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

Aliza Majid, Assistant News Editor

[email protected]

All content by Aliza Majid
Mearieta Clemente is a Junior at the University who performs around the world as a wheel gymnast.

A circus performer lives her childhood passion

October 13, 2021
A protestor speaks in front of a group of people standing in solidarity against racism at the Black August protest on Aug. 28 outside the Sheriffs office in Champaign. The Party for Socialism and Liberation have been protesting the removal of the eviction moratorium.

Champaign community protests strike down of eviction moratorium

September 6, 2021

Pritzker announces state-wide vaccination mandate

August 26, 2021
Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering students Rick Eason and Logan Power pose for a photo in front of their CubeSat satellite. The satellite will be loaded onto NASAs SpaceX Dragon cargo ship that will fly to the International Space Station.

Student-designed NASA satellite to enter space in August

July 27, 2021
Freshman in Engineering Maia DeGuzman works behind the counter at Tenko Tea on March 9. University students can save money in multiple ways by following these helpful tips.

Save money at college using these tips

July 15, 2021
An Illinois student sits at a desk looking at their computer in the TechHub located in the Armory. The Hub for Brand Innovation and Advertising Technology is hosting a virtual summer academy this July called the “Frontiers of Digital Advertising”.

The Brand Hub hosts inaugural Frontiers of Digital Advertising

July 13, 2021
University Senate approves new data science degree program for fall 2022

University Senate approves new data science degree program for fall 2022

July 7, 2021
Taylor Tucker, a graduate from Illinois, created a childrens book about car engineering. This book was released May 10.

Alumni create engineering-themed children’s books

June 29, 2021
Lizzie Cocoa Duckworth Carter sings Lift Every Voice and Sing to start off the Juneteenth celebration at West Side Park in Champaign on Saturday. The Champaign-Urbana community came together in-person and virtually to commemorate the date the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were notified about their freedom.

Champaign-Urbana celebrates Juneteenth

June 22, 2021
Registered Nurse Lillye Neal fills out vaccine card while holding a vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in Detroit on April 28. The University is accepting vaccination cards in replace of Covid-19 testing on Monday.

Verified COVID-19 vaccination records replace testing

June 18, 2021
The Siebel Center for Design sits quietly at 1208 S. Fourth Street in Champaign, Illinois on April 25. The Hub for Brand Innovation and Advertising Technology is a new initiative that creates a collaborative workspace for students working toward a professional career.

University launches new innovation project

June 14, 2021
University removes mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals

University removes mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals

May 24, 2021
People board a bus from the CUMTD. Shortage in bus operators cause a reduction in services for the weekend.

CUMTD temporarily reduces weekend services

May 21, 2021
Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim poses for a picture. Oberheim passed away after being struck by gunfire while on-duty Wednesday.

Champaign Police Department announces processional for fallen officer

May 20, 2021
A photograph of the Main Quad is taken from a drone on May 23, 2020. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved a renovation project for Altgeld Hall and Illini Hall.

Board of Trustees approve new projects, lower student health insurance costs

May 20, 2021
Graduate student Antonio Ruiz poses for a photo. Ruiz is the second student dismissed from the University this academic year because of Covid-19 noncompliance.

University dismisses another graduate student for COVID-19 noncompliance

April 20, 2021
The Central Illinois Mosque & Islamic Center sits quietly at 106 S. Lincoln Ave. in Urbana on Saturday. The University is providing nasal swabs for individuals who partake in Ramadan in case fasting causes difficulties in saliva production.

University provides nasal swab testing alternative for Ramadan observers

April 12, 2021
University suspends study abroad programs for fall 2021

University suspends study abroad programs for fall 2021

April 5, 2021
Dante Basco and Jessie Flowers star in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” as voice actors. Flowers sat down for a Q&A over zoom with the Illinois Union Board last Thursday.

Voice actor from Avatar: The Last Airbender hosts Q&A in light of Wellness Week

March 30, 2021
Students gather and light candles to commemorate the people whose lives were taken on Friday. Students of all different races gather to support each other.

CU community rallies together to address the increase in anti-Asian hate

March 29, 2021
A COVID-19 testing employee checks in a patient at the Church of the Living God on Feb. 20. Champaign-Urbana area Walgreens have been vaccinating community members to the point where C-U is on track to achieve herd immunity.

Demand of COVID-19 vaccines increases, CU on track to achieve herd immunity

March 25, 2021
The soon to be NuEra dispensary lies at the corner of First and Green on Sunday morning. Having a recreational marijuana dispensary in Campustown will help increase foot traffic.

Cannabis dispensary set to open by KAMS

March 15, 2021
Bargoers wait in line outside of KAMs during Unofficial on March 6, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely severely limit the activities surrounding Unofficial this year.

Local bars, police, businesses agree: Unofficial may be gone for good

March 5, 2021
Prospective students and their parents take a tour of campus on March 6, 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the admissions process at the University.

Waived tests, new deadlines: pandemic alters UI admissions process for prospective students

March 1, 2021
A Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Church of the Living God on Saturday afternoon. The C-U at Home group partnered with Continuum of Care to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations to the homeless population of Champaign-Urbana.

Clinic vaccinates some of CU’s homeless population

February 23, 2021
Illinois student Seth Patterson receives the tube for his University COVID-19 test at the ARC on Feb. 1.

UI saliva-based COVID-19 test expands nationwide

February 18, 2021
COVID-19 antibody test researchers present a 10x13mm assay chip and their PRAM instrument. In the top left corner, a PRAM image shows COVID-19 antibody molecules represented by black dots.

UI research team creates COVID-19 antibody test

February 4, 2021
A senior Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12 at the I-Hotel. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has recently expanded vaccinations to individuals who are 65 or older and have underlying health conditions.

Champaign County continues vaccine push

January 25, 2021
Engineering students partner with mask organization

Engineering students partner with mask organization

November 19, 2020
ISG-backed food insecurity initiative heading to UI senate

ISG-backed food insecurity initiative heading to UI senate

November 12, 2020
Concerning graffiti lays painted on the side of the Main Library on Oct. 24. Some students have felt the negative effects of COVID-19 on their mental health.

Students feel burnout from ceaseless semester

November 2, 2020
Student Shaina Lohman signs into the University COVID-19 testing site located in State Farm Center on Oct. 8.

UI waits for FDA approval to spread testing to community

October 27, 2020
A coronavirus test site worker organizes vials at the Illini Union on Sept. 30. Some students who have previously been infected by COVID-19 are now getting false positives from their tests.

Previously infected students receive false positives

October 8, 2020
Champaign County residents vote at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana, IL on Sept. 24. The voting location is currently the only in Champaign County, while 11 more early voting locations will open on Oct. 18.

Urbana early voting location receives first ballots

October 1, 2020
Students line up at PAR to vote on Election Day on Nov. 6, 2018. The early voting period in Champaign County began Thursday morning.

Early voting begins in Champaign County

September 24, 2020
Spencer Hulsey updated the design for her belted kingfisher mascot idea. Hulsey, 2020 University graduate, saw her mascot design win a nonbinding student body referendum on March 9, then it won the endorsement of University Senate on Monday.

University Senate endorses kingfisher mascot in landslide vote

September 22, 2020
Students vote at the ARC on Nov. 6, 2018. The University Senate has made Election Day the Universitys newest holiday.

Senate designates Election Day as newest UI holiday

September 22, 2020
Employees work at their computers in the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s operations center. CUPHD is responsible for all contact tracing in Champaign County.

University student dismissed for COVID violation

September 21, 2020
Students draw on the cement in front of Alma Mater in chalk following the CC-ARC protest on Aug. 28. The University quickly washed the chalk drawings away after the protesters left the scene.

Students question University’s removal of BLM chalk messages

September 8, 2020
A mock-up for the I Team depicts a possible design for a rain jacket and lanyard.

University holds off on staff program for monitoring campus “disturbances”

September 1, 2020
A student walks past the Foellinger Auditorium COVID-19 testing tent on the Main Quad on Aug. 21. According to a Massmail sent on Thursday, students will be granted building access from the time they receive a negative test result until 11:59 p.m. on the fourth day after they take the test.

University recommends weekend testing for students

August 31, 2020
The entrance to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on March 13, 2019. the Krannert Art Museum opened a new exhibit on Nov. 5 entitled “Bea Nettles: Harvest of Memory

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts closed to public, open to students this fall

August 27, 2020
A student swipes his i-card to enter the Ikenberry Dining Hall on Sunday. On-campus dining facilities created new adjustments in the wake of COVID-19.

Dining halls feature identical carry-out menus, no dine-in — yet

August 24, 2020
The Alma Mater statue stands tall while wearing a mask on Aug. 3.

Recent Massmail details CU COVID-19 positivity rate, website

August 21, 2020
University opens two new campus testing locations

University opens two new campus testing locations

August 18, 2020
The main quad remains relatively barren at 1:48 p.m. on April 3 as many students have left campus due to the coronavirus.

University announces further COVID-19 testing guidelines

August 11, 2020
People gather for the Ebert Film Festival at the entrance to the Virginia Theatre on April 10, 2019.

Roger Ebert’s film festival set for September 2021

August 10, 2020
Martin Burke, associate dean for research at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and chair of the COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team, talks to members of the media at the COVID-19 testing site on July 7.

University COVID-19 saliva testing expands nationally

August 10, 2020
University changes facilities, service employees shifts due to pandemic

University changes facilities, service employees’ shifts due to pandemic

August 6, 2020
The Krannert Art Museum sits on August 20, 2016. The museum opened a new exhibit on Nov. 5 entitled “Bea Nettles: Harvest of Memory.”

Krannert Art Museum to re-open mid-August

August 4, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters with Vice President Mike Pence in the Oval Office at the White House July 20, 2020 in Washington, DC.

ICE rescinded policy that restricted international students from online classes in the U.S.

July 27, 2020

Students call for Beckwith Residential Support Services to reopen

July 24, 2020
A buddha statue stands on a table of Amara and Arts Yoga Studio located in Urbana on Jan. 22.

Professor receives $3 million grant to study yoga health benefits

July 17, 2020
The Beckman Institute sits north of the Engineering Quad in Champaign, IL. on Oct. 4, 2016.

UI included in partnership to form math, science institute

July 16, 2020
President Donald Trump responds to a question from the news media as he walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday.

Trump administration rescinds restrictions for international students

July 14, 2020
Crowds gather on the main quad to enjoy the weather during Moms Weekend on April 6, 2019.

University opposes new ICE rules

July 11, 2020
Photo of the McKinley Health Center on 1109 S. Lincoln Ave. on April 17, 2016.

McKinley no longer providing free Plan B for students

July 8, 2020
Professor Mitch Fisher lectures to his ACCY 201 class at Lincoln Hall Theater on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.

University plans to resume on-campus activities, hybrid classes for fall semester

June 18, 2020
Call for University to defund local police departments gains attention

Call for University to defund local police departments gains attention

June 17, 2020
Students wait to enter Red Lion on March 1, 2019 during Unofficial.

Racial profiling controversy at bars stirs backlash

June 15, 2020
The main quad remains relatively barren at 1:48 p.m. on April 3 as many students have left campus due to the coronavirus.

University sends Massmail detailing fall semester plans

June 9, 2020
Crowds gather on the main quad to enjoy the weather during Moms Weekend on April 6, 2019.

COVID-19 briefing series: University addresses budget, finance concerns

June 5, 2020
The beginning of the Fall 2020 Instruction Report Draft which was sent to students on Thursday.

Fall 2020 instruction report draft

June 4, 2020
The homepage of the OneClick website, which provides free video chat to users, rests on Sunday.

University partners with OneClick to study impacts of video technology

June 1, 2020
A person holds a graduation cap in the air at Memorial Stadium.

University virtual commencement ceremonies celebrate graduating class

May 27, 2020
People step on an MTD bus at the Illinois terminal on Oct. 19, 2019.

Mass Transit District fall service changes

May 20, 2020
Students ask for credit/no credit extension as finals loom

Students ask for credit/no credit extension as finals loom

May 12, 2020
University Housing allows students to move out during extended stay-at-home order

University Housing allows students to move out during extended stay-at-home order

May 5, 2020
Professor Mark Wolters stands in front of his streaming set up

Professor fundraises by live streaming marketing course

April 28, 2020
Martin Burke works in the Roger Adams Laboratory in Urbana, IL. Burke is the co-author of the new treatment being developed to treat all types of cystic fibrosis.

Potential new cystic fibrosis treatment uses ‘molecular prosthetic’ for missing lung protein

April 21, 2020
Champaign coalition calls for release of inmates during pandemic

Champaign coalition calls for release of inmates during pandemic

April 13, 2020
The Illinois RapidVent team fabricated several prototypes of their ventilator design for testing and refinement.

University team creates emergency ventilator amid shortage

April 6, 2020
University revises academic policy for remainder of semester

University revises academic policy for remainder of semester

March 31, 2020
Patrons of CRCE use the workout machines located on the workout floor on Feb. 19.

Deadlift policy creates confusion at CRCE

March 25, 2020
A student takes notes during his statistics lecture in Lincoln Hall Theater on Dec. 3, 2019.

University introduces credit/no-credit option for classes

March 24, 2020
The lobby of the GQT Savoy 16 IMAX theater located off of route 45 on Saturday. Savoy 16’s parent company, Goodrich Quality, owes $33 million to other companies.

Savoy 16’s parent company files for bankruptcy

March 9, 2020
Patrons of CRCE use the workout machines located on the workout floor on Feb. 19.

University Extension sponsors Living Well Campaign

March 2, 2020
Student volunteers help Champaign locals file their taxes at Wohlers Hall, 1206 S. Sixth St., on Thursday.

University provides free tax assistance for community

March 2, 2020
HOPE scholarship gives hope to those ineligible for government scholarships

HOPE scholarship gives hope to those ineligible for government scholarships

February 27, 2020
Temporary housing units in ISR converted lounges into makeshift dorm rooms using bunk beds and desks. All students living in temporary housing have been relocated this semester.

Remaining students move out of temporary housing

February 27, 2020
Krishna is a distinguished alumnus in the electrical and computer engineering department at the University.

Engineering alumnus named new IBM CEO

February 13, 2020
Four students at Brothers Bar watch the Bachelor on March 6.

Illini Inn, Brothers Bar & Grill host “Bachelor Mondays”

February 10, 2020
Junior Ananya Cleetus describes her mental health app, Anemone, during an interview on Wednesday in Lincoln Hall. Cleetus hopes to gain valuable feedback from the Cozad challenge.

Students prepare for upcoming entrepreneurship challenge

January 27, 2020
Illinois Student Government members (left to right) Jimmy Song, Conner Josellis and Mariama Mwilambwe sit together for an interview.

ISG prepares for the new semester to meet student needs

January 22, 2020
A “no trespassing” sign lies on the fence of the lot where a former Ameren gas plant was located on Sunday. The 3.5-acre plant closed in 1953, but coal tar and other waste products continue to pollute the area, causing community members to speak up and start GoFundMe fundraisers.

Ameren comments on Fifth, Hill pollution issue

December 2, 2019
Altgeld Hall, 1409 W. Green St., on Feb. 8, 2018.

Altgeld, Illini Hall Project enters new design phase

December 2, 2019
Bill to cap insulin prices passes Illinois Senate

Bill to cap insulin prices passes Illinois Senate

November 18, 2019
A plastic bag lies in Boneyard Creek on April 13, 2015. RSOs fundraise to reduce the effect of pollution from an old Ameren manufacturing plant near a residential area in Champaign.

Student organizations work to improve pollution in Champaign

November 14, 2019
Illinois Student Government meets at the Illini Union on Oct. 30.

Illinois Student Government discusses old, new plans

November 4, 2019
A student takes an egg roll from the Busey-Evans buffet on Friday. The Busey-Evans dining hall will be closed next year.

Busey-Evans dining hall to close down indefinitely by Fall 2020

October 31, 2019
Board allocates over $230,000 for RSOs

Board allocates over $230,000 for RSOs

October 21, 2019
Urbana continues efforts to rebuild area after tornado early this year

Urbana continues efforts to rebuild area after tornado early this year

October 14, 2019
Zoë Foote, Immigrant Services Coordinator at the University YMCA, discusses the S386 Big Tech Green Card Bill on Oct. 2. The main function of the S.386 bill is to remove the 7% country cap, allowing green card applicants to have their applications reviewed regardless of their country of origin.

Tensions rise as green card bill goes through Senate

October 10, 2019
Boxes of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed at the Gason County Department of Health and Human Service. McKinley Health Center hopes to increase measures on measles prevention.

McKinley Health Center works to improve measles prevention

October 3, 2019
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