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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
Sydney Laput

Sydney Laput, Photo Editor

Rebecca Kimberly Goodman, senior in FAA, holds the transgender flag while standing beside the Alma Mater statue during the Trans Solidarity Rally on March 31, 2022. The rally was organized by CUTES and YDSA, and was held as celebration for Transgender Day of Visibility.

[Photo] UI observes Transgender Awareness Week

Nov 18, 2025
The Champaign-Urbana Health Department, located on Kenyon Road, opens its breast milk depot and dispensary on March 29, 2022. CUPHD announced it is expanding its efforts to prevent overdose deaths this week.

[Photo] CUPHD recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

By Patrick Herr, Staff Writer • Aug 30, 2025
C-U at Home, a 24/7 homeless shelter in Champaign. Champaign County reported an increase in homelessness this year.

[Photo] Champaign County reports rise in homelessness in 2024

By Qaasim Jatoi, Summer Editor • Jun 11, 2024
Student gather on Bardeen Quad for the 2022 Engineering Open House. On Friday and Saturday, the event will return for 2023.

[Photo] Engineering Open House empowers STEM community this weekend

By Layli Nazarova, Assistant News Editor • Mar 29, 2023
An attendee handles a tarantula at the Insect Fear Film Festival on Saturday.

[Photo] Multi-legged creatures become movie stars

By Piotr Fedczuk, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 5, 2023
Freshman Liv Dorshorst swims to the end of the pool during a match against Indiana State on Oct. 8, 2022. Dirshirst, a newcomer to the Illini broke the record for the university’s swim team 1650 relay earning seventh-place.

[Photo] Freshman trio sets new standard for Illinois swim & dive

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Jan 20, 2023
Coach Bret Bielema walks the field on Aug. 27. The Illini seek to improve after a defeat from Mississippi State during the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday.

[Photo] Column | Illini need offensive overhaul for Big Ten contention in 2023

By Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor • Jan 2, 2023
Defensive back Devon Witherspoon and the rest of the team after "Hail to the Orange" following a game against Iowa on Oct. 8. The Illini reflect on Witherspoon's journey from underdog to his entrance in the NFL draft.

[Photo] ‘It’s just a wonderful feeling’: Projected 1st-round draft pick Devon Witherspoon’s journey from zero stars ends as a superstar

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Dec 25, 2022
Diver Brooke Michael performs a dive during match against Indiana State on Oct. 8. Michael earned a personal best during Alcorn Diving Invite this week.

[Photo] Illinois swim & dive record personal bests at Auburn Diving Invite

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Dec 21, 2022
Junior all-around Ethan Boder performs on the pommel horse during the Orange and Blue meet on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois men’s, women’s gymnastics preview season with annual Orange v. Blue meet

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 10, 2022
Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett speaks during Gov. JB Pritzker's campaign at the Illini Union on Aug. 25. Bennett passed away at the age of 45 on Friday at Carle Hospital in Urbana around 1 p.m.

[Photo] State Senator Scott Bennett passes away at 45 

By Aidan Sadovi, Staff Writer • Dec 9, 2022
Illinois men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood speaks to fans during the 2022 Big Ten Championship ring and banner ceremony on Nov. 11.

[Photo] DI Sports staff picks: 2022 coaches of the year

By Sports Staff • Dec 4, 2022
Origami swans, created by students of ARTJ 199, hang on the ceilings of the Japan House on Oct. 8. The Japan House recently receives a $3.3 million donation from the Ogura-Sato family.

[Photo] Japan House plans for expanded facility, courses following $3.3 million donation

By Emily Campos, Contributing Writer • Dec 7, 2022
Senior forward Matthew Mayer blocks Syracuse freshman guard Judah Mintz on Nov. 29.

[Photo] No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball completes comeback win against No. 2 Texas at the Jimmy V Classic

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Dec 6, 2022
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. dribbles the ball during the game against Syracuse on Nov. 29.

[Photo] No. 17 Illinois prepares for huge test against No. 2 Texas at Madison Square Garden for Jimmy V Classic

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 6, 2022
The Illinois swim and dive team cheer on their teammates during their home meet against Indiana State on Oct. 8.

[Photo] Illinois swim & dive places third at Iowa meet

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Dec 4, 2022
Redshirt junior Danny Braunagel takes down Northwestern on Jan. 29. The Illini will be having their first home meets for the regular season on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois wrestling readies for doubleheader on Saturday

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2022
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. dribbles the ball during the game against Syracuse on Tuesday.

[Photo] No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball drops Big Ten opener in narrow loss to No. 22 Maryland

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 2, 2022
Sophomore guard Adalia McKenzie goes to take a shot during the game against LIU on Nov. 9.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball ties last season win total eight games into 2022–23 season

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 30, 2022
Following Urbana High School's hard lockdown on Nov. 16 and threats received by the school has caused many staff and students to be more concerned regarding school safety.

[Photo] Urbana High School students, staff discuss school safety in wake of recent threats

By Park Mitchell, Contributing Writer • Nov 30, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. stands on the end of the court waiting for the game to resume against Syracuse on Tuesday.

[Photo] Postgame podcast: DI Sports talks Hawkins’ triple-double, Big Ten schedule

By Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor • Nov 29, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins goes for the lay up against Syracuse on Tuesday.

[Photo] No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball takes down Syracuse 73-44 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 29, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez looks for someone to pass to during the second half against Syracuse on Tuesday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 29-point victory over Syracuse

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 29, 2022
Freshman guard Skyy Clark is introduced for the starting lineup for the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Clark, Melendez fire No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball to 33-point victory over Lindenwood

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 25, 2022
Senior Olivia Howell slows down towards the finish line during the Illini Invite for track & field on Apr. 23. Howell finishes her cross country career for Illini, placing in 208th for this season.

[Photo] Howell caps off Illinois cross country season with 208th place finish at NCAA Championships

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Nov 20, 2022
The Illinois men's basketball team huddle before the game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball loses out to No. 16 Virginia in hard-fought Continental Tire Main Event championship

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 20, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps dribbles the ball during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct 28.

[Photo] Player grades from Illinois’ loss to No. 16 Virginia in Vegas

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 21, 2022
Sophomore guard Adalia McKenzie gets introduced prior to the game against LIU on Nov. 9.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball gears up for final early season home match against Oakland

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • Nov 21, 2022
Freshman guard Sencire Harris dunks the ball during the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s upset over No. 8 UCLA

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 19, 2022
Junior defensive back Devon Witherspoon on the field during the second half of the game against MSU on Nov. 5.

[Photo] Illinois football keeps it close, falls late to Michigan in a heartstopping game

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 19, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. blocks Kansas City on Nov. 11.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball upsets No. 8 UCLA in Las Vegas behind Shannon Jr.’s 29 points

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2022
Senior defensive back Sydney Brown runs down the field during the game against Purdue on Nov. 12.

[Photo] Illinois football travels to Ann Arbor for penultimate regular season game

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team cheer on the court during their match up against Minnesota on Nov. 6.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball celebrates seniors with final home matches of the season

By Drew Friberg and Adam Rosen • Nov 18, 2022
The Illinois men's basketball team huddles on the court during the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

[Photo] No. 19 Illinois travels to Las Vegas for semifinal showdown against No. 8 UCLA in Continental Tire Main Event

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2022
Senior gaurd Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots from the three point line during the second half of the game against Kansas City on Friday.

[Photo] Terrence Shannon Jr. unleashes 30-point performance for Illinois in blowout victory over Monmouth

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 16, 2022
Junior gaurd Makira Cook goes for the layup during the game against LIU on Nov. 9.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball claims largest victory of season in 100-38 game against McNeese State

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps goes for the lay up during the second half of the game against Kansas City on Friday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 38-point win over Monmouth

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 14, 2022
Sophomore defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) takes down Purdue during the last home game of the regular season on Saturday.

[Photo] Column | ‘They are who we thought they were’: Illinois football falls apart in final matches of 2022 season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Nov 15, 2022
Former Illinois men's basketball guard Trent Frazier receives his 2022 Big Ten Championship ring from Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during the ring and banner ceremony on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball alums return to hang banner, collect rings with Underwood

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 12, 2022
Jorge Calderin, graduate student studying biochemistry, with his iPad that he uses to doodle and write his notes with. Calderin shares his content with 411k followers on his Instagram @doodlesinthemembrane.

[Photo] How doodling over chem notes made this grad student go viral

By Rebecca Oriza, Staff Writer • Nov 17, 2022
Setter Brooke Mosher jumps to spike the ball against Maryland on Sept. 23. The Illini defeated Michigan State Spartans on and Michigan Wolverines during the team's Big Ten matches during today and Friday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball earn two much-needed victories on road

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2022
Sixth-year senior Tommy DeVito warms up before kickoff against Purdue on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois drops second game in a row on Senior Day with Championship chances likely disapparated

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2022
Sophomore wide receiver Pay Bryant attempts to catch the ball during the game against Purdue on Saturday.

[Photo] Three and Out (of contention): Illinois outplayed by Purdue in Big Ten West clincher

By Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor • Nov 12, 2022
Junior running back Chase Brown celebrates his second touchdown during the last home game of the regular season against Purdue on Saturday.

[Photo] Bielema’s press conference analysis: Where does Saturday’s loss leave Illinois football?

By Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor • Nov 12, 2022
Freshman guard Skyy Clark dribbles the ball down the court during the second half against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Kansas City

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Nov 12, 2022
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja goes to dunk the ball during the second half against Kansas City on Friday.

[Photo] Dainja leads No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball to 38-point trouncing of Kansas City

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2022
The Illinois football defense take down Michigan State's offense during the first half on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois football looks to bounce back on Senior Day, take steps towards clinching Big Ten West

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2022
Redshirt freshman Brooke Mosher (22) and senior middle blocker Kennedy Collins (1) go to block Minnesota's ball during their match up on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball looks for two wins in Michigan in wake of NCAA Tournament

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2022
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja goes to dunk the ball during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball prepares to host 2022 Big Ten Champion Banner Ceremony ahead of Kansas City clash

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2022
The Illinois women's cross country team takes off at the starting line for the women's 5k against Illinois State on Sept. 1.

[Photo] Illinois women’s cross country set to rebound from Big Ten disappointment

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Nov 11, 2022
Illinois women's head coach Shauna Green watches the team from the sidelines during the second half of the game against LIU on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball signs pair of guards for recruiting class of 2023

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2022
Jonathan Yuen, senior in Engineering, and Maya Korol, senior in LAS, are both members of Illini 4000. I4K is a student-run organization that holds a yearly 4000-mile bike ride from the East to the West Coast.

[Photo] Illini 4000: Fighting cancer on two wheels

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2022
Sophomore guard Adalia McKenzie looks at the Illinois sideline during the game against LIU on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball opens season at home against LIU

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2022
Junior forward Kendall Bostic goes for the lay up during the second half against LIU on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball opens season with decisive 35-point victory at home

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2022
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[Photo] Urbana High School receives another threatening phone call, enters soft lockdown

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2022
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[Photo] Best bookstore: Jane Addams Book Shop

By Faith Allendorf, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2022
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[Photo] Best thrift store: Twice is Nice

By Lucy Bridges, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best new business: The Literary

By Faith Allendorf, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2022
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[Photo] Best Date Spot: Arboretum

By Sydney Wood, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best Library: Grainger Engineering Library

By Marilyn MacLaren, Assistant buzz Editor • Nov 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best fine dining: Hamilton Walker’s

By Kylie Corral, buzz Editor • Nov 6, 2022
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[Photo] Best Doughnut: Pandamonium

By Odeth Rubio, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best Milkshake: Jarling’s

By Lucy Bridges, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
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[Photo] Best Indian Food: Himilayan Chimney

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots for a three pointer during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

[Photo] Shannon, Hawkins shine in Illinois men’s basketball season opener against Eastern Illinois

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 9, 2022
Illinois women’s tennis head coach Evan Clark speaks with the team before their matches against Eastern Illinois on Jan. 23.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis head coach Evan Clark extends contract through 2025–26 season

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • Nov 8, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. walks on the court during introductions before the start of the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball prepares for official 2022-23 season opener against Eastern Illinois

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 7, 2022
Urbana High School canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat on Monday.

[Photo] Urbana schools cancel classes due to threats of shooting

By Faith Allendorf, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 7, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge hits the ball over the net during the third set against No. 9 Minnesota on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball falls short in fifth set heartbreak loss to No. 9 Minnesota

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 6, 2022
Junior forward Kendall Bostic tries to block a Northwestern opponent on Feb. 21.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball opens season with exhibition win over Quincy

By Rachel Oh, Contributing Writer • Nov 6, 2022
Senior defensive backs Sydney Brown (30) and Kendall Smith (7) celebrate Brown's interception during the first quarter against Michigan State on Saturday.

[Photo] ‘We’re a better team than that’: DeVito heroics not enough to lift team as Illinois football falls to Michigan State, 23-15

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 5, 2022
Sixth-year senior quarterback Tommy DeVito (3) passes the ball to junior running back Chase Brown (2) during the Homecoming game against Minnesota on Oct. 15.

[Photo] Daily Illini Sports Podcast, Michigan State beat writer points to lackluster Spartan running game making the difference in Saturday’s match

Nov 5, 2022
Sixth-year senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski runs on to the field before the Homecoming game kickoff against Minnesota on Oct. 15.

[Photo] Illinois football looks for seven straight against short-handed MSU

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • Nov 5, 2022
Forward Erika Porter jumps to make a lay up against Northwestern on Feb. 21. The Illini will be starting of this season against Quincy during tonight's match.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball opens season with exhibition against Quincy

By Rachel Oh, Contributing Writer • Nov 4, 2022
Champaign county sheriff candidates, Democrat Dustin Heuerman (left) and Republican John Brown (right), answer questions at a forum held in the ARC’s Clements Auditorium on Oct. 26.

[Photo] Champaign sheriff candidates discuss crime, corrections issues at forum

By Aidan Sadovi, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins looks to his teammates during the exhibition game against Quincy on Friday.

[Photo] Nerves, communication hinders Illinois men’s basketball despite 35-point victory over Quincy

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 31, 2022
Redshirt senior Diana Brown (5) and senior middle blocker Kennedy Collins (1) attempt to block the ball against Maryland on Sept. 23.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball picks up second win of the week with 3-1 win over Rutgers

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2022
Graduate student Emma Milburn runs during the Illini Challenge against Illinois State on Sept. 1.

[Photo] Disappointing day sees Illinois women’s cross country place ninth at Big Ten Championships

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez dunks the ball during the second half of the exhibition game against Quincy on Friday. The Illini won 87-52.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball cruises past Quincy in exhibition following strong second-half showing

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 28, 2022
Stephanie Hege is the box office manager at The Virginia Theatre and oversees the box office staff and operations.

[Photo] Stepping into the box office at The Virginia Theatre

By Alexis Ramirez, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry goes to hit the ball over the net during Illinois' match against Northwestern on Sept. 24.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball’s stout defense, stellar offense leads way to first ranked win over No. 11 Penn State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 27, 2022
Redshirt senior setter Diana Brown goes to set the ball during the game against Northwestern on Sept. 24.

[Photo] ‘We just did that’: Illinois volleyball knocks off No. 11 Penn State in midweek home thriller

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • Oct 26, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry celebrates with her teammates after the team scored a point against Northwestern on Sept. 24. Terry returns to Illinois for her senior year as a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball welcomes No. 11 Penn State to mark halfway point in Big Ten season

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 26, 2022
Kelly Nowlin has been the executive director of the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company since 2015. Nowlin found her passion with theatre in grade school.

[Photo] HOCU | Behind the curtain at CU Theatre Company

By Kylie Corral, Buzz Editor • Oct 26, 2022
Tamika Davis talks about the program First Followers and their goal in aiding and giving hope to those formerly incarcerated. Davis has helped in building the program since it began in 2014.

[Photo] Guiding the formerly incarcerated home

By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer • Oct 25, 2022
Students browse and interact with different schools that were a part of the University's Career Center Graduate and Professional School Fair on Wednesday.

[Photo] In-person grad school fair enables students to make connections

By Layli Nazarova, Contributing Writer • Oct 24, 2022
Trevor Burke poses at the entrance of Volition’s lobby in downtown Champaign on Oct. 18. Burke works as a sound designer for the video game company.

[Photo] The artist who turns fruit into fistfights

By Yuzhu Liu, Assistant Features Editor • Oct 24, 2022
Senior middle blocker Kennedy Collins prepares to hit the ball over the net during the first set against No. 3 Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini falls to the Cornhuskers, 3-0.

[Photo] Illinois falls to No. 3 Nebraska in a sold-out Huff Hall, falls to 4-6 in conference play

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • Oct 22, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team huddle after their victory against Rutgers on Oct. 12, 2022. The Illini announced their Big Ten schedule for the 2023 season this morning.

[Photo] Underdog Illinois looks for upset over No. 3 Nebraska in front of sold out home crowd

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 22, 2022
Outside Hitter/Right Side Jessica Nunge jumps towards the ball to an attempt a spike against Nebraska on Nov. 4. Jessica Nunge played on the court for the first time since non-conference however, the Illini still suffered a defeat from Ohio State on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball falls below .500, gets swept by No. 6 Ohio State

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • Oct 19, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball over the net as Northwestern tries to block on Sept. 24.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball continues road schedule at No. 6 Ohio State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 19, 2022
Junior wide receiver Khmari Thompson enters on the field before kickoff against Minnesota on Saturday.

Gallery | Illinois victory to end off Homecoming Week

By Sydney Laput and Logan Hodson • Oct 18, 2022
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