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Articles by Anna Ceja
‘Housing is healthcare’: Hope Village opens in north Urbana
Hope Village, a north-Urbana community providing permanent housing and medical assistance to community members experiencing chronic homelessness, opened its doors Oct. 22. The village includes 24 “tiny” homes — 475 square feet each — and will begin welcoming residents in November. “As a community collaborative, (I) couldn’t be happier, more proud to be part of a project like Hope Village,” said Marty Smith, director of real estate for The Carle Foundation and project lead of Hope Village.
MTD connects CU with MCORE project
It’s hard to imagine a time when the island bus stop on Green Street wasn’t conveniently situated in front of the Illini Union. But before the Multimodal Corridor Enhancement project reshaped the traffic lanes, the popular transit stop looked very different. While the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District has been connecting residents between the twin cities for decades, C-U’s public transit system has been in place for far longer, with bus routes operating since 1901.
Best of CU ’26 | Best Fraternity: Triangle
Categories: Triangle Fraternity, founded in 1907 by civil engineering students and situated at 112 E. Daniel St., continues to uphold its STEM-focused legacy at the University with a vibrant community and updated facilities. The recently renovated chapter house offers both academic resources and recreational amenities, including basketball and sand volleyball courts. The chapter’s mission is to further scientific education and build a strong community among scientifically minded students.
The Daily Illini
Categories: The Main Quad is the epicenter of student life on campus. It is the heart of the University. From the Main Quad, one can observe the iconic, postcard-angle side of Foellinger Auditorium and the picturesque view of the Illini Union. Surrounding the Main Quad are other academic buildings, but the real magic on the Main Quad happens between them.
The Daily Illini
On campus: No. 10 Illinois dominated by No. 3 Michigan in top-10 matchup No. 10 Illinois fell 84-70 to No. 3 Michigan on Sunday after getting outplayed in the paint and on the glass, dropping to 22-7 overall and 13-5 in Big Ten play. Former Illini sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. led the Wolverines with 19 points and 11 rebounds in his return to Champaign. Freshman forward David Mirković looks to make a pass in the second half of No. 10 Illinois’ 84-70 loss to Michigan on Feb.
Car fire reported near Green and Wright streets
The UIPD and Urbana Fire Department responded to a call of a pickup truck on fire near the intersection of Green and Wright streets Friday morning. Officers reported that the truck was unoccupied when it caught fire. Countywide dispatch first made the call at 10:21 a.m., reporting a vehicle fire. According to an officer on the METCAD scanner, over two dozen calls then came in to report the incident.
UI student wins Churchill Scholarship
Categories: The Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States named University student David Balut, a senior in LAS, as a recipient of the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. Awarded to 16 students annually across the U.S. and estimated to be worth over $80,000, the scholarship will cover tuition, housing and other related expenses at Cambridge University for one academic year.
UI professor selected as new executive director, CEO of Discovery Partners Institute
Categories: The University announced the appointment of Gene Robinson as the new executive director and CEO of the Discovery Partners Institute, a research hub based in downtown Chicago recently acquired by The Grainger College of Engineering. The initiative was launched in 2017 with the stated mission of connecting research, education and business development, utilizing advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Raja Krishnamoorthi talks research, federal funding at UI Soybean Innovation Lab
Categories: U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois’ eighth Congressional District, visited the University’s Soybean Innovation Lab Tuesday as part of a series of events focused on discussing affordability and federal funding across the state. The congressman’s visit took place exactly one year after Peter Goldsmith, director of SIL and professor in ACES, received two executive orders to stop all operations at the lab.
The week in news: Extreme winter weather hits central Illinois; Mass shooting at Brown University
On campus: UI System president Timothy Killeen visits campus UI System President Timothy Killeen came to campus Dec. 8 for the Annual Meeting of the Faculty. To a room of about 200 students and faculty members, Killeen expressed support for diversity, equity and inclusion, celebrated the University’s growing enrollment and noted this year’s high amount of alumni donations.
Illinois student wins international award for thesis on asylum justice
Categories: Leana Shin, senior in LAS, was recognized as the global winner in the Law category at the 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards for her senior thesis, titled “Justice by Proxy: When AI becomes the voice of the silent in asylum adjudication.” Shin’s work examines the potential for artificial intelligence to aid asylum seekers and legal research. A judging team of 500 academics reviewed over 2,400 submissions across 348 universities in 99 countries.
Nominations open for 2026 MLK community awards
The cities of Champaign and Urbana will unite with Champaign County, the Village of Rantoul, Parkland College and the University to host the 25th annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The ceremony is set for Jan. 18, 2026, and will begin at 5 p.m. at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Organizers will award three community members or organizations that exemplify Dr. King’s legacy of service and leadership.
Carle Health announces partnership with Mary Free Bed
Carle Health and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation are teaming up in January to bring new inpatient rehabilitation services to central Illinois. According to a press release, the collaboration includes three locations: Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois, and Carle Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. Currently, Carle Health provides rehab for spinal injuries, sports injuries and strokes.
UI observes Transgender Awareness Week
The University’s Gender & Sexuality Resource Center is hosting a series of events to observe Transgender Awareness Week, which is annually commemorated Nov. 13-19. The week leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, which takes place each year on Nov. 20.
The Daily Illini
On campus: CEOs give fireside chat, join Grainger Hall of Fame Arvind Krishna and Sidney Lu, prominent tech CEOs and University alumni, spoke to a packed room at the Illini Union Friday just hours before their induction into The Grainger College of Engineering Hall of Fame.
The Daily Illini
On campus: DEI office to be renamed The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will be renamed the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Access, Civil Rights, and Community, effective Jan. 1, a Thursday Massmail from Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr. announced. The Massmail also stated that the office will undergo restructuring. Both changes are pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Champaign man detained on federal warrant
The Champaign Police Department detained Benny Loveless, 44, on Friday afternoon for allegedly violating federal probation, just days after he was first arrested on Sept. 27. CPD disputed a claim and photo of the arrest circulating on social media that implied Immigration and Customs Enforcement was detaining people in Champaign. CPD said in an online statement that the claims are not aligned with the facts of the arrest.
Representatives from the New American Welcome Center led a conversation about immigration at the Friday Forum and Conversation Café, resuming the weekly lecture series where community members discuss community concerns over free lunch catered by Y-Thai Eatery. The events are hosted by the University YMCA in collaboration with the University’s Diversity & Social Justice Education program. Jim Hinterlong, executive director of the YMCA, gave the forum’s opening remarks.
Board of Trustees approves renaming of Gies Memorial Stadium
In a unanimous decision on Thursday, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the renaming of Gies Memorial Stadium. The decision came just over a week after philanthropist Larry Gies’ $100 million donation to the University’s Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Gies said the donation was in honor of his late father, Larry Gies Sr., a veteran of the United States Army.
Former Illinois governor dies at 79
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar died on Sunday at the age of 79. His family announced his death after Edgar’s battle with pancreatic cancer. The former governor was born on July 22, 1946 in Vinita, Oklahoma, but grew up in Charleston, Illinois. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he served as student body president before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1968.
SEC discusses honorary degrees, record enrollment, DOJ lawsuit
The University’s Senate Executive Committee held a meeting on Monday to discuss potential modifications to the honorary degree program, the 2025-26 school year’s record enrollment and a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against the University Board of Trustees. Angela Lyons, professor in ACES and SEC chair, called the meeting to order at 3:11 p.m. and then gave her remarks.
Career Center hosts part-time job fair
The Career Center hosted a part-time job fair on Wednesday at the Illini Union from 1-4 p.m., where students spoke with potential employers about local part-time jobs. While walking around the bustling room, students could find University-affiliated employers like Campus Recreation facilities and Research Park. Local employers, such as the Champaign Public Library and ESS Clean, were present.
The Daily Illini
The House Education and Workforce Committee launched an investigation last Monday into recent claims of antisemitism at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. In a letter addressed to Marie Lynn Miranda, chancellor of UIC, and Dr. Mark I. Rosenblatt, dean of the UIC College of Medicine, committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) included several examples of alleged incidents of hostility toward Jewish students.
Champaign Public Library employees announce plan to unionize
Categories: Employees of Champaign Public Library have announced their plan to unionize with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 in a letter released Sunday. The document was signed by 26 library employees and workers expressed their love for the library, but also called for various improvements to the work environment.
La Casa hosts Paleta Social
La Casa Cultural Latina hosted its annual paleta social Monday evening, which served as both a community-building event and a kickoff to the 2025-2026 school year. The event officially began at 6 p.m., but by 5:50, the line to get a free paleta already stretched from the back of La Casa to Matthews Ave. Students, staff and faculty had to present either their Illinois app or i-card to get a free frozen treat.
ICE protocol: A community guide
Questions about Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Champaign-Urbana community have surged following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. These concerns have been compounded by the detainment of two individuals at the Champaign County Courthouse, a recent unfounded rumor of ICE on campus and increased reports of ICE impersonators across the nation.
The Daily Illini
At a University Senate meeting on Monday, Provost John Coleman confirmed the reactivation of 30 international University students’ records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. In addition to the 30 students whose statuses were reactivated, Coleman said records were reactivated for 18 F-1 visa-holders at the University who are enrolled in the Optional Practical Training employment authorization program.
This week in news: Dick Durbin retires from Senate, US prepares arms deal with Saudi Arabia
On campus: Upcoming Senate resolutions The University Senate will vote Monday regarding two resolutions. The first calls for University System President Timothy Killeen and Chancellor Robert Jones to join a Mutual Academic Defense Compact among the Big Ten Academic Alliance to provide legal and financial help to one another in the case of challenges from the Trump Administration.
Illinois remains strong, defeats Valparaiso in midweek matchup
Illinois (18-20, 4-8) bolstered its home record to 8-5 on the year with a victory over Valparaiso (17-22) on Wednesday. Scoring only occurred in the second inning, but the runs came in abundance, and Illinois’ pitchers hit their targets to sustain the lead. Valparaiso scores first, Illinois responds In the top of the second inning with a Beacon on first base, a double brought in the first run to establish a 1-0 lead over the Illini.
Review | ‘SABLE, fABLE’ reflects, then reaches forward
Rating: 8/10 After a five-year hiatus, Bon Iver returned to the music scene last Friday with its release of the long-anticipated album “SABLE, fABLE.” This LP showcases the band’s evolution, blending their acoustic roots with contemporary R&B, pop and soul. “SABLE, fABLE” is sonically fresh, and Bon Iver’s lyrical and technical ability solidifies that the band deserves its flowers. Bon Iver found critical success after the release of their album “For Emma, Forever Ago” in 2007.
The Daily Illini
Categories: Earlier this year, professor in Engineering Nishant Garg and his team developed a test that can analyze the performance of construction materials within five minutes. It’s a major improvement over the traditional method, which is much more expensive and takes seven days or more. Before he developed the rapid test, Garg faced an issue — with the number of students in his lab, it could take one person up to three months to test the performance of a construction material.
DI Mock Draft | Part Two
Categories: The Daily Illini sports staff made their selections for the upcoming NFL draft. Here are picks 11-21: This is part two of the sports staff’s mock draft. Part one is available here. ** These picks were made on the night of April 8, and reflect the state of the league at that time ** 11. San Francisco 49ers — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Last season, the 2024 Super Bowl runner-ups suffered their worst year since 2018.
Illinois recruits four-time state wrestling champion Co’ji Campbell
Illinois’ 2025 wrestling class expands with an exciting recruit — Co’ji Campbell. The four-time Wisconsin state champ joins the Illini after one of their most exciting seasons. Campbell will add some much-needed firepower in the opening weight category and give head coach Mike Poeta options. Campbell announced his commitment to the Illini on Instagram Tuesday. Historic run Campbell attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and made a name for himself there.
Records find new life through younger generations
Categories: Record stores have been around for decades. From the vinyl craze of the 1970s and the CD frenzy of the 1990s, to the new age of digital streaming, one might believe that the days of records are over. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Records are now coming back in full force, with younger generations being the main demographic fueling their resurgence.
Review | Wing Wars: where to go when you have a hankering for fried chicken
University students have plenty of food options scattered throughout Campustown — whatever the craving, it can be found nearby. If you’re looking for fried chicken, for instance, Campustown has plenty of spots for you. A market research study by IBISWorld shows that the fried chicken fast food industry is on the rise. With chains including Wingstop, Raising Cane’s and Dave’s Hot Chicken, which opened in 2017, the savory treat is more accessible — and popular — than ever.
From the ground up: Amara Yoga & Arts empowers CU community
Kathryn Fitzgerald greeted her 10 a.m. Gentle Yoga attendees as each person filed in. She offered complimentary tea, asked about their families and prepared the studio space for her upcoming class. Fitzgerald co-founded and established Amara Yoga & Arts in 2009. To this day, she handles the business’s operations, organizes programming and teaches a selection of yoga classes as the Gallery Director co-owner, alongside her daughter Luna.
Design for America’s Midwest Meetup unites student designers
This past weekend, the University’s Design for America chapter hosted its Midwest Meetup at the Siebel Center for Design, inviting the University of Cincinnati’s DFA branch to join them for a weekend of activities. DFA is a national organization that uses human-centered design to solve community problems, such as poverty, education, hunger and economic growth.
The Daily Illini
Chancellor Robert Jones announced the University has joined a lawsuit against the federal government in a Massmail on Tuesday. The lawsuit challenges the Department of Energy’s proposed policy to cap reimbursement of facilities and administrative costs at 15% for all research grants to institutions of higher education.
Column | Illini never gave up, it paid off
While Illinois (17-20, 4-8) has had its fair share of predicaments this season, one thing that’s been consistently positive is the team’s determination to fight hard until the very end. The Illini know what they’re capable of. This weekend, they showed their strength on both sides of the ball to take two victories over the Michigan State Spartans (13-22, 3-10). The Nuechterlein show Sophomore right-handed pitcher Megan Nuechterlein has risen to the top of the leaderboards for Illinois.
DI Mock Draft | Part Two
Categories: The Daily Illini sports staff made their selections for the upcoming NFL draft. Here are picks 11-21: This is part two of the sports staff’s mock draft. Part one is available here. (These picks were made on the night of April 8 and reflect the state of the league at that time.) 11. San Francisco 49ers — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Last season, the 2024 Super Bowl runner-ups suffered their worst year since 2018.
DI Mock Draft | Part One
Categories: The Daily Illini sports staff made their selections for the upcoming NFL draft. Here are picks 1-10: The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and to get into the spirit of draft season, the sports staff held a mock draft. Each writer was assigned a team or two and then given time to research their team(s), the prospects and what other teams might do. Our draft went as follows: (These picks were made on the night of April 8th, and reflect the state of the league at that time.) 1.
Review | ‘The Pitt’ is an effective, no-frills hospital drama
Rating: 8/10 In a TV landscape dominated by spin-off miniseries and ultra-expensive event shows, it’s rare to find a show like “The Pitt.” The 15-episode first season departs from the six or seven-episode runs popularized by shows like “The White Lotus.” “The Pitt” makes full use of its robust runtime. Showrunner R.
Illini showcase strong pitching in series win over Hoosiers
Categories: Even though Illinois only took two of three from Indiana, it showed a lot of positive signs The Illini (20-13, 9-6) played three very different types of games this weekend against the Indiana Hoosiers (20-16, 10-8). Illinois won a nail-biter Friday night behind strong pitching, lost in blowout fashion Saturday and then returned the favor with a run-rule victory Sunday.
UI post-graduation survey, visualized
Last week, students received a Massmail from Chancellor Robert Jones showcasing the results of the 2023-2024 Illini Success report. This annual report shows where new bachelor’s degree recipients were headed up to six months after graduation. These salary data do not encompass all new graduates from the University, but rather about 15% of the total new graduates from whom the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning was able to gather data.
The Daily Illini
A new RSO is in town. Its goal is to bring a taste of Crumbl cookies to University students while fostering a tight-knit community. The Crumbl Club launched its first event at the end of February, enticing students with free Crumbl cookies and Red Bull. After almost a month of coordinating with the Champaign location’s franchise owner, Deborah Platon, the club gave out 48 free Crumbl cookies to students passing by the Main Quad.
DI Voices | Catfish and red Kool-Aid
It’s the kind of summer heat that clings to your skin, but it doesn’t bother you because it’s familiar — like the backyard swing creaking under the weight of time, like the rhythm of cicadas in the trees, like your grandma’s voice yelling through the screen door for someone to come and flip the catfish. You’re back at her house again, in the front yard that she just made you rake.
Three-star linebacker Tony Williams commits to Illinois
Categories: Illini snag another defensive piece to join 2026 class Illinois added another defensive piece to its already star-studded 2026 recruiting class Monday morning. Three-star linebacker Tony Williams joined Cam Thomas and Kaedyn Cobbs as the third linebacker in the 2026 class. The 5-foot-10.5, 215-pound Williams comes to Champaign from Jacksonville, Florida, where he is the No. 68 prospect in the state. The linebacker had 27 offers before committing to Illinois.
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