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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
Samantha Boyle

Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting

[email protected]

Shooting reported Wednesday night

Shooting reported Wednesday night

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jan 23, 2020
Champaign Police still investigate stabbing after arrest

Champaign Police still investigate stabbing after arrest

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jan 21, 2020
Patrons of KAM’s gather outside the historic bar during its final hours on Oct. 20. The last call at KAM’s was one of the top five moments of the semester, as selected by The Daily Illini staff.

UI closes out decade with top semester moments

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Dec 16, 2019
Europa House sits on the corner of Busey Avenue and Oregon Street on Tuesday. The building has lost its private certified status following the decision to require meal plans for students living in University housing.

Europa House loses ‘Certified Housing’ title

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Dec 5, 2019
Champaign police investigate two overnight shootings

Champaign police investigate two overnight shootings

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Nov 23, 2019

National Public Radio hosts forum for sexual misconduct reform

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Nov 19, 2019
A screenshot of Jojo Siwa smiling in one of her YouTube videos. Jojo is set to perform at the State Farm Center in April.

JoJo Siwa to perform at State Farm Center in April

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Nov 15, 2019
Chancellor Robert Jones responds to students' concerns at the Annual Faculty Meeting on Monday. Jones also addressed the recent incidents of hate found around campus, including the noose found in Allen Residence Hall and drawings of swastikas.

An overview of racist, anti-Semitic incidents on campus

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 17, 2019
Bruce Rosenstock, professor in Religion, voices his disagreements to Chancellor Jones (not pictured) over his Massmail adressing anti-Semitism.

Annual meeting with faculty brings conversation about swastikas, antisemitism

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 16, 2019
Sexual harassment summit scheduled for Wednesday

Sexual harassment summit scheduled for Wednesday

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 16, 2019
Two swastikas found on campus in one week

Two swastikas found on campus in one week

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 14, 2019
With Illinois campaign reaches 79% of goal after fundraising report released

With Illinois campaign reaches 79% of goal after fundraising report released

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 12, 2019
Denial of information leads UI to potential lawsuit

Denial of information leads UI to potential lawsuit

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 10, 2019
A car is parked in the parking lot of Colorado Ridge apartments on Sunday. Around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Urbana police were dispatched to the Colorado Ridge apartment complex, 1714 E. Colorado Ave., for an armed subject call, according to a press release. 

Police investigate two shootings in CU area

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 7, 2019
David Dobrik being interviewed on ADHD Podcast in 2018. Dobrik will be speaking at the Illini Union on October 15.

Students get opportunity to have ‘An Evening with David Dobrik’

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Oct 2, 2019
Willard Airport is pictured in Savoy on Feb. 4. On Friday, it was announced that the airport will receive a $1.3 million grant for taxiway lighting, signage and wiring.

Willard Airport receives second million-dollar grant

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Sep 23, 2019
A construction site and vehicle on Wright Street on Saturday morning.

Construction on Wright Street headed to west side

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Sep 20, 2019

Champaign Police warns community of counterfeit currency

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Sep 18, 2019
LAR dining hall offers a vegan egg substitute from JUST Eggs, which comes in both liquid and patty forms. The substitute is made out of mung beans and will help expand food options for students with special dietary needs.

[Photo] Students veg out with meatless options

By Ayse Pirge, Staff Writer • Sep 12, 2019
The front entrance to Phoenix Botanical, which stands at 1704 S. Neil St., a marijuana dispensary located in Champaign. House Bill 1438, passed in Illinois on May 31, states anyone 21 or older can possess, purchase and use limited amounts of cannabis starting Jan. 1, 2020.

CU dispensaries plan for legal marijuana

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Sep 3, 2019
Xinyang Zhang, Yingying's brother (right), leads their mother Lifeng Ye (center) after the family addresses the public. Ronggao Zhang, Yingying and Xinyang's father (left), made the statement. Brendt Christensen was found guilty by the jury on June 24.

Justice for Yingying Zhang

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 26, 2019
You can always unsubscribe from email lists

You can always unsubscribe from email lists

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 25, 2019
Keeping track of your keys is harder than you’d think

Keeping track of your keys is harder than you’d think

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 23, 2019
Students defend the democratic party during the University of Illinois Student Government Debate at the Courtyard Cafe on Oct. 2. A debate RSO is just one of many options for students to choose from when trying to find a home on campus.

Find your home away from home in others

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 20, 2019
A heavy thunderstorm passes over Champaign along Wright St. on Aug. 20.

Tornado warning in effect in Champaign area Tuesday morning

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 20, 2019
Robin Kaler reads Ronggao Zhang’s statement translated in English. The Zhang family and members of the University faculty attended a press conference Monday in order to honor the establishment of Yingying’s Fund.

Yingying’s Fund officially established to help international students, families

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 19, 2019
Yingying's Fund is an endowment started by her family to assist international students and their families in crisis.

Yingying’s Fund created to assist international students, families

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Aug 6, 2019
Yingying Zhang's family steps into the room after Brendt Christensen's sentence was imposed on July 18 around 4 p.m. Yingying's father, Ronggao, gave a statement on behalf of his family.

Juror recounts day in the life of a juror in a capital punishment case

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 26, 2019
Xiaolin Hou, Yingying Zhang's fiancé gives a statement on Thursday. Zhang's family stands behind him as he says he won't ever agree with the jury's verdict. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision and therefore caused the court to impose a life sentence on Brendt Christensen.

Yingying Zhang’s family gives statements after her killer is sentenced to life in prison

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 18, 2019
Photo of Brendt Christensen, convicted kidnapper and killer of visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. Christensen was arrested on June 30, 2017 and will be sentenced at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Verdict reached in Christensen trial

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 18, 2019
Yingying Zhang's family stands outside the Peoria courthouse on Wednesday afternoon. The jury started deliberating whether or not Brendt Christensen, Zhang's kidnapper and killer, should be sentenced to life in prison or death.

Jury presents two additional questions as deliberations continue in Christensen trial

By Samantha Boyle, News editor • Jul 18, 2019
Julie Brain (left) and Elisabeth Pollock (right), members of Brendt Christensen's defense team, walk out of the courthouse on Monday. The defense is expected to rest their case on Tuesday, followed by closing statements from both sides on Wednesday.

Jury has questions for court during deliberations for Christensen’s sentence

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 17, 2019
Members of different media outlets wait outside the courthouse in Peoria on Wednesday. The jury started deliberations around 1:30 p.m. to decide if Brendt Christensen should receive life in prison or a death sentence.

Jury begins deliberations in deciding Christensen’s fate

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 17, 2019
Lifeng Ye, Yingying Zhang's mother, walks out of the courthouse in Peoria on Monday. Lifeng Ye testified via video last week about how losing her daughter has affected her life.

Testimonies on behalf of Christensen continue, defense case to rest Tuesday

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 15, 2019
Members of Brendt Christensen's defense team, Elisabeth Pollock (left) and Julie Brain (right) walk out of the courtroom on Monday. In order to avoid the death penalty for Christensen, the defense has been working on humanizing him for the jury, bringing up his struggles with mental health and how he was growing up.

Day 4 of penalty phase sees defense continues to humanize Christensen

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 11, 2019
Brendt Christensen's father, Michael Christensen (left) walks out of the courtroom in Peoria on Monday. Michael testified during the penalty phase on Wednesday and has been frequently present for his son's trial. Both Michael and Brendt reportedly broke down during Michael's testimony.

Penalty phase continues with Christensen’s friend, family testimony

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 10, 2019
Xinyang Zhang, Yingying's brother (right), leads their mother Lifeng Ye (center) after the family addresses the public. Ronggao Zhang, Yingying and Xinyang's father (left), made the statement. Brendt Christensen was found guilty by the jury on June 24.

Yingying Zhang’s family testifies during second day of penalty phase

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 9, 2019
Yingying Zhang's family walks out of the courtroom July 8. Walking in the front is Yingying's father, Ronggao. Her brother, Xinyang Zhang and mother, Lifeng Ye follow with boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou.

Life or death: First witnesses called to stand for beginning of penalty phase

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 8, 2019
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker outside the Illini Union on Wednesday talking to students at the Sustainable Student Farm stand. Pritzker talked about the new capital construction program in the Illini Union earlier that day.

Governor Pritzker addresses higher education investments at Illini Union

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jul 3, 2019
Zhang family addresses public following verdict

Zhang family addresses public following verdict

By Samantha Boyle, News editor • Jun 24, 2019
Zhidong Wang, the Zhang family's attorney, is surrounded by Yingying's family and boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou. Yingying and her boyfriend planned to marry in October 2017.

Moments captured during fight for justice for Yingying Zhang

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 24, 2019
Xinyang Zhang, Yingying's brother (left) leads their mother, Lifeng Ye (center) after the family addresses the public. Ronggao Zhang, Yingying and Xinyang's father (right) made the statement. Brendt Christensen was found guilty by the jury on Monday and the sentencing phase will begin July 8.

Guilty: Christensen faces possibility of death penalty, trial to resume July 8

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 24, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Deliberations begin for verdict in Christensen trial

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 24, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Cases rest after Christensen’s ex-wife, ex-girlfriend testify

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 21, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Second week in guilt phase of Brendt Christensen’s trial begins

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 18, 2019
Leaving the courthouse Wednesday, members of Yingying Zhang’s family walk behind Zhang’s fiancé, Xio Linhou who she planned to marry in October 2017. Opening statements began Wednesday morning following the testimonies of nine witnesses brought in by the government.

Events leading up to Yingying Zhang’s disappearance explained in opening statements

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 12, 2019
Leaving the courthouse Wednesday, members of Yingying Zhang’s family walk behind Zhang’s fiancé, Xio Linhou who she planned to marry in October 2017. Opening statements began Wednesday morning following the testimonies of nine witnesses brought in by the government.

Brendt Christensen’s lawyers acknowledge he killed Yingying Zhang

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 12, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Jury for Brendt Christensen’s trial will be seated by Tuesday

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 10, 2019
Traffic passes through at Wright and Green streets on Feb. 24.

Fire near apartment building causes power loss, resident displacement

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 9, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Court needs only 12 more jurors to qualify for Brendt Christensen’s trial

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 6, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Opening statements in Brendt Christensen’s trial predicted to begin Wednesday

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 5, 2019
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse sits at 100 Northeast St. in Peoria. The trial for Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and murderer of Yingying Zhang, began here June 3 with the jury selection process. The defense and prosecutors made their closing statements Monday.

Day two of jury selection ends with 24 more potential jurors

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 4, 2019
Members of Brendt Christensen’s counsel exit the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria around 7 p.m. June 3. The courts began jury selection on June 3 for Christensen, who allegedly kidnapped and murdered visiting scholar, Yingying Zhang.

Christensen’s trial begins with first round of jury selection

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jun 3, 2019

Tornado reported in Urbana although no sirens sounded

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 29, 2019

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 24, 2019

Suspect in overnight shooting surrenders

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 23, 2019
Construction workers build the foundation of the site for a future Target on the corner of Green and Sixth streets in Champaign. Roads will periodically be closed while construction continues.

Sixth Street closes as construction progresses

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 21, 2019

Police search for suspect in overnight shooting

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 18, 2019

Police investigate two overnight shootings

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 13, 2019
Students walk in front of Espresso Royale, located at 1117 W. Oregon St. in Urbana. This location, along with Starbucks on Green Street, will close its doors in the next month.

Campus cafes set to close

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 11, 2019
A Suburban Express bus departing from the Armory on Dec. 8, 2017. The business will be ceasing all operations by an estimated July 31.

Suburban Express ceases operation after year-long legal battle

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 7, 2019
The exterior of McKinley Health Center located at 1109 S. Lincoln Avenue on Dec. 4, 2017.

On-Campus counseling frequency increases as finals draw near

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • May 2, 2019
Participants of the Illinois Half Marathon run on Green Street on Saturday.

Watch out for roads affected by Illinois Marathon

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Apr 25, 2019

$100 million donation to rename College of Engineering

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Apr 16, 2019
Patrons of Exile on Main shop for vinyl records for Record Store Day on Saturday. The holiday is celebrated on the third Saturday of April.

Annual Record Store Day unifies music fans

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Apr 15, 2019

Student safety is a priority for police

By Samantha Boyle and Gillian Dunlop • Feb 28, 2019
A total of 42 trees were marked with bright pink “X”s, signaling they will soon be removed.

‘X’ marks the spot: Tree demolitions scheduled

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant News Editor • Feb 18, 2019
LAR dining hall offers a vegan egg substitute from JUST Eggs, which comes in both liquid and patty forms. The substitute is made out of mung beans and will help expand food options for students with special dietary needs.

Dining expands dietary options

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Nov 15, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter Oct. 18

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Oct 19, 2018

App to help ease tinnitus symptoms

By Madalyn Velisaris and Samantha Boyle • Oct 19, 2018

UIPD investigates sexual assault against student by Uber driver

By Therese Pokorney and Samantha Boyle • Oct 18, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter for Oct. 11

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Oct 12, 2018
The Smash Out Hunger event raised over $500 in donations to go to hunger relief in the Champaign-Urbana community as part of Wesley Methodist Church’s block party. Hunger Action Month brought about multiple efforts on the behalf of community groups, including the Wesley Food Pantry, Etc. Coffeehouse and Illini Fighting Hunger.

Local efforts aid relief of student food insecurity

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Oct 1, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter for Sept. 27

By Samantha Boyle, Daytime News Editor • Sep 28, 2018
University continues discussion for new mascot

University continues discussion for new mascot

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 27, 2018
Source: University of Illinois Foundation

UI System donations achieve all-time high

By Therese Pokorney and Samantha Boyle • Sep 24, 2018
University professor, Dr. Ming Kuo, is the recipient of the 23rd Heinz Award in the environment category. Winners of the Heinz Award will be given their award on Oct. 24.

University professor receives $250,000 award

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 22, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter for Sept. 14

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 17, 2018
Source: Science Mag

Cost deters construction of solar, wind farms

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 17, 2018

ISG announces appointment of new adviser

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 16, 2018
Source: Office of University Relations

Enrollment in U of I system increases for sixth straight year

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 14, 2018
Illini Union hosts sexual assault gallery

Illini Union hosts sexual assault gallery

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 13, 2018
Students sit in front of the Illini Union as Homecoming 2017 begins on Oct. 26.

Alumni reminisce about college during Homecoming

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 10, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter for Sept. 7

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 10, 2018

Zorba’s closed due to noncompliance with tax laws

By Samantha Boyle, The Daily Illini Staff Report • Sep 7, 2018

The Daily Illini police blotter for Sept. 6

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 7, 2018

944 students received tickets to Obama’s speech

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 6, 2018
Food waste is commonly found in dining halls and restaurants on campus. A recent study suggests young adults, ages 18-24, are more likely to waste food due to a lack of awareness.

Lack of awareness leads to abundance in food waste among young adults

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 4, 2018
Governor Bruce Rauner speaks out during a press conference for an announcement of a donation from AptarGroup and Adapt Pharma, Thursday, Feb. 8,2018. The donation will go to help prevent opioid deaths.

New bill to change MAP grant system

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Aug 30, 2018

Take your time at Quad Day

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Aug 24, 2018

Don’t forget to thank your parents

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Aug 22, 2018
Stay in touch with those from home

Stay in touch with those from home

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Aug 15, 2018
Top tips to deal with academic stress (because, midterms)

Top tips to deal with academic stress (because, midterms)

By Samantha Boyle, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Jul 17, 2018
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