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
Ryan Ash

Ryan Ash, Former Managing Editor for Visuals

[email protected]

Content by Ryan Ash
Rashinda Reed coaches from the sideline during Illinois volleyballs match against Purdue on Oct. 6. Reed was named the new head coach at Alabama on Monday.

[Photo] Former Illinois volleyball assistant coach Rashinda Reed departs program, will become new Alabama head coach

December 20, 2021
Illinois senior DaMonte Williams looks for a teammate to pass during the teams game against Notre Dame at State Farm Center on Nov. 29.

[Photo] Efficient shooting from three, big nights from Cockburn, Plummer see Illinois men’s basketball take down Notre Dame

November 29, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood walks down the court during the teams game against St. Francis (Ill.) on Oct. 23. The Illini will be missing several key players against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday night.

[Photo] Undermanned Illinois set to battle Notre Dame in Big Ten/ACC challenge

November 29, 2021
Megan Cooney celebrates with her teammates during Illinois match against Purdue on Oct. 6 at Huff Hall. The Illini will face West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball earns berth in NCAA tournament, will take on West Virginia in first round

November 28, 2021
Center Kofi Cockburn (21) with guards Andre Curbelo (5) and Trent Frazier cheering from the sidelines during the game against St. Francis on Nov. 23. Cockburn will be back to play against Cincinnati on Monday.

[Photo] Kofi Cockburn returns for Hall of Fame Classic as Illinois men’s basketball takes on Cincinnati 

November 22, 2021
Offensive linebacker Owen Carney sprints toward Wisconsin Quarterback Graham Mertz for a tackle on Oct. 9. The team is traveling to Iowa this weekend for their last game of the season without Bielema, who tested positive for COVID-19 early this week.

[Photo] Illinois football makes final road trip of season, heads to No. 17 Iowa without Bret Bielema

November 19, 2021
Setter Diana Brown prepares to serve the ball during a set against Purdue on Oct. 6. The Illini hope for a victorious comeback against Indiana on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball aims to get back on track against Indiana on Friday night

November 12, 2021
Kathy Kesner, cafeteria worker at Newman Hall, creates strong bonds with students of many different backgrounds in the Newman Hall community.

[Photo] Opinion | Kesner cooks up conversation, smiles

November 10, 2021
Illini guard Jada Peebles attempts a lay-up against Valparaiso on Dec. 2, 2020. The team will begin their season against North Carolina Central on Tuesday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball hosts season opener against North Carolina Central

November 9, 2021
Forward Coleman Hawkins dribbles the ball during the game against St. Francis Oct. 23. Illinois defense is turning out to be impressive ahead the regular season.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball preseason takeaways: Hawkins, defense impress ahead of regular season

November 5, 2021
Outside hitter Raina Terry (12) and Diana Brown hype each other up during a set against Purdue on Oct 6. The Illini hope to keep up their momentum from their victory against Penn State for their match against Nebraska.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois volleyball opens four-match home stand with rematch against No. 9 Nebraska

November 4, 2021
Healthcare worker places syringes filled with the Covid-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Feb 11. The CDC and FDA has now approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages give to 11.

[Photo] Children ages 5-11 eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

November 3, 2021
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams breaks through a line of Wisconsin player during the homecoming game Oct. 9. The Illini sports staff predicts the outcome of todays game against Rutgers.

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

October 30, 2021
Defensive specialist Taylor Kuper prepares to bump the ball during the match against Purdue Oct. 6. Illinois will travel to the east coast to take on both Rutgers and No. 13 Penn State this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball heads east for packed weekend against Rutgers, No. 13 Penn State

October 29, 2021
Center Kofi Cockburn walks out onto the court at State Farm Center before the St. Francis game on Saturday. Cockburn was voted Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year.

[Photo] Cockburn named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

October 27, 2021
A clinic worker fills a needle with a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 at the I-Hotel & Conference Center on Feb. 11. CUPHD has recently began offering COVID booster clinics.

[Photo] CUPHD hosts more COVID-19 booster clinics, allows ‘mix and match dosing’ for shots

October 22, 2021
Austin Hutcherson drives to the rim during the second half of the game against St. Francis (Ill.) at State Farm Center on Saturday night. Hutcherson stood out in his Illinois debut, recording 14 points and seven rebounds in the 101-34 win.

[Photo] Austin Hutcherson shines as freshmen, transfers make Illinois men’s basketball debuts in blowout preseason win

October 23, 2021
Illinois guard DaMonte Williams drives to the basket during the teams game against St. Francis (Ill.) at State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini won the game in dominant fashion, 101-34.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball dominates in 67-point win over St. Francis in preseason opener

October 23, 2021
Running back Chase Brown sprints with the ball during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. Illinois football travels to Penn State this Saturday in hopes of a monumental victory.

[Photo] Illinois football travels to Penn State, looks to pull off monumental upset away from Champaign

October 22, 2021
Running back Chase Brown gets tackled during the game against Wisconsin Oct. 9. Illini football receives an assessment on how theyve been performing at the past seven games.

[Photo] Midterm grades: An assessment of how Illinois football has performed after seven games

October 19, 2021
A woman administers a Moderna vaccine at the I Hotel and Conference Center on Jan. 11. Even with the pressures healthcare workers faced within the past year, students passion in pursuing this field strengthens.

[Photo] Pandemic strengthens UI students’ passion for health care 

October 20, 2021
Quarterback Artur Sitkowski attempts to throw the ball during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9 during Homecoming Weekend. Illini football continues to struggle with their offensive line.

[Photo] Column | Offensive struggles continue into Big Ten play for Illini football

October 15, 2021
A student performs a cobra pose during the Yoga Practicum class on Monday morning. Yoga practice raises concerns for cultural appropriation.

[Photo] Yoga practice raises questions of cultural appropriation

October 12, 2021
Graduate student Megan Cooney prepares to serve the ball during the match against Purdue on Wednesday at Huff Hall. The Illini lost the match 3-2.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball shows fight, determination in five-set loss to No. 6 Purdue

October 6, 2021
A woman fills a syringe with a Moderna Covid-19 vaccine on Feb. 11 at the I-Hotel. The University received 750 requests for Covid-19 exemptions because of religious reasons.

[Photo] 750 religious exemption requests made for COVID-19 vaccine mandate

October 7, 2021
Kicker James McCourt begins to punt a football during the game against UTSA Sept. 4. The Illini hope to end their losing streak this weekend as they are prepared to play Charlotte on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois football hosts Charlotte, looks to end losing skid

October 1, 2021
Bret Bielema walks onto the field during the footballs game against UTSA on Sept. 4. Illinoiss football team works on getting into a groove to play with this season.

[Photo] Column | Why can’t Illinois replicate Indiana’s blueprint?

September 16, 2021
A University Wellness Associate checks a woman into Bevier Hall on Oct. 15. 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

September 14, 2021
Canned food sits on a shelf at the Wesley Food Pantry on Feb. 21, 2020. Many University students are faced with food insecurity.

[Photo] Students experience food insecurity on campus

September 12, 2021
Defensive back Tony Adams tackles his UTSA opponent during their game at Memorial Stadium Sept. 4. The DI sports staff predicts Illinois week 2 matchup with Virginia.

[Photo] Quick picks: DI sports staff predicts Illinois’ week 2 matchup with Virginia

September 10, 2021
Kicker James Mc Court begins to follow through on a kick during the Illinois football game against UTSA on Saturday. McCourt and Blake Hayes played a vital role in competing against UTSA.

[Photo] McCourt, Hayes play vital role in helping Illini compete against UTSA

September 5, 2021
A Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine box sits on a table on Feb. 22. Select individuals will now be allowed to get a third does of the vaccine.

[Photo] Third dose of vaccine available for select individuals

August 17, 2021
Illinois celebrates after scoring a goal against Iowa on Feb. 25 at Demirjian Park. The Illini opens their season with an exhibition game against Eastern Illinois on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois to open preseason with exhibition match against Eastern Illinois

August 7, 2021
Graduate Makena Silber fights over the possession of the soccer ball against Iowa Feb. 25. With the new season coming in soon, break downs of the games are shown.

[Photo] Scoreline spree: DI beat writer predicts, breaks down all 19 games for Illinois soccer

August 5, 2021
Players of the Illinois womens basketball team come together during a pause in the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Illinois will host Florida State in the 2021 Big Ten/Atlantic Coast Conference Womens Basketball Challenge.

[Photo] Illinois to host Florida State in Big Ten/Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Challenge

August 3, 2021
Food Pantry Director Dawn Longfellow wheels a rack of food at a food pantry in the Champaign area on Feb. 21, 2020. Food banks are looking for student volunteers to help out.

[Photo] Food banks continue to be overwhelmed, search for student volunteers

August 4, 2021
Construction workers repair a pipe in October 2020. The bridge on Springfield is closed and is set to be closed for months while it undergoes repairs.

[Photo] Springfield Avenue closes for bridge repairs, construction to last months

June 3, 2021
The Illinois mens basketball team waits for what may be called at their game on Jan. 19 against Penn State. Although Illinois basketball will be losing key players, they have transfers coming to the team.

[Photo] Big Ten stock watch: Roster changes after one month highlights transfer portal madness

May 2, 2021
The YMCA of the University of Illinois sits quietly at 1001 S Wright St, Champaign on a sunny day. The YMCA recently held its annual Stand Against Racism campaign on their Facebook page in a series of online presentations.

[Photo] YWCA’s annual campaign concerns racism’s effect on public health

April 30, 2021
A SHIELD worker helps to test college students for COVID-19 on Sept. 30. SHIELD recently released guidance to schools to try and help them reopen for the fall semester.

[Photo] UI launches a K-12 Shield guiding schools on reopening schools

April 29, 2021
Kendrick Green (53) stands with teammates prior to the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium Dec. 5.

[Photo] Former Illini Kendrick Green selected in third round of 2021 NFL Draft

April 30, 2021
Senior DaMonte Williams plays defense during the game against Purdue Jan. 2 at State Farm Center. Williams announced Wednesday that he is returning for a fifth season.

[Photo] Senior Da’Monte Williams returns for fifth season

April 28, 2021
Illinois assistant coach Orlando Antigua (left) talks to Kofi Cockburn during the game against Penn State Jan. 19 at State Farm Center. Antigua has been rumored to be leaving Champaign for Kentucky.

[Photo] Column | Possibility of losing assistant coaches hints at program’s ceiling

April 29, 2021
Freshman Adam Miller scans the court for teammates against Maryland Jan. 10 at State Farm Center. Miller announced Saturday afternoon that he is transferring to Louisiana State.

[Photo] Adam Miller announces transfer to Louisiana State

May 1, 2021
A group of kids hold signs displaying phrases such as “#StopAsianHate” and “We Stand Asians” at a protest in downtown Champaign on March 30.

Anti-Asian violence scares UI community

April 22, 2021
New head wrestling coach Mike Poeta instructs a wrestler from the sidelines during the meet against Purdue on Jan. 22. Poeta was previously the assistant coach for four years but was promoted after previous head coach Jim Heffernan retired.

[Photo] Mike Poeta announced as new wrestling head coach

April 21, 2021
Sophomore Kendra Pasquele runs to the soccer ball during their game on Feb. 26 against Iowa. Kendra Pasquale is only one of four who earned honors for the program.

[Photo] Four Illini earn All-Big Ten honors

April 14, 2021
Illinois head wrestling coach Jim Heffernan shakes the hand of a wrestler after a match against Purdue on Jan. 22. Heffernan has just announced his retirement after 29 years in the Illinois wrestling program.

[Photo] Illinois wrestling coach Jim Heffernan announces retirement

April 8, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Kendra Pasquale celebrates after scoring against Iowa at Demirjian Park Feb. 25. The Illini face the Hawkeyes in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois heads back to Big Ten Tournament for first time since 2018

April 7, 2021
Junior Lauren Stibich fights for the ball during a game against Iowa on Feb. 25.

[Photo] Spring sports update: Men’s tennis on 10-match winning streak, soccer enters playoffs with momentum

April 6, 2021
Junior Lauren Stibich kicks the ball during a game against Iowa on Feb. 25. The Illini soccer team is set to finish off their regular season at Northwestern today.

[Photo] Illinois to finish off regular season at Northwestern for in-state rivalry

April 3, 2021
Redshirt junior Alex Clark and senior Zeke Clark celebrate after winning a point against Michigan on Friday. The Illinois men’s tennis team will face Wisconsin and Minnesota this weekend as they move closer to competing for tournament titles.

[Photo] Illinois searches for success, aims for tournament titles

April 1, 2021
B3_Mens_Tennis_Feature

[Photo] Siphosothando Montsi cooks up savory season

March 31, 2021
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[Photo] Opinion | COVID-19 threatens America’s national identity

March 31, 2021
Senior Noe Khlif lunges to hit a ball during a match against the University of Michigan on Friday. The Fighting Illini men’s tennis team have reigned in eight consecutive wins with their most recent being against Michigan and Michigan State this past weekend.

[Photo] Illinois shuts out Michigan, Michigan State with contributions from all players

March 28, 2021
Sophomore Summer Garrison fights to keep possession of the ball in their game against Iowa on Feb. 26. The Illinois women’s soccer team will play against the Spartans of Michigan State at 4PM CT today.

[Photo] Illinois needs finishing in front of goal to break streak

March 28, 2021
Ashley Cathro fights over the ball in order to retain possession over Iowa on Feb. 26. The team will continue to fight for a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

[Photo] Illinois drops second consecutive game

March 25, 2021
Senior Jackson Raper sprints to third base during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team won and lost a game against the University of Michigan as well as suffering another loss against Michigan State in Ann Arbor this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois splits games with Michigan, Michigan State

March 22, 2021
Junior Makena Silber begins to kick at a game against Iowa on Feb. 26. The Illinois women’s soccer team fell short on senior day and lost to Ohio State 2-1 on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois fall to Ohio State on senior day 2-1

March 21, 2021
The Fighting Illini women’s soccer team embraced during a game against Iowa on Feb. 26. The team continues to keep their momentum for upcoming games.

[Photo] Illinois’ offense looks to continue momentum against Ohio State

March 21, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Kendra Pasquale runs past Iowa’s defense on Feb. 26. The Fighting Illini beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 3-1 this morning at Demirjian Park.

[Photo] Illinois offense tops Nebraska 3-1

March 19, 2021
Diana Anghel poses for a photo in the Daily Illini office on Sunday morning. Anghel talks about the perseverance within the newsroom this past year and looks forward to leading the Daily Illini through its next production term.

[Photo] Weathering the storm: New staff takes over

March 15, 2021
The soon to be NuEra dispensary lies at the corner of First and Green on Sunday morning. Having a recreational marijuana dispensary in Campustown will help increase foot traffic.

[Photo] Cannabis dispensary set to open by KAMS

March 15, 2021
Students celebrate Unofficial at Red Lion on March 6, 2020. Due to the cancellation of spring break, some students plan to gather on campus for St. Patricks Day when they’d otherwise be traveling or visiting family.

[Photo] Students to celebrate St. Patricks Day on campus

March 15, 2021
Eileen Murphy runs past Iowas defense on Feb. 25 at Demirjian Park. Murphy ended the Fighting Illinis scoring drought today against the Indiana Hoosiers by scoring the game winning goal.

[Photo] Murphy goal breaks Illinois scoring drought

March 13, 2021
An Illinois baseball player slides into third base during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team won one of four games against Ohio State this past weekend.

[Photo] Illini baseball comes away from opening weekend with one win, three losses

March 9, 2021
Junior Makena Silber battles for control of the ball during the game against Iowa on Feb. 25. The Illinois soccer team drew against Minnesota on Sunday.

[Photo] Sample becomes saving grace against Minnesota

March 7, 2021
Sophomore Branden Comia prepares to swing during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team will face Ohio State this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois to start 2021 season with four-game series against Ohio State

March 5, 2021
Junior Lauren Stibich battles for control of the ball during the game against Iowa on Feb. 25. The Illinois soccer team fell to Wisconsin 1-0 on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois gets shutout by Wisconsin in second-straight loss

March 4, 2021
Junior Lauren Stibich moves the ball forward during the game against Iowa on Friday. The team lost to Penn State 2-0 on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Penn State, snapping two-game winning streak

February 28, 2021
An Illinois student receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Feb. 11. 23.3% of Champaign County has received the first dose of the vaccine.

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

March 1, 2021
Habitat for Humanity ReStore worker Lloyd Addison wheels a cabinet towards the loading dock for a customer on Wednesday morning. The store has had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Habitat for Humanity ReStore adapts to pandemic

February 24, 2021
Members of the Illinois women’s basketball team kneel during the national anthem before the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2. The team is celebrating Black History Month in multiple ways.

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

February 25, 2021
A pharmacist fills needles with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Feb. 11. A walk-in vaccine clinic will open at Church of the Living God on Saturday.

[Photo] Walk-in vaccine clinic opens at Church of the Living God

February 19, 2021
Illini wrestler Matt Wroblewski begins a match against Purdue on Jan. 24 at Huff Hall. Wroblewski has taken advantage of COVID-19 by working on his strength as the playoffs approach.

[Photo] Illini look to continue success as playoffs approach

February 15, 2021
Sophomore guard Jeanae Terry passes during a game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Dec. 2. Terry’s confidence on the court and great leadership are for to the team this year.

[Photo] Jeanae Terry’s hot streak a great sign for Illini’s future

February 15, 2021
The common area of the University YMCA residence is pictured above.

[Photo] Students share experiences with YMCA housing

February 15, 2021
An Illinois student receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday at the I-Hotel. Champaign County has opened vaccine appointments to residents age 40-64 with certain health conditions.

[Photo] Champaign County opens vaccine appointments to residents age 40-64 with health conditions

February 15, 2021
A University Wellness Associate checks a woman into Bevier Hall on Oct. 14. Students and faculty are unable to enter University buildings without building access being granted through the Safer Illinois application.

[Photo] UI juggles complex return with variant, pandemic fatigue

February 15, 2021
Sophomore Natalie Bizon decorates her apartment on Oct. 2. It’s important to wisely decorate your living space.

[Photo] Dos, don’ts of decorating on a budget

February 15, 2021
A BrewLab barista pours latte art on Oct. 20. BrewLab is one of several local establishments that offer coffee.

[Photo] Fuel your caffeine self: consider leasing near an independent coffee shop

February 15, 2021
The Planned Parenthood clinic in Champaign sits on the corner of Stoughton and Third streets. The office offers several services relating to sexual health to the Champaign-Urbana community.

[Photo] Consider your birth control options with Planned Parenthood

February 11, 2021
A Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12. Nearly 16.8% of Champaign County residents has received a first dose of the vaccine.

[Photo] UI limits vaccine eligibility with smaller supply

February 11, 2021
Professor Jonathan Coppess prepares to give a lecture on Friday afternoon. Coppess worked as a volunteer on the Department of Agriculture team for the Biden-Harris transition.

[Photo] Spence farm grows to supplying individual families

February 8, 2021
A Brewlab employee checks out a customer on Oct. 20. Small businesses, like Brewlab, have seen slow activity to start the semester.

[Photo] Campustown businesses see slow activity to start semester

February 8, 2021
Needles wait to be filled with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12. The vaccine is now limitedly available to eligible students.

[Photo] Vaccinated students praise easy shots, ‘streamlined’ administration

February 8, 2021
Sophomore Zac Braunagel works to flip his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Jan. 22. The Illini will face off against Minnesota tonight in Minneapolis.

[Photo] No. 9 Illinois travels to Minnesota, Northwestern in weekend doubleheader

February 4, 2021
A nurse administers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to a Champaign County resident on Jan. 12 at the I-Hotel.

[Photo] Champaign County vaccination rate ranks sixth in Illinois

February 4, 2021
Business Librarian Madeleine Wolske helps a patron of the Champaign Public Library on Wednesday morning. The library has recently reopened limited in-person services.

[Photo] Champaign Public Library adjusts for community

February 4, 2021
The front of the Illinois Career Center on Wednesday morning is pictured above. The Career Center has continued to provide services remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Career Center continues remotely amid COVID-19

February 4, 2021
Illinois group of starters stand together during Illinois game against Penn State on Jan. 19.

[Photo] Illini show they can win in different ways in slugfest against Hoosiers

February 3, 2021
Freshman Luke Odom locks his opponents arm during the meet against Purdue on Jan. 24. Odom picked up ones of two Illinois wins during the meet against Iowa on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois’ perfect run comes to an end in loss to No. 1 Iowa

February 1, 2021
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