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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
Cameron Krasucki

Cameron Krasucki, Managing Editor for Visuals

Hi everyone! My name is Cameron and I’m currently a senior majoring in Advertising with a minor in Art & Design because I love all things creative! This is my third year at The Daily Illini and I’m beyond excited to continue pursuing my passion of content creation. Since the Fall of 2019 I’ve held multiple positions including staff photographer, Assistant Photo Editor, Photo Editor, and all the way up to Managing Editor for Visuals. When I’m not in the newsroom, you can catch me taking photos, watching documentaries, baking intricate recipes, or spending time with my dog 🐾 Bailey. For personal inquiries, feel free to reach out to me through email at [email protected].

Running back Chase Brown sprints with the ball during the game against Rutgers Oct. 30. Defenses' improved playing doesn't justify offenses' game plan.

[Photo] Column | Defense‘s improved playing doesn’t vindicate offensive game plan

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • Nov 11, 2021
Mohammed Kadiri, junior in LAS, is pursuing pediatric oncology. He was inspired by medics who helped him during his battle with cancer.

[Photo] Cancer survivor seeks path in oncology

By Madison Holcomb, Contributing Writer • Nov 10, 2021
Jacob Grandison battles for position in the paint during the second half of Illinois' win over Jackson State on Tuesday night. Grandison and Coleman Hawkins stepped up in big ways with several players unavailable.

[Photo] Coleman Hawkins, Jacob Grandison step up in Illinois men’s basketball’s regular-season opener

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • Nov 9, 2021
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk plays defense during the first half of the game against Jackson State on Tuesday night. Bosmans-Verdonk stepped up with many key contributors out due to injury or suspension in the Illini's 71-47 win.

[Photo] Jackson State notes, grades: Shorthanded Illini top Tigers at home to open regular season

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • Nov 9, 2021
Alfonso Plummer records a steal during the first half of Illinois' game against Jackson State at State Farm Center on Tuesday. The Illini opened their regular season with an emphatic 71-47 win over the visiting Tigers.

[Photo] No. 11 Illinois men’s basketball beats Jackson State despite missing several key contributors

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • Nov 9, 2021
Ellie Guyette receives her first pediatric dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Saturday morning. Carle Health has begun to rollout COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11.

[Photo] Carle Health begins COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children ages 5-11

By Weiyu Ding, Lilli Bresnahan and Willie Cui • Nov 9, 2021
An ofrenda is displayed at the YMCA for Dia De Los Muertos to honor loved ones who have passed away on Nov. 1. Many festivities were held such as sugar skull painting and creating picture frames for passed loved ones.

[Photo] University community celebrates Day of the Dead with food, music, activities, more

By Aliza Majid, Assistant News Editor • Nov 8, 2021
Sophomore Illini Swimming, Lily Olsen, successfully devotes her time in both academics and athletics throughout high school and within the university.

[Photo] Familiar unfamiliarity: Lily Olson strives for success in athletics, academics

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2021
Reginald A. Stuckey, sociology professor at the University, raps on Green Street as a way to express himself creatively.

[Photo] Sociology professor raps on campus hot spots

By Vivian La, Assistant Daytime Editor • Nov 10, 2021
Tight end Daniel Barker runs past the Rutgers defensive line during the game on Oct. 30. The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions for the upcoming game against Minnesota this weekend.

[Photo] The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions ahead of Illinois football’s game against Minnesota

By The Daily Illini Sports Staff • Nov 6, 2021
Tiger Sugar, international boba chain, is set to open on Green Street in December.

[Photo] International boba chain expects Green Street opening by December

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2021
Head coach Bret Bielema celebrates with quarterback Brandon Peters during the game against Maryland on Sept. 17. Peters has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as undrafted free agent.

[Photo] Column | Illinois-Minnesota is the next Big Ten rivalry

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters runs back with the ball during the game against Rutgers Saturday. The team had a good start to the game but couldn't pull through in the end and lost the matchup 20-14.

[Photo] Tale of two halves for quarterback Brandon Peters, Illini offense leads to disappointing loss against Scarlet Knights

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 1, 2021
A goat awaits to be pet at the Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 31, 2020. There are multiple places to visit in the Champaign-Urbana area during the fall season.

[Photo] Embrace autumn with these festive activities

By Michelle Martinez, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2021
A sticker saying "Do Your Part 6 Feet Apart" is placed on the ground at the Covid-19 testing center at State Farm Center Oct. 9, 2020. Survivors of Covid-19 report that they still have issues with their sense of smell and taste.

[Photo] COVID-19 survivors experience long-term loss of smell, taste

By Weiyu Ding, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2021
Lauren Partridge and Cara Bognar chat during Illinois' Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. The Illini beat Southern Illinois and Illinois State on Friday before falling to Vanderbilt on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois swim & dive wins in-state tri-meet, falls to Vanderbilt

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • Oct 31, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Place to People-Watch

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Study Spot

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Library

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Asian Cuisine

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Drink

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best on-campus bar

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Bus Stop

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Bathroom

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Bubble Tea

Nov 3, 2021
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[Photo] Best of CU: Best Drunk Food

Nov 3, 2021
Students of the University of Illinois take a rapid COVID-19 test at the ARC on Feb 1. With an increase of people showing up this Halloween weekend, it is highly advised to get tested after the weekend and to follow COVID-19 precautions.

[Photo] UI advises COVID-19 precautions for Halloween, fall break

By Ashley Gilbert, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2021
Addison the cat sits in a cage at the Champaign County Humane Society on Oct. 11. University professors found COVID-19 in two more animal species located in an Illinois zoo: the fishing cat and the binturong.

[Photo] University professors successfully diagnose COVID-19 in two additional animal species

By Alexandra Gergova, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2021
Head football coach Bret Bielema walks onto the football field before the homecoming game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. The team hopes to continue their momentum against Rutgers this Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illinois football returns to Memorial Stadium, looks to continue momentum against Rutgers

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2021
Members of the Illinois dive team huddle up during the Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. Illinois swim & dive looks to finish October strong against Illinois State, Southern Illinois, and Vanderbilt.

[Photo] Illinois swim & dive looks to finish October strong against Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Vanderbilt

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2021
Students line up outside of the Ikenberry Dining Hall on Aug. 20. Columnist Sanchita Teeka believes secularity should take effect in campus buildings rather than evangelism following a scene in the dining hall.

[Photo] Opinion | Evangelization has no place in campus buildings

By Sanchita Teeka, Columnist • Oct 28, 2021
Senior Kweisi Kenyatte hits the ball during a match against Minnesota on April 4. The Illinois men's tennis team performed well at the ITA Midwest Regionals this past weekend.

[Photo] Illinois men’s tennis shows improvements, picks up wins at ITA Midwest Regionals

By Drew Friberg, Staff Writer • Oct 27, 2021
Art Sitkowski (9) celebrates after Illinois' 30-22 win over Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 28. Sitkowski broke his arm on Saturday against Penn State and will miss the remainder of the season.

[Photo] Illinois quarterback Artur Sitkowski to miss remainder of season with broken arm

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • Oct 25, 2021
Carmen Day, mother of the late Jelani Day, stands in front of his casket embracing family members during his funeral service at the Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville on Oct. 19. It is important to utilize your voice in seeking justice for Jelani Day from authority figures.

[Photo] Editorial | Urge authorities to deliver justice for Jelani Day

By The Daily Illini Editorial Board • Oct 25, 2021
Two horses pull a wooden wagon at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch on Oct 31, 2020. There are a multitude of great spots to take your father over Dads Weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area.

[Photo] Celebrate Dads Weekend with these CU spots

By Isabelle Bertolini, Contributing Writer • Oct 27, 2021
Sophomore Cara Bognar cheers on her teammates during the Orange and Blue meet at the ARC Oct. 9. The Illinois women’s swim & dive team went 2-1 after facing off in a tri-meet against Northwestern and UIC.

[Photo] Illinois swim and dive splits tri-meet with Northwestern, UIC

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • Oct 23, 2021
Jacob Grandison, Andre Curbelo, and Trent Frazier help fellow teammate Giorgi Bezhanishvili up during the game against Nebraska Feb. 25. Illinois welcomes fans back to State Farm Center tonight for the men's basketball exhibition match against St. Francis.

[Photo] Illini start season with exhibition match against St. Francis, welcome fans back to State Farm Center

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • Oct 23, 2021
Defensive back Kerby Joseph attempts to block a Wisconsin player during the game Oct. 9. The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions ahead of the teams game against Penn State this weekend.

[Photo] The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions ahead of Illinois football’s road game against Penn State

By The Daily Illini Sports Staff • Oct 23, 2021
Illini diver Regina Meirmanova balances at the edge of a diving board during the Orange and Blue meet a the ARC Oct. 9. The Illinois swim & dive team will travel north to Evanston on Saturday in hopes of continuing their early-season momentum.

[Photo] Illinois swim & dive travels north to Evanston, aims to continue early-season momentum

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • Oct 22, 2021
Josie Frazier serves the ball during the tennis match against Wisconsin Feb. 26. The women's team will compete at the ITA Midwest Super Regional hosted by Ohio State later this week.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis travels to Columbus to compete in ITA Midwest Super Regional

By James Kim, Contributing Writer • Oct 22, 2021
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[Photo] Column | Sorry, Coach Bielema, but I’m betting on the jockey

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • Oct 21, 2021
Andre Curbelo dribbles toward the basket during the game against Nebraska Feb. 25. There are three crucial questions that the Illinois basketball team has yet to answer as they go into their first preseason game on Saturday.

[Photo] Three big questions remain as Illinois men’s basketball opens preseason play on Saturday

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • Oct 21, 2021
Carmen Bolden Day, speaks with reporters immediately after burying her son, Jelani Day, at his funeral service on Oct. 19. Day’s relatives, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH organization call on the Federal Bureau of Investigation and President Joseph Biden to conduct a thorough investigation on the circumstances of his death.

[Photo] Family buries Jelani Day, Rev. Jesse Jackson calls for justice

By Gwyn Skiles, Features Editor • Oct 20, 2021
Actor Penn Badgley and Arizona State University professor Nura Mowzoon speak to students Thursday as a part of their “Can We Talk?” discourse series. The University of Illinois was the pair's first in-person stop since the pandemic to promote social change.

[Photo] Actor Penn Badgley promotes social change in college communities

By Carolina Garibay, buzz Editor • Oct 18, 2021
Quarterback Artur Sitkowski handles the ball during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. The Illini football runnings backs remain elite while quarterbacks have a tough time.

[Photo] Illinois football bye week takeaways: Running backs remain elite, quarterback situation remains messy

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Oct 17, 2021
Senior Emily Bolger does the breaststroke at the Orange and Blue meet Oct. 9. Illini swim and dive started off their season strong against Indiana State on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois swim and dive starts strong in season opener against Indiana State

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • Oct 16, 2021
Nathanial Langley, Daily Illini Opinions Editor, and Ryan Ash, Daily Illini Managing Editor for Visuals, play Super Smash Brothers on the Nintendo Switch on Sept. 6. Columnist Axel Almanza believes owning and playing the Nintendo Switch is therapy for the soul.

[Photo] Opinion | Nintendo Switch is therapy to the soul

By Axel Almanza, Columnist • Oct 15, 2021
Boxes of disposable straws sit in a cardboard box at the ARC Covid-19 testing center on Feb. 1. The university announces new testing guidance for unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff.

[Photo] UI announces new testing guidance for unvaccinated students, faculty, staff

By Willie Cui, Assistant Daytime Editor • Oct 12, 2021
Otniel Fernandez, sophomore in Applied Health Sciences, and Nguyen Ha, sophomore in ACES, work on their laptops at the new Siebel Center for Design on Aug. 27. The University released a Massmail informing students of a new policy restricting educational technology access based on student testing noncompliance.

[Photo] UI announces new technology restrictions for COVID-19 testing noncompliance

By Vivian La and George Phelan • Oct 7, 2021
Junior Kofi Cockburn tries to dunk a basket against Nebraska Feb. 25. Kofi Cockburn wants to make his mark on Illinois as he prepares for this upcoming season.

[Photo] Leaving a legacy: Kofi Cockburn sets personal goals for junior season with jersey already set to hang in rafters

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • Oct 5, 2021
Nora Rafaty and Hulya Goodwin, students in LAS, study in the upstairs lounge of Ikenberry Commons on Sept. 18 while wearing masks. Many students share a concern with COVID-19 being spread around in-person classes.

[Photo] Students express concern about COVID-19 transmission in classes

By Olivia Orlandi, Staff Writer • Sep 30, 2021
Defender Kendra Pasquale sprints to the ball at the game against Butler Aug. 29. Maryland is eager to win against the Illini in Champaign on Sunday to comeback from past losses.

[Photo] Illinois soccer, Maryland seek first win in conference play in Champaign

By Angelle Cortes, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 3, 2021
A Carle worker gets the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine ready to distribute. Booster shots are recommended for those over the age of 65 and for others who are immunocompromised.

[Photo] COVID-19 update: UI reports 43 new cases, 0.25% 7-day positivity rate

By Vivian La and George Phelan • Oct 2, 2021
Forward Abby Lynch sprints with the ball during the game against Butler Aug. 29. The Illini lost their match to Northwestern in the final minute of their game Thursday night.

[Photo] Illinois soccer suffers last minute game-winner from Northwestern

By Angelle Cortes • Sep 30, 2021
A drag queen in rainbow attire and a homemade pool noodle wig sits on top of a convertible at the C-U Pride Parade on Saturday. The parade uplifted the LGBTQ+ community.

[Photo] CU Pride Fest uplifts LGBTQ+ community

By Sydney Wood, buzz Assistant Editor • Oct 1, 2021
Offensive linebacker Seth Coleman and linebacker Jake Hansen tackle their Maryland opponent during the game at Memorial Stadium Sept. 17. The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions ahead of the Illini's matchup with Charlotte.

[Photo] The Daily Illini sports staff makes predictions ahead of Illinois football’s matchup with Charlotte

By The Daily Illini Sports Staff • Oct 1, 2021
A group of people hold up a banner folowed by others with baloons at the start of the C-U Pride Parade on Saturday in Urbana.

Gallery | Champaign-Urbana Pride Parade

By Brigida Dockus, Cameron Krasucki, Jacob Wargo, Sydney Laput and Vivian La • Sep 29, 2021
A guitarist performs during Dayglow's set at Lollapalooza on July 29. The ELLNORA: Guitar Festival was held at Krannert on Sept. 25 and 26.

[Photo] ELLNORA guitar festival resonates with students

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Coach Bret Bielema and quarterback Brandon Peters high five before the game against Maryland on Sept. 18. Illini football needs to make some changes to improve during the rest of their season.

[Photo] Column | It’s time for Illinois football to make some changes

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • Sep 28, 2021
Forward Summer Garrison dribbles the ball during the game against Butler on Aug. 29. The Illini fell 2-1 against Indiana on Sunday.

[Photo] Indiana comes back from behind, Illinois soccer suffers third straight loss

By Angelle Cortes, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 26, 2021
A student does a backflip on the Main Quad during Quad day. The Quad has many purposes whether it is preforming, or chilling, it is often exciting.

[Photo] DI Voices | Main Quad is a stage for campus community

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • Sep 27, 2021
Nora Rafaty and Hulya Goodwin, students in LAS, study in the upstairs lounge of Ikenberry Commons on Sept. 18 while wearing masks. COVID-19 cases have decreased in the last week.

[Photo] COVID-19 update: Campus cases continue to decrease

By Sophie Casaburi, Staff Writer • Sep 24, 2021
The Abbott Power Plant stands at 1117 S. Oak St. in Champaign near the west end of campus. UI professor emeritus expresses environmental and safety concerns for the proposed location of the reactor.

[Photo] New climate law has little impact on UI power

By Brendyn Jones, Staff Writer • Sep 30, 2021
Forward Lauren Stibich takes a throw-in during the game against Butler Aug. 29. A late goal was not enough for Illinois soccer to propel past Purdue this past Thursday.

[Photo] Late goal not enough for Illinois soccer to propel past Purdue

By Angelle Cortes, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 23, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters warms up before the game against Maryland Sept. 17. Illinois football travels to Purdue in search of a first road win of season.

[Photo] Illinois football travels to Purdue in search of first road win of season

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Sep 24, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters goes to shake the hand of Coach Bret Bielema before their game against Maryland Sept.17. Brandon Peters past game performance is giving the team a questionable look into how the rest of the season will go.

[Photo] Column | Brandon Peters isn’t in Illinois’ best interest

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Sister Cindy poses for a photo with two Illinois students on the Main Quad on Sept. 8. Multiple preachers have been traveling to college campuses across the country to share their beliefs.

[Photo] Sister Cindy, preachers create frenzy on campus

By Aidan Finn, Staff Writer • Sep 21, 2021
Anusha Adira, Freshman in Engineering, studies in the lobby of Weston which is home to the LEADS Living-learning community on Sept. 18. LLCs offer students an opportunity to get involved and increase their social interactions.

[Photo] Living-learning communities offer students social enrichment, opportunity for involvement

By Alexandra Gergova, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Students sit around talking at a table eating food at Ikenberry Hall. Dining halls are now returning to in person dining this semester.

[Photo] Smooth transition back to in-person dining at residential halls

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Sammy Epstein, Sophomore in Accounting and Finance, moves into Wassaja Hall on Aug. 20. Multiple sophomores have returned to live in the dorms hoping for a better year full of in-person events and social interactions.

[Photo] Sophomores return to dorms in hopes for better experience

By Olivia Vamos, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
A students picks out what he wants to eat at Illinois Street Residence's Grains & Greens station. Vegetarians living in the dorms found that seeing what each dining hall has been serving helps them find a healthy meal to fit their needs.

[Photo] University dining offers varied choices for vegetarians

By Alex Chang, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2021
Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen tries to tackle Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa during the game between the Illini and the Terrapins on Sept. 17 at Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Maryland on last-second field goal, drops third straight game

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • Sep 17, 2021
Customers fill out their order slips at Mia Za's Italian restaurant on Sept. 12. Both Mia Za's and Bangkok Thai are beloved by students at the University.

[Photo] Illinois students explain campus’ most beloved food spots

By Dhanashri Mandhani, Contributing Writer • Sep 15, 2021
Two students look to the Main Quad at all of the RSO booths during Quad Day on Aug. 22. University students have made changes to their school careers during the pandemic by switching majors and life directions.

[Photo] A year of isolation, reflection: Students change majors, life directions during pandemic

By Matt Troher, Investigative News & Longform Editor • Sep 16, 2021
A syringe filled with the Moderna vaccine sits beside boxes of bandages and wipes at the Church of the Living God on Feb. 20. The deadline to be begin the vaccination process at the University was Sept. 16, yet the undergrad vaccination rate is at 91%.

[Photo] 91% of undergrads vaccinated as vaccine deadline looms

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Sep 15, 2021
Students congregate without masks during the Welcome celebration in Lot 31 after new student convocation on Aug. 20. Covid-19 cases have begun to decrease after the initial surge at the start of the semester.

[Photo] COVID-19 update: Campus cases decrease from initial surge

By George Phelan, Staff Writer • Sep 17, 2021
A University Wellness Associate checks two people into the Gies College of Business on Tuesday morning. The University has not hired enough Wellness Associates to be stationed at every building on campus, however, UI is still confident in their COVID-19 mitigation measures.

[Photo] UI has no plans to increase Safer Illinois app checking at doors, is confident in COVID-19 mitigation measures

By Zainab Qureshi, Assistant Copy Chief & Night Editor • Sep 14, 2021
Freshman midfielder and Georgia transfer Sydney Stephens attempts to steal the ball from her opponent during a game against Butler on Aug. 29. Stephens has settled quickly into the University's soccer program.

[Photo] Georgia transfer Stephens settles quickly in Champaign

By Angelle Cortes, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 14, 2021
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