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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
Noah Nelson

Noah Nelson, Columnist

A squirrel sits on the branch of a tree outside of the Chemistry Annex on Wednesday. Senior columnist Noah Nelson dives into the reasoning behind the abundance of squirrels on campus.

Opinion | University squirrels have a nutty history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 13, 2022
Ancient Mediterranean: "The Dawn of the Individual" is a permanent exhibit that sits at the Spurlock Museum. Senior columnist Noah Nelson expresses interest in a museum based on the University's history.

Opinion | A University museum is on its way

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 12, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson showcases his graduation attire at The Daily Illini office. Noah expresses his gratitude for his time working for the paper.

DI Voices | Thank you for everything, Daily Illini

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 12, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson with other members of Block I following the Illini’s victory for the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. Noah expresses how grateful he is for his experience with Block I in creating many unforgettable memories.

DI Voices | Block I helped me find myself

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 10, 2022
Opinion | Graduating columnists bid farewell to DI

Opinion | Graduating columnists bid farewell to DI

By Noah Nelson, Andrew Prozorovsky and Jude Race • May 2, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson expresses his strong connection to Legends Bar and Grill located on Green Street.

Opinion | Legends is my campus bar of choice

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 1, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson talks about the importance of students creating their own path and legacy at the University. Noah has been a part of The Daily Illini, Block I, Orange Krush and the Star Course Concert Committee.

Opinion | Create your own UI legacy

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 26, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson with the band Beach Bunny after their performance at Foellinger Auditorium on Oct. 7. Nelson expresses his gratitude for his time with the Star Course Concert Committee.

DI Voices | Participating in Star Course deepened my love for music

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 21, 2022
Players from the 1906 women's basketball team pose for a group photo. Senior columnist Noah Nelson believes that the history of Illinois basketball should be more valued and recognized.

Opinion | Illinois basketball’s rich history deserves better appreciation

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 9, 2022
Opinion | Appreciate Moms Weekend’s deep-rooted history

Opinion | Appreciate Moms Weekend’s deep-rooted history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 29, 2022
The Morrow Plots, located on Goodwin Avenue, is one of many locations on campus with historical significance. Senior columnist Noah Nelson argues that the University should put more effort in educating more about the school's rich history.

Opinion | UI should teach University history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 15, 2022
Block I goes crazy during the game against Maryland on Sept. 17. Senior columnist Noah Nelson believes that football games gives students the best game day experience.

Opinion | Illinois football provides the best game day experience

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 24, 2022

Opinion | UI’s first student changed University history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 14, 2022
Members of the Illini Republicans speak with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions at Gregory Hall on Feb. 1. Senior columnist Noah Nelson argues that students should be more neutral when it comes to politics.

Opinion | University students should be open-minded

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 8, 2022
Band Beach Bunny performs in Foellinger Auditorium on Oct. 7. Senior columnist Noah Nelson talks about the RSO, Star Course, that is in charge of handling concerts at the University.

Opinion | Behind the scenes, Star Course programs campus fun

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 4, 2022
Opinion | Save your college mementos

Opinion | Save your college mementos

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 17, 2022
Senior columnist Noah Nelson believes a great way to spark a conversation would be asking someone what their go-to McDonald's order is.

Opinion | Start conversations with McDonald’s orders

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 21, 2021
Senior columnist Noah Nelson believes that the name Assembly Hall still lives on regardless of who purchases it.

Opinion | State Farm Center will always be Assembly Hall

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 6, 2021
Kathy Kesner, cafeteria worker at Newman Hall, creates strong bonds with students of many different backgrounds in the Newman Hall community.

Opinion | Kesner cooks up conversation, smiles

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 10, 2021
Senior Charlie Foster pounds on his chest during a game against UTSA football on Sept. 04. Foster is the University's unofficial mascot because of his game day spirit.

Opinion | Charlie Foster is UI’s ‘unofficial’ mascot

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 9, 2021
Student carries a a pack of seltzers to a party on Mar 6, 2020. Columnist Noah Nelson gives some partying advice in having a safe and great night out.

Opinion | Polish your partying with these tips, tricks

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 2, 2021
Opinion | Appreciate campus' beauty technology free

Opinion | Appreciate campus’ beauty technology free

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 29, 2021
DI Voices | Roger Ebert and I: Involved Illini

DI Voices | Roger Ebert and I: Involved Illini

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 14, 2021
Senior Charlie Foster pounds on his chest during a game against UTSA football on Sept. 04. Foster is the University's unofficial mascot because of his game day spirit.

Opinion | UI has an unofficial mascot

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 5, 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.

DI Voices | Main Quad is a stage for campus community

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 27, 2021
Newman Center offers many students a place to live on campus. Some students prefer to live in Newman compared to apartments or houses.

DI Voices | Newman Hall is my home away from home

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 21, 2021
Opinion | Is Illinois a football or basketball school? | II

Opinion | Is Illinois a football or basketball school? | II

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 9, 2021
Illinois guard Andre Feliz takes a photo with Journalism student Noah Nelson during March 8, 2020. Columnist Noah Nelson owes much of his love for Illinois basketball to former guard Ayo Dosunmu who was recently drafted by the Chicago Bulls.

DI Voices | Dosunmu delivers passion to basketball enthusiasts-in-waiting

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 26, 2021
A giant version of the game "Operation" is played in an office. Columnist Noah Nelson believes University alum deserve recognition for their creations such as John Spinello who was the original founder of "Operation".

Historic Illini inventions merit accolades

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • July 15, 2021
Students walk outside the Illini Union on Aug. 21. Columnist Noah Nelson encourages Illini to power through finals week.

Opinion | Power through this semester’s finals

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 5, 2021
The Universities Alma Mater statue sits at the corner of Wright and Green streets on April 3, 2020. Columnist Noah Nelson argues that Alma Mater holds historic value that is under-appreciated.

Opinion | Alma Mater possesses undervalued history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 1, 2021
Taylor Swift performs on stage during her Reputation tour in May 2018. Columnist Noah Nelson exclaims that Swift is a genius for implementing hidden easter eggs throughout her song lyrics and music videos.

Opinion | Taylor Swift evokes genius with Easter Eggs

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 23, 2021
Former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence speaks at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland on April 22, 2018. Columnist Noah Nelson argues that Pence's new book should intrigue everyone.

Opinion | Mike Pence memoir intrigues those awaiting

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 13, 2021
A group of people sunbathe on a platform extending into the Bay of Naples in Sorrento, Italy on July 31, 2018. Columnist Noah Nelson argues that University students require a spring break despite having theirs canceled for reasons related to Covid-19.

Opinion | University students require spring break

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 30, 2021
Opinion | Everyone should live their dreams

Opinion | Everyone should live their dreams

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 25, 2021
Fans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis cheer on the Fighting Illini basketball team on Saturday. The team has a chance to make University history during the NCAA Big Ten Tournament.

Opinion | Illini basketball has a chance to make University history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 12, 2021
An Illinois student relaxes on the Main Quad on April 3. Columnist Noah advocates for taking relaxation time for yourself.

Opinion | Dedicate time to yourself this semester

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 2, 2021
The Lincoln Memorial rests peacefully on the morning of Oct. 8, 2006. Columnist Noah argues all Illinoisians should know about Abraham Lincoln.

Opinion | Every Illinois citizen must know about Lincoln

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 1, 2021
Actress Rachel Tucker stars in a production of the musical "Wicked." Columnist Noah believes the musical teaches power of friendship.

Opinion | ‘Wicked’ teaches power of friendship

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 19, 2021
Olesya Rulin, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron star in “High School Musical.” Columnist Noah believes the film is still relevant today.

Opinion | ‘High School Musical’ still bears relevance

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 8, 2021
The Weeknd performs during the 59th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2017. Columnist Noah argues there are more deserving artists than The Weeknd to perform at the Super Bowl.

Opinion | Better musicians should perform at Super Bowl

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 2, 2021
Beatles members George Harrison and Paul McCartney perform live. Columnist Noah argues Harrison helped spark Beatlemania in the United States with an early solo visit.

Opinion | American Beatlemania started with George Harrison

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 29, 2021
Hezbullah Akmal, 38, picks out a fiction novel at the Champaign Public Library on Nov. 5, 2018.

Opinion | Maintain healthy reading habits

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 26, 2021
Roger Ebert attends the IFP Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on March 22, 2003. Columnist Noah stresses the successes of famous Illinois alumni like Ebert.

Opinion | Illinois alumni should inspire students

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 25, 2021
A horseshoe sandwich is pictured above. Columnist Noah encourages the spread of the appreciation for the local dish.

Opinion | Everyone should know the Horseshoe Sandwich

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 20, 2021
U.S. President Donald Trump pauses while speaking during a news conference at the White House on September 4, 2020 in Washington, D.C.

Opinion | Trump should secure legacy through presidential museum

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 18, 2020
President Donald Trump signs an Executive Order on establishing a White House Council on eliminating regulatory barriers to affordable housing on June 25, 2019,

Opinion | Trump must write his presidential memoir

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 9, 2020
Columnist Noah Nelson's signed Taylor Swift CD is pictured above. Nelson enjoys collecting autographed items.

Opinion | Autograph curation feels like treasure hunting

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 8, 2020
President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, senior White House advisors and senior military personnel, delivers remarks during a national televised address on Jan. 8 from the Cross Hall of the White House.

Opinion | Trump won’t vanish after election loss

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 11, 2020
Raven-Symoné stars in "That's So Raven." The TV show first premiered on Jan. 17, 2003 and is now streaming on Disney+.

Opinion | Thank you Disney+ for the nostalgia

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 6, 2020
Student voters check in at tables in Multi-Purpose Room 7 at the ARC on Friday.

Opinion | One must accept election outcome

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 28, 2020

Opinion | Brace yourself for election’s home stretch

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 17, 2020
Then Presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Fountain Hills, AZ on March 19, 2016.

Opinion | Donald Trump earns place in Presidents’ Club

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 14, 2020
Author Stephen King is pictued speaking above. Columnist Noah maintains King impresses with writing in diverse styles.

Opinion | Stephen King is a ‘scary-good’ wordsmith

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 12, 2020
Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Jack Haley star in “The Wizard of Oz” which was released in 1939. Columnist Noah argues that the writer of the book the film is based on, L. Frank Baum, should receive more recognition.

Opinion | L. Frank Baum deserves proper recognition

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • October 1, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Briefing Room of the White House on Sept. 27, 2020 in Washington, DC.

Opinion | Voting in upcoming election is more important than ever

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 29, 2020
Taylor Swift performs at her Speak Now tour on March 9, 2012. Columnist Noah reminisces on Swift’s country phase prior to her transition to the pop genre.

Opinion | Taylor Swift should return to country music

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 28, 2020
Opinion | Freshmen, it's going to be okay

Opinion | Freshmen, it’s going to be okay

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 24, 2020
Illinois students study and lounge on the tables outside of the Illini Union on April 3.

Opinion | Check up on professors, faculty

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 18, 2020
Best-selling author James Patterson signs a book for a fan inside Classic Bookshop during 2018 in Palm Beach, Florida. Columnist Noah argues Patterson has earned the title of a literary hero.

Opinion | James Patterson deserves literary commendation

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 14, 2020
Characters Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez sing a duet together in the Disney Channel Original “High School Musical.” Columnist Noah argues that Disney Channel Original films deserve recognition and are nostalgic to look back on.

Opinion | One should appreciate Disney Channel Originals

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 10, 2020
Brothers Phineas and Ferb talk in their backyard in the show "Phineas and Ferb"

Opinion | Fans needed Phineas and Ferb comeback

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 8, 2020
Opinion | America will eventually elect Madam President

Opinion | America will eventually elect Madam President

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • September 1, 2020
Fieldy of Korn performing during the band’s hit “Blind” in Rockford, Ill. Columnist Noah stands up for songwriters, claiming music listeners should give them thanks, too.

Opinion | Songwriters matter too

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 31, 2020
Artist JPEGMAFIA performs live at the Pitchfork Music Festival on July 21, 2019.

Opinion | We need live music now more than ever

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 29, 2020
Dan Schneider poses for a photo with Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Ariana Grande, and iCarly actor Jennette McCurdy

Opinion | Dan Schneider deserves applause for TV contributions

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 27, 2020
Students waits in line to take COVID-19 tests at the Illini Union on Sunday. Columnist Noah argues many students want to return to campus.

Opinion | Return to school is our chance for normalcy

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 24, 2020
Crowds gather on the main quad to enjoy the weather during Mom's Weekend on April 6, 2019.

To freshmen: make the most out of college years

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 5, 2020
Eden Shar and Atticus Shaffer star in The Middle

Opinion | ‘The Middle’ ranks among top family comedies

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 2, 2020
A collection of colorful rocks lay in a pile.

Hoarding isn’t a bad hobby

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • July 16, 2020
The Undertaker, right, throws Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 33 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. in 2017.

Thank you for your remarkable career, Undertaker

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • July 14, 2020
The official MasterClass logo.

Opinion | MasterClass brings joy to online learning

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • June 11, 2020
An assortment of newspapers rest on a tiered rack.

Opinion | Print newspapers deserve a resurgence

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 11, 2020
A mean wearing headphones uses his computer.

Opinion | Virtual concerts beat sound of silence

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • May 9, 2020
The Clark Bridge, a bridge that spans the Mississippi River connecting Alton, IL to West Alton, MO, stands on Jan. 8, 2007 at sunset.

Opinion | Downstate Illinois possesses underappreciated historical sites

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 30, 2020
The official logo for the Nickelodeon show Drake & Josh.

Opinion | Nickelodeon would be wise to reboot ‘Drake and Josh’

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 24, 2020
The now retired Chief Illiniwek mascot performs with the Marching Illini Band on Nov, 11, 2006 at Memorial Stadium.

Opinion | Chief Illiniwek remains embedded in UI history

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 21, 2020
A woman wearing a blindfold holds a book in front of her.

Opinion | Don’t be ashamed to stop reading

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 18, 2020
Three WWE wrestlers look out towards the crowd from inside the ring during a WWE event on April 7, 2014.

Opinion | WWE continues to entertain during pandemic

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • April 11, 2020
A local man places mangos into his cart as a student volunteer smiles at the Wesley Food Pantry, 1203 W. Green St., on Feb. 20.

Opinion | Kindness is still relevant

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 27, 2020
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store at 955 Airport Boulevard, near Raleigh-Durham International Airport, in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Opinion | Cracker Barrel: America’s hidden gem

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 3, 2020
Ashley McBryde performing at the Lyric in Oxford, Mississippi, on January 31, 2020.

Opinion | Keep on doing what you’re doing, McBryde

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • March 3, 2020
Left: The Illini football team runs out onto Levi’s Stadium for the Redbox Bowl in Santa Clara, California, on Dec. 30. Right: Illinois freshman center Kofi Cockburn looks at the scoreboard late in the second half at Mackey Arena on Tuesday.

Opinion | Is Illinois a football or basketball school?

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 24, 2020
Opinion | Senators should actively participate in impeachment trial

Opinion | Senators should actively participate in impeachment trial

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • February 5, 2020
Pictured above are cargo shorts which usually feature a large amounts of pockets.

Opinion | Find your cargo shorts: passions make life better

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 29, 2020
Opinion | Students require more from teaching assistants

Opinion | Students require more from teaching assistants

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 21, 2020
Opinion | Don't ruin 'High School Musical' with television series

Opinion | Don’t ruin ‘High School Musical’ with television series

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 14, 2020
Opinion | Bring ‘SpongeBob’ to graceful end

Opinion | Bring ‘SpongeBob’ to graceful end

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • January 7, 2020
Opinion | Slow down this holiday season

Opinion | Slow down this holiday season

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 12, 2019
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Aug. 20, 2005.

Opinion | There should be more Mount Rushmores

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 10, 2019
Luke Combs is interviewed during the iHeart Country Festival in Austin, TX on May 4, 2019.

Opinion | Luke Combs brought back country music

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • December 3, 2019
Opinion | Fred Rogers’ legacy lives on

Opinion | Fred Rogers’ legacy lives on

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 22, 2019
Students at the basement of Illini Union on Apr. 16, eating lunch and working.

Opinion | Too much social media could affect grades

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • November 6, 2019
Former President Jimmy Carter receives the 2017 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage. Columnist Noah urges audiences to acknowledge Carter’s memorable post-presidency accomplishments, such as the founding of the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta.

Opinion | Recognize President Carter for post-presidency

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • October 24, 2019
Opinion | Political science is more than law school

Opinion | Political science is more than law school

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • October 10, 2019
Embrace your small-town background

Embrace your small-town background

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • September 25, 2019
Students study for finals on the second floor of Grainger Engineering Library on May 6. Columnist Noah encourages students to write more to enhance writing abilities.

You need to write, right now

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • September 9, 2019
Taylor Swift at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2019.

Swift’s ‘Lover’ proves she’s still on top

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • August 28, 2019
The entrance of the Main Library on Wright Street on Jan. 27, 2019.

Explore campus for memories

By Noah Nelson, Columnist • August 26, 2019
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