Fair | 74°

With its first spring semester edition on news stands today, the Daily Illini (or DI) is out in advance of the students' return to classes next week. Published since 1871, the DI is the University of Illinois' independent, student-run newspaper. The paper's editorial, business, and production departments are staffed by students who are enrolled in a wide variety of degree programs, not just journalism. Some of the notable DI alumni are film critics Gene Shalit and Roger Ebert, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, novelist Dave Eggers, folk singer Dan Fogelberg, Deadspin founder Will Leitch, several Pulitzer Prize winners, and many others who have gone on to notable careers. Published by Illini Media Company, the DI's weekday circulation surpasses 20,000, and the paper is distributed free at more than 250 locations throughout the community. The DI regularly receives awards such as the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold and Silver Crowns and the Associated College Press Pacemaker Award.