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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
Avery Paterson

Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter

Hi! My name is Avery and I’m a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in French. I joined The Daily Illini as a News reporter in the fall of 2024, and began working as a Senior News Reporter in April 2025. I care deeply about producing vital coverage and elevating important voices in the Champaign-Urbana community. In my free time, I can be found scouring Green Street for good food or the Main Library stacks for a new book. Please feel free to shoot me an email using the button below! 

Foellinger Hall covered in snow on Jan. 13, 2019.

The week in news: Illinois defeats Northwestern; winter weather disrupts travel

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Dec 1, 2025
Snow falls on the Main Quad on Jan. 10, 2025. Champaign-Urbana may experience a colder, wetter winter this year due to a La Niña weather event.

CU may see colder, wetter winter

By Avery Paterson and Anya Nair • Nov 26, 2025
A hand holds an iPhone showing a digital Illinois ID on Apple Wallet. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Illinoisans will be able to carry their licenses and IDs digitally.

Illinois announces digital IDs in Apple Wallet

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Nov 19, 2025
University alumni and tech CEOs Sidney Lu and Arvind Krishna answer questions about the future of technology during a panel discussion at the Illini Union on Nov. 14. The panel was a lead-up to Krishna, Lu and former Engineering professor Pete Sauer’s induction into The Grainger College of Engineering Hall of Fame.

CEOs give fireside chat ahead of Grainger Hall of Fame induction

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Nov 15, 2025
UI Senate rejects online Language Other Than English requirement reduction

UI Senate rejects online Language Other Than English requirement reduction

By Avery Paterson and Ryan Pearlman • Nov 12, 2025
A sign for the Office of the Senate hangs from the ceiling on the second floor of the English Building on Oct. 21. The University Senate will vote on a proposal to lower the foreign language requirements for online degree completion programs.

UI Senate to vote on online language requirement lowering

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Nov 10, 2025
Bare trees stand under a clear sky at a wetland on an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program site in Illinois. University researchers found wetlands like these in the Mississippi River Basin can filter nitrogen runoff from bodies of water, saving thousands in filtration costs.

Wetlands reduce nitrogen pollution, save thousands, UI research finds

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Nov 8, 2025
Potatoes sit in a crate at Walmart in Urbana on Oct. 29. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal food-purchasing assistance program, is set to lapse Saturday, affecting Illinois residents who rely on the program.

CU community, Illinois prepare for SNAP suspension

By Avery Paterson and Aidan Sadovi • Oct 31, 2025
LAR residents sit on the sidewalk in front of LAR as Urbana firefighters respond to a fire inside on Friday. No injuries were reported in the fire.

UFD responds to fire at LAR

By Avery Paterson and Adam Edwards • Oct 24, 2025
Projects at the University’s Prairie Research Institute have ceased after the Trump administration terminated $23 million in research funding.

Climate research halted by Prairie Research Institute federal funding cuts

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 22, 2025
UIPD arrest Urbana man Decoven Stevens, 18, as suspect of Oct. 18 shooting.

UIPD arrests suspect involved with Saturday shooting

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 20, 2025
The Forbes Natural History Building in Champaign houses one of the groups conducting inquiry as part of the Prairie Research Institute. The Department of Energy cut $21 million in funding for the PRI last week.

Dept. of Energy cuts $21 million in funding to Prairie Research Institute amid government shutdown

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 14, 2025
The Marching Illini performs Bohemian Rhapsody as a 50-year celebration of the song’s release on Sept. 13.

Marching Illini selected to perform at 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Avery Paterson and Anna Ceja • Oct 7, 2025
UIPD vehicles stand on the scene of a car struck and injured a bicyclist Sunday afternoon. UIPD said the bicyclist was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Bicyclist hit by car near Grainger Engineering Library

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 6, 2025
Flags covering the entire length of the walls in the main atrium of the Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics Building on Sept. 24. The federal government told resource centers at the University it would no longer fund the Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship.

Dept. of Education cuts funding for Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 5, 2025
Researchers gather at a wetland area at Busey Woods in Urbana. These wetland areas are disconnected from relatively permanent waters which are not “waters of the United States” and therefore not protected by the Clean Water Act.  From far left, Jessica Monson, Geoffrey Pociask, Paul Marcum, Chelsea Peterson (front center), Julie Nieset and Jeffrey Matthews.

UI researchers find 72% of Illinois wetlands are unprotected

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Oct 3, 2025
A sign shows stands in front of Anniversary Plaza on Thursday afternoon for the annual student memorial. Students, faculty and community members honored University students who died in the last year.

Family, friends honor UI students at memorial

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Sep 28, 2025
The psychology of home

The psychology of home

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Sep 25, 2025
The "March for our Climate" passes through the main quad in front of Foellinger Auditorium on Friday.

This week in news: Students rally for climate, Trump adds H1-B visa fees

By Avery Paterson and Ryan Pearlman • Sep 22, 2025
Champaign firefighters clear away debris after a fire on a balcony of a residential apartment located at 303. E Green Street on Sept. 18.

CFD responds to Green Street fire

By Avery Paterson and Sam Rink • Sep 18, 2025
An image showing a rendering of the proposed transformation of the Rose Bowl Tavern parking lot into a permanent gathering space. University students and faculty who developed the project presented their idea to the Urbana City Council Sept. 2.

UI students present proposal to transform Rose Bowl parking lot

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Sep 12, 2025
Diego Morales, campaign coordinator for Lift the Ban Coalition, advocates for an end to the ban on rent control in Illinois on Saturday at the Channing Murray Foundation in Urbana.

CU community discusses increasing rent prices, shares solutions

By Ryan Pearlman and Avery Paterson • Sep 8, 2025
UI Social Work researchers develop statewide violence prevention plan

UI Social Work researchers develop statewide violence prevention plan

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Sep 1, 2025
Urbana City Council discusses Free Library report, Night Market

Urbana City Council discusses Free Library report, Night Market

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Aug 28, 2025
Students visit tables at the LAS and ACES career fair on Sept. 20, 2023.

How to build a network at UI and beyond

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Jul 17, 2025
Behind the market: Bean’s Woodshop carves its way into CU community

Behind the market: Bean’s Woodshop carves its way into CU community

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • May 29, 2025
Students study at the Main Library on April 22. The federal government has cut millions of dollars in funding to organizations that support library operations.

NEH, IMLS funding cuts drain UI Library

By Avery Paterson and Riley Shankman • May 10, 2025
Shozo Sato at his home studio.

Founder of Japan House Shozo Sato dies at 91

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • May 6, 2025
Students cross Lincoln and Indiana avenues on Oct. 31, 2019. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is seeking public feedback on modifications to Lincoln Avenue.

CCRPC seeking feedback on future of Lincoln Avenue

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • May 4, 2025
President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on Wednesday.

UPDATED: Trump administration reverses student visa revocations

By Qaasim Jatoi, Patrick Herr and Avery Paterson • Apr 27, 2025
An Illinois student enters the Office of Student Financial Aid on Oct. 22, 2018.

Department of Education announces student loan repayment changes

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Apr 26, 2025
President Donald Trump hosts a meeting with Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s President on April 14.

This week in news: Soybean Innovation Lab reopens, Trump freezes Harvard funding

By Qaasim Jatoi, Ryan Pearlman, Anna Ceja and Avery Paterson • Apr 20, 2025
Peter Goldsmith, professor emeritus and director of the Soybean Innovation Lab, stands in Coble Hall on Apr. 16. The Gates Foundation has given the SIL $1.5 million to continue its efforts after the Trump administration cut SIL’s funding.

Private donation allows Soybean Innovation Lab limited reopening

By Aakarsh Garg, Avery Paterson and Ryan Pearlman • Apr 18, 2025
Protesters of Chief Illiniwek gather outside the west entrance of the State Farm Center before a basketball game on Feb. 22, 2019.

UI professor sues TPUSA, withdraws complaint after resolution

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Apr 18, 2025
President Donald Trump speaks to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a cabinet meeting on April 10.

This week in news: UI students’ visas revoked, US-China tariffs

By Ryan Pearlman, Qaasim Jatoi and Avery Paterson • Apr 13, 2025
AFSCME Locals 698 and 3700 members and supporters rally together on Friday afternoon on the Main Quad.

Worker unions rally for improved wages, updated contract

By Anna Ceja and Avery Paterson • Apr 12, 2025
The art of canning with Tiger Gardens

The art of canning with Tiger Gardens

By Avery Paterson, Senior News Reporter • Apr 10, 2025
University Facilities & Services workers use high-pressure hoses to clean paint off of the ground in front of Foellinger Auditorium at 10 a.m. on April 8.

UPDATED: Paint splatters found on Foellinger Auditorium, student arrested

By Maaike Niekerk and Avery Paterson • Apr 8, 2025
President Donald Trump holds a sign listing reciprocal tariffs on other countries at a “Make America Wealthy Again” event on Wednesday.

This week in news: ICE makes 2 arrests in Urbana, market plummets after Trump’s tariffs

By Avery Paterson, Anna Ceja and Qaasim Jatoi • Apr 6, 2025
Moms and students puzzling at the Illini Union on Saturday.

Moms Weekend 2025: Live updates

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Apr 4, 2025
Tom Cech stands in front of a crowded audience at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center on Tuesday.

Nobel laureate Thomas Cech discusses RNA advancements, uses

By Avery Paterson and Sonya Luebbers • Apr 3, 2025
Stanley O. Ikenberry pictured in January 2010. Ikenberry died Tuesday at age 90 in Boca Grande, FL.

Former UI System President Stanley O. Ikenberry dies at 90

By Anna Ceja and Avery Paterson • Apr 1, 2025
The Kingfisher mascot gives out a high five during the 2023 Homecoming Parade.

Students seek adoption of kingfisher mascot

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Mar 24, 2025
A picture of the Health Alliance sign on March 11.

McKinley faculty talk Carle Health insurance discontinuation

By Avery Paterson and Ryan Pearlman • Mar 12, 2025
A protester at the South Quad addressing the crowd of protesters at the Stand Up For Science march on March 7.

Students, faculty march in Stand Up for Science demonstration

By Avery Paterson and Patrick Herr • Mar 8, 2025
A serving of pad kee mao with tofu at Bangkok Thai is eaten on Feb. 17.

Best of CU ’25 | Best Thai Food: Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Mar 6, 2025

CSEC releases unofficial student election results

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Mar 1, 2025
Freshmen discuss a post regarding the upcoming student elections in Caffe Paradiso on Feb. 24.

A guide to the student election ballot

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Feb 25, 2025
Closer look at ISC presidential, vice presidential tickets

Closer look at ISC presidential, vice presidential tickets

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Feb 24, 2025
Audience members at the Uman Tok discussion on Feb. 13 watch a preview of the forthcoming film, “The Woman of Uman Tok Reframe Menstruation in Sierra Leone.”

International collaborators talk period poverty, global partnership at Uman Tok screening

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Feb 15, 2025
Students from the University gather at the Alma Mater for an encampment protest on Friday morning, April 26. The protest was met with action from University Facilities & Services, as well as the UIPD, leading to one arrest.

Student groups react to ACLU free speech warning

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Feb 13, 2025
The Champaign City Building on North Neil Street in downtown Champaign in June 2024.

Champaign City Council member apologizes for swastika post

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Feb 4, 2025
UI’s most influential: Kaiyu Guan, professor in agroecosystem modeling, sensing

UI’s most influential: Kaiyu Guan, professor in agroecosystem modeling, sensing

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2025
UI’s most influential: Axel Hoffmann, professor in materials science

UI’s most influential: Axel Hoffmann, professor in materials science

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Jan 2, 2025
Photo Courtesy of Brent Roberts

UI’s most influential: Brent Roberts, professor in personality psychology

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Dec 26, 2024
UI’s most influential: Stephen Long, professor in plant biology

UI’s most influential: Stephen Long, professor in plant biology

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2024
A sign in front of PAR dining hall says the area is closed for lunch service on Dec. 2.

PAR Market flooded, dining hall closed, evacuated after water leak

By Qaasim Jatoi and Avery Paterson • Dec 2, 2024
UIPD officers approach protestors at the Palestinian encampment at the foot of Alma Mater on Apr. 26.

Pro-Palestine protester pleads guilty to mob action, officer obstruction

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Nov 22, 2024
Steven and Megan Shebik speak at the University of Illinois Main Library on Friday, announcing the naming of the Shebik Family Reading Room during the Library's 100th-anniversary celebration.

Main Library celebrates 100th birthday, reveals time capsule

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Nov 18, 2024
An aerial view of the University’s Research Park from January 2021.

UI Research Park pursues rezoning, promotes development

By Avery Paterson, Staff Writer • Nov 8, 2024
A student walks by the Illini Union on Election Day. At 11 a.m., the voting line ran through hallways and snaked through the Union ballroom.

Election Day 2024: Live coverage

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Nov 5, 2024
Dads Weekend 2024: Live coverage

Dads Weekend 2024: Live coverage

By The Daily Illini News Staff • Nov 1, 2024
"Vote Here Today" signs in front of Illini Union on Oct 24 encouraging eligible students to vote.

Students share excitement, worry ahead of presidential election

By Avery Paterson, Contributing Writer • Nov 1, 2024
IDPH, Champaign County launch new gun safety program

IDPH, Champaign County launch new gun safety program

By Avery Paterson, Contributing Writer • Oct 12, 2024