JSM Living Projects
Plant Mode Project
During my Business and Technical Writing 273 course, I collaborated with a team of four to develop a comprehensive marketing campaign for Plant Mode, a local business. My role was pivotal in designing an innovative social media strategy, conceptualizing engaging poster designs, and introducing a customer loyalty card system. The attached slides, crafted using Canva, showcase the creative assets and strategies I contributed to our end of semester presentation.
The Daily Illini Newsletters
The Daily Illini Articles
AI use in journalism brings ethical, employment concerns
A few years ago, a reporter from The Washington Post accomplished a journalistic feat that not many writers have done before. In 2016, within only their first year of writing for The Post, the reporter, pen name Heliograf, wrote and published 850 articles.
Heliograf was a multi-interest reporter who was interested in both sports and politics, and nearly all 850 of their articles came from just those two topics. They wrote 300 short reports and alerts about the Rio Olympics and 500 articles abou
Heliograf was a multi-interest reporter who was interested in both sports and politics, and nearly all 850 of their articles came from just those two topics. They wrote 300 short reports and alerts about the Rio Olympics and 500 articles abou
Rising shooting incidents leave C-U residents divided on cause, response
Last October, 24-year-old Urbana resident Liam Gasser was excited to make a hyper-realistic costume based on Disney’s “The Mandalorian” for a Halloween party.
“He was going to go to (JOANN Fabric and Crafts) to get foam and rubber for the costume,” said Terry Von Thaden, Gasser’s mother. “When he left, I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you later and help you finish up your costume.’”
However, Gasser would not get the opportunity to finish his costume.
While driving near the Target store on Prospect Avenu
“He was going to go to (JOANN Fabric and Crafts) to get foam and rubber for the costume,” said Terry Von Thaden, Gasser’s mother. “When he left, I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you later and help you finish up your costume.’”
However, Gasser would not get the opportunity to finish his costume.
While driving near the Target store on Prospect Avenu
What he brings with him ‘every day’: ABC News’ Steve Osunsami reflects on journey, time at UI
Steve Osunsami wrote for The Daily Illini during his time at the University, and has since then worked with ABC News and has contributed to other news outlets in his career.
The Osunsami siblings walked home from grade school and into an unlit house. The power was shut off, an experience familiar to the family.
Steve Osunsami grabbed the flashlight under his bed, remembering that he had a spare one on his desk, and flicked it on. The light illuminated his homework, and he scribbled in the answ
The Osunsami siblings walked home from grade school and into an unlit house. The power was shut off, an experience familiar to the family.
Steve Osunsami grabbed the flashlight under his bed, remembering that he had a spare one on his desk, and flicked it on. The light illuminated his homework, and he scribbled in the answ
Phi Mu’s ‘fearless’ fighter remembered at ‘Swifties’ night
Ava Shaw, junior and a sister of the sorority Phi Mu, passed away in July due to a heart condition. The Taylor Swift night held at Joe’s Brewery on Wednesday was held in her honor
On Aug. 24, a line long enough to wrap around the block eagerly waited to enter Joe’s Brewery. The bass of the music was the only thing those far from the door could make out.
But those near the door could make out more of the music. A familiar female artist’s pop-country music brought excitement as the line recogniz
On Aug. 24, a line long enough to wrap around the block eagerly waited to enter Joe’s Brewery. The bass of the music was the only thing those far from the door could make out.
But those near the door could make out more of the music. A familiar female artist’s pop-country music brought excitement as the line recogniz
A person ‘hard to come by’: Remembering Nikolai Hristov
Nikolai Hristov, senior in computer science and executive member of WPGU passed away in November. Friends and family remember Nikolai and the impact he had on their lives.
One night during this year’s Halloween weekend, a group of friends was walking the campus streets heading toward a house party when they suddenly spotted an out-of-place shopping cart.
The friends approached the cart, laughing as one of them got in it. The friend in the cart was wearing an old, too-tight Spiderman costume wi
One night during this year’s Halloween weekend, a group of friends was walking the campus streets heading toward a house party when they suddenly spotted an out-of-place shopping cart.
The friends approached the cart, laughing as one of them got in it. The friend in the cart was wearing an old, too-tight Spiderman costume wi
Teen responsible for December Illini Union Bookstore robbery is sentenced
The Illini Union Bookstore, the official bookstore of the University, houses a variety of products from clothing, memorabilia, textbooks and more. The individual responsible for the robbery by the bookstore in December is charged with 21 years in prison.
A 16-year-old Champaign resident who robbed an 18-year-old University student at gunpoint in front of the Illini Union Bookstore on Dec. 13 was charged with armed robbery and sentenced to 21 years in prison on Tuesday. However, due to a unique
A 16-year-old Champaign resident who robbed an 18-year-old University student at gunpoint in front of the Illini Union Bookstore on Dec. 13 was charged with armed robbery and sentenced to 21 years in prison on Tuesday. However, due to a unique
Urbana schools cancel classes due to threats of shooting
Urbana High School canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat on Monday.
This is an ongoing story. Check back later for more updates.
Monday morning, Urbana High School, as well as the middle school, canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat at the high school.
A mass text and email from superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum were sent out to parents and students at 7:40 a.m., telling them that UHS had “received a message regarding a possible shooting.” The mes
This is an ongoing story. Check back later for more updates.
Monday morning, Urbana High School, as well as the middle school, canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat at the high school.
A mass text and email from superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum were sent out to parents and students at 7:40 a.m., telling them that UHS had “received a message regarding a possible shooting.” The mes
Mother of Champaign shooting victim questions UI honorary degree requirements
Ever since Kristian “KP” Philpotts was little, he loved animals more than anything else. Taking care of them became his passion — a dream he desired to chase as he grew into adulthood.
“He had a passion for animals since he was seven or eight years old, and it never stopped or went away,” Marla Rice, Philpotts’ mother, said. “When the commercials would come on about the abused animals, he would get really upset and beg for me to change the channel.”
When it came time to pick a major, Philpotts
“He had a passion for animals since he was seven or eight years old, and it never stopped or went away,” Marla Rice, Philpotts’ mother, said. “When the commercials would come on about the abused animals, he would get really upset and beg for me to change the channel.”
When it came time to pick a major, Philpotts
From addiction to election: How to break the glass ceiling
Despite a rough start, Aaron Ammons became the first elected African American County Clerk in Champaign County
Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest during the summer of 2020. Ammons talks about his journey to becoming the country clerk in 2018.
28-year-old Aaron Ammons was enjoying a day off from his job at the Lincolnshire Marathon on Kirby and Mattis avenues when he got the call that all waged employees dread: His boss asked him to come into work.
A
Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons speaks during a Black Lives Matter protest during the summer of 2020. Ammons talks about his journey to becoming the country clerk in 2018.
28-year-old Aaron Ammons was enjoying a day off from his job at the Lincolnshire Marathon on Kirby and Mattis avenues when he got the call that all waged employees dread: His boss asked him to come into work.
A
The battle of the sister cities
The mayor of Urbana, Diane Marlin (left), and the mayor of Champaign, Deborah Feinen (right), wear the shirts sold in the “Champaign-Urbana” vs. “Urbana-Champaign” competition.
In Central Illinois, a decades-long battle like no other looms over the cornfields and University buildings. The competition ignites passion within those who are most concerned with its competitors. Peace can only be brought by the results.
For over 100 years, residents of both Champaign and Urbana have playfully bicker
In Central Illinois, a decades-long battle like no other looms over the cornfields and University buildings. The competition ignites passion within those who are most concerned with its competitors. Peace can only be brought by the results.
For over 100 years, residents of both Champaign and Urbana have playfully bicker
Experts answer ’What is the smell before the rain?’
Dark clouds crowd the sky with their dim overcast shadows. Lightning cracks and a roll of thunder quickly follow. But before the rain starts to pour, a distinct smell lingers in the air.
A frequently asked question is what exactly the smell before it rains is, and why it occurs. Professionals in atmospheric sciences from the University were able to answer the question.
According to Stephen Nesbitt, a professor in atmospheric sciences, the scientific name for the smell that comes before rain is
A frequently asked question is what exactly the smell before it rains is, and why it occurs. Professionals in atmospheric sciences from the University were able to answer the question.
According to Stephen Nesbitt, a professor in atmospheric sciences, the scientific name for the smell that comes before rain is
UIUC SmackDown: State Farm Center hosts WWE’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’
WWE wrestlers Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan fight against one another during WWE’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ on Saturday. The event featured an array of professional wrestlers such as ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey, Cody Rhodes, Rey and more.
Saturday night, State Farm Center hosted the World Wrestling Entertainment’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event.’ Hundreds of wrestling fans of all ages gathered inside the venue to cheer on their favorite wrestlers, enjoy the theatrics and bask in WWE’s ‘glorious’ world
Saturday night, State Farm Center hosted the World Wrestling Entertainment’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event.’ Hundreds of wrestling fans of all ages gathered inside the venue to cheer on their favorite wrestlers, enjoy the theatrics and bask in WWE’s ‘glorious’ world
HOCU | The Bishop who built a church himself
Bishop King James Underwood speaks to the congregation on Sunday. Bishop Underwood was the senior pastor of the New Will Free Baptist Church for 42 years, but retired in September.
Urbana resident Bishop King James Underwood built his life from the ground up with many tools, whether they be hammers or his faith in Christ.
Bishop Underwood was born in 1938 on a plantation called Panther Burn, which is named after the Black Panthers. The plantation was within the Mississippi Delta.
At the time,
Urbana resident Bishop King James Underwood built his life from the ground up with many tools, whether they be hammers or his faith in Christ.
Bishop Underwood was born in 1938 on a plantation called Panther Burn, which is named after the Black Panthers. The plantation was within the Mississippi Delta.
At the time,
The minister who helped desegregate Urbana school district
Reverend Evelyn Underwood spends time preparing food for the congregation and charity on Sunday. Dr. Underwood is an associate minister at the New Will Free Baptist Church.
Every Sunday is the same for Urbana resident Dr. Evelyn Burnett Underwood.
She wakes up, puts on a matching bright-colored skirt and blazer and drives with her husband to New Will Free Baptist Church in Champaign. She stands in front of the people of her church with a smile on her face and delivers a ground-breaking sermon.
Every Sunday is the same for Urbana resident Dr. Evelyn Burnett Underwood.
She wakes up, puts on a matching bright-colored skirt and blazer and drives with her husband to New Will Free Baptist Church in Champaign. She stands in front of the people of her church with a smile on her face and delivers a ground-breaking sermon.
Just BEE Açaí celebrates one-year anniversary
Current Just BEE Açaí owner Kristin Reinbold (pictured in white) with her husband, Norman Reinbold, and two employees at the store front. The store in located inside the Illini Union.
Just on the inside of the Illini Union’s Quad-side entrance sits a small restaurant that brings a coastal fruity treat to the Midwest.
For over a year now, Just BEE Açaí has served açaí bowls as well as various loaded toasts to anyone who stops by. The family-run restaurant opened its Union storefront on Jan. 6,
Just on the inside of the Illini Union’s Quad-side entrance sits a small restaurant that brings a coastal fruity treat to the Midwest.
For over a year now, Just BEE Açaí has served açaí bowls as well as various loaded toasts to anyone who stops by. The family-run restaurant opened its Union storefront on Jan. 6,
Holidays present challenges for small businesses
Every year around Black Friday, large companies like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy roll out yearly deals for the holiday season, bringing in an influx of web traffic and revenue. But where do small businesses fall into the success of the holidays?
Local business owners share and discuss what it is like to operate a small business during the holiday season. For retail businesses, the holiday season brings in a significant chunk of income. According to the National Retail Federation, an average of
Local business owners share and discuss what it is like to operate a small business during the holiday season. For retail businesses, the holiday season brings in a significant chunk of income. According to the National Retail Federation, an average of
‘The Last of Us’ review from someone who never played the game
When one thinks of “post-apocalyptic” media, images of bloody, stumbling zombies who bite chunks of flesh out of survivors tend to pop up. After all, one of the most famous pieces of post-apocalyptic media is AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” which is a show where bloody, stumbling zombies bite chunks of flesh out of survivors.
However, in 2013, game developers at Naughty Dog produced a game that offers action-adventure and sci-fi lovers a unique perspective on the “post-apocalyptic” archetype: “The La
However, in 2013, game developers at Naughty Dog produced a game that offers action-adventure and sci-fi lovers a unique perspective on the “post-apocalyptic” archetype: “The La
Where to vote on campus
Next Tuesday marks an important date when millions American citizens will head to the polls to vote in the midterm elections.
For students who live on campus, there are various polling locations to go to. Of course, you have to be a registered voter in Champaign County, and your polling location will depend on the location of your provided permanent address.
To find the location of your polling place, check out the State Board of Elections website.
Here is where all of this year’s on-campus p
For students who live on campus, there are various polling locations to go to. Of course, you have to be a registered voter in Champaign County, and your polling location will depend on the location of your provided permanent address.
To find the location of your polling place, check out the State Board of Elections website.
Here is where all of this year’s on-campus p
Neon Trees concert leaves everybody talking
Wednesday evening, Utah rock band Neon Trees illuminated State Farm Center with a colorful concert as a new addition to the University’s Homecoming Week celebrations.
Formed in 2005 by a group of childhood friends, Neon Trees steadily grew in popularity throughout the late 2000s, especially after opening for other popular bands at the time, such as The Killers, Panic! At the Disco and My Chemical Romance.
In 2010, Neon Trees debuted their first album, with the well-known song “Animal” as the l
Formed in 2005 by a group of childhood friends, Neon Trees steadily grew in popularity throughout the late 2000s, especially after opening for other popular bands at the time, such as The Killers, Panic! At the Disco and My Chemical Romance.
In 2010, Neon Trees debuted their first album, with the well-known song “Animal” as the l
How to deal with a difficult dorm roommate
For many students, going to college means encountering a lot of firsts: living alone, drinking, failing a class and more. For freshman students who are mandated to live in a dorm, this may be their first time living with another person besides their family.
However, living with a roommate in a dorm no bigger than 12 feet wide isn’t always a great experience. For some students, having a bad roommate can sour the college experience. With a bad roommate, a dorm — which is supposed to be a place of
However, living with a roommate in a dorm no bigger than 12 feet wide isn’t always a great experience. For some students, having a bad roommate can sour the college experience. With a bad roommate, a dorm — which is supposed to be a place of
Senior Year bucket list
Four years ago, I went to my first class on the first day of my first year of college. I was nervous but very excited about the opportunities that were sure to come.
But on Monday, I experienced that nervousness and excitement for the final time — it was my last first day of school. My time in college came and went so fast.
I’ve always had this fear of never living my life to the fullest, and when I look back on my time at the University, I realize that there are many things I have yet to do.
But on Monday, I experienced that nervousness and excitement for the final time — it was my last first day of school. My time in college came and went so fast.
I’ve always had this fear of never living my life to the fullest, and when I look back on my time at the University, I realize that there are many things I have yet to do.
Tips to consider before attending Quad Day
Crowds of students fill up the Main Quad as they attend Quad Day on Aug 22, 2021. It is important for students to dress appropriately according to the weather and to bring essentials such as water and sunscreen.
Last year, the day was hot and muggy.
I was making my walk from the Six Pack to the Main Quad, clad in an all-black outfit wearing half-up-half-down pigtails. I didn’t bring an umbrella or any water because I thought I would be outside for only 30 minutes, and the quad wasn’t going to
Last year, the day was hot and muggy.
I was making my walk from the Six Pack to the Main Quad, clad in an all-black outfit wearing half-up-half-down pigtails. I didn’t bring an umbrella or any water because I thought I would be outside for only 30 minutes, and the quad wasn’t going to
From ‘county fair’ to Illini celebration
A University student rides a unicycle on the Main Quad for Quad Day in the ‘70s. This Sunday’s Quad Day makes it the 51st one for the University.
This Sunday marks the 51st Quad Day celebration – a day when thousands of students gather on the Main and South Quads to explore the 800+ RSOs.
But 51 years ago, Quad Day looked much different than it does now. According to Ryan Ross, University alum and history and traditions curator of the University Alumni Association, the first Quad Day in 1971
This Sunday marks the 51st Quad Day celebration – a day when thousands of students gather on the Main and South Quads to explore the 800+ RSOs.
But 51 years ago, Quad Day looked much different than it does now. According to Ryan Ross, University alum and history and traditions curator of the University Alumni Association, the first Quad Day in 1971
Navigating the tribulations of transfer-student life
Members of the Illini Transfer Ambassadors pose for a picture during their final meeting last year. Students discuss the trials and tribulations of being a transfer.
When I moved into Scott Hall last August, I felt so out of place. Attending Welcome Week was even worse since it felt like it was aimed solely toward freshman students. Every speaker mentioned the “Class of 2025,” while I was the Class of 2023.
It seemed like nothing was meant for me, a transfer junior from a small community colle
When I moved into Scott Hall last August, I felt so out of place. Attending Welcome Week was even worse since it felt like it was aimed solely toward freshman students. Every speaker mentioned the “Class of 2025,” while I was the Class of 2023.
It seemed like nothing was meant for me, a transfer junior from a small community colle
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