Heather Robinson

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

When customers step inside of Walnut Street Tea Company, they are greeted with a symphony of aromas — the scent of over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea and over 40 varieties of gourmet coffee lining the shelves. Tucked away on a corner in downtown Champaign, Walnut Street Tea Company may be a surprise for C-U...

Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96 on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was Great Britain’s longest reigning monarch, having spent over 70 years on the throne. The Queen’s 73-year-old son, Charles, automatically inherited the throne, although his coronation may not take place for some time. Earlier that day, the BBC reported that...

In a few days, students will have arrived on campus from all over the world — and their germs will have traveled with them too. Last fall, students fell victim to a sickness universities across the country dubbed the “frat flu.” But what actually was the illness, and what should students expect dur…

Students at the University are lucky to be a part of the Champaign-Urbana community — an unexpectedly lively and diverse area in Central Illinois. C-U is connected with bike paths and a comprehensive transit district, that makes travel easy. It’s a good idea for new students to familiarize themselve…

Whether she knew it at the time or not, Susan J. Smith Cornwell began her journalism career as a child. She started her own neighborhood newspaper where she walked around and chatted with the neighbors, learning their latest gossip. Journalism was always in Cornwell’s blood. Growing up, her father was the editor of a small...

The Daily Illini staff traveled to Chicago on Friday for the annual Illinois College Press Association Conference, where collegiate newspapers from across the state compete across various categories.  The DI took home third place in the Sweepstakes category for a cumulation of overall points awarded, behind The Vidette of Illinois State University and The Daily...

1. Join an RSO While this is the advice your counselor or parent might give you, joining a club may truly be the best way to make friends in college. Check out Quad Day for a wide variety of options and talk to the students running the booths. Often, there will be social media handles...

Journalism is: late nights scrambling to write articles with tight deadlines, and it’s all worth it.  Journalism is: early mornings filled with meetings and copious amounts of bitter coffee, and it’s all worth it.  Journalism is: getting yelled at over the phone by the guy who doesn’t like your story, and it’s all worth it. ...

A new technology education program, Illinois Reboot, has recently launched to build a more inclusive workforce in central Illinois. The UIUC Research Park program will build a more diverse workforce using local talent and by offering different learning opportunities to participants. “There’s a lot of talent that’s been sitting on the sidelines and there’s a...

The University suspended campus fraternity Delta Tau Delta after its members hosted a large party at the house on Thursday. Police responded to the scene at 9:17 p.m. after they were notified of the party. The large gathering violated University and city COVID-19 safety orders, which limit social gatherings to 10 people or fewer.   When...

The University may soon be home to a new micro-nuclear reactor, which would provide campus with clean energy, as well as opportunities in research and education on campus.  The project is pending approval and funding by the U.S. Department of Energy. If awarded, work will begin in 2021, with projected completion by 2026.  The DOE...

On June 11, former professor Joseph Petry filed a 7.9 million dollar lawsuit against the University. The lawsuit aims to compensate Petry on damage following a breach-of-contract of his resignation agreement with the University back in 2019. In the fall semester of 2018, allegations of sexual harassment were made against Petry by former student Sundas...

On Sunday evening, Champaign, Urbana and Savoy issued a curfew in effect until 6 a.m. due to “civil disturbances” following the protests over the death of George Floyd.  Earlier that day, businesses in Champaign such as the Market Place Mall, Meijer, Target and other stores were looted. Videos surfaced on social media of the looting...

On Friday, bars and restaurants in Champaign will be able to reopen for outdoor seating. This announcement comes with the implementation of phase 3 in Illinois’ state reopening plan.  Restaurants and bars that are able to accommodate for outdoor seating coordinated with the City of Champaign to allow the reopening. On the City’s website, plans...

On May 16, the Champaign Fire Department responded to a call about a fire on the front lawn of a senior house on campus.  The incident took place just hours after the University’s virtual commencement celebration. Graduates, their families and friends attended the online ceremony as the regular in-person commencement was postponed due to safety...

The Urbana Free Library announced the temporary closing of its facilities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Champaign-Urbana area.  On their website, the library cites this decision as an attempt to contain the coronavirus by social distancing, as recommended by the CDC.  The closing will continue until March 30. Until then,...

As temperatures start to drop this year and the Champaign-Urbana area experience ice and snow, residents begin to discuss the possible dangers of winter weather conditions on the streets and sidewalks. Some people take to social media to talk about concerns for the safety of pedestrians during such conditions, specifically those who use wheelchairs and...

Throughout the month of October, many residents of Champaign-Urbana began to notice their Halloween decorations were disappearing from outside of their homes. Although this is something that happens every year between Halloween and Christmas, this year, the thieves were caught.  The missing objects ranged from small decorations to larger and more expensive items.  Some victims...