer against Texas Tech on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Versatile Colgate roster visits Champaign for date with No. 14 Illinois

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 14, 2025
Junior wing Andrej Stojaković celebrates while coming off the floor against Texas Tech on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Player grades, notes from No. 14 Illinois’ upset win over No. 11 Texas Tech

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 13, 2025
Junior guard Andrej Stojaković celebrates during Illinois' four-point win over Texas Tech Nov. 11 in Champaign.

[Photo] No. 14 Illinois upsets No. 11 Texas Tech in nail-biter

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2025
Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler (left), freshman forward David Mirković (center) and senior guard Kylan Boswell (right) sit on the bench during starting lineup introductions against Jackson State on Nov. 3.

[Photo] Florida Gulf Coast and resident social media star visit No. 17 Illinois on Friday

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 7, 2025
Junior center Tomislav Ivišić backs down his defender in Illinois’ Nov. 3 win over Jackson State.

[Photo] Player grades, notes from No. 17 Illinois’ dominant victory over Jackson State 

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 5, 2025
Freshman forward David Mirković backs down his Jackson State defender on Nov. 3 at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Hot shooting, rebounding lead to No. 17 Illinois’ 58-point obliteration of Jackson State

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 3, 2025
Members of the 2003-04 and 2004-05 men's basketball teams pose with team trophies on the field at Gies Memorial Stadium during a 20-year reunion on Aug. 29.

[Photo] 20 years later: 2005 men’s basketball squad remembers historic season

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 30, 2025
The Illinois men's basketball team prepares for their game against Maryland on Jan. 1. The Illini lost the game 70-91.

[Photo] Strong nonconference schedule provides Illini challenge

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Oct 30, 2025
Sophomore Defensive Specialist/Libero Kenzie Cogan celebrates after Illinois scores a point during their match against Michigan State on Oct. 5. Illinois would go on to win the match 3-2.

Gallery | Best fall sports photos this year, so far

By Matt Stepp, Noah Markunas, Rishab Sakalkale and Sarah Slattery • Oct 30, 2025
The Illini take the field at Gies Memorial Stadium ahead of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Oct. 11.

[Photo] After bye week, Illini look to get back into winning routine 

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 24, 2025
Larry Gies sits down with Daily Illini Editor-in-Chief Sam Gregerman to discuss his $100 million donation to the University DIA last month.

[Photo] ‘The University changed my life’: Larry Gies talks $100 million donation to DIA

By Sam Gregerman, Editor-in-Chief • Oct 30, 2025
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema looks towards the scoreboard at Gies Memorial Stadium during the game against Ohio State on Oct. 11.

[Photo] Illinois falls flat in loss to Ohio State

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Oct 11, 2025
Junior wide receiver Malik Elzy celebrates a catch during Illinois’ game against Western Illinois on Sept. 27.

[Photo] Elzy to redshirt season

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Sep 27, 2025
Junior running back Aidan Laughery is lifted up by his teammates during Illinois’ game against Western Illinois on Aug. 29.

[Photo] Illinois back home to face USC

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Sep 26, 2025
Junior running back Kaden Feagin points skyward during Illinois’ win over the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Aug. 29.

[Photo] No. 11 Illinois looks to keep rolling against Duke

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Sep 5, 2025
Senior Wide Reciever and Punt Returner Hank Beatty returns a Western Illinois punt for 69 yards, breaking Red Grange's 102 year-old record.

[Photo] Beatty’s efforts earn him Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Sep 1, 2025
Inside the main hall of the Champaign Public Library at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign in 2024. More than two dozen library employees announced their plan to unionize on Sunday.

[Photo] Champaign Public Library employees announce plan to unionize

By Anna Ceja and Qaasim Jatoi • Aug 31, 2025
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signs House Bill 3637 and House Bill 3709 at the University YMCA on Friday. He is surrounded by members of the Illinois General Assembly, Illinois senators and former members of the University's chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action.

[Photo] Gov. Pritzker signs 2 bills protecting reproductive rights at University YMCA

By Sam Gregerman, Editor-in-Chief • Aug 23, 2025
One highlight of Sights and Sounds for many students is the free swag they are given throughout the night. Students reach out as members of various athletic teams toss Illinois merch into the stands.

Gallery | UI welcomes freshman class with annual Sights & Sounds

By Matt Stepp, Sam Rink and Lily Blodgett • Aug 22, 2025
Students pose in front of Memorial Stadium while an Orientation team member takes their photo.

[Photo] Gallery | University welcomes freshman class with annual Sights and Sounds

Aug 22, 2025
Students sing and dance as their peers stream into the stands of Memorial Stadium Thursday night for Sights and Sounds. Music, orange and blue balls, and I-L-L chants were all present as the energy was high before the event.

[Photo] Sights & Sounds welcomes new students to campus with pride, beloved traditions

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr and Felicity Abbott • Aug 22, 2025
A$AP Rocky steps out to the edge of Bud Light stage Sunday night as crowds rush forward, phones raised, to see him.

[Photo] A$AP Rocky closes out Lollapalooza day 4 with unforgettable performance

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 4, 2025
Dominic Fike leans toward his band as he plays at T-Mobile stage Sunday afternoon at Lollapalooza.

[Photo] Review | Dominic Fike delivers frazzled, confusing Lollapalooza performance

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Aug 4, 2025
Matt Stepp

[Photo] Gallery | Still Woozy dominates Lakeshore stage with massive personality

Aug 3, 2025
British producer Nimino brings his original house music to Perry's stage on the last afternoon of Lollapalooza 2025.

[Photo] Nimino injects house music into Lollapalooza lineup

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Aug 3, 2025
Bôa's Jasmine Rodgers leans into the music as they perform at Bud Light to a multi-generational audience on Saturday afternoon.

[Photo] Bôa discusses multi-generational appeal following Bud Light set

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 3, 2025
"If your name is Doechii your ice cream is free!" reads an 'Ice Cream Social' vendor sign help up from the back of T-Mobile stage as Doechii performs late Saturday evening.

[Photo] Lollapalooza Day 3 Recap

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr and Felicity Abbott • Aug 3, 2025
TWICE performs at Bud Light stage at Lollapalooza. Crowds packed the venue to see the 9-member girl group in what was an electrifying, feel-good performance.

[Photo] TWICE puts on spectacular headlining set on Bud Light stage

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 3, 2025
Doechii takes over T-Mobile stage Saturday evening with a set filled with her characteristic artistry and storytelling.

[Photo] Doechii’s artistic brilliance radiates from T-Mobile stage Saturday

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 3, 2025
Matt Stepp

[Photo] Gallery | Chance the Rapper promotes new album with short set

Aug 3, 2025
Actress and songwriter Naomi Scott, most well-known for her roles in 'Lemonade Mouth' and 'Smile 2', performs at The Grove stage at Lollapalooza on Saturday.

[Photo] Naomi Scott establishes music career at Lollapalooza

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Aug 3, 2025
Djo, Joe Keery, returns to Chicago for his second Lollapalooza performance, drawing in a massive crowd to T-Mobile stage late Friday afternoon.

[Photo] Lollapalooza Day 2 Recap

By Felicity Abbott and Annisyn Krebs-Carr • Aug 2, 2025
The Dare brings his energy to The Grove stage on Friday. Crowds filled the area at the grove.

[Photo] Gallery | The Dare packs The Grove stage during day 2 performance

Aug 2, 2025
Dom Dolla performs at Perrys stage on Thursday. The stage was dubbed 'Dollapalooza' for the day, featuring several electronic sets.

Gallery | Dom Dolla shakes Perrys stage with ‘Dollapalooza’ performance

By Matt Stepp, Visual Director • Aug 1, 2025
STP_4833

[Photo] Gallery | Dom Dolla shakes Perrys stage with ‘Dollapalooza’ performance

Aug 1, 2025
T-Pain opens his Friday afternoon set with a Super Mario Bros. themed stage and lighting.

[Photo] T-Pain forges candid audience connection at Lollapalooza

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Aug 1, 2025
Murda Beatz performs at the Perrys stage on Friday afternoon at Lollapalooza.

[Photo] Murda Beatz invigorates crowd on Lollapalooza day 2

By Felicity Abbott, Summer Editor • Aug 1, 2025
Xdinary Heroes synthesizern player Gun-il gives an electric performance Thursday night at Lollapalooza.

[Photo] Xdinary Heroes do what they love, aim to leave global mark on music

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 1, 2025
Chicago-native indie rock band Ratboys reflect on their experiences as a band after their Lollapalooza performance on Thursday.

[Photo] Ratboys reflect on relationship with one another, how chemistry shapes their music

By Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Aug 1, 2025
Kasparas Jakučionis celebrates during Illinois' first round 2024 NCAA tournament win on March 21 over Xavier.

[Photo] Kasparas Jakučionis selected No. 20 overall in NBA Draft by Miami Heat

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Jun 25, 2025
Brad Underwood speaks with reporters after Illinois' first round win over Xavier in the 2024 NCAA tournament on March 21.

[Photo] 5 Illini basketball updates from Brad Underwood’s first summer media availability

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Jun 17, 2025
Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks to then-junior guard Kylan Boswell during Illinoisʼ first-round NCAA tournament win over Xavier on March 21 in Milwaukee.

[Photo] Brad Underwood agrees to 6-year contract extension

By Laura Mendes and Sahil Mittal • May 14, 2025
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts stands tall on a sunny day, April 24.

[Photo] CU venues talk history, culture of music spaces

By Maaike Niekerk, Managing Editor • May 8, 2025
Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin and teammates huddle during a game against Purdue, Oct. 12, 2024.

[Photo] Zakhari Franklin signs with Las Vegas Raiders

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Apr 27, 2025
Linebacker Seth Coleman runs out from the tunnel before a game against Purdue on Oct. 12, 2024.

[Photo] Seth Coleman signs with Seattle Seahawks as undrafted free agent

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Apr 26, 2025
Abundance by Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein sits in a field of grass.

[Photo] Opinion | ‘Abundance’: The future liberals should want

Apr 18, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis drives to the basket against Xavier in the first round of the 2025 NCAA tournament in Milwaukee on March 21.

[Photo] Kasparas Jakučionis declares for 2025 NBA draft

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 14, 2025
Illinois huddles up for a timeout during its Round of 64 victory over Xavier on March 21.

[Photo] Column | A season of frustration is over, or is it?

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Apr 5, 2025
A copy of Suzanne Collins' "Sunrise on the Reaping" sits on a table alongside a typewriter.

[Photo] Review | Suzanne Collins exceeds expectations with harrowing prequel ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

By Sam Gregerman, Editor-in-Chief • Apr 3, 2025
Redshirt junior guard/forward Ty Rodgers celebrates on the bench during Illinois' first round NCAA tournament win over Xavier on Mar. 21 in Milwaukee.

[Photo] He’s back: Ty Rodgers returns to Illinois after redshirt season

By Sahil Mittal, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 1, 2025
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