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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 Jones Toal

Samantha Jones Toal, Video Editor

[email protected]

 

University of Illinois 2018 Homecoming Carnival fosters student engagement

By Samantha Jones Toal, Video Editor • Oct 15, 2018
Cars pass the intersection of Sixth and Green Street while students wait to pass. Opinions editor Tyler writes about campus life during breaks and what students can look forward to when campus is much less busy.

Campustown returns to normal operating hours

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Aug 14, 2017
The woods at the University-owned Allerton Park are about 20 minutes off campus. Assistant Opinions editor Jamie says this is a great location for a quick trip before graduation.

Finding fun in August at Allerton Park

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Aug 8, 2017
The woods at the University-owned Allerton Park are about 20 minutes off campus. Assistant Opinions editor Jamie says this is a great location for a quick trip before graduation.

Log miles on campus running routes

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand manager external • Aug 1, 2017
Brendt Christensen. Yingying Zhang's alleged kidnapper, appeared in court for a second time on Wednesday. He was denied bail due to being both a flight risk and potential threat to the community.

Alleged kidnapper denied bail; once described his ‘ideal victim’

By Samantha Jones Toal and Wren Wheeling • Jul 5, 2017
Community members walked to support Yingying Zhang, a Chinese visiting scholar who went missing on July 9. Alleged kidnapper Brendt Christensen appeared in court today and was not granted bond.

Missing scholar’s alleged kidnapper has first court appearance

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jul 3, 2017
The Halfway House, once a campus staple, made its return with the completion of the National History Building.

Halfway House – an unknown campus landmark

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jul 3, 2017
Community members walked to support Yingying Zhang, a Chinese visiting scholar who went missing on July 9. Alleged kidnapper Brendt Christensen appeared in court today and was not granted bond.

Community walks in support of missing scholar

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jun 29, 2017
YingYing Zhang was taken in a black Saturn Astra from Goodwin Ave. on Friday, June 9.

FBI finds vehicle involved in missing scholar abduction

By Jacob Singleton and Samantha Jones Toal • Jun 27, 2017
A walk and concert is set for Thursday to show community support for Yingying Zhang, a missing scholar. UIPD and the FBI are continuing their search.

Walk, concert set to show support for missing scholar

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jun 27, 2017
Brendt Christensen, a Physics graduate student, was arrested in connection to Zhang's disappearance. The University postponed the campus wide ceremony honoring Zhang's life.

FBI makes missing scholar case a national priority

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jun 23, 2017
The Champaign Park District announced the lineup for performances at the Virginia Theatre for the 2017 to 2018 season. Performers include ZZ Top and Lily Tomlin.

Virginia Theatre announces upcoming season’s lineup

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand Manager • Jun 1, 2017
Roommates on campus in luck, millennials having less sex

Roommates on campus in luck, millennials having less sex

By Samantha Jones Toal, Brand manager • Apr 2, 2017
The candidates for student government, Bobby Knier, Raneem Shamseldin and Jesse Tabak, face off in a debate at the Illini Union room 209 on Monday, March 6th.

Voting for student leadership, campus referendums begins Wednesday

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Mar 7, 2017
UIPD agrees with SIU students: Unofficial "lame"

UIPD agrees with SIU students: Unofficial “lame”

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Mar 3, 2017
Students in the Block I student section hold up the Illini shield flag during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10.

The Illini weren’t always orange and blue

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Feb 27, 2017
The Illinois Student Government held a meeting in the Pine Room of the Illini Union on Wednesday, Jan. 18th.

New majors, minors proposed at Academic Senate

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Feb 7, 2017
Police officers stand at the corner of Green St. and Sixth St., monitoring the students.

Sexual assault at fraternity prompts campus safety notice

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Feb 6, 2017
Chancellor Robert J. Jones along with other University Administrators are being active about informing students of President Donald Trump's executive orders.

Protests heard, discussed at Senate Executive Committee meeting

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Jan 31, 2017
The Not My President Solidarity Rally was hosted by the Mexican Student Association at UIUC. Many students protested the discriminatory attitudes towards undocumented individuals during the presidential election.

University president declares support for undocumented students

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Jan 26, 2017
The Not My President Solidarity Rally was hosted by the Mexican Student Association at UIUC. Many students protested the discriminatory attitudes towards undocumented individuals during the presidential election.

University president declares support for undocumented students

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Jan 24, 2017
Board Administrators met on Monday to address Trumps Presidency.

Administration voices concern over Trump presidency

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Jan 24, 2017
An assortment of herbs and supplies used by Clare Darnall for casting spells and celebrating Samhain.

Halloween serves as religious holiday for some Pagan students

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Oct 31, 2016
Students gather at the intersection of Green and Fourth Street after a shooting that took place early Sunday morning.

It happened here: Student witnesses reflect on a night of violence

By Claire Hettinger, Joseph Longo and Samantha Jones Toal • Sep 26, 2016

Bid Day 2016: Campus sororities welcome new sisters home

By Samantha Jones Toal and Joseph Longo • Sep 12, 2016
The front of the Fred H. Turner Student Services Building on John St. on May 3, 2016.

Counseling Center sees huge increase in patients, low on clinicians

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Sep 7, 2016
Police Blotter for September 5, 2016

Police Blotter for September 5, 2016

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Sep 5, 2016
A freshman's guide to navigating the bus system

A freshman’s guide to navigating the bus system

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant News Editor • Aug 22, 2016
Joshua Beckman The Daily Illini

Why are students looking forward to Quad Day?

By Abby Paeth and Samantha Jones Toal • Aug 21, 2016
An I-Guide helps a freshman move into Hopkins Hall during move-in week in Fall 2016.

How to transition from high school to college

By Aaron Navarro and Samantha Jones Toal • Aug 19, 2016
An emergency pole seen on the quad.

Staying safe on campus

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant news editor • May 25, 2016

Students create coffee-scented soap to benefit community

By Samantha Jones Toal, Assistant new editor • Apr 6, 2016

Police blotter for March 22, 2016

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 22, 2016

Board of Trustees approves contract to increase UI use of minority business vendors

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 16, 2016

Student trustee election leads to hearing

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 16, 2016

Student senate, community leaders promote same day voting

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 13, 2016

UI offers Rosetta Stone to help international, study abroad students

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 9, 2016

University purchases Rosetta Stone for student use

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 9, 2016

Student trustee candidates discuss mental health, diversity

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 9, 2016

Strategic Plan met with criticism from faculty

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 8, 2016

Student senators push for automatic voting

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 6, 2016

Raise.me startup awards students for academic achievement

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 3, 2016

Senate Executive Committee discusses campus budgeting in light of ongoing impasse

By Samantha Jones Toal • Mar 1, 2016
University scores search firms for chancellor

University scores search firms for chancellor

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 28, 2016

Rauner vetoes map grants legislation

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 22, 2016

Committee searches to fill new diversity efforts chancellor position

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 21, 2016
Students hold signs in protest while listening to "Love Note" in snow at the Anniversary Plaza on Wednesday, Dec 2 2015.

Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Movement: “We have to look at structural racism”

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 21, 2016

Rauner vetoes MAP grants legislation

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 20, 2016
Chancellor Barbara J. Wilson talking about her career on October 7, 2015.

UI still far from naming chancellor

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 18, 2016
Gov. Bruce Rauner gives a thumbs up after giving his first speech as governor on Monday Jan. 12, 2015 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Rauner says little on higher ed in budget address

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 17, 2016
New Welcome Center To Open Fall 2017

New Welcome Center To Open Fall 2017

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 14, 2016

UI alumna to serve as new executive director for governmental relations

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 11, 2016

University Revenue Diversified, Unlike Chicago State

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 10, 2016
The University is still standing strong in the midst of hundreds of closures — including universities, government programs and resource centers — due to the state budget impasse. President Obama addressed the Illinois legislature Wednesday stating his disappointment with bipartisan conflicts.

UI revenue makes difference in state budget standstill

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 10, 2016
Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson addressing the UIUC Senate for their first meeting on September 21st, 2015.

UI continues to look for College of Medicine dean, negotiate state budget

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 9, 2016
Colleen Dempsey The Daily Illini Applicants to the University of Illinois' Urbana-Champaign campus increased 11.2 percent in fall 2015, from 34,033 applicants to 37,844.

UI reports record number of applications for the class of 2020

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 8, 2016
Senator Scott Bennett addresses the student senate regarding financial issues in the Illini Union on February 3, 2016.

State senator Scott Bennett: Illinois budget is not a partisan issue

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 4, 2016
Statistics 100 students listen to newly hired instructor, Karle Laska, speak about the final few pages in the course manual on Dec 8, 2015.

Students, faculty push for revised general education requirements

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 4, 2016

New VPs set tone for semester

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 3, 2016
Edward Feser, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said applications are up in almost every category for next year's incoming class. 

UI student applications up 11 percent for fall 2016

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 2, 2016

Black Lives Matter co-founder to visit UI

By Samantha Jones Toal • Feb 1, 2016
Students listen to "Love Notes" for African American students in the snow at the Anniversary Plaza on Wednesday, Dec 2 2015.

Black Lives Matter co-founder to visit UI

By Samantha Jones Toal • Jan 28, 2016

Recession could be to blame for higher ed tuition spike

By Samantha Jones Toal • Jan 27, 2016

Student senator proposes "tuition equality" resolution

By Samantha Jones Toal • Jan 21, 2016

Big Ten student governments discuss diversity, mental health

By Samantha Jones Toal • Jan 20, 2016

Student Senate plans to promote mental health resources in coming semester

By Samantha Jones Toal • Dec 9, 2015

VP duo terms end early

By Samantha Jones Toal • Dec 9, 2015
Student Senate vice-presidents (left) Sarah Hochman and Matt Hill discuss what they have done during their time in the Senate.

VP duo terms end Wednesday

By Samantha Jones Toal • Dec 8, 2015
Creation of 'Illini White Student Union' sparks both national following and outrage

Creation of 'Illini White Student Union' sparks both national following and outrage

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 29, 2015

Rep. Rodney Davis supports refugee background checks

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 19, 2015

Illinois Student Senate holds public forum

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 18, 2015
Students light candles during a vigil in support of those affected by the recent tragedies in Paris.

UI students in Paris safe

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 15, 2015

Student Senate pushes for more U.S. Minority education

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 12, 2015
Student senate aims to highlight diversity

Student senate aims to highlight diversity

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 11, 2015

Student senate aims to highlight diversity

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 10, 2015

Illinois Student Senate VPs resign due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 9, 2015
The it's on us campaign raises awareness for sexual assault by the Alma Mater on Oct. 29, 2015.

University to participate in national week of action to stop sexual assault

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 8, 2015
Study Finds Rebates an Effective Way to Improve Health Among Low-Income People

Study Finds Rebates an Effective Way to Improve Health Among Low-Income People

By Samantha Jones Toal • Nov 1, 2015

UIPD reports campus sexual assault

By Samantha Jones Toal • Oct 29, 2015

Office of Undergraduate Research searches for new director

By Samantha Jones Toal • Oct 21, 2015
The Nation’s Oldest Financial Aid Program Expires

The Nation’s Oldest Financial Aid Program Expires

By Samantha Jones Toal • Oct 12, 2015
A member of the seminar audience voicing his opinion on the information that has been presented by the panel at Wesley United Methodist Church on October 4th.

C-U community members discuss race and violence

By Samantha Jones Toal • Oct 4, 2015
“Pocket Points” comes to UIUC

“Pocket Points” comes to UIUC

By Samantha Jones Toal • Sep 28, 2015
Veterans talk at the Chez Family Foundation Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education. 

‘One-stop shop’ to open for wounded veterans

By Samantha Jones Toal • Sep 22, 2015