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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
Junior guard Gretchen Dolan walks away from the basket following a layup and a foul during the Illinois vs. Indiana game on Dec. 6. Illinois would go on to win the game 78-57.

[Photo] Illini secure Braggin’ Rights win

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Dec 11, 2025
Sophomore forward Berry Wallace watches following the release of a 3-point attempt during Illinois’ game against Bellarmine on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illinois sets sights on Braggin’ Rights

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 10, 2025
157-pound redshirt sophomore Kannon Webster approaches his opponent during Illinois’ meet against Rider on Nov. 8.

[Photo] No. 9 Illinois wrestling takes third at Cougar Clash

By Blake Noble and Ana-Isabella Djingarov • Dec 8, 2025
Illinois junior Guard Maddie Webber goes up for the reverse layup against Indiana on Dec. 6.

[Photo] 3 key players in Illinois’ conference-opening blowout win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 7, 2025
Illinois celebrates a point during its match against Northwestern on Nov. 28.

[Photo] Player grades, notes, outlook on future of Illinois

By Zach Shapero and Rudraksh Kikani • Dec 6, 2025
The Illinois bench celebrates a 3-point basket during the Illinois vs. Bellarmine game on Dec. 2. Illinois would go on to win the game 90-41.

[Photo] Illinois gears up for Big Ten opener

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Dec 5, 2025
Senior wide receiver Hank Beatty sprints down the sideline during the Illinois v. Rutgers game on Nov. 1.

[Photo] Davis, Beatty earn All-Big Ten honors

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Dec 4, 2025
Redshirt sophomore center Lety Vasconcelos prepares for a rebound during an Illinois free throw during its game against Bellarmine on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Freshmen play big roles in big win for Illini

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 3, 2025
Freshman forward Cearah Parchment shoots a free throw during the Illinois vs. Le Moyne game on Nov. 30. Illinois went on to win the game, 100-28.

[Photo] Column | What Illinois needs to keep, change moving forward

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Dec 1, 2025
Junior guard Maddie Webber follows through a shot during Illinois game against Western Kentucky on Nov. 26.

[Photo] Illinois hosts Le Moyne, Bellarmine to continue 4-game homestand

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 30, 2025
Junior guard Gretchen Dolan prepares to shoot a 3-pointer from the corner against Illinois State on Nov. 9.

[Photo] Illinois recovers on road for 86-63 win over Florida State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 24, 2025
Junior setter Kenna Phelan (No. 7) and the Illini celebrate during the team’s match against the Wisconsin Badgers on Nov. 15.

[Photo] Column | What can Illinois make of final four matches?

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 20, 2025
Freshman guard Destiny Jackson eyes down their teammate before passing the basketball during the Illinois vs. Illinois State game on Nov 9.

[Photo] Illinois takes charge of Murray State

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 19, 2025
Students walk across the Main Quad on Nov. 7.

[Photo] The week in news: UI alumni CEOs talk AI, quantum; US government reopens

By Anna Ceja and Qaasim Jatoi • Nov 17, 2025
133-pound graduate student Lucas Byrd stands victorious after his win over Rider’s Will Betancourt on Nov. 8.

[Photo] No. 12 Illinois takes 7th at National Duals Invitational

By Ana-Isabella Djingarov, Contributing Writer • Nov 17, 2025
The Illini celebrate during their match against the Washington Huskies on Nov. 14.

[Photo] Illinois snaps losing streak in 1-1 weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2025
Wil B of Black Violin looks out to the crowd as they begin their high energy performance at the Virginia Theatre on Wednesday. The group made a stop in Champaign-Urbana as they continued on their Full Circle Tour.

Gallery | Black Violin takes the stage at the Virginia Theatre

By Noah Markunas, Staff Photographer • Nov 16, 2025
Illinois sixth-year midfielder Sydney Stephens fights for the ball during the team’s match against Purdue on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Illinois eliminated from NCAA tournament after 2-1 loss to Memphis

By Ethan Mesich-Fiems, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2025
(L-R) Senior wide receiver Hank Beatty, sophomore wide receiver Collin Dixon and sophomore tight end Davin Stoffel celebrate with teammates during Illinois’ win over Rutgers on Nov. 1.

[Photo] Illini looking to repeat last season’s finish over final three games

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 14, 2025
Freshman guard Destiny Jackson starts the fast break by dribbling up the floor during the Illinois vs. Illinois State game on Nov. 9. Illinois would go on to win the game, 75-65.

[Photo] Column | Player notes, grades from Illinois week 1

By Laura Mendes and Brie Dirl • Nov 13, 2025
The Illini huddle ahead of their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Nov. 2.

[Photo] 2 recruits sign with Illinois volleyball

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2025
133-pound graduate student Lucas Byrd sizes up his opponent during Illinois’ meet against Rider on Nov. 8.

[Photo] Illinois outpaces Rider in season opener

By Blake Noble, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2025
Illinois bands together to make a defensive stop during its game against Illinois State on November 9.

[Photo] Illinois survives Illinois State’s late-game push

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2025
Freshman libero/defensive specialist Taryn Kirsch celebrates during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

[Photo] Can Huff Hall Centennial game reignite Illinois’ season?

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2025
Sophomore outside hitter Ashlyn Philpot claps during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

[Photo] Juggernaut Cornhuskers dominate crumbling Illini

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 7, 2025
Alma Mater stands with outstretched arms on Nov. 7.

[Photo] UI DEI office to be renamed, restructured

By Vanessa Turner, Copy Editor • Nov 7, 2025
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Izzy Lee holds the ball during Illinois’ match against Purdue on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Lee, Foley, Jackson named all-Big Ten

By Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor • Nov 5, 2025
Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer reaches out for the stiff-arm during the Illinois vs. Rutgers game on Nov. 1. Illinois would go on to win the game 35-13.

[Photo] Career day earns Altmyer Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 3, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo bumps the ball during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

[Photo] Valiant comeback effort comes up short as Illinois loses 4th straight

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2025
The Illini starters line up for the national anthem ahead of the team’s match against the Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Illini bounced from Big Ten tournament after 2-0 loss to Huskies

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2025
Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer points to the sky in celebration following his rushing touchdown against Rutgers on Nov. 1.

[Photo] Column: Notebook from Illinois’ win over Rutgers

By Ben Somerville, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 3, 2025
Several Illini, including senior setter Bianca May (#4) point from the sideline during the team’s match against Michigan on Oct. 25.

[Photo] Illinois in must-win territory after 3 consecutive sweeps

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2025
Senior forward Lia Howard dribbles the ball against Purdue on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Moving on: Illini get revenge on Buckeyes in Big Ten tournament opener 

By Evy York, Senior Sports Reporter • Oct 31, 2025
The Illinois volleyball team lines up in front of the student section to sing the Alma Mater following their win against Michigan on Oct. 5. Illinois won the match 3-2.

[Photo] In with the new: Recruits bring life to Illinois volleyball

By Rudraksh Kikani and Zach Shapero • 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 line up following the team’s final home game against the Purdue Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Illini soccer returns to Big Ten tournament after 5 years

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2025
Senior outside hitter Averie Hernandez leaps to hit the ball against Michigan on Oct. 25.

[Photo] Column | Illinois looks to bounce back after consecutive sweeps

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2025
Sophomore forward Cayla Jackson (right) and senior forward Lia Howard (left) celebrate together following a Jackson goal during their match against Purdue on Oct. 12. Illinois would go on to win the match 1-0.

[Photo] Illini fight back for tie in regular season finale

By Evy York, Staff Writer • Oct 27, 2025
Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Taylor de Boer leaps to return a hit against Purdue on Oct. 24.

[Photo] Takeaways from rough weekend at Huff Hall

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 27, 2025
The Illini huddle during the team’s match against the Purdue Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Improved seeding hangs in balance for Illinois against Michigan

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 25, 2025
The entire Illinois volleyball team rushes the court to celebrate a win over Michigan State on Oct. 5. The final score of the match was 3 sets to 2.

[Photo] 5 things to watch in Illinois’ return home

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 24, 2025
Junior setter Kenna Phelan hugs her teammates after scoring a point during the team’s match against Michigan State on Oct. 5. Illinois would go on to win the match 3-2.

[Photo] Illinois sweep Northwestern for 5th straight win

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 20, 2025
Thousands of people gather around a podium in front of the Champaign County Courthouse in downtown Urbana for the No Kings protest on Saturday. The protest featured several speakers before community members and students took to the streets to march.

Gallery | No Kings protest shuts downtown down

By Adam Edwards, Noah Markunas, Emily Nnodi and Alyssa Shih • Oct 19, 2025
Illinois celebrates during the team’s match against Michigan State on Oct. 5.

[Photo] Illini survive Buckeyes in arduous 3-1 win

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 18, 2025
A protester waves their flag while holding a “No Kings in America” sign

[Photo] Gallery | No Kings protest shuts downtown down

Oct 18, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo goes up to spike the ball during the Illini’s match against the Spartans on Oct. 5.

[Photo] Column | Illini reach tail end of road trip

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 17, 2025
Sophomore Cayla Jackson aims for a kick during Illinois’ match against Purdue on Oct. 12.

[Photo] Illinois reigns victorious against Purdue in final home match

By Evy York, Staff Writer • Oct 13, 2025
(L-R) Graduate student middle blocker Kayla Burbage and redshirt sophomore opposite hitter Auburn Tomkinson celebrate during Illinois’ win over Michigan State on Oct. 5.

[Photo] Tomkinson, de Boer lead Illini to two-win weekend

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2025
Cones are placed to block off the stairways that enter the Miles Chartley Selections Garden, which is currently undergoing renovations. The garden is located within the Illinois Arborteum, which the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces is seeking to improve.

[Photo] Arboretum restoration focuses on access, community engagement

By Grace Avila, Contributing Writer • Oct 7, 2025
Freshman Outside Hitter Alyssa Aguayo recieves a serve during the Illinois volleyball match against Michigan St. on October 5. Illinois would end up winning the match 3-2.

[Photo] Illini scratch and claw to defeat Spartans in 5 sets

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 6, 2025
Flags covering the entire length of the walls in the main atrium of the Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics Building on Sept. 24. The federal government told resource centers at the University it would no longer fund the Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship.

[Photo] Dept. of Education cuts funding for Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 5, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo (right), senior outside hitter/opposite Averie Hernandez (middle) and freshman libero/defensive specialist Taryn Kirsch (left) await the Oregon serve as they stand in front of a rowdy Illinois student section. Illinois won its Sept. 26 match against Oregon 3-0.

[Photo] Illinois swept away by No. 7 Wisconsin

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Oct 3, 2025
Outside hitter Taylor de Boer runs out on the court before the Illini’s game against the Oregon Ducks on Sept. 26.

[Photo] Illini look to ride momentum following 2-0 start to Big Ten play

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 1, 2025
Junior setter Kenna Phelan sets the ball during the Illinois vs. Oregon match Sept. 26. Illinois would win the match 3-0.

[Photo] Kenna Phelan named Big Ten Setter of the Week

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2025
The Illinois volleyball team celebrates the point that would secure them the win over Oregon on Friday. Illinois won the match 3-0.

[Photo] Illinois shocks No. 10 Purdue for first top-10 win since 2021

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2025
A sign shows stands in front of Anniversary Plaza on Thursday afternoon for the annual student memorial. Students, faculty and community members honored University students who died in the last year.

[Photo] Family, friends honor UI students at memorial

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Sep 28, 2025
Junior Setter Kenna Phelan celebrates as a point is scored to put Illinois further ahead during its match vs. Oregon Sept. 26.

[Photo] Illinois stuns Oregon with sweep to open conference play

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • Sep 27, 2025