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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
Jessica Bursztynsky

Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor

I am a journalism student focusing on news-editorial writing with a minor in politicalsScience. I transferred into the University in fall 2016 from a community college and began working as a news reporter at The Daily Illini. After spending time as a reporter, I was chosen as the News Editor for the 2017–2018 term. If I’m not working on a story, I’m usually alternating between episodes of The Office and Parks and Recreation, eating breakfast foods or convincing myself to go on a run.

[email protected]

UI system repeatedly denies Daily Illini FOIA requests

UI system repeatedly denies Daily Illini FOIA requests

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Dec 3, 2018
Suburban Express, Champaign-based transit company, and its owner Dennis Toeppen are facing default judgement in the discrimination and harassment case filed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Suburban Express has not responded to any of the State’s communication thus far, prolonging settlements.

Suburban Express faces default judgment

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Nov 15, 2018

Salaries of UI chancellors and vice chancellors

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Oct 22, 2018
Source: Office of the Provost

Budget cuts rock future of UI literary magazine

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Oct 4, 2018
UI business alumnus pushes for mental health awareness

UI business alumnus pushes for mental health awareness

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Sep 19, 2018
The Fighting Illini Football Performance Center, which is currently under construction at Fourth Street and Peabody Drive, will be named the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center in recognition of a donation from the H.D. Smith Foundation. Out of the $20 million donation, $15 million will be dedicated to the new facility, which will be completed prior to the 2019 season.

UI donors questioned for potential role in opioid crisis

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Sep 17, 2018
Jessica Tries: Giving blood

Jessica Tries: Giving blood

By Jessica Bursztynsky and Bercham Kamber • Sep 9, 2018
Campus bars The Clybourne and Firehaus, both located on Sixth Street, are scheduled to close on Sept. 4, 2018. Owner Scott Cochrane plans to bring the popular deals from the two locations to KAM’s, another campus bar that he and three other buyers recently purchased.

KAM’s to take over ‘best’ of Firehaus, The Clybourne

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Senior Reporter • Aug 27, 2018
Campustown bars Firehaus and The Clybourne located on Sixth Street. Both locations will be demolished and potentially turned into high-rise buildings.

Firehaus, Cly’s closing in September

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Aug 10, 2018
Jessica Tries: Milking goats

Jessica Tries: Milking goats

By Bercham Kamber and Jessica Bursztynsky • Jul 23, 2018
A police officer shot an allegedly armed student in the leg Thursday afternoon near John and Locust streets. The 23-year-old male suffers non-life threatening injuries and has been taken to the hospital.

Allegedly armed suspect was carrying air pellet pistol

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jul 13, 2018
A police officer shot an allegedly armed student in the leg Thursday afternoon near John and Locust streets. The 23-year-old male suffers non-life threatening injuries and has been taken to the hospital.

Police shoot allegedly armed student in Campustown

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jul 12, 2018
Playboi Carti performing in August 2017. The rapper is a headliner for Pygmalion this year.

Pygmalion festival announces lineup, ticket sales

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jun 28, 2018

New visa limitations could put Chinese graduate student enrollment at risk

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jun 11, 2018
Yingying Zhang's family and boyfriend speak to The Daily Illini from their house on October 27. Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of Zhang's alleged kidnapping.

Yingying Zhang’s boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou, makes statement regarding anniversary of disappearance

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jun 7, 2018
Yingying Zhang poses with her family at a train station before leaving home to come to the U.S. The Chinese Students and Scholars Association will hold a memorial Saturday to commemorate the one year anniversary since her disappearance.

Chinese Students and Scholars Association to hold memorial for Yingying Zhang

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Jun 6, 2018

Five things to take part in this fall

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Managing Editor for Reporting • May 20, 2018

Rauner appoints Perl to last spot of UI trustee board

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Managing editor for reporting • May 16, 2018
Police cars near the scene of the shooting around 1 a.m. on May 13. A suspect, 20-year-old Devon Cooper from Danville, Illinois, has been arrested by the Champaign Police Department in relation to the case.

Victim targeted in overnight shooting

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Managing Editor for Reporting • May 13, 2018
Portrait of Gary Xu.

UI professor denies sexual assault allegations

By Jessica Bursztynsky and Karen Liu • Mar 28, 2018
Portrait of Gary Xu.

UI professor accused of sexual assault for over two decades to resign in August

By Jessica Bursztynsky and Karen Liu • Mar 27, 2018
GEO occupied the hallway outside University President Timothy Killeen's office in Henry Administration Building on Wednesday.

GEO protesters occupy second building as bargaining session continues

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Mar 7, 2018
Photo of Brendt Christensen, convicted kidnapper and killer of visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. Christensen was arrested on June 30, 2017 and will be sentenced at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Christensen trial pushed to 2019

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Feb 12, 2018
Photo of the Suburban Express Illini Shuttle on Jan. 15.

Suburban Express notes Canada in Valentine’s Day promotion

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Feb 10, 2018
A police car is parked in front of 804 W. Springfield Ave.

Third arrest made for Urbana house party shooting

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Feb 2, 2018
Professor not charged with unauthorized videotaping of former Chief portrayer

Professor not charged with unauthorized videotaping of former Chief portrayer

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Jan 23, 2018
UI professor arrested for unauthorized videotaping

UI professor arrested for unauthorized videotaping

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Jan 23, 2018
A police car is parked in front of 804 W. Springfield Ave.

Shots fired at Urbana house party

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Jan 21, 2018
Lieutenant Joseph McCullough investigates a traffic violation on Friday, Sep. 23 2016.

Assault of student leads to Campus Safety Notice

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Jan 9, 2018
Interim dean named for College of Engineering

Interim dean named for College of Engineering

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Dec 19, 2017
Brendt Christensen's lawyers filed 12 pretrial motions Monday.

A timeline of Christensen’s case regarding the kidnapping of Yingying Zhang

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Dec 18, 2017
Suburban Express owner sends second apology after UI condemns company

Suburban Express owner sends second apology after UI condemns company

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Dec 3, 2017
University responds to Suburban Express advertisement

University responds to Suburban Express advertisement

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Dec 3, 2017
One of the smaller vehicles operated by Suburban Express, as part of their Illini Shuttle operation, sits at the Illinois Terminal in Champaign.

Suburban Express sends controversial Christmas email

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Dec 2, 2017
Paintball shootings prompt UIPD campus safety notice

Paintball shootings prompt UIPD campus safety notice

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Nov 3, 2017
Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar speaking at the dedication of Honorary Lee Sandlin Way in Chicago on Aug. 15, 2015.

Ameya Pawar drops out of race for governor

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Oct 16, 2017
Members of various media outlets wait outside the Champaign County Federal Courthouse immediately following Brendt Christensen's arraignment on Oct. 11. Christensen was charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to the FBI.

Christensen charged in kidnapping of missing Chinese scholar

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Oct 11, 2017
Discarded personal items covered in blood sit on Kovaln Lane, in the aftermath of the mass shooting leaving at least 58 dead and more than 500 injured, in Las Vegas on Oct. 2.

UI student witnessed aftermath of Vegas attacks

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Oct 4, 2017
Photo of Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and killer of visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. Recent court documents revealed Christensen visited the University Counseling Center three months before Zhang's disappearance.

Christensen facing either life in prison or death penalty if found guilty

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Oct 3, 2017
Hugh Hefner draws a cartoon on the blackboard during his time as a student. Hefner graduated in 1949.

From Illinois to Playboy: Remembering Hugh Hefner

By Jessica Bursztynsky and Joseph Longo • Oct 2, 2017
Robbie Patton, 18-years-old at the time, appears on video from the Department of Corrections during his arraignment at the Champaign County Courthouse Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. A jury found Patton guilty of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated battery with a firearm on Thursday.

Green Street shooter convicted with first-degree murder

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 28, 2017
Chancellor Robert Jones speaks at the Senate Executive Committee meeting on February 27, 2017.

Students continue fight against Title IX plans

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 21, 2017
RAINN.com

University plans to keep resources amidst Title IX pushback

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 18, 2017
Professor involved in email scandal’s standing unknown, continues to contact students

Professor involved in email scandal’s standing unknown, continues to contact students

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 18, 2017
A memorial for Yingying Zhang on Goodwin and Clark.

100 days later, vigil for Zhang planned

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 14, 2017
The Disability Resources and Educational Services offers resources to those with disabilities at the University. On Thursday, DRES will host a series of events and activities to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

UI professor leaves after email scandal refusing to accommodate student

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 12, 2017
Photo of Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and killer of visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. Recent court documents revealed Christensen visited the University Counseling Center three months before Zhang's disappearance.

Christensen’s attorneys granted request to leave case

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 10, 2017
Alleged kidnapper's attorneys ask to be removed from case

Alleged kidnapper’s attorneys ask to be removed from case

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 5, 2017
Trevor Noah accepts Best Host for 'The Daily Show' on the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on May 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Daily Show’s Trevor Noah coming to State Farm Center

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Sep 1, 2017
Portrait of University professor Jonathan Ebel. Ebel is a professor in the Department of Religion and is a Democratic congressional candidate for the 13th Congressional District.

From the lecture hall to the campaign trail

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 31, 2017
An emergency pole seen on the quad.

Cut power line affects campus emergency phones

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 30, 2017
Photo of Brendt Christensen, alleged kidnapper and killer of visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. Recent court documents revealed Christensen visited the University Counseling Center three months before Zhang's disappearance.

Missing scholar’s alleged kidnapper facing tricky legal process

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 28, 2017
Members of the Marching Illini cheer on the Illini during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10.

Confusion follows retiring of ‘War Chant’

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 28, 2017
Photo of Yingying Zhang.

80 days after apparent kidnapping, Yingying Zhang remains missing

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 28, 2017
Espresso Royale exchanges travel mugs for follows on their social media accounts during Quad Day. August 21, 2016.

Quad Day survival guide

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 26, 2017
When you're having trouble with your mental health, McKinley Health Center is a crucial resource.

What to do when you have a problem with…

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 24, 2017
Family of kidnapped scholar remains hopeful, asks for government support

Family of kidnapped scholar remains hopeful, asks for government support

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Aug 22, 2017
University astronomers have spent the last two year's preparing for Monday's total solar eclipse. While they will be traveling to southern Illinois to witness the most intense changes in the path of totality, 93 percent of the sun in Champaign-Urbana will be eclipsed. The photographed solar eclipse was captured in southern Illinois on Monday, Aug. 21.

University astronomers celebrate total solar eclipse

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 19, 2017
Campustown businesses aren't letting ongoing construction affect their shops this summer, as they participate in the Champaign Center Partnership's 13 Thursdays. Each Thursday, participating locations offer deals and discounts to residents to attract more people to campus.

Campustown comes alive again with sidewalk sales

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 16, 2017
A one time performance of the Vagina Monologues is coming to the Virginia Theatre on Aug. 25 to benefit Courage Connection. Tickets go on sale today.

Performance of Vagina Monologues to benefit Courage Connection

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 11, 2017
Chicago group Ho Etsu Taiko performs at Matsuri Festival at the Japan House last year. This year, the festival is occurring on Aug. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m.

Japan House to host third annual Matsuri festival

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 9, 2017
The Champaign Public Library, located at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign.

Young Dems hosting Women in Politics Panel

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 7, 2017
Common Ground Food Co-Op at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana will have celebrating Urbana's First Fridays festival with food, beer and wine tastings. The event, which spans across downtown Urbana, is Friday, Aug. 4 from 4 to 11 p.m.

Urbana First Fridays celebrates full year of festivals

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 3, 2017
A line for Kam's stretches down Daniel St. as people wait to enter and celebrate Unofficial earlier this year. Despite the festivities, the University dropped from No. 3 to No. 14 on the Princeton Review's list of top party schools.

Illinois ousted on list of top 10 party schools

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Aug 2, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch runs for a touchdown in the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

How to get involved in a Big Ten school when you dislike sports

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor in Chief • Aug 1, 2017
Located on campus, the State Farm Center brings big name acts to Champaign each year. Last year, The 1975 and Green Day were among the mix.

Break into CU’s vibrant music scene

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 1, 2017
Cirina Nevarez, senior, settles in at Espresso Royale to study for her upcoming finals. Interim editor in chief Jessica Bursztynsky recommends Caffe Paradiso for studying and socializing.

A caffeinated state of bean: where to get your coffee fix this school year

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News editor • Aug 1, 2017
The Taste of Champaign includes a Pie Run this year. Participants can run 3.14 miles through the festival on August 19, stopping for water and pie breaks along the way.

Pie Run lets you have your pie and eat it too

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 31, 2017
The Script is coming to the State Farm Center on Oct. 7. Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m.

The Script to perform at the State Farm Center

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 24, 2017
Roger Ebert looks on in downtown Chicago.

Roger Ebert to be inducted into Chicago Literary Hall of Fame

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 22, 2017
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees holds a meeting at the Illini Union on Jan. 18, 2017.

Governor appoints new trustee, first local representative in years

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 21, 2017
University President Timothy Killeen named Avijit Ghosh the interim chief financial officer in November 2016. Ghosh is now the UI system's permanent vice president and CFO, pending approval from the Board of Trustees at their July 19 meeting.

University names interim Chief Financial Officer

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 21, 2017
The Fighting Illini football team will be signing autographs July 30 at Memorial Stadium, followed by a free screening of Moana. Autographs start at 5:15 p.m. and the film starts an hour after.

Illinois Athletics to host free movie night at Memorial Stadium

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 19, 2017
The UIUC Habitat for Humanity chapter and volunteers work on the blitz build of 506 Columbia on April 12, 2017.

Local foundations receive donation from Yahoo

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 13, 2017
The Big Church Night Out is coming to the State Farm Center Oct. 15. Tickets are available July 15 at 10 a.m.

Big Church Night Out tour to stop in Champaign

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 12, 2017
The Bloodmobile will be at Urbana's Market on the Square on Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Donors can walk away with a voucher for a $10 gift card.

Get some produce and donate blood while you’re at it

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 12, 2017
MCORE resumes, Illini Union restaurants close temporarily

MCORE resumes, Illini Union restaurants close temporarily

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 7, 2017
The Illinois House overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a state budget on Thursday. The state has its first budget since 2015.

University to receive state funding as Illinois passes first budget in years

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 6, 2017
Carle Foundation Hospital as seen from University Avenue. The Carle Illinois College of Medicine recently appointed two leadership members to permanent positions.

Carle Illinois College of Medicine adds to leadership team

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 6, 2017
MCORE renovations occur in front of the Illini Union and portions of Green Street, which is part of a five-part plan to renovate campus streets. The project was halted beginning July as the state of Illinois was unable to pass a budget to fund the construction.

MCORE project halts as state enters third year without budget

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 5, 2017
The USDA awarded the University almost $950,000 in funding for pollinator research. Rep. Rodney Davis is chairman of the subcommittee of such research.

University receives competitive grant from USDA

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jul 3, 2017
Panda Bear of Animal Collective performs at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts during the Pygmalion Music Festival in 2014. Animal Collective is one of this year's festival headliners.

Pygmalion festival announces lineup, pass sales

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 28, 2017
Students study in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Building in Champaign, IL. October 4, 2016.

Phishing scam targets University

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 28, 2017
Ameren has reported multiple power outages Tuesday morning. It currently has a service crew assigned to the project.

Wire damage causes power outage

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 27, 2017
The Women's Resource Center will no longer be neighboring Cocomero on Wright St. The center has moved to 616 E Green St. and it is hosting an open house on June 30 to showcase the space.

Women’s Resource Center moves, hosting open house

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 26, 2017
Brendt Christensen, a Physics graduate student, was arrested in connection to Zhang's disappearance. The University postponed the campus wide ceremony honoring Zhang's life.

University to offer $40,000 reward in missing scholar case

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 19, 2017
Brendt Christensen, a Physics graduate student, was arrested in connection to Zhang's disappearance. The University postponed the campus wide ceremony honoring Zhang's life.

UIPD searching for missing visiting scholar

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • Jun 11, 2017
The Chipotle on Green St. was one of several locations involved in a data breach of several of the chain's locations. The campus location was vulnerable from March 25 to April 18.

Champaign Chipotle locations affected by data breach

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • May 31, 2017
Caribbean Grill executive chef and owner Mike Harden and his culinary team prepare for their first permanent restaurant location, which is set to open Tuesday, May 30 at 2135 S Neil St., Champaign. Caribbean Grill is currently operating out of a food truck and a catering location.

Caribbean Grill set to open permanent location

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Interim Editor-in-Chief • May 24, 2017
Lindsay L. Johnson, a former student of the University, secretly gave birth to a child in a bathroom of Bousfield Hall on March 13th 2016.

Former University student gets 10 years in prison after killing newborn

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Apr 7, 2017
While it started off as a food truck, Cracked opened its first permanent location this spring. The truck parks near the Engineering Quad in the morning so you can grab that pre-exam fuel.

Cracked expands from food truck to permanent location

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Mar 27, 2017
Outside of the YMCA of the University of Illinois. Three Spinners Inc., located inside of the YMCA, opened a community resource center in an effort to provide a more inclusive, welcoming environment.

University YMCA selected for startup program

By Jessica Bursztynsky, News Editor • Mar 26, 2017
Food insecurity creates silent problem for University students

Food insecurity creates silent problem for University students

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Mar 15, 2017
Students sit at KAM’s bar on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Columnist Hayley Nagelberg is excited about Blueberry the penguin's visit, and thinks students should be more informed about endangered species.

KAM’s violates Champaign liquor laws, resulting in suspension of license

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Mar 9, 2017
Illini Republicans’ new logo features an elephant in front of a depiction of a traditional Native American headdress.

Illini Republicans new logo continues debate over the Chief likeness

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Mar 6, 2017
How much beer it would take Alma Mater to turn up on Unofficial

How much beer it would take Alma Mater to turn up on Unofficial

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Mar 2, 2017
Group of people crossing the street and showing Unofficial pride during Unofficial 2016.

University officials discuss Unofficial attire, planning budget

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Mar 1, 2017
Fans hold up the flash lights on their phones for a light show before the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

State Farm Center increasing security protocols

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Reporter • Feb 22, 2017
Portrait of Emily Blue.

Emily Blue donates album sales to RACES

By Jessica Bursztynsky, Staff Writer • Feb 22, 2017
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