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]

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 • October 12, 2020
A University coronavirus testing worker hands student Alexa English her test tube in order to take a COVID-19 test at the Illini Union on Sept. 30.

[Photo] Champaign County passes 5,000 total cases for COVID-19

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 8, 2020
The Triangle Fraternity house sits on the corner of Second and Daniel streets on Wednesday morning. Students who participate in Greek life at the University talk about the benefits of having that connection, of which include: network of alumni, internship opportunities, potential for academic advancement, community with peers and skill development.

[Photo] Benefits of networking in Greek life

By Kayla Mish, Contributing Writer • October 8, 2020
A FSHN 340: Food Production and Service student prepares a salad while working at the Bevier Cafe located in Bevier Hall on Friday. The Bevier Cafe has recently established its “Everybody Eats” initiative to fight food insecurity.

[Photo] Bevier Cafe launches initiative to combat food insecurity

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor • October 8, 2020
Alexa English inspects her test tube to see how much saliva it contains while taking a COVID-19 test at the Illini Union on Sept. 30. Several testing sites will shift indoors beginning Monday.

[Photo] Testing sites shift indoors for cold weather

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 8, 2020
A coronavirus test site worker organizes vials at the Illini Union on Sept. 30. Some students who have previously been infected by COVID-19 are now getting false positives from their tests.

[Photo] Previously infected students receive false positives

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • October 8, 2020
A worker at the Ye Olde Donut Shop checks out a customer on Wednesday morning.

[Photo] Small businesses work hard to serve their community

By Catherine Pavilionis, Contributing Writer • October 7, 2020
A sign warns of a lane closure at the intersection of Church and Randolph on Tuesday afternoon.

[Photo] Several street closures announced in CU

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • October 6, 2020
A student sits outside of Bromley Hall on Saturday morning. Bromley Hall has remained on lockdown for the past few weeks, including its lounges and dining halls; recently, the number of students in Bromley infected has decreased, and some of its amenities have been reopened.

[Photo] What in the world is going on with Bromley Hall?

By Bella Keys, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
Sophomore Natalie Bizon adjusts the flowers in her apartment on Friday. Settling into your new housing is an important part of a new school year.

[Photo] Create a home away from home, do it yourself

By Haley Bickelhaupt, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
A pair of roommates eat lunch at the Bevier Cafe on Thursday afternoon. Setting boundaries can help negate conflict with your roommate.

[Photo] Get along with your dorm roommate(s)

By Allison Connelly, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
A coronavirus test site worker waits for students to arrive at the Illini Union test site on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Illinois excluding Champaign County from regional COVID data; two more county fatalities

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • October 5, 2020
Junior J-Naya Ephraim waits as an opposing player approaches with the ball during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 6. The Illini lost six players the previous season, forcing head coach Nancy Fahey to fill those gaps.

[Photo] Illini get new backcourt following departure of two starters

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
A5_Mail-In

[Photo] Voting by mail, dropbox system proves viable for students

By Gwyn Skiles, Contributing Writer • October 5, 2020
Senior Eric Peronto places his completed COVID-19 test into the receptacle at the Illini Union testing site on Wednesday. The receptacles are then shuttled to the diagnostic laboratory.

[Photo] Average campus test result sent within 8 hours, SHIELD says

By Willie Cui, Contributing Writer • October 5, 2020
A Champaign resident receives her ballot during early voting at the Champaign County Clerk’s office on Sept. 24. In Champaign County, 117,000 mail-in ballots have been requested.

[Photo] CU officials, organizations encourage mail-in voting

By Vivian La, Contributing Writer • October 5, 2020
Demonstrators march through the intersection of Green Street and Wright Street during the UIPD protest on Thursday. Protesters marched from the Illinois Police Department Headquarters to the University of Illinois Police Training Institute.

[Photo] Protesters march, gather at police headquarters for cacerolazo

By Salem Isaf, Assistant Daytime News Editor • October 2, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry high-fives a teammate during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 6. Head coach Nancy Fahey and the Illini did not make ESPN’s Way-Too-Early rankings for the 2020-2021 season.

[Photo] Early ESPN rankings show tough road for Illini

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2020
The McKinley Health Center sits on Lincoln Street on Sunday. McKinley is currently offering free flu shots at the ARC.

[Photo] Drive-through flu shots available through Carle Hospital

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • October 1, 2020
Champaign County residents vote at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana, IL on Sept. 24. The voting location is currently the only in Champaign County, while 11 more early voting locations will open on Oct. 18.

[Photo] Urbana early voting location receives first ballots

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • October 1, 2020
Aisha Shekara checks into the COVID-19 testing site at the Illini Union on Aug. 23. The University has now conducted over

[Photo] Nearly 5% of UI tested population has been infected as COVID-19 spread continues

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 28, 2020
Coronavirus testing worker Lynae Cox checks a student into the University testing site located in front of Foellinger Auditorium on Wednesday morning. Active COVID-19 cases in Champaign County peaked on Sept. 6 and have since been on a downward trend.

[Photo] Life during COVID-19, Illinois student body president Alexis Perezchica

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • September 24, 2020
Junior Tony Glatz sits underneath a tree on the Main Quad on Wednesday morning. Overall, testing efficiency has improved — with most results being updated within 24 hours, the rate of inconclusive tests has remained stagnant and the rate of invalid tests has dropped from 5% to 0.67% from July to mid-September.

[Photo] New case rates fall to record lows

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 24, 2020
Senior Nicole Biondi competes in the floor routine during the meet against Penn State on Feb. 2 at Huff Hall. The Illinois women’s gymnastics team recenly resumed practice after an extended offseason.

[Photo] Illini return to practice after long offseason

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • September 21, 2020
The Delta Tau Delta fraternity house sits on the corner of Fourth and East John streets on Sunday morning. The fraternity was suspended after hosting a large party on Thursday.

[Photo] Delta Tau Delta suspended after hosting large party

By Heather Robinson, Assistant Daytime News Editor • September 21, 2020
Lundgren Hall stands on the corner of Gregory Drive and Fourth Street on Sept. 21. Lundgren Hall has many benefits that new students should take advantage of.

[Photo] Around 100 Barton-Lundgren residents move out to create isolation spaces

By Mona Alrazzaq, Contributing Writer • September 21, 2020
A pair of students wearing masks sit in the grass in the middle of the Ikenberry Commons on Sunday. Since the semester looks much different than in years past, students are adapting to life during a pandemic.

[Photo] Students reflect on adjusting to COVID-19 college life

By Features Staff • September 17, 2020
Current senior Ananya Cleetus sits in Lincoln Hall on Jan. 22. Cleetus is one of the three members of the CS Mental Health Committee.

[Photo] Committee for mental health focuses on CS community

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • September 17, 2020
University graduate Drake Materre speaks to demonstrators outside of UI President Tim Killeen's house during a similar protest on Aug. 29.

[Photo] People Over Profit marches to UI president’s house

By Salem Isaf, Assistant Daytime News Editor • September 14, 2020
Three students sit at a table outside of Lundgren Hall on Sunday. Champaign County reported 136 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases in the county to 323.

[Photo] Champaign County COVID-19 updates: 136 new cases on Sunday, 323 active

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 14, 2020
A pair of masked students look at a laptop while sitting at a table outside of Lundgren Hall on Sunday. Twenty-eight Illinois counties are reported to be at a warning level for the novel coronavirus.

[Photo] New cases decline during third week of classes

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 14, 2020
Sophomore Jacob Harris catches a frisbee on the Main Quad on Sunday. Around 200 students are under investigation for potentially violating COVID-19 policies. Harris is not one of the students under investigation.

[Photo] Around 200 students under investigation for COVID-19 violations

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 14, 2020
Students wait at the testing site at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications on Aug. 30. A helpful feature of the Safer Illinois app is the OSF OnCall Connect program, which puts COVID-positive people in contact with OSF OnCall team members.

[Photo] Safer Illinois provides digital support for COVID-positive students

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • September 14, 2020
Altgeld Hall stands prominently as the sun sets on Aug. 29.

[Photo] University reports record enrollment: over 52,000 during COVID-19

By Luis Velazquez, Assistant News Editor • September 10, 2020
Students enter the University COVID-19 testing site located outside the National Center for Supercomputing Applications on Aug. 30. Champaign County has conducted over 325,000 tests since the start of the pandemic.

[Photo] Champaign County COVID-19 updates: 158 new cases, 630 active

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 10, 2020
The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house, located across the street from the SDRP on Gregory Drive, stands tall on Wednesday morning. Pi Kappa Phi was one of the greek organizations recently caught violating COVID-19 policies.

[Photo] Opinion | Greek Life may irresponsibly bring death

By Tara Pavithran, Columnist • September 10, 2020
Students party in the driveway of a house located on First Street on Aug. 28. Some on campus residents received court notices due to breaking social distancing measures. The students pictured are not necessarily those that received court notices.

[Photo] Students issued notices to appear in court for COVID-19 related violations

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • September 10, 2020
Senior Jon Moskaluk advances towards the goal during the game against Robert Morris on Feb. 29. The Illini won 7-1.

[Photo] Illini await Division I recognition after COVID-19 delays

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • September 10, 2020
Corn grows in the Morrow Plots on Sunday. The Crop Science department will host their annual Agronomy Day as a virtual event this year.

[Photo] Mysterious Morrow Plots of the University can impact future of industry

By Haley Bickelhaupt, Staff Writer • September 8, 2020
Students wait in line to take COVID-19 tests at the Illini Union on Aug. 23. The University’s tesing programs allows thousands of students to test each day and receive their results within 24 to 48 hours.

[Photo] Take a look into UI’s rigorous COVID-19 testing

By Bella Keys, Staff Writer • September 8, 2020
A professor films a video for his online agriculture class at the Student Sustainable Farm on Aug. 25. Both students and professors had to adapt to the changes brought about by COVID-19.

[Photo] Check into Zoom University

By Christine Sheriff, Staff Writer • September 8, 2020
Kushi Gowda checks in at the coronavirus testing site located on the third floor of the Illini Union on Aug. 23. Champaign County has reported 364 new cases over Labor Day weekend.

[Photo] Champaign County Labor Day weekend: 364 new COVID cases, 492 active

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 8, 2020
Students wait in line outside of Red Lion on Aug. 29.

[Photo] City of Champaign extends indoor dining, bar restrictions

By JJ Kim, Editor-in-Chief • September 4, 2020
The entrance to the North East section of Weston Hall remains locked on Aug. 26. Some of the students in quarantine are currently residing in the first floor of this section of Weston Hall.

[Photo] Updated: Over 800 UI students quarantining on and off campus

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • September 3, 2020
Students socialize on the Main Quad as Foellinger Auditorium stands prominently in the background on Saturday evening.

[Photo] University ramps up COVID-19 discipline after rise in campus positivity rate

By Heather Robinson, Assistant Daytime News Editor • September 2, 2020
A student enters the COVID-19 testing tent located outside the National Center for Supercomputing on Sunday. This site will be one of the eight open on Labor Day.

[Photo] University to change testing schedule for Labor Day

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • August 31, 2020
Protesters stand outside UI System President Timothy Killeen’s house after marching from the Main Quad. The participating University students and staff protested to demand hazard pay for frontline workers and reduced tuition among other things on Saturday.

[Photo] Frontline workers protest University reopening at UI President’s house

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • August 31, 2020
Drake Materre, senior in AMS, speaks to protesters in front of Alma Mater at the end of the “Enough is Enough” march on Friday. The Champaign County Anti-Racist Coalition organized the event. Flip to A5 for a photo story of the event.

[Photo] ‘Enough is Enough’: CU activists protest police brutality

By Claire O'Brien, Staff Writer • August 30, 2020
Organizer Drake Materre delivers final remarks at the march's endpoint, Alma Mater.

Gallery | CC-ARC protesters march through Champaign

By Ryan Ash • August 29, 2020
Demonstrators stand outside the Champaign City Building in Champaign, IL on the corner of University Ave and Walnut St in a show of support for Jacob Blake on Wednesday.

Champaign protesters show up for Jacob Blake

By Ryan Ash, Photo Editor • August 28, 2020
Aisha Shekara takes a COVID-19 test at the Illini Union on Sunday. New COVID-19 rules and restrictions have been applied to the Champaign-Urbana and Campustown areas this week.

[Photo] COVID-19 enforcement form receives first reports

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • August 27, 2020
The northern entryway to Weston Hall rests quietly on Wednesday morning. Some of the students in quarantine are currently residing in the northeast section of the first floor of Weston Hall.

[Photo] Eighty UI students isolate, quarantine in special rooms

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • August 27, 2020
Junior Bob Rogge harvests tomatoes at the Student Sustainable Farm on Monday afternoon.

[Photo] Sustainable Student Farm adapts to COVID-19 challenges

By Rohit Jammu, Assistant Features Editor • August 25, 2020
Kushi Gowda deposits her testing sample in a receptacle after completing a COVID-19 test at the Illini Union on Sunday. Last Monday, saliva tests conducted at the University made up 1.3% of COVID-19 tests nationwide.

[Photo] The University’s COVID-19 plan: World watches UI’s cutting-edge tests

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • August 24, 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.

[Photo] Opinion | Return to school is our chance for normalcy

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • August 24, 2020
A student swipes his i-card to enter the Ikenberry Dining Hall on Sunday. On-campus dining facilities created new adjustments in the wake of COVID-19.

[Photo] Dining halls feature identical carry-out menus, no dine-in — yet

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • August 24, 2020
A group of international students enjoys bubble tea on Oct. 19, 2019.

[Photo] Pandemic creates challenges to navigating social life

By Jared Ebanks, Assistant Features Editor • August 19, 2020
The Illini Pantry store sits on 6th Street on March 6.

[Photo] Keep your dorm stocked with snacks

By Jared Ebanks, Assistant Features Editor • August 17, 2020
Two Illinois students enjoy time with each other at Kung Fu Tea in Champaign on Oct. 18. 2019.

[Photo] Keep spirits up: Follow these tips for returning to campus amid pandemic

By Meghan Lyons, Special Sections Editor • July 31, 2020
A student takes an egg roll from the Busey-Evans buffet on Oct. 27, 2019. The dining hall at Busey-Evans is one of the many options for eating delicious food on campus.

[Photo] UI campus offers delicious dining options

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 5, 2020
Guard Petra Holešínská pushes forward against a defender during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the match 73-64.

[Photo] Best Illini uniforms: Blue jerseys top 2019-2020 selections

By Claire O'Brien, Staff Writer • May 7, 2020
Technology Services Chief Communications Officer Jason Choi explains how he and his colleagues combated scam emails sent to Illinois students in Feburary. Choi was also responsible for resolving the email issues on Wednesday.

[Photo] University repairs email redirection issue

By Heather Robinson, Assistant Daytime News Editor • April 22, 2020
Freshman Mia Takekawa performs her Uneven Bars routine during a match against Penn State on Feb. 7.

[Photo] Takekawa makes strong impression, history in first season with Illini

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 18, 2020
A sign at the entrance of Old Chain of Rocks Bridge near Granite City, IL advises trail walkers to keep six feet of distance between them on April 9.

Gallery | Daily Illini photographers work from home

By Ryan Ash • April 16, 2020
Sophomore Siphosothando Montsi celebrates after scoring during a doubles match against Baylor on Feb. 29.

[Photo] Illini of the season: Kovacevic, Brown show dominance of program

By Luca Ripani, Staff Writer • April 9, 2020
Illinois Women's Head Basketball Coach Nancy Fahey speaks with a referee during the match against Ohio State on Feb. 6 at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Head coach Fahey receives contract extension

By Claire O'Brien, Staff Writer • April 3, 2020
Sophomore Shaylah Scott poses in the midst of her Floor routine during the match against Penn State on Feb. 7.

[Photo] Illini of the season: Team shows promise for future despite shortened season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • April 3, 2020
Senior Travis Piotrowski grabs at a Purdue opponent's shoulder during the Illinois' dual against Purdue at Huff Hall on Feb. 16.

[Photo] Wrestlers reflect on careers, look toward future

By Brendyn Jones, On-Air Editor • March 25, 2020
Redshirt freshman Danny Braunagel stares his opponent in the eyes during a meet against Purdue on Feb. 16. Braunagel qualified for the NCAA Championship this year along with six of his teammates.

[Photo] New decade offers top Illini moments

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 23, 2020
Senior Travis Piotrowski wrestles a Purdue opponent during the Illinois' dual against Purdue at Huff Hall on Feb. 16.

[Photo] Seven Illini see season end with championships on the horizon

By Andrew Medina, Staff Writer • March 17, 2020
Senior Forward Jon Moskaluk advances the puck down the rink as two defenders move to intercept him during the match against Robert Morris University on Feb. 29

[Photo] Illinois falls to Lindenwood at conference championship

By Kenny Kazarian, Staff Writer • March 12, 2020
Senior Travis Piotrowski grabs the leg of a Purdue opponent during a meet on Feb. 16 at Huff Hall. Last weekend, Piotrowski qualified for the NCAA Championships after a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Tournament.

[Photo] Wrestling finishes 11 in Big Ten

By Andrew Medina, Staff Writer • March 12, 2020
Students eat in the Busey-Evans dining hall on Oct. 25. Even though living in a dorm without access to a kitchen can be a challenge, there are multiple ways to stay healthy.

[Photo] Exercise healthy eating strategies in your dorm

By Sonal Singh, Staff Writer • February 17, 2020
Dr. Cynthia Buckley explains her field work in Russia concerning the collapse of the Soviet Union on Friday. Buckley will present on Tatyana Zaslavskaya, a sociologist and economist she worked and studied under.

[Photo] International Women’s Day festivity explores overlooked women

By Laszlo Richard Toth, Staff Writer • March 9, 2020
A green gorilla outside of KAM's fist bumps a passenger in a black Mustang during Unofficial on Friday.

[Photo] Gallery | Unofficial draws many students to celebrate

By The Daily Illini Photo Staff • March 7, 2020
Students walk down Green Street ready to partake in Unofficial celebrations.

[Photo] Unofficial 2020: Live updates throughout the day

By The Daily Illini Staff Report • March 6, 2020
EarthGang member Olu opens a water bottle on the Foellinger stage on Wednesday. EarthGang brought high energy to the small and intimate venue.

Gallery | EarthGang sparks high energy at Foellinger Auditorium

By Ryan Ash, Photographer • March 6, 2020
« Previous Page — Next Page »
ILLordle: Play now