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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
Matt Troher

Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor

Hello! I'm Matt Troher, and I'm a senior studying journalism and English. After previously serving as the Investigative News & Longform Editor, I am now serving as the Assistant Features Editor for The Daily Illini. I joined the staff in the early winter of 2020 and have been writing ever since, covering the COVID-19 pandemic, Champaign-Urbana politics, campus life, and what it means to be a college student in this crazy time. Outside of the newsroom and the classroom, I'm a captain for Adventure Club (a social club unique to the University of Illinois) and a dedicated fan of Swindon Town Football Club and Illini Athletics. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, cooking, jogging, playing tennis, and spending too much time on social media.

@[email protected]

Altgeld Hall, a University building that is known for its distinct architectural style.

Column | College advice from a graduated senior

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • May 26, 2023
Visitors at last years craft and vendor fair, held by the Illini Union Board, look at jewelry for sale. The fair will return for this Moms Weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Make the most of Moms Weekend with these events

By Kiran Bond and Matt Troher • April 10, 2023
A squirrel sits on a tree on the main quad. In 1901, around 100 squirrels were added to campus, and the population has since drastically increased.

What’s with the squirrels on campus?

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • March 20, 2023
Set your sights on the best apartment possible

Set your sights on the best apartment possible

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • February 20, 2023
UI reacts to rejection of African American studies class

UI reacts to rejection of African American studies class

By Matt Troher and Cecilia Milmoe • February 1, 2023
New semester, new habits, new work style

New semester, new habits, new work style

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • January 18, 2023
Illini fans discuss major rivalries

Illini fans discuss major rivalries

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • December 30, 2022

12 months of features

By Cecilia Milmoe, Matt Troher and Yuzhu Liu • December 7, 2022
UI Student wins national change ringing award

UI Student wins national change ringing award

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • December 6, 2022
All seventeen house districts, along with the Governor and Illinois junior Senate seat, are up for election.

Eye on Illinois: Illinois state-wide election results

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • November 8, 2022
Various political campaign signs were posted at the north end of the main quad on Nov. 3.

Live Updates: Champaign County election results

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • November 8, 2022
The ARC hosted a polling location on the west end of the building on Nov. 8. The line of voters made its way out of the door and wrapped east toward the outdoor pool.

A look at who’s on the ballot in C-U

By Matt Troher and Piotr Fedczuk • November 8, 2022
Gene Honda, WPGU alum and PA announcer, will be receiving the Lou Liay Spirit Award during Homecoming week. Honda announces for the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks and the Illinois Football games.

Sports announcer, UI alum Gene Honda receives Lou Liay Spirit Award

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • October 11, 2022
University Housing on track to accommodate increasing numbers of students

University Housing on track to accommodate increasing numbers of students

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • September 27, 2022
Stuffed sharks from IKEA known as blåhaj are piled on a table at the Courtyard Cafe in the Illini Union for a distribution that was run by Yuyang Zhao, senior in Engineering. They spent over $3,000 on around 140 blåhajar to distribute during the week of Sept. 12.

Student’s blåhaj distribution makes a splash

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • September 19, 2022
Sister Cindy preaches on the Main Quad holding a sign, Hell is hot dont be a T.H.O.T, on Thursday. Sister Cindy visited the campus exactly a year ago on Sept. 8.

Sister Cindy strikes again on ‘HO NO MO’ tour

By Jonathan Alday, Lika Lezhava, Cecilia Milmoe and Matt Troher • September 8, 2022
Students respond to UI COVID-19 policies, reduced testing hours

Students respond to UI COVID-19 policies, reduced testing hours

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • September 2, 2022
How are NetIDs created?

How are NetIDs created?

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • September 1, 2022
Pathways program provides route from community college to UI

Pathways program provides route from community college to UI

By Cecilia Milmoe, Matt Troher and JP Legarte • August 29, 2022
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the press after visiting the Illini Union ballroom for an event hosted by the Illini Democrats on Thursday. Pritzker spoke alongside Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, candidate Nikki Budzinski, Sen. Scott Bennett and Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons.

Gov. Pritzker speaks at Illini Union

By Matt Troher and Kiran Bond • August 26, 2022
RSO Bandside UIUC perform on the Main Quad during Quad Day on Aug 22. 2021. Quad Day is the last event for Welcome Week with other festivities including Illini Union Late Nighter and Illinois Sights & Sounds.

Welcome Week: Where, when to attend events

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • August 17, 2022
RSOs range widely from selective to inclusive

RSOs range widely from selective to inclusive

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • August 12, 2022
In retrospect: Arthur Galston and the fight against Agent Orange

In retrospect: Arthur Galston and the fight against Agent Orange

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • August 10, 2022
A parade passes through Green Street in the late 40s. Stephen Flynn, class of ‘73, was born and raised in the C-U area with his family previously owning a bar on Green Street, The Deluxe.

Parades, protests, pool tables: A brief history of Green Street

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • July 22, 2022
A University of Illinois police car patrols the streets on Sept. 29, 2020. An Illini Alert was sent out regarding shots fired on the corner of Green and Locust on Monday.

Shots fired at corner of Green, Locust streets

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • July 4, 2022

Live Updates: Illinois primary elections results

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • June 28, 2022
Campus History: University observes Juneteenth for first time

Campus History: University observes Juneteenth for first time

By Matt Troher and Cecilia Milmoe • June 19, 2022
Illinois Primaries: Who’s running for congress in each district

Illinois Primaries: Who’s running for congress in each district

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • June 14, 2022
Band Beach Bunny performs in Foellinger Auditorium on Oct. 7. Star Course has been bringing artists to campus for over a hundred years, providing students with live music entertainment oppertunities.

From Rachmaninoff to Weezer: Star Course shines throughout 130-year history

By Cecilia Milmoe and Matt Troher • June 6, 2022
Blockchain bursts into student, academic life

Blockchain bursts into student, academic life

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • June 2, 2022
Leah Marlene (middle) joins in a selfie with other American Idol contestants, Noah Thompson and HunterGirl, and judges. Marlene, a Normal, IL native, placed third for the show.

Normal Ill. singer-songwriter places third on ‘American Idol’

By Matt Troher, Interim Features Editor • May 23, 2022
Elizabeth-Ruiz Goranson stars in “Tint of Red” which was showcased at the UIUC Student Film Festival on Saturday. The film was directed by Joanna Raimo, senior in Media, and Gio Giles-Sanchez.

Student filmmakers roll the tape for campus film festival

By Matt Troher and Izzy Perpich • May 2, 2022
Rapper Yung Gravy speaks to the audience before performing his song Oops during the Spring Jam at State Farm Center on Sunday. Yung Gravy performed many other of his hits such as Mr. Clean and Gravy Train.

Yung Gravy whips up the sauce at Spring Jam

By Matt Troher and Nicole Littlefield • April 25, 2022
Illini Media alum, Mark Wukas, speaks with assistant sports editor James Kim during the newsroom and studio tour for the Illini Media 150 Reunion on Friday. Alumni from The Daily Illini and WPGU talk about their favorite memory during their time with Illini Media.

Illini Media Company alumni recount favorite memories

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • April 12, 2022
Allan Loudell worked for WPGU and took the role of the news director, and after his time with Illini Media he went to WILM and WDEL in Delaware.

Colleagues reflect on Delaware newsman Allan Loudell’s legacy

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • April 5, 2022
Dian Nurfajriah, a graduate student studying labor and employment relations, with her husband and her children, Gentza, Ziya and Izan, at Orchard Downs during the winter. Nurfajriah and Ilze Vaivode, a graduate student in Education, talk about their experience juggling school and motherhood.

Student moms balance education, children

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • March 30, 2022
Lester McKeever became the 60th Black CPA in the United States in 1960. McKeever studied accounting and joined the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity during his time at the University.

UI Alumnus Lester McKeever makes CPA history

By Matt Troher, Assistant Features Editor • March 21, 2022
UI professors discuss artificial intelligence, computer vision

UI professors discuss artificial intelligence, computer vision

By Matt Troher and Matt Novelli • March 9, 2022
Reverend Rickey E. Parks delivers a sermon at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Priestly and Prophetic: Black churches fortify CU community

By Farrah Anderson, Faith Allendorf and Matt Troher • February 28, 2022
HackIllinois creates hackathon experience for beginners, pros alike

HackIllinois creates hackathon experience for beginners, pros alike

By Matt Troher and Aidan Finn • February 28, 2022
Seven07 has been under fire for inadequate services regarding water and living conditions during the areas largest snowstorm of the season.

Seven07 tenants experience water issues, poor living conditions

By Matt Troher and Ashley Gilbert • February 16, 2022
Student housing decisions encompass rent, location

Student housing decisions encompass rent, location

By Matt Troher, Investigative News and Longform Editor • February 16, 2022
Professor Mitch Fisher lectures to his ACCY 201 class at Lincoln Hall Theater on Aug. 29, 2019. Students talk about how their learning styles are impacted from remote versus in-person learning.

Students reflect on learning styles after remote start to semester

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • January 25, 2022
The cover of the zine, Rabbiteen, displayed with other zines and comics in Quimbys, a Chicago bookstore. Rabbiteen centers around the dark alternative subculture in music, visual arts, and more.

Rabbiteen zine cultivates dark-alternative scene

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • January 21, 2022
The front cover of Walrus, a student-run publication from the 60s. The Special Educational Opportunities Project, also known as Project 500, recruited students from underrepresented populations, and its implementation received mixed criticism from the student body.

Looking back: Project 500 in retrospect

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • January 19, 2022
As University administration salary rises, so does tuition

As University administration salary rises, so does tuition

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • November 24, 2021
Several colleges on campus lack gender diversity in enrollment

Several colleges on campus lack gender diversity in enrollment

By Matt Troher, Investigate News & Longform Editor • November 2, 2021
Miranda Stillwell, sophomore in LAS, shares her opinion on protesting policies the University has put in place. The deadline for the public to comment has been extended due to feedback from students.

Students speak out against University-adopted policy regulating protests

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • October 14, 2021
A screenshot from the website Graykea is shown above. Manav Modi, junior in engineering, created a startup to help others pay for college.

UI student creates startup to help others pay for college

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • September 24, 2021
Two students look to the Main Quad at all of the RSO booths during Quad Day on Aug. 22. University students have made changes to their school careers during the pandemic by switching majors and life directions.

A year of isolation, reflection: Students change majors, life directions during pandemic

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • September 16, 2021
Julia Arciola, junior in LAS, holds her baton on Quad Day while performing with the Marching Illini on Aug. 22. Arciola reflects on her past successes and experience as a baton twirler at the University.

Marching Illini baton twirler reflects on success, experience

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • September 5, 2021
A College of Liberal Arts & Sciences decal is pasted onto the door of their main office Nov. 14, 2018. University students shouldnt rule out liberal arts if they are interested in pursuing it in the future.

Embrace a liberal arts mindset

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • July 15, 2021
The Chicago skyline is photographed by Jack Gillespie during a colorful sunset. Students Sierra Reed and Gillespie have garnered thousands of followers through TikTok by making the platform into a business opportunity.

Student influencers launch business through TikTok

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • June 5, 2021
The Greek movie Dogtooth, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is pictured above. Dogtooth was released on November 11, 2009.

‘Dogtooth’ (Greece, 2009) is a strangely sharp piece of experimental cinema

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • May 27, 2021
Mads Mikkelsen stars in the movie Another Round. The film was released on Dec. 4.

‘Another Round’ offers sobering look at our relationship with alcohol

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • May 20, 2021
Cicadas return, specific brood emerges in Illinois counties

Cicadas return, specific brood emerges in Illinois counties

By Matt Troher, Investigative News and Longform Editor • May 10, 2021
A photo a book containing plays such as Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Tempest and Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare rests on display. Shakespeare’s birthday was remembered by a week-long celebration featuring his writings.

UI library celebrates Shakespeare week

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • April 29, 2021
Students trust horoscopes for guidance

Students trust horoscopes for guidance

By Matt Troher, Investigative News and Longform Editor • April 12, 2021
UI, Penn State academics discuss climate change

UI, Penn State academics discuss climate change

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • March 31, 2021
Senior in FAA Sophia Byrd poses for photo. Byrd was nominated for Grammy in the category for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance.

Sophia Byrd reflects on Grammy nomination

By Matt Troher, Longform Editor • March 17, 2021
Rob Kar directs the UI senate meeting on Monday, March 8. The senate voted to extend the test-optional admissions policy through 2023.

UI senate extends test-optional admissions through 2023

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • March 9, 2021
Illini add a magical flair to campus

Illini add a magical flair to campus

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • March 1, 2021
The Illini Chabad House stands on the corner of Armory Avenue and Arbor street.

Portraits of faith: ‘Physically distant, emotionally close’

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • March 1, 2021
Employees work at their computers in the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s operations center. CUPHD conducts the vast majority of contact tracing in the area.

Contact tracers weigh tradeoffs of privacy, public health

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 25, 2021
The University YMCA and Illini Media Company is located at 1001 S. Wright St. IMC was hit with a cyberattack Tuesday morning.

Ongoing: Cyberattack potentially compromises Illini Media Company’s employee data

By Samantha Boyle and Matt Troher • February 17, 2021
Sophomore Natalie Bizon decorates her apartment on Oct. 2. It’s important to wisely decorate your living space.

Dos, don’ts of decorating on a budget

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 15, 2021
The front of the University YMCA is pictured above. Several students live as residents on the third floor of the building.

Students share experiences with YMCA housing

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 15, 2021
Members of the Students for Justice in Palestine organization protest during the Illinois Student Government Meeting at the ARC Multi-Purpose Room on October 23, 2019. A lawsuit between Speech First and the University was settled on Feb. 2.

University settles lawsuit with free speech group

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 15, 2021
Datamatch forges love connections on campus

Datamatch forges love connections on campus

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • February 12, 2021
Needles wait to be filled with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12. The vaccine is now limitedly available to eligible students.

Vaccinated students praise easy shots, ‘streamlined’ administration

By Heather Robinson and Matt Troher • February 8, 2021
COVID-19 grade options result in boosted GPAs across University

COVID-19 grade options result in boosted GPAs across University

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 4, 2021
The Altgeld Bell Tower peaks high into the sky on Sunday morning.

Class gifts connect old alumni to new Illini

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • February 1, 2021
The Wildlife Society UIUC student chapter Vice President Izabelle Jaquet (left) and chapter President Emmarie Alexander (right) participate in the bird collection survey.

UI Wildlife Society petitions for bird-safe campus architecture

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • January 28, 2021
University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen poses for a professional headshot. Killeen gave his annual address on Monday via Zoom, where he addressed varying topics including COVID-19.

UI president expects 300 to 500 new cases to start semester

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • January 27, 2021
Pharmacist Katie Lampan prepares shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12. Vaccine supplies are currently limited to older and at-risk citizens.

Vaccine explainer: when will students get their turn?

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • January 25, 2021
Student health facility workers receive vaccine

Student health facility workers receive vaccine

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • January 19, 2021
A student deposits saliva into a University COVID-19 test tube while taking a COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 9.

UI announces spring return testing requirements for students

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • January 13, 2021
A University COVID-19 testing site worker writes on a box containing completed COVID-19 tests on Oct. 9.

Vaccinations begin to roll out across Champaign-Urbana

By Matt Troher • January 6, 2021
State of the University: Jones announces mental health task force, potential academic policy changes

State of the University: Jones announces mental health task force, potential academic policy changes

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 20, 2020
A person dressed in a turkey costume poses for a promotional image for the 2020 Turkey Trot. The event will be held virtually this year.

Thanksgiving on the Run: Turkey Trot goes virtual

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 19, 2020
Kathryn Newton stars in the movie “Freaky.” The film was released on Friday.

Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton talk “Freaky”

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 16, 2020
University employee resigns after Islamophobic tweets draw backlash

University employee resigns after Islamophobic tweets draw backlash

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 13, 2020
Multiple police cars respond to a shooting incident near the intersection of First and Green streets. No one was injured during the incident.

Police chief clarifies Halloween shooting incident

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 9, 2020
Two I-Guides assist a new student by pushing a cart loaded with their items during move-in on Aug. 22, 2019.

Resident Advisors coping with COVID-19

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • November 4, 2020
Students stand in line to vote at the Illini Union polling place on Tuesday.

Election week at the University: high stakes atmosphere can be felt across campus

By Matt Troher, Longform Assistant Editor • November 3, 2020
Children attending a drive-thru trick-or-treating event at the Champaign County Fairgrounds receive candy on Saturday. Many Champaign-Urbana residents celebrated Halloween with COVID-19 precautions this year.

Masked up: County, campus celebrate a COVID-19 Halloween

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • November 2, 2020
Lawn signs line the grass of the Main Quad outside of the Illini Union voting site on Thursday. Many important state positions are up for grabs in the 2020 Illinois election.

Illinois Elections: What’s at Stake for State Legislature

By Matt Troher, Longform Assistant Editor • November 2, 2020
BrewLab General Manager Gab Wikoff serves a customer on Tuesday afternoon. The coffee shop, along with other similar businesses in the area, have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BrewLab, coffee industry adapt to pandemic, climate change

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • October 21, 2020
A FSHN 340: Food Production and Service student prepares a salad while working at the Bevier Cafe located in Bevier Hall on Friday. The Bevier Cafe has recently established its “Everybody Eats” initiative to fight food insecurity.

Bevier Cafe launches initiative to combat food insecurity

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • October 8, 2020
Science of slowing down time during a pandemic

Science of slowing down time during a pandemic

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • September 21, 2020
Sunflowers bloom in sophomore Lily Dolans backyard garden.

Nature, Nurture: students sow benefits of gardening during pandemic

By Matt Troher, Contributing Writer • September 9, 2020
Congressional candidate Stefanie Smith runs an unapologetically working-class campaign

Congressional candidate Stefanie Smith runs an unapologetically working-class campaign

By Matt Troher • April 10, 2020
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