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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
Hezbullah Akmal, 38, picks out a fiction novel at the Champaign Public Library on Nov. 5, 2018.

[Photo] Opinion | Maintain healthy reading habits

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • Jan 26, 2021
Mia Takekawa poses during a meet against Central Michigan on March 1.

[Photo] No. 22 Illinois women’s gymnastics opens season with win at Nebraska

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Jan 15, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives forward during the game against Nebraska on Feb. 24, 2020.

[Photo] Big Ten hoops update: Conference deals with several postponements, paused programs

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 15, 2021
Protesters march on the Main Quad during the Women's March on Jan. 26.

[Photo] Gallery | 2020 Year in Review

By Ryan Ash • Dec 31, 2020
Athletic Director Josh Whitman shakes Lovie Smith's hand after a football game on Sep. 21, 2019. After five years at Illinois, Smith was fired on Sunday as a result of not winning enough games for the program.

[Photo] Five-year product not enough as Josh Whitman searches for consistent winner

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Dec 15, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters prepares to throw a pass during the game against Iowa on Nov. 23, 2019.

[Photo] Illini look to knock off Iowa, jump-start program

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 4, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks up at the scoreboard during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.

[Photo] Illinois to host Ohio State seeking third straight win

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Nov 26, 2020
The Carle Foundation Hospital on March 2, 2019 is pictured above. Carle Health has recently began sharing COVID-19 data.

[Photo] Carle Health begins sharing COVID-19 data

By Ethan Simmons, News Editor • Nov 19, 2020
Members of the Marching Illini stand in the end zone before the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. The Marching Illini recently performed during the 100th anniversary of the Altgeld bells.

[Photo] Marching Illini finds new ways to support each other to maintain school spirit

By Royal Shrestha, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks off the field after a disappointing 42-38 loss to Nebrasaka on Sept. 21, 2019. The Illini will look to beat the Cornhuskers this Saturday for the first time since 2015.

[Photo] Illini look to contain Cornhusker offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2020
Illinois tries to tackle an Iowa player during the game against Iowa on Nov. 23. Sophomore defensive back Devon Witherspoon has been a key contributor for the Illini so far this season, accumulating 15 tackles in two games in 2020.

[Photo] Devon Witherspoon brings toughness to Illini secondary

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Nov 12, 2020
Redshirt freshman quarterback Isaiah Williams scans the field during the game against Michigan on Oct. 12, 2019, which Illinois lost 42-25. Williams may start as quarterback against Rutgers on Saturday.

[Photo] Isaiah Williams may get chance to showcase ability

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 12, 2020
Students protest at an ISG meeting on Oct. 23, 2019. The ISG was debating a resolution regarding the conflation of Anti-Zionism with Anti-Semitism.

[Photo] Jewish students file complaint against UI, allege anti-Semitic environment

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • Nov 5, 2020
Illinois Engineering students speak with potential employers at the Engineering Career Fair at the ARC on Sept. 11, 2018. This year, the fair is online rather than in person.

[Photo] Engineering students hindered by COVID-19

By Rohit Jammu, Assistant Features Editor • Nov 5, 2020
Former Illinois basketball player Tyler Underwood stands with his family, including basketball Head Coach Brett Underwood, during senior night on March 8 at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Tyler Underwood brings his basketball IQ back to Illinois

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2020
Sophomores Kyla Swanson and Kennedy Collins block a spike during the match against Tennessee on Sept. 1, 2019. Collins and two of her teammates stayed in touch last semester to workout over zoom.

[Photo] Illinois middle blockers prepare for spotlight

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Oct 26, 2020
Junior Makena Silber battles for control of the ball during the game against Northwestern on Sept. 20, 2019. Illinois won the game 3-1.

[Photo] Graduation of Maday creates competition for starting forward position

By Angelle Cortes, Staff Writer • Oct 26, 2020
The Illinois men's basketball team celebrates a successful play during the game against Indiana on March 1.

[Photo] Mailbag: Answering biggest Illini preseason questions

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Oct 22, 2020
Illinois senior kicker James McCourt kicks the game winning field goal during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19 at Memorial Stadium. Since then, McCourt has been practicing to ensure he has the consistency he wants as a Big Ten kicker.

[Photo] McCourt uses Wisconsin game as motivation for improvement

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Oct 15, 2020
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks to his team during a time out at the game against Minnesota on Jan. 30.

[Photo] Underwood, Illini staff continue to pursue top recruit Hopkins

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Oct 14, 2020
The entrance to the Champaign County Jail on Nov. 24 is pictured above. The Champaign County Jail has avoided COVID-19 outbreaks with testing efforts and decreased capacity.

[Photo] Six months in, county jail avoids virus outbreak

By Sarah Smail, Contributing Writer • Oct 12, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu shoots the ball during the game against Michigan State on Feb. 11.

[Photo] Dosunmu still has room to grow following monster sophomore season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Oct 9, 2020
Volleyball head coach Chris Tamas watches from the sidelines during the game against Penn State on Nov. 15. Tamas remains optimistic about the extended offseason and the opportunity for new player improvement.

[Photo] Tamas prepares young team for spring season

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Oct 8, 2020
Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan scans the field before throwing a pass during the game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 19, 2019.

[Photo] Upsets, hot seat talk, injuries headline week 5 recap

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 6, 2020
Construction equipment rests on Wright street on March 16, blocking part of the road. Several roads in Champaign will be closed this week for construction.

[Photo] Several street closures announced in CU

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 6, 2020
Students in the Block I fan section cheer during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19. Block I is a student organization that allows students to show their support for Illini sports teams; the group will be hosting a watch party for the return of the football season.

[Photo] Block I to host watch party for football season opener

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 5, 2020
Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield shouts directions at her team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Oct. 14, 2018. The Illini won 1-0 in double overtime.

[Photo] Rayfield’s rich soccer history helps Illinois succeed

By Angelle Cortes, Staff Writer • Oct 1, 2020
Head volleyball coach Chris Tamas speaks with current senior Megan Cooney during the game against Tennessee on Sept. 1, 2019.

[Photo] Shorter practices may be Illini’s secret to success

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Sep 30, 2020
The Illini huddle up during the game against Indiana on March 1. Illinois is highly ranked in multiple preseason polls.

[Photo] Preseason rankings favor Illini

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Sep 28, 2020
Students line up on the Main Quad to get flu shots at McKinley Health Center’s Flu Shot Clinic on Oct. 1, 2018. Health officials encourage flu shots to avoid overwhelming hospitals this winter.

[Photo] Health officials stress flu shots to avoid overwhelming hospitals

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • Sep 28, 2020
The Illini football team and fans commemorate their win against the Badgers on the field of Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illinois looks to replicate magic, stun Wisconsin

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 24, 2020
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili speaks to head coach Brad Underwood during the second half of the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Feb. 11. The NCAA recently clarified there will be a college basketball season for 2020-2021.

[Photo] NCAA gives clarity on college basketball season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Sep 24, 2020
A worker constructs a pizza at Mia Za’s on Green Street on Dec. 1, 2017. Mia Za’s is a gluten-free option on campus.

[Photo] Navigate college food while being gluten-free

By Carolina Garibay, Staff Writer • Sep 21, 2020
Paula Chmiel prepares an order with chips at Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant on Nov. 28, 2018. The establishment is one of several vegetarian options available in Champaign.

[Photo] CU restaurants allow students to get their veg on

By Nate Sun • Sep 21, 2020
A customers browses for produce at the Blue Moon Farms stand on May 19, 2018. The Market at the Square offers a variety of locally-grown produce.

[Photo] Implement community farmers markets into your grocery routine

By Ava Traverso • Sep 21, 2020
The Block I student section hoists a banner with the Illinois shield logo during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Illinois announced its Freshman of the Year nominees on Tuesday.

[Photo] Fans express excitement ahead of shortened Big Ten season

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 21, 2020
Illinois head coach Nancy Fahey talks to junior guard J-Naya Ephraim during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center on Jan. 17, 2019. Fahey recently recruited three freshmen to play in the upcoming season.

[Photo] Fahey, Illini bring in three freshmen for 2020 season

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Sep 16, 2020
The Champaign City Council members discuss and vote on proposed bills on April 18, 2018.

[Photo] Champaign City Council to consider excessive force settlement

By Salem Isaf, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Sep 11, 2020
Recent graduate Andrés Feliz hoists a frame containing his jersey during Senior Night before the game against Iowa at State Farm Center on March 8. Feliz has left big shoes to fill after he graduated in the spring.

[Photo] Illini look to fill void left by Feliz, Griffin

By Brandon Simberg • Sep 9, 2020
A student puts greens on their plate at a salad bar located in the SDRP on April 27, 2018. Researchers at the University have recently investigated claims surrounding vegetables.

[Photo] “Lettuce” eat: University conducts analysis into vegetable consumption

By Shalini Atluri, Staff Writer • Sep 8, 2020
Senior Nate Hobbs returns an interception during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 2 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won 38-10.

[Photo] Big Ten explores earlier football start dates

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Sep 3, 2020
A student unlocks their bike outside the English Building on Oct. 26, 2018. The University will soon be implementing a new bicycle registration database called 529 Garage.

[Photo] University changes bike registration program

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 3, 2020
Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood points toward the court during the game against Nebraska at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Feb. 24. Though the Illini have been successful on the recruiting trail, two top 2021 targets, Brandon Weston and David Jones, committed elsewhere.

[Photo] Illini miss out on two major 2021 targets

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Sep 3, 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.

[Photo] Opinion | Songwriters matter too

By Noah Nelson, Senior Columnist • Aug 31, 2020
Black Pumas perform a set at the Rose Bowl Tavern on Sept. 26. as a part of the Pygmalion Music Festival. This year, participants will have access to live streams on Zoom, YouTube and Facebook from Sept. 24 to 26 and all events are free or “pay what you can.”

[Photo] Pygmalion returns for free online music festival

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 31, 2020
Signs direct voters outside the polling place at the ARC in MP7 on March 6. The ARC will be the only Illinois athletic facility used as a voting location this November.

[Photo] State Farm Center, Memorial Stadium will not serve as voting locations

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Aug 31, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu presses forward against a defender during the match against Iowa at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL on March 8.

[Photo] Iowa becomes latest Division I University to cut sports amid pandemic

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Aug 29, 2020
Illini fans cheer from the sidelines at the game against Iowa on March 8. Fans have high expectations for the upcoming season.

[Photo] Illinois basketball fans of all generations set high expectations for upcoming season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Aug 27, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski protects senior quarterback Brandon Peters during the game against Akron on Sept. 14. The 2020 football season has been postponed to the spring due to COVID-19.

[Photo] Offensive line brings experience, leadership to Illini

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Aug 27, 2020
The Carle Foundation Hospital, located at 611 W. Park St., stands tall on March 3, 2019. The saliva COVID-19 testing offered on campus is currently only available to University students, faculty and staff.

[Photo] Carle increases its testing capacity as University reopens

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • Aug 27, 2020
Senior Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field as the offensive line protects him during the match against Akron on Sep. 14, 2019.Peters will be returning to Illinois for one more season.

[Photo] Veteran offensive line to lead Illini football

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Aug 26, 2020
The Block I student section holds up cards spelling “Home” during halftime of the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13, 2018. Memorial Stadium, and all Illinois sports venues, will return to full capacity for the 2021-2022 sports season.

[Photo] Block I announces changes for fall semester

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 24, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu and freshman center Kofi Cockburn walk out of a timeout against Michigan State during the first half at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois on Feb. 11. Dosunmu and Cockburn recently announced their return to Illinois for the 2020-2021 season.

[Photo] Dosunmu, Cockburn give Illini fans best news of summer

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Aug 24, 2020
Protestors gather at the intersection of Green and Wright.

[Photo] Champaign-Urbana experiences summer filled with protests against police brutality

By Salem Isaf, Assistant Daytime News Editor • Aug 24, 2020
The Sustainable Student Farm, located on S. Lincoln Ave. in Urbana, sits quietly on Oct. 11., 2017

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

By Rohit Jammu, Assistant Features Editor • Aug 25, 2020
Illinois pitcher Garrett Acton delivers the pitch during the game against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament at TD Ameritrade Park on May 23, 2019. Due to COVID-19, the Illini baseball team will not participate in fall exhibition games.

[Photo] Illini baseball reaches new heights over summer break

By Rich Eberwein, Staff Writer • Aug 24, 2020
Illinois wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe and teammates celebrate a touchdown during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19. Big Ten commissioner and the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors made the decision to postpone the 2020 fall sports season on August 11.

[Photo] Illini fall sports remained postponed until potentially spring 2021

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Aug 24, 2020
Students enter the PAR dining hall for a late night meal on May 1, 2018.

[Photo] Use these tips, tricks when visiting UI dining halls

By Andrew Prozorovsky, Opinions Editor • Aug 19, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu pushes forward during the match against Purdue on Jan. 5 at State Farm Center.

[Photo] Cultivate sports passion through campus involvement

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 19, 2020
The Alma Mater statue stands proudly with her arms spread wide on a summer day.

[Photo] Help to prevent COVID-19 transmission on campus

By JJ Kim, Editor-in-Chief • Aug 19, 2020
RSOs advertise their clubs to prospective members during Quad Day in August 2016.

[Photo] University offers hundreds of RSOs, though it could always use more

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 19, 2020
Students eat and socialize inside the Bangkok Thai restaurant on Dec. 7, 2019.

[Photo] Campustown boasts popular bars, restaurants

By Andrew Prozorovsky, Opinions Editor • Aug 19, 2020
Students board an MTD bus at a stop on the North Quad on Mar. 8, 2019.

[Photo] Safety starts as soon as you step on campus 

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer • Aug 17, 2020
Students gather in front of the Lester H. Swanlund Administration Building during the Climate Strike protest on Dec. 6, 2019.

[Photo] Consider these sustainable dorm-life swaps

By Ava Traverso • Aug 17, 2020
Students wait in line to enter the Ikenberry Dining Center on May 5, 2019.

[Photo] COVID-19 changes dining hall experience

By Carolina Garibay • Aug 17, 2020
I-Guides assist a father as they help a student move into their dorm during Fall 2016.

[Photo] You can be civil with your roommate

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Aug 17, 2020
Furniture fills the common area of one of the newer dorms, Wassaja Hall, on August 17, 2016.

[Photo] Take full advantage of living in residence halls

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • Aug 17, 2020
A student grabs a Sprite at the 57 North convenience store located in the SDRP.

[Photo] Keep your dorm stocked with snacks

By Jared Ebanks, Assistant Features Editor • Aug 17, 2020
A dorm room sits in the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Hall on Oct. 4, 2017.

[Photo] Do not forget to pack these items

By JJ Kim, Editor-in-Chief • Aug 17, 2020
A decorated dorm room in Taft-Van Doren hall rests empty in August 2015.

[Photo] Rome wasn’t built in a day, your perfect room won’t be either

By Zainab Qureshi, Longform Editor • Aug 17, 2020
People gather for the Ebert Film Festival at the entrance to the Virginia Theatre on April 10, 2019.

[Photo] Roger Ebert’s film festival set for September 2021

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • Aug 10, 2020
A representative for a RSO greets a student during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018.

[Photo] Build your connections, friendships on campus

By Shana Olivero, Video Editor • Jul 31, 2020
The sun sets at Crystal Lake Park on Nov. 16, 2019.

[Photo] CU offers ways to kill time in midst of pandemic

By Salem Isaf, Interim Editor in Chief • Jul 31, 2020
A decorated dorm room in Taft-Van Doren hall rests empty in August 2015.

[Photo] Connect with nature from comforts of a dorm

By Jillian Little • Jul 31, 2020
Former Illinois head coach Lou Henson is recognized at halftime in the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.

[Photo] Illini coaching legend Lou Henson passes away

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 29, 2020
Students rest and chat on the quad on Sept. 17, 2018.

[Photo] Make the most out of living on campus

By Shana Olivero, Video Editor • Aug 20, 2019
The Fresh International Market, located on Neil Street, offers many specialty goods.

[Photo] Find international foods at these local stores

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jul 31, 2020
The Beckman Institute sits north of the Engineering Quad in Champaign, IL. on Oct. 4, 2016.

[Photo] UI included in partnership to form math, science institute

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • Jul 16, 2020
Students walk across the Main Quad between class periods on Feb. 22, 2018.

[Photo] UI’s declassified school explorer guide: Visit here before you graduate

By Meghan Lyons, Special Sections Editor • Aug 5, 2020
Students hang out in front of the Clybourne bar on July 11, 2015 during Greek Reunion.

[Photo] University urges against Greek Reunion attendance

By Heather Robinson • Jul 8, 2020
Adrian Martinez, a freshman in DGS, waits to meet with his advisor on March 5, 2019 in the Campus Center for Advising & Academic Services on Wright St.

[Photo] Don’t be ashamed of being in DGS

By Shivali Shukla, Assistant Special Sections Editor • Aug 5, 2020
The renovated Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center officially opened April 9, 2019.

[Photo] Organizations, resources to welcome incoming Black students

By Jared Ebanks, Assistant Features Editor • Aug 5, 2020
An I-Guide helps a student moving into a dorm in the Ikenberry Commons move their things from a car to a cart on Aug. 22, 2013.

[Photo] No one tells you about packing these items

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Features Editor • Aug 5, 2020
University Art and Design Professor Shazo Sato explains how to paint bamboo with black ink. Here he teaches his Black Ink Painting class at the Japan House on Nov. 17, 2019.

[Photo] RSOs, other resources give students creative outlets on campus

By Cassidy Brandt, Managing Editor for Visuals • Aug 5, 2020
Illinois' Asuka Kawai returns the ball during the match against Notre Dame at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. The Illini won 4-3.

[Photo] Kawai, Rabinowitz named to Big Ten All-Conference team

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jun 2, 2020
Illinois shortstop Katie Wingerter runs to first during the game against Eastern Illinois at Eichelberger Field on March 26, 2019.

[Photo] Best Illini uniforms: blue-white heads 2019 softball jersey combinations

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 10, 2020
A student grabs a Sprite at the 57 North convenience store located in the SDRP.

[Photo] Opinion | Treat soda like cigarettes

By Mark Toledano, Columnist • May 3, 2020
Illinois Guard Ayo Dosunmu dribbles around a defender during the game against Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

[Photo] Postponement of NBA Combine, Draft Lottery affect Illini

By Alec Busse, Assistant Video Editor • May 3, 2020
Illinois' Alex Brown gets ready to return the ball during the match against Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, April 12, 2019. The Illini won 4-3.

[Photo] Illinois prepares for uncertain future, possible fall season delays

By Luca Ripani, Staff Writer • May 1, 2020
Illionois head coach Chris Tamas talks to his team during the match against Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

[Photo] Tamas uses downtime, social media to connect with family, community

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • May 1, 2020
Professor Mitch Fisher lectures to his ACCY 201 class at Lincoln Hall Theater on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.

[Photo] University extends academic deadlines for spring 2020 semester

By Salem Isaf • Apr 29, 2020
Illinois head coach Evan Clark talks to his team during the match against Rutgers at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, March 29, 2019. The Illini won 6-1.

[Photo] Clark uses fitness challenge to raise money for community

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Apr 24, 2020
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