Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
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
Ryan Ash

Ryan Ash, Managing Editor for Visuals

[email protected]

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

By Abdullah Dean, Contributing Writer • Feb 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

By Heather Robinson and Matt Troher • Feb 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

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • Feb 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

By Jenni Kallenback, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Feb 3, 2021
Freshman Luke Odom locks his opponent's 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

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2021
A group of students eat lunch outside of the SDRP on Sept. 13. The University has taken measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the spring semester.

[Photo] University COVID protocols praised; precautions increase for spring

By Payal Rathore, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2021
A Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12. Select members of the University community are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

[Photo] Education personnel now eligible for vaccine

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • Feb 1, 2021
The Altgeld Bell Tower peaks high into the sky on Sunday morning.

[Photo] Class gifts connect old alumni to new Illini

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • Feb 1, 2021
An MTD terminal on Wright Street informs riders when the next buses are coming on Sunday morning. MTD has recently reduced their service.

[Photo] MTD cuts down service after UI lowers student fees

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2021
A nurse meets with a Champaign County resident to administer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12.

[Photo] Vaccines appointments begin for University staff

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • Jan 29, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to his left during the game against Ohio State on Jan. 16. Frazier declared for the NBA Draft Friday, though he is still eligible to return for a fifth season.

[Photo] Frazier uses Naismith snub to turn in best game of season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 31, 2021
Sophomore Alexander Babbington competes in the shotput event during the Heptathlon at the meet at the Armory on Friday.

[Photo] Illini women shine in Big Ten title with 3rd place finish

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 30, 2021
Redshirt freshman Ellie Holzman winds up to spike the ball during the game against Wisconsin on Friday. The Illini lost their two matches against the No.1 ranked Wisconsin 3-0 and 3-1 this weekend.

[Photo] Illini lose first two home matches to No. 1 Wisconsin

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2021
Sophomore Luke Luffman grabs the leg of his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Sunday. Luffman, along with Lucas Byrd and Dylan Duncan are undefeated so far this season.

[Photo] Three perfect wrestlers remain for Illini along with 4-0 start

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 29, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn jumps to shoot during the game against Maryland on Jan. 11. The Illini will face off with Iowa tonight at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Keys to the game: Dosunmu dominance, role players playing their roles key in Iowa showdown

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 29, 2021
Needles wait to be filled with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Champaign County has administered 18,847 COVID-19 vaccines.

[Photo] Another county resident dies from COVID-19 as test positivity continues drop

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • Jan 28, 2021
Freshman guard Aaliyah Nye looks to pass during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illini look for first Big Ten win against Penn State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
The Kinkead Pavilion of the Krannert Art Museum lies empty on Wednesday morning. The KAM has recently added a new display of Asian ceramics in the Moore Gallery of Decorative Arts.

[Photo] Asian ceramics exhibit to headline Krannert Art Museum’s reopen

By Alexandra Gergova, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
A masked student walks down a diagonal pathway on the Main Quad on Wednesday morning. Many Illinois students wrestled with the decision to return to campus this semester.

[Photo] Should I stay or should I go? Freshmen mull second semester returns

By Vivian La, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
A Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12 at the I-Hotel. Champaign County is currently receiving a minimum of 4,000 to 6,000 vaccines per week.

[Photo] CU health district vaccinations outpace state supply

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Penn State on Jan. 19. Dosunmu has recently made the top 10 list to receive the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award.

[Photo] Ayo Dosunmu makes top 10 list for Cousy Award

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Jan 27, 2021
A UC Books to Prisoners drop-off box sits inside the School of Information Sciences building on Tuesday morning.

[Photo] Graduate organization holds book drive for CU Books 2 Prisoners

By Payal Rathore, Staff Writer • Jan 26, 2021
Head Coach Nancy Fahey speaks to the Illinois women's basketball team during a timeout at the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illinois looks to avenge close loss to Nebraska

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 25, 2021
Senior Dylan Duncan attempts to break the hold of his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Friday. The men’s wrestling team is undefeated this season (4-0).

[Photo] Illini sports update: Wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball teams off to undefeated starts

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 25, 2021
Pharmacist Katie Lampan prepares shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12. Vaccine supplies are currently limited to older and at-risk citizens.

[Photo] Vaccine explainer: when will students get their turn?

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • Jan 25, 2021
A senior Champaign County resident receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 12 at the I-Hotel. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has recently expanded vaccinations to individuals who are 65 or older and have underlying health conditions.

[Photo] Champaign County continues vaccine push

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • Jan 25, 2021
Sophomore Luke Luffman locks his opponents arm during the match against Purdue on Friday. The Illini won the match 19-17.

[Photo] Illini knock off Boilermakers, stay perfect

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Pharmacist Katie Lampman fills doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the I-Hotel on Jan. 12.

[Photo] UI expects UK COVID-19 variant to enter campus community

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer • Jan 21, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier shoots a three during the game against Penn State on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 79-65.

[Photo] Player Grades: Consistent offense, energy from Cockburn, Frazier lead Illini in dominant win

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Jan 20, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball in Illinois' game against Penn State on Tuesday night. The Illini won 79-65.

[Photo] Behind Cockburn, Frazier, Illinois snaps two-game skid against Penn State

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 19, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives towards the basket during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Frazier announced his return to Champaign Saturday afternoon.

[Photo] Between losing streak, COVID-19 cancellations, Illinois approaches crucial point in season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 19, 2021
Ohio State Sophomore E.J. Liddell attempts to block a layup from Junior Ayo Dosunmu during the game against Ohio State on Saturday,

[Photo] Liddell dominates Illini again against his home state school

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 18, 2021
Jacob Grandison dribbles by an Ohio State defender in the Illini's loss to the Buckeyes on Saturday.

[Photo] Player grades: Strong efforts from Miller, Grandison not enough as veterans struggle

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Jan 17, 2021
Da'Monte Williams drives to the lane in Illinois' game against Ohio State Saturday. The Illini fell 87-81.

[Photo] Slow start finally catches up to Illini, dooms them against Buckeyes

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 16, 2021
Sophomore Justin Cardani grapples with his opponent during the wrestling meet against Purdue on Feb. 16, 2020.

[Photo] Illini compete in a tri-meet against Wisconsin, Ohio State in home-opener

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 16, 2021
Andre Curbelo drives to the hoop in Illinois' game against Maryland last Sunday.

[Photo] Curbelo looks to find his rhythm against former teammate

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 16, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles speaks to her teammates during the women's basketball game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2, 2020. Their upcoming game against Michigan State has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

[Photo] Illini deal with third COVID-related postponement

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 14, 2021
The Illinois men's basketball team huddles before a play during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2.

[Photo] Mario Kart, wood working, Tik Tok: Illinois men’s basketball bonds as a group

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 13, 2021
Senior Da'Monte Williams drives forward during the game against Maryland on Sunday.

[Photo] Illini fail to find offensive balance in loss to Maryland

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 11, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn takes a shot during the game against Maryland Jan. 11. Cockburn has entered the transfer portal while keeping his name in the NBA Draft.

[Photo] Player grades: Cockburn dominates in paint, Williams has off night in upset loss to Maryland

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 11, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the lane during Illinois' game against Maryland Jan. 10. Dosunmu declared for the 2021 NBA Draft Tuesday afternoon.

[Photo] Dosunmu’s late efforts not enough as Illinois goes cold in 66-63 loss to Maryland

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 10, 2021
Junior Danny Braunagel sizes up his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Feb. 16, 2020. Braunagel was a NCAA qualifier in the 2019-2020 season.

[Photo] Illini wrestling opens 2021 campaign at Indiana

By Isaac Heppner, Contributing Writer • Jan 10, 2021
Members of the Illinois Women's basketball team huddle up during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illinois hopes to snap losing streak against No. 16 Ohio State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 7, 2021
The Suzu Bakery, located on Walnut Street in Champaign, rests on Tuesday afternoon.

[Photo] Suzu’s Bakery educates CU about Japanese delicacies

By Bridget Bastein • Jan 6, 2021
Kofi Cockburn goes up for a shot in Illinois' game against Purdue on Saturday. The Illini won 66-58.

[Photo] Balanced offensive attack leads Illinois past Purdue 66-58

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Jan 2, 2021
Sophomore Luke Luffman works to push the arm of his opponent away during the meet against Purdue on Feb. 16.

[Photo] Illini’s conference-only schedule released

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 31, 2020
The Illinois football team takes the field before the game against Iowa on Dec. 5.

Gallery | 2020 Year in Review

By Ryan Ash • Dec 31, 2020
Jeanae Terry dribbles against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illinois drops first game in weeks at Indiana 79-56

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Dec 31, 2020
The Illinois women's basketball team comes together during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

[Photo] Illinois looks to pull off upset win at Indiana in final game of 2020

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Dec 31, 2020
The Spurlock Museum on Nov. 9 is pictured above.

[Photo] Banners, Bottles, Bowls: Spurlock highlights United States politics, movements

By Gwyn Skiles, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2020
Offensive lineman Kendrick Green (53) blocks defenders during the game against Iowa on Dec. 5. Green has been named to the All-Big Ten first-team.

[Photo] Offensive lineman Kendrick Green named to All-Big Ten First Team

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 15, 2020
Illinois Khalan Tolson tackles Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras during the game between the two teams. Tolson has signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.

[Photo] Northwestern has what Illinois needs to become contender

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 10, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Terry recently announced she is transferring to Purdue.

[Photo] Illinois opens up Big Ten campaign on the road against Nebraska

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Dec 9, 2020
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday is pictured above.

[Photo] Krannert cancels in-person spring events

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer • Dec 9, 2020
The Illinois football team takes the field at Memorial Stadium before the game against Iowa on Saturday.

[Photo] Column: Illini continue to fail in breakthrough opportunities

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Dec 7, 2020
Kennedi Myles calls for the ball from J-Naya Ephraim Dec. 2 when Illinois faced Valparaiso. Both players have chosen to play elsewhere next season, with Myles already announcing her decision to transfer to Marquette.

[Photo] Illinois bounces back with 53-50 win over Omaha

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Dec 6, 2020
The Illinois offensive line prepares to hike the ball during the game against Iowa on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 35-21.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Underperformance continues for Illini

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Dec 5, 2020
Roderick Perry and Owen Carney Jr. get pressure on Iowa's quarterback Spencer Petras in Illinois' game against Iowa on Saturday. The Illini lost to the Hawkeyes 35-21.

[Photo] Illinois loses momentum, falls to Iowa 35-21 on Senior Night

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 5, 2020
J-Naya Ephraim shoots the ball during Illinois' game against Valparaiso Wednesday night at home. The Illini fell 62-59 to the Crusaders.

[Photo] Illini drop second game of season to Valparaiso 62-59

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Dec 2, 2020
The Undergraduate Library rests empty on Sunday afternoon. Several University of Illinois libraries have either closed or reduced their operating hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Shuttered libraries stymie research for humanities professors

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2020
A local artist performs at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Feb. 29. The Rose Bowl Tavern is one of the Urbana business that has received a COVID-19 grant.

[Photo] Urbana businesses receive COVID-19 relief funds

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 12, 2020
A sign resting on the wall of Sushi Ichiban instructs customers not to illegally download files using the restaurant’s wifi.

[Photo] Local businesses combat illegal downloads

By Farrah Anderson, Contributing Writer • Nov 12, 2020
Part of the Homemade With Love: More Living Room exhibit rests on the wall at the Krannert Art Museum on Wednesday morning. The exhibit opened on Aug. 27.

[Photo] Krannert hosts Homemade with Love exhibit

By Sana Madhavan, Contributing Writer • Nov 12, 2020
Dr. Erik Nelson poses outside the Institute for Genomic Biology on Saturday. Nelson has secured $4.5 million in funding from the United States Department of Defense.

[Photo] UI professor awarded $4.5 million to advance breast cancer research

By Vivian La, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2020
Demonstrators converge at the intersection of Green and First streets to listen to speakers during the CCARC protest on Aug. 28. CCARC is one of the local organizations raising money for Ale’yah Lewis.

[Photo] RSOs raise money for Ale’yah Lewis whose arrest sparked protests

By Mona Alrazzaq, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2020
John Milton Gregory's grave rests in the ground between Altgeld Hall and the Henry Administration Building. Columnist Matthew advocates for increased appreciation of school history.

[Photo] Opinion | Appreciate University history

By Matthew Krauter, Senior Columnist • Nov 7, 2020
Students stand in line to vote at the Illini Union polling place on Tuesday.

[Photo] Election week at the University: high stakes atmosphere can be felt across campus

By Matt Troher, Longform Assistant Editor • Nov 3, 2020
A building worker closes the entrance to the University YMCA polling place at the conclusion of voting on Tuesday.

[Photo] LIVE: Election watch 2020 — Biden gains edge in presidential race; Champaign gets 1,000 more mail-ins

By The Daily Illini Staff Report • Nov 3, 2020
Signs direct voters where to go at the Champaign County Clerk's Office on Sept. 24.

[Photo] By-mail voters face unprecedented challenges

By Jade Roberts, Social Media Director • Nov 3, 2020
The TEDxUIUC junk car waits to be hit on Saturday morning.

[Photo] Students smash cars as stress relief

By Gwyn Skiles, Staff Writer | Night Editor • Nov 1, 2020
Altgeld Hall stands prominently as the sun sets on Aug. 29.

Altgeld Chimes celebrate centennial

By Shana Olivero, Ryan Ash and Kenyon Edmond • Oct 29, 2020
Junior Paulina Chmiel pours a drink before serving it to a customer during her shift at the Starbucks located on Oregon Street on Wednesday morning. Starbucks worker Aaliyah Johnson has found a comfortable balance between academics and work this semester.

[Photo] Barista’s take on additional COVID-19 stress

By Jared Ebanks, Assistant Features Editor • Oct 29, 2020
Junior Collin Follin poses for a photo at a table in his house on Wednesday afternoon. Follin has struggled with adapting to online classes this semester.

[Photo] Socially stagnant semester leaves some students in ‘disaster mode’

By Valeria Nava, Contributing Writer • Oct 29, 2020
A Champaign County ballot drop box sits outside the Illini Union on Oct. 4. Champaign County voters now have access to more ballot drop boxes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker passed House Bill 1871 to fund their installation.

[Photo] Expect election results after Nov. 3

By Sam Roberson, Managing Editor for Online • Oct 29, 2020
Champaign County residents vote at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana, Illinois on Sept. 24. Polling locations nationwide have implemented COVID-19 precautions.

[Photo] Election carries significance for first time voters

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • Oct 29, 2020
Senior Shravan Raghuram performs on the drums alongside senior saxophonist Kevin King on the South Quad on Oct. 22.

[Photo] Drummer carries on with musical journey through pandemic

By Karena Tse, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2020
Organizers and participants of the Future's So Bright 5k stand underneath the finish arc outside the Illini Union on the Main Quad on Wednesday.

[Photo] Futures So Bright 5k goes virtual

By Catherine Pavilionis, Contributing Writer • Oct 23, 2020
Sophomore forward Kennedi Myles advances the ball down the court during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the game 73-64.

[Photo] Myles looks to improve in second year

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Oct 22, 2020
Customers enter and exit the Target located on Green Street during a soft opening on Tuesday afternoon. The store’s grand opening is on Sunday.

[Photo] Campus Target Corps. set for grand opening

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • Oct 22, 2020
BrewLab General Manager Gab Wikoff serves a customer on Tuesday afternoon. The coffee shop, along with other similar businesses in the area, have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] BrewLab, coffee industry adapt to pandemic, climate change

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • Oct 21, 2020
A girl and her mother use a hand sanitizing station at the Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 14.

[Photo] Local pumpkin patch thrives through pandemic

By Kayla Mish, Contributing Writer • Oct 20, 2020
The entrance to the University of Illinois Ice Arena rests closed on Saturday morning. University COVID-19 testing is now being conducted inside the building.

[Photo] Repurposed ice arena leaves ice sports in the cold

By Vivian La, Staff Writer • Oct 19, 2020
A University Wellness Associate checks a woman into Bevier Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Students and faculty are unable to enter University buildings without building access being granted through the Safer Illinois application.

[Photo] Safer Illinois app helps control spread of COVID-19

By Jacqui Nguyen, Contributing Writer • Oct 15, 2020
Senior Katrina Rbeiz poses for a photo on the Main Quad on Wednesday afternoon. Rbeiz is a third culture kid.

[Photo] Third culture kids find home in diverse cultural environments

By Sana Madhavan, Contributing Writer • Oct 14, 2020
Sophomore Mia Townes competes in the floor routine event during the meet against Penn State on Feb. 7. After five surgeries in 2019, Townes is expected to return as a leader.

[Photo] Townes looks for breakout sophomore season

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2020
« Previous Page — Next Page »