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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].

A1_EUA

[Photo] UI collaborates with NIH to research optimal COVID testing method

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • March 4, 2021
Completed University COVID-19 tests await testing in a receptacle at the ARC on Feb. 1. Cases of the COVID-19 variant B117 are currently stable in C-U.

[Photo] COVID-19 variant stabilizes in campus, community during nationwide surge

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • March 2, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes for the dunk during the game against Nebraska. Cockburn will reportedly remain in the NBA Draft, according to reports Thursday morning.

[Photo] Michigan preview: Defending pick-and-roll offense will be key in showdown with Wolverines

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • March 2, 2021
A University COVID-19 test site worker hands a student a funnel at the ARC testing site on Feb. 1. The UI saliva test has received FDA emergency authorization

[Photo] UI saliva test gets FDA emergency authorization

By Chieh Hsu and Willie Cui • March 1, 2021
Senior Sasha Belaya returns the ball during the meet against Wisconsin on Friday. The Illini fell to Wisconsin, but beat Minnesota in a meet on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Wisconsin, beats Minnesota for first win of season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 28, 2021
B3_BBallHoops

[Photo] Portraits of faith: ‘Physically distant, emotionally close’

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • March 1, 2021
Adam Miller drives to the basket in Illinois' game against Nebraska on Thursday. Without Ayo Dosunmu, Miller stepped up for the team with 16 first-half points.

[Photo] With Dosunmu out, Adam Miller fills familiar role as primary scorer

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 27, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo pushes down the court during the game against Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini won the game 86-70.

[Photo] Player grades: Illini freshmen take over in dominant win over Cornhuskers

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • February 26, 2021
Adam Miller shoots a 3-pointer during Illinois' game against Nebraska Feb. 25. Miller reportedly entered the transfer portal Thursday afternoon.

[Photo] Illinois manages to find offensive rhythm, balance without Dosunmu to bury Nebraska

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 25, 2021
A health care worker pulls a disinfectant wipe from a container during vaccinations at the Church of the Living God on Saturday afternoon. This past week, 224 new cases of COVID-19 were detected on campus.

[Photo] Campus COVID-19 trends improve in fourth week

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • February 25, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks to freshman Andre Curbelo during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Questions surrounding the team’s consistency remain after a loss to unranked Michigan State on Sunday Tuesday night.

[Photo] Contact tracers weigh tradeoffs of privacy, public health

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • February 25, 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.

[Photo] Clinic vaccinates some of CU’s homeless population

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • February 23, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu defends an Iowa player at State Farm Center on Jan. 29. Dosunmu recently recorded his second triple-double during the game against Minnesota on Saturday.

[Photo] Ayo Dosunmu makes history with second triple-double

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • February 22, 2021
Illinois student Samantha Rubin takes a University COVID-19 test at the ARC on Feb. 1. The testing method may soon expand to more places in the local community.

[Photo] Potential saliva test expansion excites University families

By Vivian La, Staff Writer • February 22, 2021
Junior Hamish Carter competes in the rings event during the meet against Ohio State on Jan. 23. The Illini will face off in a tri-meet against Michigan and Nebraska today.

[Photo] Illinois to face second-, third-ranked opponents in home tri-meet

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • February 21, 2021
Illinois student Seth Patterson receives the tube for his University COVID-19 test at the ARC on Feb. 1.

[Photo] UI saliva-based COVID-19 test expands nationwide

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • February 18, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn go to high five each other in a game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6.

[Photo] Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn’s offensive bursts, Williams’ defensive intensity earn Illini rivalry win

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • February 17, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to senior Da'Monte Williams during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. The Illinois basketball team will face off against Northwestern tonight.

[Photo] Ahead of rematch with Northwestern, No. 5 Illinois learns how deep Big Ten really is

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 15, 2021
Pedestrians walk across Wabash Avenue in Chicago on May 30. Many Illinois students hail from Chicago, but living at home with your parents has positives and negatives.

[Photo] Trials, tribulations of moving back home with your parents post-graduation

By Matthew Beyer, Staff Writer • February 15, 2021
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu recorded 31 points during the game.

[Photo] Player grades: Dosunmu puts team on his back late in overtime win over last-place Nebraska

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 13, 2021
Junior Clay Mason Stephens performs his parallel bars routine during the meet against Ohio State on Jan. 23. Illinois will face Iowa this Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois, Iowa to face off in last dual meet ever

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • February 12, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks with one of his players during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Illinois was set to face Michigan yesterday, but the game was postponed.

[Photo] Amid scheduling changes, Illinois looks set to take on Nebraska

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 12, 2021
Iowa senior center Luke Garza attempts to defend as junior guard Ayo Dosunmu drives through the lane during the game between Illinois and Iowa on Jan. 29 at State Farm Center. Dosunmu and Garza are the front runners for the Big Ten Player of the Year award.

[Photo] Hoops update: Two Illini in Big Ten, Naismith Player of the Year race

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 11, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu looks to Kofi Cockburn while dribbling during Illinois' game against Wisconsin on Saturday.

[Photo] Breaking down all 12 of Dosunmu’s assists from win over Wisconsin

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 9, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Dosunmu recorded his first triple double at Illinois during the game, earning 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. It is only the third triple double in Illinois history.

[Photo] Player grades: Dosunmu makes history, Cockburn dominates in paint in home win over No. 19 Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • February 6, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles past a Wisconsin defender in Illinois' game on Saturday. The Illini won 75-60.

[Photo] Ayo’s triple-double, Kofi’s paint dominance lead Illini to fourth-straight win

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 6, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket in Illinois' game against Iowa on Jan. 29.

[Photo] Wisconsin preview: Setting fast pace, guarding perimeter is key against dangerous Badger team

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 6, 2021
Student Jose Hernandez takes a University COVID-19 test at the ARC on Monday. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District confirmed 133 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday morning.

[Photo] Champaign County COVID-19 updates: Health district confirms 133 new cases

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • February 4, 2021
Student Anirudh Nandella deposits his completed University COVID-19 test into a receptacle at the ARC on Monday. The new COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant has recently appeared in Champaign County.

[Photo] Several cases of COVID-19 variant confirmed in Champaign County

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • February 2, 2021
Junior forward Jacob Grandison captures a rebound during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini will face off against Indiana tonight in Bloomington.

[Photo] Indiana preview: Shutting down Jackson-Davis, Franklin is key in second showdown of season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • February 2, 2021
Graduate student Danny Graham competes in the rings event during the meet against Ohio State at Huff Hall on Jan. 23. The Illinois men's gymnastics team fell to Penn State on Sunday in a narrow loss.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Penn State in top-five meet

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • February 1, 2021
Illinois student Shaina Lohman sanitizes her hands after completing a University COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 9. 81 people in Champaign County have now died of COVID-19.

[Photo] Test positivity stabilizes in county, region

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • February 1, 2021
Junior Léo Valentin competes in the Pommel horse event during the meet against Ohio State on Jan. 23.

[Photo] Illinois travels to Penn State for top-five showdown

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • January 31, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier yells out to a teammate during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini won the game 80-75.

[Photo] Player grades: Big performances from Dosunmu, Frazier secure win over No. 7 Iowa

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • January 30, 2021
Jacob Grandison defends a shot in Illinois' game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini won 80-75.

[Photo] Illinois’ interior defense, Grandison’s big shot propel Illinois to victory over No. 7 Iowa

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • January 29, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters looks to pass during the game against Northwestern on Dec. 12 at Ryan Field. Illinois will hope to improve in the offseason under Bret Bielema and his new staff.

[Photo] Illinois, Bielema look to improve in Way-Too-Early Big Ten rankings

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • January 28, 2021
Junior gymnast Hamish Carter finishes his high bar routine and poses for the judges at Huff Hall on Saturday. Carter was named Male Gymnist of the week by the CGA and Big Ten.

[Photo] Illini of the Week: Hamish Carter honored by Big Ten, College Gymnastics Association

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • January 28, 2021
Jessica Osemwngie checks in at the COVID-19 testing site at State Farm Center on Oct. 9. The University’s COVID-19 protocols were widely praised after the campus saw no hospitalizations or deaths in the fall.

[Photo] Straw or funnel? New UI testing tools aid robotic processing

By Mona Alrazzaq, Staff Writer • January 25, 2021
Jessica Osemwngie checks in at the COVID-19 testing site at State Farm Center on Oct. 9. This past week, 179 new cases of COVID-19 were identified from Jan. 16-22 after nearly 58,000 tests.

[Photo] UI surpasses 400 new cases in the new year

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • January 25, 2021
Senior defensive end Owen Carney (99) moves to tackle the opposing ball carrier during the game against Minnesota on Nov. 7.

[Photo] Bielema provides instant credibilty to struggling program

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • January 20, 2021
A student deposits saliva into a University COVID-19 test tube while taking a COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 9.

[Photo] UI announces spring return testing requirements for students

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • January 13, 2021
An Illinois student takes a COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 9.

[Photo] University continues push to authorize COVID-19 test for emergency use 

By Mona Alrazzaq, Staff Writer • January 8, 2021
A University COVID-19 testing site worker writes on a box containing completed COVID-19 tests on Oct. 9.

[Photo] Vaccinations begin to roll out across Champaign-Urbana

By Matt Troher • January 6, 2021
Sophomore quarterback Coran Taylor slips through an opening in the defense during the game against Minnesota on Nov. 7.

[Photo] Gallery | 2020 Year in Review

By Ryan Ash • December 31, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field looking for receivers during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. Illinois will play Penn State this Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois to face Penn State in final game of season

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • December 18, 2020
Redshirt senior Josh Imatorbhebhe catches a pass during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. Imathorbhebhe has declared for the NFL Draft.

[Photo] Wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe declares for NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • December 17, 2020
Senior Jake Hansen tackles the ball carrier during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 28-10.

[Photo] Trio of Illini defenders named to All-Big Ten team

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 16, 2020
Players of the Illinois football team enter and exit the field between plays during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 28-10.

[Photo] Illini players view program bigger than a coach

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 16, 2020
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams runs the ball during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost 28-10.

[Photo] Big Ten recap: Northwestern, Ohio State look for conference crown amid Champions Week

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 14, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks along the sideline against Northwestern where the Illini lost 28-10. On Sunday afternoon, Illinois Athletics announced its split with Smith.

[Photo] Illinois Athletics announces departure of Lovie Smith from football program

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • December 13, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams runs the ball in Illinois' game against Northwestern Saturday afternoon. The Illini struggled in all areas of the game, falling 28-10.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illini struggle all around in regular season finale

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • December 12, 2020
Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen tries to tackle a Northwestern player in the rivalry matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Illini lost to the Wildcats 28-10.

[Photo] Illinois gets handled in 28-10 loss at Northwestern

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • December 12, 2020
Illinois student John Keller takes a COVID-19 test at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9.

[Photo] Keep this in mind when visiting family over holidays

By Bella Keys, Staff Writer • December 3, 2020
A University COVID-19 testing site worker hands a student a vial at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9.

[Photo] Bring positive energy to notoriously bland COVID-19 winter

By Noah Davis, Staff Writer • December 3, 2020
Students listen as Professor Peter Abbamonte gives a lecture on Nov. 2.

[Photo] Professors strive to retain virtual classroom engagement 

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • December 2, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots during the game against Indiana on March 1.

[Photo] Six numbers will define Illinois’ season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • November 23, 2020
Illini football players Doug Kramer Jr., Owen Carney and Marquez Beason take a knee to honor those who have died at the hands of police during a Black Lives Matter protest on Aug 31. Hundreds of students and community members participated in local BLM protests this fall.

[Photo] From tests to protests: UI’s COVID-19 semester in review

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • November 19, 2020
A student takes a University COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 8. The C-U Public Health District has recently recommended all K-12 schools to switch to online learning.

[Photo] CU health district recommends all-online for K-12 schools

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • November 16, 2020
A University testing site worker passes a COVID-19 test tube to a student at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 8.

[Photo] UI projects $270 million in COVID-19 costs in FY 2021

By Diana Anghel, Assistant News Editor • November 16, 2020
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture stands tall on November 11, 2020 parallel to University Avenue in Urbana.

[Photo] Salon University turns students to professionals

By Mackenzie Stephens, Contributing Writer • November 11, 2020
Student Zachary Chalmers takes a university COVID-19 test at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9. A recent Massmail has instructed faculty, staff and graduate students to test twice weekly.

[Photo] Chancellor orders faculty, staff, grad students to test twice weekly

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • November 11, 2020
Sophomore Coran Taylor narrowly stays in bounds as he slips through the Minnesota defense. As a fourth-string quarterback, Taylor has had a lack of game experience.

[Photo] Underperforming passing game, penalties create bad start to season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 9, 2020
The Illinois football team takes the field before the game against Minnesota on Saturday. Illinois fell 41-14 and struggled to count on Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim.

[Photo] Column: What happened to the best team of the Lovie Smith era?

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • November 9, 2020
Junior defensive back Jartavius Martin tackles a Minnesota player during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 41-14.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illini can’t stop the run

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • November 8, 2020
Junior Mike Epstein runs the ball down the field in Illinois' game against Minnesota on Saturday evening. The Illini lost to the Gophers 41-14.

[Photo] Illinois falls to 0-3 after 41-14 loss to Minnesota

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • November 7, 2020
Student Mark Olgun takes a University COVID-19 test at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9. Returning students must test negative twice this week, with each test more than three days apart, to get access to academic buildings next week.

[Photo] University of Wisconsin-Madison to adopt UI saliva tests in spring

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • November 5, 2020
Junior Jessica Osemwengie deposits her completed COVID-19 test into the receptacle at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9. Some students are unable to go home for Thanksgiving break due to having to quarantine.

[Photo] Region 6 positivity rate averages above 8%

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • November 5, 2020
Professor Peter Abbamonte checks to see if he’s in frame for his students who choose to attend his Zoom lecture on Monday. Many students cite poor mental health when asked why they do not attend in-person classes.

[Photo] In-person attendance drops due to students’ struggles

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • November 5, 2020
Three students sit socially distanced during professor Peter Abbamonte’s hybrid class on Monday. Abbamonte teaches his class both in person and through Zoom at the same time.

[Photo] Hybrid instruction set to continue in spring

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • November 5, 2020
A student in Peter Abbamonte's class responds to a question on Monday. Columnist Marykate gives tips on how to avoid burnout this semester.

[Photo] Opinion | Tips to avoid burnout

By Marykate Green, Columnist • November 4, 2020
The Illinois cheer team performs at the basketball game against Iowa on March 3.

[Photo] Illini cheer program remains left out of game days

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • November 4, 2020
Junior Zachary Chalmers takes a COVID-19 test at the State Farm Center COVID-19 testing site on Oct. 9.

[Photo] New restrictions hit region as COVID-19 spikes statewide

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • October 30, 2020
Student John Keller checks into the COVID-19 testing site located at State Farm Center on Oct. 9. Twelve county residents have died from the virus in a two-week span.

[Photo] More than 1,000 students face discipline for COVID-19 violations

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • October 29, 2020
Student Jessica Wynveen deposits her completed COVID-19 test into a receptacle at the State Farm Center on Oct. 9. The city of Urbana has suspended all indoor food and beverage consumption per an emergency order.

[Photo] COVID-19 test sites to change on Election Day

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • October 29, 2020
Student Shaina Lohman signs into the University COVID-19 testing site located in State Farm Center on Oct. 8.

[Photo] UI waits for FDA approval to spread testing to community

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • October 27, 2020
Senior Jonathan Starr deposits his completed COVID-19 test into the receptacle at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 8. Champaign County saw its highest daily count in more than a month, at 87 new cases.

[Photo] Champaign County reaches new highest positivity rate

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 26, 2020
A University coronavirus testing site worker hands junior Jessica Wynveen a test tube at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9. While Illinois is experiencing a rise in positivity rate, Champaign County has seen a steady rate, with UI depressing the region’s positivity.

[Photo] Positivity surges statewide; Champaign County remains steady

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 22, 2020
Junior Jessica Wynveen takes a COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 8. The Illinois Department of Public Health has decided to separate University test results from regional data.

[Photo] Illinois excludes UI from regional COVID data as positivity climbs

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 19, 2020
A University worker unloads completed COVID-19 tests outside the Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building on Friday. The Veterinary Diagnostics Lab staff is equipped to test about 10,000 saliva tests per day.

[Photo] “A tall order”: Inside UI’s COVID testing lab

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • October 19, 2020
Student Zachary Chalmers takes a University COVID-19 test at State Farm Center on Oct. 8. Champaign County residents are told to take a COVID-19 test on day five or six of their quarantine.

[Photo] CU epidemiologist explains quarantine numbers, campus spread

By Ethan Simmons • October 15, 2020
A1_TestingDelays

[Photo] Professors highlight issues with University’s COVID-19 predictions

By Salem Isaf, Assistant Daytime News Editor • October 15, 2020
Orchard Downs is located at 1801-1805 Orchard Pl, Urbana. The armed robbery occurred here on Thursday evening.

[Photo] UI police still searching for armed robber

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 12, 2020
A University coronavirus testing site worker pulls empty vials out of a plastic bag on Thursday. All but one COVID-19 testing site will be moving inside starting Monday.

[Photo] Testing sites move indoors for colder weather

By Vivian La, Contributing Writer • October 12, 2020
Current senior Trent Frazier surveys the in court front of him during the game against Iowa on March 8. The Illini beat the Hawkeyes 78-76.

[Photo] Passion, work ethic important during Frazier’s time at Illinois

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • September 20, 2020
Illini football players Delano Ware, Moses Okpala, Jartavius Martin, Owen Carney, and Khalan Tolson march down First Street to protest police brutality in the black community on Monday afternoon.

Gallery | Champaign Protests for BLM Movement

By Cameron Krasucki, Assistant Photo Editor • September 2, 2020
A father shows his son a t-shirt at the women’s basketball game against Indiana on Feb. 13. Columnist Marykate proposes parents take classes that teach them skills essential to raising a child.

[Photo] Opinion | Parenting should require classes

By Marykate Green, Columnist • September 2, 2020
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