Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Willie Cui
Gies receives $25 million donation to build new intercollegiate building
The Gies College of Business has received an anonymous donation of $25 million in support of building the South Campus Center for Interdisciplinary Learning. The gift was given by an alum of Gies. According to the release sent out by the college, the facility includes supportive technology for both residential and online learners. High-tech classrooms, study lounges and other collaborative learning spaces will be available for students at the new facility.
UI, GEO end semester with no agreement
Since its contract with the University expired, the Graduate Employees Organization has been in negotiations with the University for a new contract. However, the parties have yet to reach an agreement. According to Karla Sanabria Véaz, GEO co-president and graduate student, over 3,000 graduate employees continue to work under an expired contract, and over 100 of them experienced deductions in payment. Meanwhile, the University officials say that they provided the GEO with a proposal.
State Senator Scott Bennett passes away at 45 - The Daily Illini
Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett, who represented Central Illinois’ 52nd district which includes the cities of Champaign and Urbana, died today at Carle Hospital in Urbana around 1 p.m. He was 45. Bennett was hospitalized at Carle on Thursday. Bennet attended the University of Illinois Law School and graduated in 2002 and would eventually become a Champaign County prosecutor.
Students respond to planned renovations to Altgeld Hall
Altgeld Hall has occupied its spot at the northwest corner of the University’s Main Quad since 1897. For many generations of University students, its distinctive appearance and daily chime concerts have been essential to the campus identity and experience. As part of an initiative called “With Illinois,” the College of LAS is funding the renovation and restoration of Altgeld as well as the demolition and replacement of Illini Hall with a new facility.
‘Lifesaver’ drug Narcan now available at three campus locations free of charge
In a Massmail sent out on Nov. 29, McKinley Health Center Director Awais Vaid announced that Narcan, a drug that can help reverse opioid overdose, would be available for free at three campus locations. Narcan will be available at the McKinley Health Center pharmacy as well as the Illini Union and a vending machine at Ikenberry Hall. Vaid said that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District provided about 100 doses of Narcan to the campus, free of charge.
Public health experts concerned about spread of COVID-19, flu during winter
Public health experts have concerns about the spread of COVID-19 combined with an increase in other illnesses, such as the flu, during the winter. Rebecca Lee Smith, epidemiologist and associate professor in Veterinary Medicine, said COVID-19 cases will likely increase during the winter months. “Regarding COVID, it continues to be the same concern, which is the seasonal concern,” Smith said.
Fires reported on Second Street
Two fires, one starting from the other, were reported at Second and Washington streets and Second and Hill streets around 9 p.m. and extending into 10 p.m. According to radio chatter, there was a gas leak and a firefighter spoke of downed power lines “everywhere,” in the area. The original building where the fire started may “have been a very large garage” according to radio chatter.
GEO holds protest before last bargaining session of semester
Graduate Employees’ Organization members rallied on the Main Quad in front of the Illini Union on Thursday right before GEO’s last bargaining session with the University this semester. “We all are out here today putting pressure on the administration and saying that we are really not going to quit until we get a fair contract that addresses all of our members’ needs,” said Megan Mericle, GEO communications co-chair and research assistant in the English department.
Students rally to support protests in Iran
Protests against Iran’s ruling regime have been happening in Iran and around the world as a result of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody in September, after she was arrested by Iran’s “morality police” for incorrectly wearing her hijab. On Thursday afternoon, a group of University students and community members gathered around Alma Mater to participate in the Iranian Scholars for Liberty’s Worldwide Campus Rally for Iran.
Urbana High School students, staff discuss school safety in wake of recent threats
Urbana High School went into a hard lockdown on Wednesday, Nov. 16 after several threats were made toward students and teachers via email. After a few hours the school opened up, but questions and concerns still remained. During those few hours, little was known about the circumstances of the situation by the people inside the building. “The most frustrating part about the lockdown was that we didn’t know exactly what was going on,” UHS senior Kelenna Onyemere said.
Student activists attend vigil calling for an end to China’s zero-COVID policy
Ten candles lit for 10 deaths. Standing for minutes of silence, University students encircled the memorial, holding their words to commemorate the dead. During a COVID-19 lockdown, 10 people died in an apartment fire in Xinjiang, China. In response, protests and vigils began worldwide, including at the University, remembering those who lost their lives and calling for an end to China’s Zero-COVID policy.
‘Knowledge is power’: New engineering discipline centers Indigenous experiences, practices
While living in Danville, Ill., Dean Dempsey, a member of the Navajo Nation and field engineer, took for granted how easily he could access clean water. Some of his family living on the Navajo reservation in the Southwest didn’t have the same luxury, often traveling several hundred miles to haul barrels of water from the nearest water source. Researchers and engineers have come and gone, Dempsey said, trying to solve the reservation’s systemic infrastructure problems.
Illini Tower RAs given incentives for students to write positive reviews
Illini Tower, one of the University’s Private Certified Housing options, provided Resident Advisers $20 bonuses for each five-star review from their student residents. During one dinner and in the Illini Tower group chat, several RAs asked students to write positive reviews with the RA’s name attached. The RAs also told students they would host a pizza party after receiving their paychecks. “I feel like all the five-star reviews are definitely dishonest,” one student on the 10th floor said.
‘Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste’ event helps UI recycle
Fans at Monday’s basketball game against Monmouth could see a plethora of volunteers donning bright green T-shirts carrying blue bags filled with cans and bottles.
Guaranteed Income Project to start in C-U
This year, a new Champaign County program will aim to reduce homelessness and determine the potential for guaranteed income at a larger scale. The program, called the Champaign County Guaranteed Income Project, is a collaboration between the University and the county’s Regional Office of Education and will provide aid to 10 homeless families who have children in school.
Florida Avenue Residence Halls: The least crowded polling place on campus
One of the many polling stations was located in the Florida Avenue Residence Halls. Starting from 6 a.m. the doors of Oglesby Hall lounge were open for all voters. FAR became the least crowded polling station on campus on Election Day. During lunchtime, while hundreds of people were waiting in lines at the ARC and Illini Union for more than an hour, FAR was relatively empty. “It was super easy to vote,” said Matthew Halliman, junior in LAS. “I just walked right in. There is no line.
First-time voters share their experience at the polls
This midterm election, many voters of various ages came out to the polls for the first time. Voters noted a smooth and easy voting experience with fairly short waits in line. “It was my first time voting, and it was like a pretty good experience, pretty streamlined and not too difficult,” said Sean Guno, freshman in Engineering.
2022 Midterm Elections: Live Updates
Champaign-Urbana Live Updates News Tuesday 1:00 p.m. At around 11 a.m. Angela Patton, the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Champaign County Clerk’s office sent out a press release, which said these problems were “due to cyber-attacks on the network and servers.” Cyberattack targets Champaign County clerk office during elections At around 11 a.m. Angela Patton, the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Champaign County Clerk's office sent out a press release, which said these problems were “due to cyber-attacks...
County clerk contenders discuss election security at candidate forum
Democratic incumbent Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons and Republican challenger Terrence Stuber met at a forum on Oct. 25 to discuss elections and the election process. Along with cataloging birth, death and marriage records and various other roles, the county clerk is in charge of supervising both local and federal elections. “Why is it important?” Ammons said.
Champaign sheriff candidates discuss crime, corrections issues at forum
On Oct. 25, the Campus Student Election Commission, Alpha Nu Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority held the first of two candidate forums for county elections, hosting the incumbent Democratic Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Republican challenger John Brown at the Clements Auditorium in the ARC.
Understanding your ballot: the Workers’ Rights Amendment
On Nov. 8, Illinois residents have the opportunity to vote in the midterm elections. One issue appearing on Illinois’ ballots this year concerns the Illinois Right to Collective Bargaining Measure, which is more commonly known as the Workers’ Rights Amendment. This proposed amendment to the state constitution, according to the Illinois General Assembly website, would ensure workers the right to organize and to select individuals to negotiate working conditions on their behalf.
Circular Fashion Expo brings together students and sustainability
The second Circular Fashion Expo kicked off this Saturday at the Siebel Center of Design. Throughout the day, visitors could be seen browsing a variety of homemade, handcrafted or thrifted items from vendors. Visitors could also bring in their own clothing and exchange it for tokens, which they could then use on other clothing items within the exchange. At the very end, the expo’s main highlight was a student-led and created fashion show.
The Daily Illini
Chancellor Jones set goals for the University and the steps to reach them during the “Boldly Illinois 2030 Strategic Planning Summit.” After Chancellor Jones stepped up to the podium, the Graduate Employees’ Organization started chanting in protest. The GEO members left after being asked to do so, and the chancellor continued outlining what he believed a “bold Illinois” would be.
Chancellor Jones describes the future of UI
Chancellor Jones set goals for the University and the steps to reach them during the “Boldly Illinois 2030 Strategic Planning Summit.” After Chancellor Jones stepped up to the podium, the Graduate Employees’ Organization started chanting in protest. The GEO members left after being asked to do so, and the chancellor continued outlining what he believed a “bold Illinois” would be.
Two sexual assaults reported over Halloween weekend
On Sunday, a campus safety notice alerted students and staff about sexual assault that occurred at around 3:45 a.m. somewhere between Sherman Hall and Allen Hall. “It was reported that the student was walking between those two locations when she encountered a man who led her inside a building and committed sexual assault,” the notice said.
UI expects record-breaking number of applications this year
The University’s Admissions Office forecasts a high number of applications for the Fall 2023 admissions cycle. Unlike last year, this year the admissions cycle will have two admissions notification dates. The early action deadline for Fall 2023 applications is Tuesday. At a meeting of the University Senate Educational Policy Committee Daniel Mann, associate provost for Enrollment Management, announced that as of Oct. 24, their office has received around 9,000 applications.
November election uses new congressional districts
In the upcoming November election, Illinois voters are voting with newly drawn congressional maps. The population of Illinois decreased by 0.1% from 2010 to 2020, according to the National Census Bureau. The shift caused Illinois to lose a congressional district, from 18 to 17. “Redistricting is required by the constitution every 10 years for congressional districts.
The Daily Illini
Chancellor Jones’ State of the University address was held in the Illini Union on Thursday at noon. As Jones was introduced to the stage, a group of Graduate Employees Organization members stood from their seats, raising signs and chanting, “What’s the state of U of I? Stealing checks from you and I!” and “Contract now!” “We’re here again, showing our strength, showing that we’re not gonna take this,” said Juan Vanegas, graduate student studying psychology and GEO member.
Annapoorna is second to naan
Every morning at 10 a.m. Rakesh Handa steps into Annapoorna, one of the only Indian stores in Champaign-Urbana that offers the Indian community there a place to purchase groceries imported from India. Annapoorna was started in 2004, and Handa, the current owner, took over in 2005. Handa moved to Champaign-Urbana from New Delhi, India, in 2005. “I saw potential in the business, hence why I took over, and I wanted to offer something to the Indian community in Champaign-Urbana,” Handa said.
Guiding the formerly incarcerated home
Tamika Davis was incarcerated from 1999 to 2008. When she returned home from prison, she had nothing. “It was hard for me to find employment — it was hard for me to find housing,” Davis said. “I had nowhere to turn and no support system installed.” Davis said she is living proof that people can rebuild their life after incarceration. Two years before she was released from prison, her children were put in DCFS custody, and after her release, she had to “push through all odds” to get them back.
Fueling passion for driver’s education
From running to softball and anything in between, Judy Weber-Jones thrived as an athlete and coach for more than 20 years. But in 2022, sports are far from her focus. For the past 38 years, driver’s education has become Weber-Jones’ calling, and she makes sure everyone know that. So, how did a dedicated high school coach become so passionate about the number one killer of teens? “What better occupation is there to save somebody’s life than teaching (driver’s education),” Weber-Jones said.
In-person grad school fair enables students to make connections
On Wednesday, the University’s Career Center organized the first in-person Graduate and Professional School Fair since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, all fairs have been conducted online which has affected the communication between recruiters and students. The Graduate and Professional School Fair made a real change for both recruiters and University students by giving them the opportunity to meet each other in person.
Dallas harpist finds community in Urbana
47 strings strung on a curved wooden frame, a harp. Even a breeze could make a sound, but only a harpist could create a melody. At Urbana’s Market at the Square, a parking lot filled with meat, bread, fruit, soap and art stalls, one person plays the harp for anyone who wants to listen. However, in an industry filled with older musicians, Benji Davis, a 20-year-old Celtic harpist from Dallas stands out.
ISG vice president resigns over free speech disagreement
Vindhya Kalipi, junior in LAS, resigned from her position as vice president of Illinois Student Government on Oct. 10. Her resignation follows disagreement over free speech and conversations sparked by Matt Walsh’s appearance on campus. According to a statement released by ISG, ISG agrees that Matt Walsh’s statements are hateful and they support the LGBTQ+ community.
RSO treasurer accused of stealing over $10,000 from club bank account
A University student and former treasurer for the Illinois Trial Team RSO was charged with Class 2 felony theft on Oct. 6 for allegedly stealing around $10,000 from the organization between June and July. Nubaira Kabir, senior in LAS, allegedly made 17 unauthorized transactions from the club’s private bank account amounting to $10,487 from June 8 to July 6, according to Champaign Police Department Lt. Andre Davis. “On Aug.
Strict attendance policies adversely impact students - The Daily Illini
Many classes at the University have strict attendance policies and expectations for student performance in class. Some students and faculty believe these policies are outdated and do not adequately account for mental health issues, ability levels and individual student responsibility. Some classes have attendance policies as strict as two absences before grade penalties begin, while other classes have no attendance policy.
Tech companies, UI researchers partner for speech accessibility project
Since the University’s founding, researchers have worked to create new technologies, practices and ideas. Every time someone uses a modern internet browser, turns on an LED light bulb or sends an email, they are witnessing the results of University research. Researchers at Illinois have also helped to innovate upon the ways that people live with disabilities since Disability Resources and Educational Services, or DRES, was established in 1948.
UIPD adapts to larger jurisdiction
After an agreement made in April 2022, the University of Illinois Police Department officially took responsibility over calls in Campustown from the Champaign Police Department on Oct. 1. According to CPD Public Information Officer Joe Lamberson, the department has had issues with staffing in previous years, which ultimately led to the drafting of the agreement.
Two arrested near Sixth, John streets
On Thursday at 12:09 p.m., police officers were called to the C-7 Parking garage located in the 500 block of East John Street, where a witness saw a group of men emitting fire extinguishers and throwing them off the top of the garage, according to a police report from the University of Illinois Police Department.
Two arrested near Sixth, John streets
On Thursday at 12:09 p.m., police officers were called to the C-7 Parking garage located in the 500 block of East John Street, where a witness saw a group of men emitting fire extinguishers and throwing them off the top of the garage, according to a police report from the University of Illinois Police Department.
Y Eatery’s new owner hopes to change things up
Ownership of the Y Eatery has been transferred to Phourong Noi Phetchareune, a man looking to change the restaurant. Tucked away behind the University YMCA’s main entrance, the Y Eatery serves Chinese and Thai food to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. “I enjoy the food,” said Mark Joseph, the information technology manager of the College of Applied Health Sciences, who eats at the Y Eatery.
Kingfisher mascot discussions continue in committee
Administration News By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer A University committee is working to identify new traditions that don’t rely on depictions of Native Americans, and supporters of the kingfisher mascot are hoping that their pick will be included in the discussion. The committee is one part of Chancellor Robert Jones’ announcement in 2020 on the University’s Implementation Plan on Native Imagery.
Kingfisher mascot implementation moving slowly
Administration News By Jessie Wang, Staff Writer A University committee is working to identify new traditions that don’t rely on depictions of Native Americans, and supporters of the kingfisher mascot are hoping that their pick will be included in the discussion. The committee is one part of Chancellor Robert Jones’ announcement in 2020 on the University’s Implementation Plan on Native Imagery.
UI Chancellor’s Call to Action funds anti-racist research
“There will come a time. Maybe, just maybe, that time is now,” reads the final paragraph of “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” the bestselling book coauthored by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, which introduced many readers to anti-racist theory during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
Students, alumni respond to new UI ranking
At the beginning of this semester, U.S. News & World Report released its yearly “Best National University Rankings,” and the University was ranked among the top 50. Out of the 443 institutions in the nation, the University was ranked 41st. The Gies College of Business was ranked 13th for business programs, the University’s computer science program was ranked fifth, and the Grainger College of Engineering was ranked seventh in engineering programs.
PSL holds rally for abortion rights, protests local ‘crisis pregnancy centers’
Bearing bright yellow signs with phrases like “Defend Roe! By any means necessary!” members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation rallied at the south end of the State Farm Center’s parking lot to protest a banquet held by Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center on Tuesday.
UI researchers use machine learning techniques to improve students’ learning
In a research project funded by the National Science Foundation, Dr. Dong Wang and Dr. Nigel Bosch, both professors in Information Sciences, intend to use machine learning techniques to help students better estimate their abilities and understanding in the classroom. “This is an interdisciplinary project that combines really 2 disciplines — one is on (artificial intelligence) and machine learning, and one is on education,” Wang said.
UI to spend $50 million hiring new faculty
On Sept. 8, Chancellor Robert J. Jones announced that the university will invest more than $50 million in hiring new faculty members over the next few years. The University’s student population has , thus necessitating additional teaching faculty in order to maintain a healthy student faculty ratio.
UI startup prepares to launch dating app
Cryptic flyers can be spotted on bulletin boards all over campus that are “seeking UIUC’s finest” for a variety of different positions. Sathwik Reddy and Josh Jay James, the app’s founders, are behind these flyers. “We are a dating app that will give users a time, place and person to go on a date with,” said Reddy, a recent computer science and economic graduate. Reddy met James, senior in Gies, through the iVenture Accelerator while working there as a program coordinator.
Chancellor Jones announces funding for Investment for Growth projects
Chancellor Jones announced in a Massmail that through the Investment for Growth program, $14.2 million will be split among 10 approved projects in this year’s cohort. Since the program began in 2018, the University has invested over $78 million in various projects, and this is the first year since the pandemic that new projects will receive funding.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Willie
Contact Willie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack