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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
Samantha Boyle

Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting

[email protected]

Illinois student Avery Robinson takes a University COVID-19 test at the ARC on Feb. 1. Illinois has been an innovator in COVID-19 testing.

UI proves itself to be at forefront of COVID-19 testing, research

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 8, 2021
A pharmacist draws the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine into a needle at the Church of the Living God on Feb. 20. The county has expanded the eligibility range for the vaccine.

Vaccine open to people with underlying health conditions

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 4, 2021
Road barricades sit on the middle lane all down Green Street. The City of Champaign has implemented new rules to prevent illegal parking on the street.

[Photo] City of Champaign implements changes to prevent illegal parking on Green Street

By Chieh Hsu, Staff Writer • Feb 26, 2021
The Daily Illini staff poses for a group photo in their office on Sunday morning. The newspaper won various awards at the ICPA contest on Saturday.

The Daily Illini wins Sweepstakes in Illinois College Press Association awards

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Feb 20, 2021
The University YMCA and Illini Media Company is located at 1001 S. Wright St. IMC was hit with a cyberattack Tuesday morning.

Ongoing: Cyberattack potentially compromises Illini Media Company’s employee data

By Samantha Boyle and Matt Troher • Feb 17, 2021
Students have fun in the snow on Oct. 31, 2019. A recent snow storm has caused cancelations in the CU area.

Heavy snow leads to widespread cancellations in CU, campus

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Feb 17, 2021
Things every college kitchen should have

Things every college kitchen should have

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Feb 15, 2021
Two roommates relax in their dorm room on Feb. 15, 2020. Having solid roommates is a great boon during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roommates have been the best part of the pandemic

By Samantha Boyle, Managing editor for reporting • Feb 15, 2021
How to make your home greener

How to make your home greener

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor For Reporting • Feb 15, 2021
The Main Quad lays empty on May 23. There are many benefits to living in a college town like Champaign-Urbana.

Best parts about living in a college town

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Feb 15, 2021
Dress to impress: what to wear to your Zoom interviews

Dress to impress: what to wear to your Zoom interviews

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Feb 1, 2021
Residents of The Dean apartment building wait outside on Saturday night after a fire broke out inside the building. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

[Photo] Fire leads to evacuation of Dean apartment complex

By Willie Cui, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2021
Patrons of Chipotle wait outside the restaurant on Monday night. The recent Massmail sent by Robert Jones encourages students to take precautions against COVID-19

After photo of crowded bar line surfaces, UI Chancellor stresses ‘care and vigilance’

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jan 28, 2021
Look ahead at spring semester: a new off-day schedule

Look ahead at spring semester: a new off-day schedule

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jan 25, 2021

Today in Illini history, Jan. 15, 1970

By Samantha Boyle • Jan 15, 2021
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.

Urbana businesses receive COVID-19 relief funds

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 12, 2020
McKinley staff physician, director salaries ranked

McKinley staff physician, director salaries ranked

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2020
Junior Jessica Osemwengie deposits her completed COVID-19 test into the receptacle at the State Farm Center testing site on Oct. 9. Some students are unable to go home for Thanksgiving break due to having to quarantine.

Region 6 positivity rate averages above 8%

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2020
UI System President, chancellors' salaries compared

UI System President, chancellors’ salaries compared

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2020
Big Ten presidents' salaries ranked

Big Ten presidents’ salaries ranked

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 5, 2020
The Circle K on North Cunningham Avenue in Urbana on Sunday morning is pictured above. Police arrested a suspect of a human trafficking scheme here on Friday night.

Police arrest suspect of human trafficking scheme

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Nov 2, 2020
Where to vote on Nov. 3

Where to vote on Nov. 3

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 29, 2020
Student John Keller checks into the COVID-19 testing site located at State Farm Center on Oct. 9. Twelve county residents have died from the virus in a two-week span.

More than 1,000 students face discipline for COVID-19 violations

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 29, 2020
Student Jessica Wynveen deposits her completed COVID-19 test into a receptacle at the State Farm Center on Oct. 9. The city of Urbana has suspended all indoor food and beverage consumption per an emergency order.

COVID-19 test sites to change on Election Day

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • 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.

Mail-in voting increase chance of ballot rejection

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 29, 2020
A Little Free Library dropbox sits outside of the Busey Bank located on 909 W. Kirby Ave. on Tuesday afternoon. There are currently 28 Little Free Libraries in Champaign-Urbana.

Fifteen new Little Free Libraries installed around CU

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 29, 2020
A Black Lives Matter mural that was painted on Fifth Avenue in New York City is seen directly in front of Trump Tower on July 13.

City Council considers Black Lives Matter mural in Champaign

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 26, 2020
Chancellor Robert Jones speaks about the Illinois Climate Action Plan on Tuesday.

Chancellor Jones signs newest version of Illinois Climate Action Plan

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 21, 2020
A red pickup truck drives through a small protest outside of the Rogue Barber Shop on July 25. The Champaign County State’s Attorney will not be filing charges against the driver.

No charges filed for incidents during July protests

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 19, 2020
Yingying Zhang stands in an open field. Zhang was reported missing in 2017.

Yingying Zhang documentary presented at film festivals

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 15, 2020
College students lie on Miramar Beach near Destin, FL on March 16 during spring break. The University of Illinois is considering canceling spring break this year.

University discusses plans to adjust spring semester calendar

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 14, 2020
A sign warns of a lane closure at the intersection of Church and Randolph on Tuesday afternoon.

Several street closures announced in CU

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 6, 2020
Plants lie on a shelf in buzz Editor Jillian Little’s bedroom. Houseplants provide their owner with a sense of routine and responsibility, increased productivity and fresh air, nice smells and even food.

Boost your mood with houseplants

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 5, 2020
Children trick-or-treat at the Worcester Senior Center in Worcester, Massachusetts on Oct. 31. The mayors of both Urbana and Champaign are encouraging residents to take precautions against COVID-19 during trick-or-treating this Halloween.

CU mayors issue trick-or-treating COVID-19 guidelines

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 5, 2020
The McKinley Health Center sits on Lincoln Street on Sunday. McKinley is currently offering free flu shots at the ARC.

Drive-through flu shots available through Carle Hospital

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Oct 1, 2020
Large party complaints decrease since start of semester

Large party complaints decrease since start of semester

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 24, 2020
Champaign Police Chief Anthony Cobb kneels with protestors as organizer Drake Materre speaks outside of the Champaign Police Department during a protest following the death of George Floyd on June 1. New listening sessions will allow the community to address public safety needs.

Champaign community listening sessions start Thursday

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 24, 2020
People wait in line to order at the Cracked the Egg Came First food truck at Lincoln Square Farmers Market in Urbana on Saturday.

Cracked food truck says ‘goodbye’ to CU

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 23, 2020
Three vehicles reported stolen in three weeks

Three vehicles reported stolen in three weeks

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 21, 2020

Police investigate late night shooting

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 16, 2020
University student moderates coronavirus subreddit

University student moderates coronavirus subreddit

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 14, 2020
University changes COVID-19 testing schedule

University changes COVID-19 testing schedule

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 10, 2020
Two officers stand at the intersection of Green and Wright streets on Aug. 28. The shooting that took place Monday night is still under investigation and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Champaign Police investigate Monday night shooting

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 10, 2020
Jay Walsh poses for a professional photo. Walsh has been named interim vice president for economic development and innovation for the UI System.

UI interim vice president testifies at US House of Representatives

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 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.

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

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 10, 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.

University changes bike registration program

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 3, 2020
Students enter Joe's Brewery during Unoffical on March 1, 2019.

Joe’s announces closure after University ramps up COVID-19 discipline

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Sep 2, 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.”

Pygmalion returns for free online music festival

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 31, 2020
Vikram Adve, professor in Engineering, will lead the AI Institute for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management and Sustainability. Two University-led teams will be paritally funded by a $140 million grant given to seven intelligence institutes across the country.

University to lead two artificial intelligence institutes

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 31, 2020
Aisha Shekara spits into a tube to be tested for COVID-19 at the Illini Union on Sunday. University students, faculty and staff must take the test at a minimum of twice a week.

FDA Emergency Use Authorization approves University saliva test

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 24, 2020
Students walk along the paths on the quad while learning about various RSOs during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018

This year will look different without Quad Day

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 19, 2020
I-Guides help a student unpack her belongings from her car and put them onto a cart for easier transport to her room. I-Guides are there to make to make your move-in as smooth as possible.

Mentally prepare for Move-In Day

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 17, 2020
Martin Burke, associate dean for research at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and chair of the COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team, talks to members of the media at the COVID-19 testing site on July 7.

[Photo] University COVID-19 saliva testing expands nationally

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer • Aug 10, 2020
Amidst a changing world, keep an open mind

Amidst a changing world, keep an open mind

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 5, 2020
Chancellor Robert Jones submits his COVID-19 test on July 2 at a campus testing facility. "It’s really kind of gratifying because it’s absolutely key in our effort to try to return to face-to-face instruction," he said.

[Photo] University Announces New Testing Standards, Fall Semester Plans

By JJ Kim, Editor-in-Chief • Aug 3, 2020
Students learn about different RSOs during Quad Day on Aug. 26, 2018.

Use these resources when you’re overwhelmed, stressed

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Aug 2, 2020
The Fresh International Market, located on Neil Street, offers many specialty goods.

Find international foods at these local stores

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jul 31, 2020
Chancellor Robert Jones submits his COVID-19 test Tuesday morning. "It’s really kind of gratifying because it’s absolutely key in our effort to try to return to face-to-face instruction," he said.

Free COVID-19 testing offered on campus to students, staff, faculty

By Samantha Boyle • Jul 8, 2020
Stacks and shelves of books line the edges of a narrow corridor.

CU libraries scheduled to open buildings Friday

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jun 23, 2020
Parkland Community College is located at 2400 West Bradley Ave. The college announced a potential hybrid plan Tuesday for its fall semester that would have students attend classes partially online and partially on-campus.

Parkland College announces fall plans

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jun 9, 2020
Lieutenant Joseph McCullough investigates a traffic violation on Friday, Sep. 23 2016.

Over 20 arrests made in looting incidents

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Jun 1, 2020

Protests continue in Champaign

By Samantha Boyle and Salem Isaf • May 31, 2020
A sign outside CampusTown Urgent Care tells patrons how to use their new drive-thru Coronavirus testing services on Tuesday.

CampusTown Urgent Care offers drive-up COVID-19 testing

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Apr 7, 2020
The Department of Education in Washington, D.C. U.S. officials are halting default student loan debt collection for 60 days.

Education fund organization releases tips for student loans during coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 27, 2020
A student dorm room in Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Hall.

University Housing move-out deadline moved to Saturday after stay-at-home order

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 20, 2020
Gov. J.B. Pritzker approaches a podium to brief news media on the most recent Illinois COVID-19, or coronavirus, numbers and statistics, and issues surrounding suppression efforts, at the Thompson Center Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Chicago.

Shelter-in-place order expected for Illinois

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 20, 2020
Carle Foundation Hospital on March 2, 2019. Carle has made new screening tools available for patients concerned about coronavirus.

Carle Hospital launches new coronavirus screening tools

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 17, 2020
The interior of local business Beads N Botanicals on Nov. 28, 2019. Small businesses like Beads N Botanicals could benefit from federal loans admist the Coronavirus outbreak if Governor JB Prtizker's policy passes.

Small businesses could loan up to $2 million in “disaster assistance” if policy passes

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 17, 2020
Location of Mattoon in Coles County, Illinois.

Peoria, Mattoon report coronavirus cases

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 14, 2020
The State Farm Center is pictured on Feb. 25.

Several events postponed, canceled due to coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, Managing Editor for Reporting • Mar 13, 2020

Champaign mayor declares local emergency

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 12, 2020

St. Patrick’s Day parade postponed due to coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 12, 2020
All University study abroad programs canceled

All University study abroad programs canceled

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 12, 2020
Siblings, Moms weekend canceled due to coronavirus

Siblings, Moms weekend canceled due to coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 11, 2020
President suspends US travel to, from Europe

President suspends US travel to, from Europe

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 11, 2020
Parkland Community College is located at 2400 West Bradley Ave. The college announced a potential hybrid plan Tuesday for its fall semester that would have students attend classes partially online and partially on-campus.

Parkland Community College prepares with online classes due to coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 11, 2020
A woman wears a mouth and nose mask in front of a pharmacy. The first case of the corona virus in Germany has greatly increased the demand for breathing masks in pharmacies.

Students in Europe “strongly advised to depart” countries

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 10, 2020
A concrete truck rolled over at the intersection of Fourth Street and Kirby Avenue just before 9 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported, according to communications director for UIPD.

Concrete truck rolled over at Fourth Street, Kirby Avenue intersection

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 4, 2020
The Starbucks in the Illini Union Bookstore closed Monday due to an issue with a pipe. The repairs were completed Monday afternoon and business resumed as usual.

Bookstore Starbucks reopens after pipe repair

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 2, 2020
Students, staff, faculty in South Korea required to leave due to coronavirus threats

Students, staff, faculty in South Korea required to leave due to coronavirus threats

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 2, 2020
The Starbucks in the Illini Union Bookstore closed Monday due to an issue with a pipe. The repairs were completed Monday afternoon and business resumed as usual.

Starbucks in bookstore closed temporarily

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 2, 2020
A man wears a protective mask as he walk by a carousel in an empty Sempione Park on Friday in Milan, Italy. The U.S. Department of State raised the travel advisory to avoid travel to Italy.

Coronavirus threat requires students in Italy to depart immediately

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Mar 1, 2020
Champaign group provides ‘second chance’ for formerly incarcerated citizens

Champaign group provides ‘second chance’ for formerly incarcerated citizens

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Feb 27, 2020
At the memorial Jiheng Jing, vice president of the Chinese Student and Scholars Association, announced plans to build a small garden at the bus stop at corner of Goodwin Avenue and Clark Street where Yingying Zhang went missing.

Police officers, detective to be honored in Yingying Zhang case

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Feb 25, 2020
Patrons stand outside KAM's on Jan. 29 for opening night. A GroupMe chat of KAM's employees caused controversy across campus. KAM's responded Wednesday stating that an employee in the chat was fired.

KAM’s GroupMe leaked on social media stirs controversy, KAM’s responds

By Samantha Boyle and Julie Kang • Feb 19, 2020
John Marshall Law School and the Library-State/Van Buren transit station along the ‘L’, Chicago Transit Authority in Chicago, Illinois, on Dec. 6, 2008. The UI System has agreed that the Chicago campus will pay the refund.

UI System involved with refunds to independent college program

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Feb 17, 2020
sexual misconduct survey

[Photo] University releases sexual misconduct survey results

By The Daily Illini Staff Report • Feb 13, 2020
Police officers confront a group celebrating Unofficial at Green and Third streets on March 1, 2019.

Emergency order for Unofficial filed by Urbana, Champaign mayors

By Samantha Boyle and Diana Anghel • Feb 7, 2020
Influenza poses a far greater threat to Americans than the coronavirus from China made headlines around the world. Two University students will attend the ONE Power Summit to fight for vaccines in impoverished countries.

Two UI students to advocate for child vaccines in Washington, D.C.

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Feb 6, 2020

Gunfire reported Sunday morning, one woman injured

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Feb 2, 2020
Massmail confirms no coronavirus in CU

Massmail confirms no coronavirus in CU

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jan 29, 2020
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that have a halo, or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an electron microscope.

McKinley strives to keep campus safe from coronavirus

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jan 27, 2020
Illinois treasurer to host forum for affordable education

Illinois treasurer to host forum for affordable education

By Samantha Boyle, News Editor • Jan 27, 2020
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