Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
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
Talia Duffy

Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor

Hey guys! My name is Talia and I’m a sophomore majoring in statistics and journalism. I joined Opinions at The Daily Illini in November 2021, which was a great decision because now I have an excuse to write about whatever I want and put it somewhere besides my Google Drive. Besides that, you’ll probably find me watching Star Wars, reading historical fiction novels, or researching random things on Wikipedia.

Reach me at 

Opinion | Data is the future of UI’s journalism department

Opinion | Data is the future of UI’s journalism department

By Talia Duffy, Senior Columnist • November 20, 2023

Opinion | Students share the good and bad of their housing experiences at UI

By Aaron Anastos, Megan Harding, Maggie Knutte and Talia Duffy • September 28, 2023
Opinion | Schedules make or break the college experience

Opinion | Schedules make or break the college experience

By Megan Harding and Talia Duffy • July 9, 2023
Salvatore Galluzo, senior in LAS, hangs out with his friend Kevin O’Hara, senior in FAA on the quad on Thursday.

Opinion | What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen at UI?

By Talia Duffy and Maggie Knutte • April 18, 2023
Opinion | ’Nepo baby‘ hate disregards reality

Opinion | ’Nepo baby‘ hate disregards reality

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • January 26, 2023
According to Assistant Opinions Editor Talia Duffy, buyers should be wary of Crosley record players. Instead, they should consider higher-end options, such as those from 1 by ONE.

Opinion | Beware the Crosley Cruiser record player

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • January 18, 2023
Assistant opinions editor Talia Duffy argues that Champaign is a better city when it comes to more activities and gives students a city-life, social vibe.

Opinion | Champaign reigns supreme over Urbana

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • September 28, 2022
Serena Williams plays against France’s Harmony Tan during their first-round Wimbledon match on June 28. Assistant Opinions Editor Talia Duffy argues that tennis is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports.

Opinion | Tennis demands physical, mental greatness

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • August 27, 2022
Enter another universe with these unique RSOs

Enter another universe with these unique RSOs

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • August 19, 2022
Actor Pedro Pascal stars as the Mandalorian in popular Disney+ show "The Mandalorian" in 2019. Assistant opinions editor, Talia Duffy, believes that the Star Wars franchise is best suited for films instead of exclusive Disney+ content.

Opinion | ‘Star Wars’ is not meant for Disney+

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • August 8, 2022
Opinion | Dear parents: It’s okay to cry while I’m away

Opinion | Dear parents: It’s okay to cry while I’m away

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • July 15, 2022
Opinion | Keto should be the final fad diet delusion

Opinion | Keto should be the final fad diet delusion

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • July 6, 2022
Protesters march towards the Champaign County Courthouse with signs to fight against the overturning of Roe v. Wade on Friday. Assistant opinions editor Talia Duffy argues that Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade has caused many to lose respect for the system.

Opinion | Overturning Roe ruins the Supreme Court

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • June 28, 2022
Assistant opinions editor Talia Duffy talks about her experience with the worst bicycle accident she has gone through.

DI Voices | The greatest bike crash of my life

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • June 4, 2022
People advocating for the statehood of Washington D.C. during an Independence Parade on July 4, 2011. Assistant Opinions Editor Talia Duffy argues that the District of Columbia should be considered the 51st state with how much they have contributed to the government.

Opinion | America has 51 states

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • May 26, 2022
Kirk Sanders, associate professor in LAS, expresses how big of a concern gun violence is within the area especially when it comes to the safety of his children. Others around the community give incite on their concern with the rise in gun violence.

Opinion | What is your perspective on community gun violence?

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • April 12, 2022
Vishesh Askhat Pathak, junior in Information Sciences, with his younger sister, Agastika Pathak. Pathak and other students talk about their childhood best friends who have made a huge impact on their lives.

DI Voices | Who is your childhood best friend? | Part II

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • March 28, 2022
Assistant Opinions Editor Talia Duffy is seen with her childhood friends Pierce Abed and Kaylee Bajgrowwicz. Talia and other students talk about their childhood best friends and how impactful they have been in their lives.

DI Voices | Who is your childhood best friend? | Part I

By Talia Duffy, Assistant Opinions Editor • March 22, 2022
Andres Munoz, student in the English Institute, discusses how online classes have been beneficial toward him understanding English through the use of headphones.

Opinion | What’s your experience with online versus in-person courses?

By Samuel Rahman and Talia Duffy • February 23, 2022
Outside of a RA’s door in Wassaja Hall on Saturday. Columnist Talia Duffy believes patrols from resident advisors makes dorms less of a home and creates a more distant relationship among students.

Opinion | Dorms aren’t prisons: Stop random patrols

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • February 16, 2022
Columnist Talia Duffy argues the term "basic girl" creates a bad stigma when there is nothing wrong in being basic.

Opinion | It’s time to let the ‘basic girls’ stereotype die

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • February 15, 2022
Alma Mater greets students wearing a mask as recommendation for all students as they return to campus during the Covid-19 pandemic. Columnist Talia Duffy believes the university has the right in requiring the booster for student and staff safety.

Opinion | UI is justified in mandating boosters

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • January 26, 2022
Opinion | Swift should not seek awards with ‘Red’ re-release

Opinion | Swift should not seek awards with ‘Red’ re-release

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • December 7, 2021
Head football coach Bret Bielema walks onto the football field before the homecoming game against Wisconsin Oct. 9 Columnist Talia Duffy argues that Bielema's salary is too high for the underperforming team.

Opinion | Bielema’s extravagant salary is unjustifiable

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • November 24, 2021
Helene Simmons (left), freshman in ACES, and Hayden Fischer, freshman in LAS, discuss their thoughts on the correlation between Greek Life and sexual assault.

Opinion | Does Greek life correlate with sexual assault?

By Samuel Rahman, Talia Duffy and Nathaniel Langley • November 9, 2021
Daisy Ridley stars as Rey in "Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi". Columnist Talia Duffy believes that "The Last Jedi" does not deserve the hate it gets from the many fans from the Star Wars franchise.

Opinion | Give ‘The Last Jedi’ the respect it deserves

By Talia Duffy, Columnist • November 8, 2021
ILLordle: Play now