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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
Isaac Pinkus

Isaac Pinkus, Assistant Photo Editor

The Doublespot.ai webpage featured on a laptop inside of the Siebel Center for Design on Nov. 11. Doublespot.ai utilizes ai to create custom help bots for websites.

[Photo] UI student startup DoubleSpot lands partnership with SCD

By Bryana Perez, Contributing Writer • November 14, 2024
Illinois football takes the field against Purdue on Oct. 12 in front of a loud Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? AP rankings

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Tess Eken • November 14, 2024
The Illini cheer on their teammates on April 12 at the Atkins Tennis Center.

[Photo] Illinois tennis gears up for final round of qualifying tournaments

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • November 7, 2024
Illinois storms out of the tunnel to a packed Memorial Stadium on Oct. 12.

[Photo] 9 wins is still attainable, Illinois approaches bye week optimistically

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • November 6, 2024
Senior Pat Bryant celebrates the game-winning touchdown on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illini return to Champaign, prepare for battle against Golden Gophers

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • November 1, 2024
Outside linebacker Seth Coleman's helmet lays on the field after taking a big hit during the Illinois v Purdue football game on Oct. 12. in Memorial Stadium

[Photo] Illini can’t keep their Ducks in a row, fall on the road

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 26, 2024
Wide receiver Pat Bryant leaps into the air and reaches for the sky as a pass comes hurling towards him over the opposing Purdue player's head in the Illinois v Purdue football game on Oct. 12. in Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illinois football grades from road loss against No. 1 Oregon

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 29, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer rushes with the ball but gets taken down during the Illinois vs. Purdue football game on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Duck hunt gone wrong, Oregon drops Illinois in AP poll

By Daniel Lee, Contributing Writer • October 29, 2024
Graduate student Quincy Guerrier slams the ball through the basket during the Illinois v Iowa game at the State Farm Center on S First St., Feburary 24, 2024

[Photo] AP preseason poll leaves Illinois unranked; do preseason rankings even matter? 

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • October 17, 2024
University SEIU workers sing chants and march in circles on strike. The strike began Sept. 23 to demand for better wages and other changes.

[Photo] Weeklong SEIU strike upends UI housing

By Alice Mei and Jude Panlilio • October 19, 2024
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski stands in the University YMCA on S. Wright St. Friday, Oct. 4. Congresswoman Budzinski has served as the U.S. representative for Illinois’ 13th congressional district since 2023.

[Photo] Rep. Budzinski reflects on first term, talks reelection

By Jessie Wang and Qaasim Jatoi • October 16, 2024
Redshirt Freshman Declan Duley is filled with emotion as he lifts the cannon after the Illinois v Purdue game on Oct. 12.

[Photo] The Cannon comes home to Champaign

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • October 12, 2024
AMTs arrive on the scene during the encampment protest next to the Alma Mater. Protesters and organizers arrived as early as 5am and the encampment lasted until 10:45pm, Friday.

[Photo] METCAD facing employee shortage at call centers

By Ashwin Padmanabhan, Staff Writer • October 11, 2024
Wide receiver Pat Bryant looks to the sky as a Central Michigan defender leaps after him during the homecoming game on September 14.

[Photo] No. 23 Illini return from bye week, look to defeat Boilermakers at home

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 11, 2024
The apartment complex at 310 S. First St. owned by the University Group. The University Group owns over 150 properties in the C-U area.

[Photo] Students take action against withheld security deposits 

By Michael Bales, Senior Copy Editor • October 10, 2024
Runningback Kaden Feagan Leaps over Eastern Illinois defences during the first football game of the 2024 season in Memorial Stadium on West Kirby Ave.

[Photo] Column | Grading Illinois football through 6 weeks

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • October 4, 2024
University SEIU workers sing chants and march in circles on strike. The strike began Sept. 23 to demand better wages and other changes.

[Photo] SEIU settles strike, some remain unsatisfied

By Alice Mei, Staff Writer • October 8, 2024
The Illinois Marching Illini march and play in formation during the Illinois v Central Michigan homecoming halftime show.

[Photo] Marching Illini to encourage stem cell donor registration with halftime show

By Makenna Norman, Staff Writer • October 4, 2024
The Illinois Fighting Illini walk around a football Wide receiver Malik Elzy leaps into the air and looks to the sky for the touchdown pass during the first football game of the 2024 season in Memorial Stadium on West Kirby Ave.

[Photo] Illinois drops to No. 24 after loss against Penn State

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2024
University SEIU workers sing chants and march in circles on strike. The strike began Sept. 23 to demand better wages and other changes.

[Photo] SEIU suspends strike, workers to return tomorrow

By Mary Piacente and Ashwin Padmanabhan • September 30, 2024
Sophomore RB Kaden Feagin and Freshman TE Jake Furtney celebrate an Illinois touchdown against Central Michigan during Homecoming on Sept. 14.

[Photo] All eyes on No. 19 Illinois in battle against No. 9 Penn State

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 28, 2024
University SEIU workers sing chants and march in circles on strike. The strike began on Sept. 23 to demand better wages and other changes.

[Photo] SEIU strike reaches day 3

By Jude Panlilio, Staff Writer • September 25, 2024
University SEIU workers sing chants and march in circles on strike. The strike began Sept. 23 to demand better wages and other changes.

[Photo] UPDATED: UI building workers to strike Monday, select food services to close

By Jude Panlilio and Alice Mei • September 22, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer gets ready to snap the ball during the 2024 Homecoming game against Central Michigan on Sept. 14. The Illini would go on to win 30-9.

[Photo] No. 24 Illinois begins Big Ten competition against No. 22 Nebraska

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 20, 2024
Goalkeeper Julia Cili, senior, runs onto the field before the soccer game versus Wisconsin on Oct. 12, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois soccer travels to Wisconsin for second Big Ten match

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 19, 2024
Romana Nawak browses photographs for sale at the Analog Wine Library on South Race Street, Urbana, on Sept. 6.

[Photo] Vibrant Vibes art gallery supports local artists

By Tamana Ramkumar, Staff Writer • September 8, 2024
Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Warren sets his helmet down and prays before the game against Kansas on Saturday, Sept. 7.

[Photo] Illini Decide: Stay or throw it away? Current All-Star game format

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Conor Blount • September 12, 2024
Both teams scramble as the Illini shot on goal nearly goes in. Wisconsin junior goalie Drew Stover blocks the shot as Illinois junior Sarah Foley attempts to header the ball in.

[Photo] Illinois soccer begins Big Ten play at home against Minnesota

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 12, 2024
Graduate student Bel Rolley kicks the ball towards the opposing goal during a corner kick in the second half of a match against Wisconsin on Oct. 12, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois soccer returns to the win column, beats Mercer 3-2

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 9, 2024
Assistant coach Archie McDaniel stands in front of the Illinois football team before the first game of the 2024 season. It is coach McDaniel's first season as an Illinois coach.

[Photo] Illinois football: Last season versus now

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 10, 2024
Sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy reaches up to catch a pass in the endzone from junior quarterback Luke Altmyer to score a touchdown in home opener against Eastern Michigan.

[Photo] Illinois football leaves Eastern Illinois scoreless in home opener

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • August 29, 2024
Illini Junior Sydney Stevens battles against Wisconsin senior Gabby Green for possession of the ball in the first half of a soccer match on Oct. 12, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois soccer looks to continue unbeaten season this weekend

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • August 30, 2024
Students dine in the Illinois Street Residence dining hall for breakfast on Sunday morning, March 24.

[Photo] Admission uncertainties create student housing shortage

By Michael Bales, Senior Copy Editor • August 14, 2024
Junior Kida Ferrari celebrates winning a point against Indiana on Friday, April 12 in Atkins Tennis Center.

[Photo] Second straight NCAA tournament bid for No. 39 Illinois women’s tennis begins in Austin

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • May 4, 2024
Students and community members walk around and sit by Boneyard Creek in Urbana.

[Photo] 10 of the best study spots on campus

By Ethan Oskroba, Senior Copy Editor • May 1, 2024
Jewish students and families talk, sing and dance at Alma Mater for a gathering of Jewish pride on Tuesday, 3:00 pm

[Photo] Live coverage: Third day of encampment persists on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 30, 2024
Protesters assemble on the Main Quad to reestablish an encampment. The SJP UIUC Instagram page posted a call for demonstrators at 1:17 p.m.

[Photo] Live coverage: SJP calls for reinstated encampment on the Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 28, 2024
Protesters celebrate police officers withdrawing from the barricade. On Friday morning protestors set up an encampment for Palestine which was shut down by University police and University Facilities & Services, leading to one arrest. Protestors reconvened at Alma in the afternoon setting up an encampment which lasted late into the night on Friday.

Gallery | Day 1 Recap: Palestine encampment rekindles after hiatus

By James Hoeck, Athena Ly, Isaac Pinkus, Anika Khandavalli, Anh-Khoi Pham, Alyssa Shih and Lucas Sun • April 27, 2024
A CU police officer brandishes his nightstick while attempting to breach the circle of protesters to remove tents during the encampment protest next to the Alma Mater.

[Photo] Live coverage: Students supporting Palestine hold encampment at Alma Mater

By The Daily Illini News Staff • April 26, 2024
Students from the University gather to Alma Mater for an encampment protest on Friday morning, April 26. The protest was met with action from University Facilities & Services as well as UIPD leading to one arrest being made.

Gallery | Conflict arises at Alma Mater during encampment for Palestine

By Isaac Pinkus, Damini Rana and Alyssa Shih • April 26, 2024
Head coach Evan Clark talks to the Illinois women’s tennis team before the Illinois v. Indiana match on Friday, April 12 in the Atkins Tennis Center on South Goodwin Avenue.

[Photo] No. 35 Illinois women’s tennis earns win at Penn State, falls to No. 15 Ohio State

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • April 24, 2024
Peter McPoland sings passionately at the Foellinger Auditorium on Thursday during his tour of the Midwest.

[Photo] ‘Were You There?’ Peter McPoland rocks Foellinger Auditorium 

By Felicity Abbott, Staff Writer • April 21, 2024
Junior Kida Ferrari exclaims in celebration after winning a point during the Illinois vs. Indiana match on Friday, April 12 in the Atkins Tennis Center on South Goodwin Avenue.

[Photo] Matches at Penn State, No. 15 Ohio State close regular season for No. 35 Illinois women’s tennis

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • April 19, 2024
Fifth-year Josie Frazier prepares to serve during her first double match of the Illinois v. Indiana match on Friday, April 12, in the Atkins Tennis Center on South Goodwin Avenue.

[Photo] Frazier clinches on Senior Day, lifts No. 35 Illinois women’s tennis to 2-0 weekend

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • April 17, 2024
A dad and his son cross the finish line during the Illini Dads Weekend 5K run in the University of Illinois Arboretum on Nov. 12.

[Photo] Engineers Without Borders sprint for change: upcoming 5k to raise funds, awareness 

By Lauren Castaldo, Staff Writer • April 16, 2024
A group of dancers take over the dance floor at the FIESTA | Bailando through the Decades event at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 7.

[Photo] La Casa celebrates 50 years of vibrant history, seeks continued growth

By Ethan Oskroba, Senior Copy Editor • April 11, 2024
The corona of the solar eclipse radiates light during full totality. On Monday, students flooded campus, ditched classes and took a trip to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in Illinois.

Gallery | Let’s watch the eclipse

By James Hoeck, Isaac Pinkus, Yichen Liu, Bianca Olson, Anh-Khoi Pham, Angel Saldivar and Candice Zhou • April 9, 2024
The corona of the solar eclipse radiates light during full totality. On Monday, students flooded campus, ditched classes and took a trip to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in Illinois.

[Photo] Gallery | Lets watch the eclipse

April 9, 2024
The 2023-24 editorial team at an Illini Media Company recruitment night on Jan. 23.

[Photo] One last note

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • March 31, 2024
Lisa Chasanov, Jacob Slabosz and Lika Lezhava present at an Illini Media Company recruitment night on Jan. 23.

[Photo] So long, suckers!

By Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting • March 31, 2024
Shoppers browse the wide variety of items in the Twice is Nice thrift store located at 607 W. Elm St. on March 2.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Thrift Store: Twice is Nice

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
James Steur, a graduate student studying political science, gets his haircut at the Urbana Campus Barber Shop on South Lincoln Avenue and West Nevada Street on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Place to Get a Haircut: Urbana Campus Barber Shop

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
The Red Herring stands tall on the corner of South Mathews Avenue and West Oregon Street on March 24. The restaurant is currently closed for the season.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Vegetarian Food: The Red Herring

By A. Oishii Basu, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Students lift weights in the Activities and Recreation Center on East Peabody Drive on Feb. 26.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best On-Campus Workout Spot: ARC

By Makenna Norman, Staff writer • March 28, 2024
The second floor of Grainger Engineering Library on March 24.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Study Spot: Grainger Engineering Library

By Jack Larson, Assistant buzz Editor • March 28, 2024
Students dine in the ISR dining hall, located at 1010 W. Illinois St., for breakfast on a Sunday morning on March 24, 2024.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Dining Hall: ISR Dining Center

By Mallory Miller, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
The outside of Wassaja Hall on the corner of East Gregory and South First streets on March 24.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Residence Hall: Wassaja Hall

By Ashwin Padmanabhan, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Graduate student Michael Fletcher holds a handstand during his floor routine during the meet with Michigan on Feb. 3.

[Photo] Regular season comes to a close against No. 6 Penn State for No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024
The mens gymnastics team yells with excitement as their teammate completes a successful routine at the meet with Michigan on Feb. 3.

[Photo] Fantastic regular season ends with Illinois men’s gymnastics atop Big Ten

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024
Bottles of spiced coke sit in the ISR shop fridge on Wednesday Mar. 20.

[Photo] Review | Coca-Cola Spiced falls flat of its promises

By Felicity Abbott, Staff Writer • March 21, 2024
Students walk to class and study in the basement of the Campus Instructional Facility on Feb. 27. The CIF boasts five floors total.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Bathroom: CIF basement

By Ashleigh Kendrick, Assistant Features Editor • March 28, 2024
Junior Max Farkhadau holds a one-handed handstand during his pommel horse routine against Michigan on Feb. 3.

[Photo] No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics comes up short at No. 3 Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 12, 2024
Sophomore Tate Costa holds a handstand on the rings during the meet against Michigan on Feb. 3.

[Photo] No. 2 Illinois men’s gymnastics heads to No. 5 Nebraska for top-5 duel

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 9, 2024
Guests file into the theater and await the showings of the films at the CU International Film Festival in the Spurlock museum on Saturday.

[Photo] Second CU International Film Festival celebrates humanity in filmmaking

By Dhruv Baronia and Saagar Kolachina • March 7, 2024
An acai bowl from in the new Just Bee Acai store in the southwest corner of the first floor in the Illini Union on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Just Bee Acai provides delicious treat for the coming spring

By Kristina Muharremaj, Staff Writer • March 5, 2024
An Illini Gymnast flips over the vault during the meet with Minnesota on Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics gets 3 weekend wins

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024
Freshman Alex Tapanes sticks the dismount of his parallel bars routine at the meet against Michigan at Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

[Photo] ‘They’ve proven to be human at times’: No. 12 Illinois gears up for home finale against No. 3 Purdue

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 5, 2024
A group of girls plays football in front of a house near East Daniels Road and South Hale Street by Roland Realty on Feb. 29.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Apartment/Leasing Company: Roland Realty

By Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting • March 28, 2024
Junior all-around Amari Sewell flips in the air in front of an onlooking crowd during the meet against Michigan on Mar. 3.

[Photo] No. 3 Illinois men’s gymnastics hosts tri-meet after pair of bye weeks

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 1, 2024
An Illini gymnast prepares for a big swing on the uneven barrs during the meet with Minnesota at Huff Hall on Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics gears up for another double-meet weekend 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 2, 2024
The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory located on South Goodwin Avenue and Hazelwood Drive.

[Photo] College of Veterinary Medicine sends acceptance letters to wrong students

By Jessie Wang and Michael Bales • February 28, 2024
Sigma Nu fraternity house on the corner of W Pennsylvania and S Maryland Dr. on Feburary 15, 2024.

[Photo] The truth behind living in a Greek house

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • February 27, 2024
Freshman Brandon Dang rejoins an extatic team after completeing his pommel horse routine at the Illinois against Michigan in Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

[Photo] Brandon Dang earns bronze medal at 2024 Winter Cup

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 26, 2024
Junior Makayla Green celebrates after completing a successful vault during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics finishes second at Big Five Meet 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 26, 2024
Freshman Lyden Saltness prepares a big swing on the uneven bars against Minnesota in Huff Hall Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 21 Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares for Big Five Meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 24, 2024
Sophomore Tate Costa balances a handstand on the rings during the meet against Michigan in Huff Hall on Feb. 11

[Photo] Members of No. 3 Illinois men’s gymnastics to compete in 2024 Winter Cup 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 23, 2024
Freshman Lyden Saltness prepares a big swing on the uneven bars during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 21 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers loss despite season-high against No. 15 Minnesota

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024
Junior Makayla Green extatics after completes a successful vault during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

[Photo] No. 27 Illinois women’s gymnastics places third in Missouri

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024
Junior Max Farkhadau showcases a one-handed handstand during his pommel horse routine at Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics prepares for 2024 EVO Elite Collegiate Open

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024
Students socialize at the black joy social event at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center on W Nevada St. on Friday.

[Photo] The Black Joy Project celebrates Black resilience at Spurlock Museum

By Jahzara Norris, Staff Writer • February 6, 2024
Junior all-around Amari Sewell celebrates with his team after completing his floor routine during the game against Michigan yesterday.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics prepares to take on No. 4 Michigan

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 3, 2024
Ice lines the sidewalk outside of Allen Hall on West Gregory and Dorner drives.

[Photo] UI administration advises classes, activities be moved online

By Piotr Fedczuk, News Writer • January 22, 2024
A cow stands at her water basin at the Dairy Cattle Research Unit on South Lincoln Dr. and Hazelwood Dr. on Nov. 11.

[Photo] UI researchers to launch genetically improved cow project in Tanzania

By Megan Tafalla, Contributing Writer • December 30, 2023
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • December 31, 2023
The Carle Illinois College of Medicine is located on South Mathews Ave.

[Photo] Carle Illinois College of Medicine stands on frontlines of innovation

By Sofia Marin, Contributing writer • November 23, 2023
Meat Sciences Laboratory on S. Maryland Dr. & W. College Ct. In this Letter to the Editor, Ilir Sulejmani writes on animal violence.

[Photo] Letter to the Editor | It’s time to confront violence toward animals

By Ilir Sulejmani • October 4, 2023
ILLordle: Play now