The first one, sent at 6:18 a.m., urged community members to “use caution and avoid the area.” Shortly after, at 6:43 a.m., the Illini-Alert notified subscribers that police were currently on the scene and addressing the situation but warned passersby to continue avoiding the area.

Police contained the suspect, with a notification sent at 7:59 a.m. While it claimed there was “no broader threat to the community,” the alert again instructed subscribers to continue steering clear of the area.

Police sent a final alert at 8:34 a.m., claiming the emergency was over and that it was “safe to resume regular activities.”

More information on subscribing to Illini-Alerts can be found here.

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Saturday saw a rather quiet day at the encampment. At around 6:45 p.m., thunderstorms and heavy rain came across Champaign-Urbana, missing neither the UIUC Liberation Zone nor The Daily Illini setup.

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A speaker with a megaphone is currently on the scene, disapproving of the current encampment and calling demonstrators “liars” and “brainwashed.”

The man reprimanded the demonstrators for, in his view, supporting Hamas. He said that God would judge them all, and without repenting, the protestors would go to hell.

The man also said that Muslims deserve hell for not worshipping the correct god. He called demonstrators “fake Muslims” for not praying at the right time toward the northeast.

“You deserve hell, you deserve hell, you deserve hell,” the man said, pointing to people on the scene.

Protestors offered the man a donut, which he refused.

The man also called premarital and homosexual sex grounds for hell. He used the Bible as evidence for his claim, referring to the book of Romans and its discussion of sexual immorality.

“Nobody wants you guys here,” the man said. “But I do want to see you guys get saved.”

The man said a demonstrator was a “mind-controller” who was controlling people not to talk. He said the attendees were pawns in a wicked game of genocide, who were here because they were mind-controlled.

“You all are insane,” the man said. “Jesus can bring back your sanity. Liars, liars, liars, liars, liars,” he said. “What are you in solidarity for? Why are you silent?”

The man is making claims about Muhammad being a pedophile and rapist.

At 1:20 p.m., University officials approached the man. The man said, about the encampment, that demonstrators were also in violation.

At 1:22 p.m., a student talked to the man, asking for specific claims in the bible. Other demonstrators talked the student down.

Members of the encampment have been told not to engage with this man.

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University alumni started a Change petition, detailing their support to current students and attendees. The petition is titled “UIUC Alumni: Pledge to Never Give until Divestment from Israel” and currently has 207 signatures.

Alum Buthaina Hattab started the petition. In it, Hattab wrote, “Until UIUC agrees to fulfill these demands, we pledge to never give nor participate in the University as alumni.”

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There are currently 33 tents set up, an increase from 24 hours ago.

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Lincoln Hall is currently closed and locked up, and the Alma Mater and Main Quad cams are still down.

Attendees are currently praying together. Legal observers, part of the National Lawyers Guild, are also present at the scene.

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Attendees are coming in with medical equipment, signs and other encampment gear. Protesters also have plywood and other shield material with them. 

Some attendees came on a charter bus from Chicago and Illinois State University. There are currently roughly 400 protesters expected at today’s event. 

Attendees are praying throughout the Main Quad.

UIPD presence is at the scene, but because there are no current encampments set up, police have no issue with the showing.

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**This interview has been edited for clarity.**

The Daily Illini: Can you talk a little about why you’re here today?

Andrews: Their goal here is really to intimidate the people here.

I really believe that’s why they’re congregating. This is really to scare off the Jews on campus and make them feel like they’re not welcome here. I’m here alone. I don’t care. I’m Jewish, I’m proud, and I’m here to show that they’re not going to silence our voices just being here.

DI: How do you feel about all the protesting going on around campus?

Andrews: I mean, I think it’s absolutely appalling. There’s a reason that they’re doing it during the holiday of Passover. Protestors had one of their largest marches on one of the first nights of Passover, just like they did at Columbia University, where they literally bartered people into their homes and did not allow Jews to celebrate Passover in the way that they should, which is having Passover Seder.

So for us, I mean, this has happened for hundreds and thousands of years, and the Jews have always been tested. We’re really here to show that we’re stronger than ever.

DI: Do you see any sort of, you know, collaboration between groups or any hope of, you know, resolving any issues on campus to make tensions easier?

Andrews: I mean, at this point, it seems like one group is a little more extreme than the other. In my opinion, I think open dialogue is the most important thing in any conflict. I think that’s how anything gets solved. (It) is through finding a middle ground and having sort of an open discussion.

And I’ve done that with students on campus, but there’s people that are here screaming at police, screaming at students.

I’ve already been here for three minutes and been called a Jew and screamed at and called derogatory terms. And so I don’t feel like that’s going to happen at this moment, but I would love for that to happen.

DI: Do you have anything else you want to say on the topic or anything you feel is important that I didn’t mention?

Andrews: The main message is not to the opposition in this case, but really to Jews: Keep being yourself and keep being proud to be Jewish because our voices have been silenced for so long and I don’t believe that we should let that happen.

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Rate: 8.55/10

Known for her surprises and the hints she leaves leading up to them, Taylor Swift released 15 extra songs in what she called “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” two hours after the original drop date at midnight eastern time. 

The 2 a.m. installment, which Swift announced via an Instagram post, mimics her moves from her last studio album, “Midnights,” with what she called the “3am tracks.” Both the TTPD and 3am tracks drops are similar to the idea of her “From the Vault” songs — extra songs from her previously recorded albums. 

“TTPD: The Anthology” completes the original 16 songs, which felt happier and featured more synthetic sounds. Mixing her more acoustic sound and heavy lyricism, Swift plays with imagery, tempo and beat to perfectly complement the original LP. 

The previous bonus songs, including “The Bolter,” “The Black Dog,” “The Manuscript” and “The Albatross,” are all now publicly available in “TTPD: The Anthology.” 

If “Midnights” or “1989” had a baby with “folklore” or “evermore,” it’d be the completed version of “The Tortured Poets Department.” 

Songs like “Peter” and “The Manuscript” include heavy piano, much like the songs on the sister albums from 2020. “Down Bad” and “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” are so heavy on the synthetic — producer Jack Antonoff was all over them — that one can’t help but associate them with her latest Grammy Award winning-album.

“The Albatross” and “The Prophecy” contain heavy amounts of symbolism, especially the former. An albatross is a bird that spends its first six years in the air without landing but metaphorically encapsulates a burden or curse. It could be a nod to Swift’s relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn, which was six years long. 

Truly, this album is depressing. Swift continues to wrestle with her feelings about fame, her anger and, most notably, her heartbreak. 

Unfortunately, all the songs somewhat sound the same, both in the original and anthology installments. There’s a good mix of up and downbeats and acoustic and synthetic sounds; for those who are fans, it works. Those who need more variation should listen to “Red” or “Speak Now.”

Fans will never know what’s next for the megastar. She’ll probably break more records and might win a 15th Grammy Award with “TTPD: The Anthology.” 

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Fairness was clear in both love and in poetry. Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” mixes regret, warmth and a bittersweet nostalgia for what could have been in her 16-song slew of heartbreak. 

In an Instagram post on Feb. 4, Swift announced the release of the album. Swift, who is currently changing the world’s economy with her top-grossing Eras Tour, included 16 songs on the main album and four bonus tracks — the latter of which are currently publicly unreleased. 

Features on the album include Post Malone for track 1 “Fortnight” and Florence + The Machine on track 8 “Florida!!!” Swift hasn’t featured either artist on her discography prior. A music video for “Fortnight” is the only one Swift teased so far; it will be released Friday evening.

Many speculate that TTPD was written about Swift’s long-time ex-lover, Joe Alwyn. The couple was together for six years before splitting this time last year, and the title of the album supposedly mirrors a group chat Alwyn is in. 

However, the album — like the rest of Swift’s discography — does not solely focus on one person or emotion. “The Tortured Poets Department” mixes angst and love, rueing and longing in its 16-song, one-hour and five-minute runtime. 

Track one — “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)”

Notable lyrics: “And I love you/ it’s ruining my life”

As a head nod to “no body, no crime (feat. HAIM)” on Swift’s ninth album “Evermore,” “Fortnight” opens the album upbeat and slow. Post Malone is hardly heard throughout the song, having lines sporadically chosen in the chorus. The last verse is entirely him, however, and his voice blends very nicely with Swift’s. 

Track two — “The Tortured Poets Department”

Notable lyrics: “And who’s gonna hold you?/ Like me/ And who’s gonna know you?/ If not me” and, “At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger and put it on the one people put wedding rings on/ And that’s the closest I’ve come to my heart exploding”

The namesake of the album did not disappoint. The sound is almost distinct to Swift and Jack Antonoff, and the symbolism of literature to describe her feelings displays her talent as a songwriter. 

Track three — “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys”

After the first listen, there wasn’t anything particularly standing out. The rhythm of the lyrics and the sassy beat are promising that it might be a grower. 

Track four — “Down Bad”

Notable lyrics: “So f— you if I can’t have us/ ‘Cause f— it, I was in love”

One of the angstier songs on the album, this song plainly states how the singer wants “him” in a certain way. The song — specifically the chorus — nods to her tenth studio album, “Midnights,” with its poppy base. 

Track five — “So Long, London”

Notable lyrics: “Pulled him in tighter each time he was drifting away,” “I stopped CPR/ after all it’s no use,” “My white knuckle dying grip holding tight to your quiet resentment” and “Every day old love affair/ Every breath feels like rarest air/ When you’re not sure if he wants to be there”

Unfortunately very upbeat, this song does not mirror the complete grief of Swift’s lyrics. Alwyn, who has faced scrutiny for not allowing Swift to her full extent as a popstar, is based in the United Kingdom, where he and Swift spent much of their time during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though not as sad as “You’re Losing Me,” “So Long, London” definitely drives some pressure and fuel into the fire.

Track six — “But Daddy I Love Him”

Swift kind of just yaps about being pregnant but not really, just to get their — her parents’ — attention. It’s got a much deeper meaning, but that was the most notable thing on first listen. 

Track seven — “Fresh Out The Slammer”

This one had a really fun beat and lyric run. The symbolism of the “slammer” as what could have been her six-year-long relationship was very Swift-like. 

Track eight — “Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)”

Notable lyrics: “Love left me like this and I don’t want to exist/ So take me to Florida”

This was fast-paced and very fun. Florence + The Machine was completely, utterly and very much the right choice for the feature; no one could have done it better. Perfect mix of voices too. Mixing drugs and the need to escape, Swift joined forces on this feature to create one of the most memorable songs on the album. 

Track nine — “Guilty as Sin?”

Nothing too extraordinary with this one; it wouldn’t be a shocker if Swift said it was originally supposed to be released as a vault song from “1989.” 

Track 10 — “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”

Meh. The repetition of the lyric “You should be” was very unnecessary and took away from the beauty of the melody. The passion in her voice was evident, but a rather forgettable piece on the whole. 

Track 11 — “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”

This song: short, delulu.

Track 12 — “loml”

Notable lyrics: “You said I’m the love of your life/ About a million times, ” “Talkin’ rings and talkin’ cradles/ I wish I could unrecall/ How we almost had it all”

The piano ballad of this song throws wrenches into guts, and knowing (and loving) the background of Alwyn and Swift’s relationship has enough power to raise goosebumps. Easily the saddest, most horrific piece on the album, “loml” joins “champagne problems” at the top of her heartbreak songs.  

Track 13 — “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

Notable lyrics: “Lights, camera, b—-, smile/ Even when you wanna die/ He said he’d love me all his life”

She really can do it with a broken heart. Forty-four songs and three-and-a-half hours of straight discography all in Louboutin stilettos while mourning a half-decade relationship is superhuman. The song starts sad, and switches to some upbeat, happy and disgusting part that masterfully represents her fake happiness. The tempo changes and the slight key changes all come together for the most representative and reaffirming song of who Swift is.  

Track 14 — “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”

Speculated to be aimed at Matty Healey, the song was incredibly forward toward whoever it was written about.

Track 15 — “The Alchemy”

Beautiful melody. Fate is fate is alchemy is fate. Who are we to fight it?

Track 16 — “Clara Bow”

An “it girl” from the 1920s, this song pays homage to Clara Bow. It’s ironic and comes entirely full circle when Swift ends the song by introducing herself. Because she’s made it. 

Bonus track — “The Manuscript”

No review is available at this time. 

Bonus track — “The Bolter” 

No review is available at this time. 

Bonus track — “The Albatross”

No review is available at this time. 

Bonus track — “The Black Dog”

No review is available at this time. 

This album cemented Taylor Swift’s place at the top of the charts: her ability to use imagery and create memorable pieces of music will likely win her another Grammy Award, adding to the 14 currently in her collection.

Though “The Tortured Poets Department” included unmemorable songs, it came together very cohesively as a very lyrically depressing yet melodically encouraging album. 

“All’s fair in love and poetry…” Swift teased in the Instagram announcement post. Mastermind as she is, her lyrics all align.

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Nothing embodies a local coffee shop like Caffe Paradiso. The customers, staff and ambiance of the entire establishment are at the heart of the Champaign-Urbana area like nothing else.

Caffe Paradiso’s bustling environment makes it a great place to catch up with friends — or, if you need noise to focus, to grind out an essay or two. With seating both indoors and out, there’s a table for your party, no matter its size. 

Inside, visitors will find eccentric and lively local art scattered in the building, which adds to the cafe’s personality and charm. The colorful and quirky barista’s choice stand cultivates a community between the regulars and the staff. Additional to the pretty wallpaper in the bathroom is a chalk wall where customers can add their names or leave a message — how darling!

The quality of both its coffee and food is spectacular. Even if you don’t drink coffee, its matcha and other teas are so tasty. Most everything is locally sourced, if not made in-store — just an additional charm.

For so many activities, whether those be online shopping, writing an article for The Daily Illini or buying concert tickets — I even changed my major! — there’s no better place to do it than Caffe Paradiso. Grab a friend, grab a table and treat yourself to one of the many drinks that makes this coffee shop the best in C-U.

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A Tudor Revival-style house — or the home of the brothers of Alpha Delta Phi — is the perfect fraternity to take your mom to. It’s filled with laughter and fun and will surely remind your mom what it was like in college. The chapter house is located a perfect walking distance from Green Street and local bars, so it’s a perfect place to visit after a meal or on your way to brunch at Joe’s Brewery.

The University ADPhi chapter started in 1911 and boasts hundreds of alumni nationwide. Alumni support current brothers through donations and scholarships, which include ones for academic, educational and literary initiatives. Their goal is to improve awareness in both learning and teaching.

If your mom values intelligence and dignity, ADPhi does too. If she likes lilies of the valley and the colors white and emerald green, ADPhi does too. If she looks up and loves the stars and crescents at night, that’s crazy, because ADPhi does too. It isn’t just perfect luck that these all align — ADPhi truly is the best frat to take your mom to.

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Reminiscent of a romantic candlelit dinner somewhere in the heart of Switzerland, there’s no better place to take your date than The Bread Company. Pizza, pasta, salads or sandwiches, breakfast, lunch or dinner — the homely restaurant has it all.

The menu, which includes full entrees and small plates, showcases options that supplement a potentially awkward first date or a fully comfortable 50th. You have menu options that range from scarfing down an entire pear pizza or delicately chewing a small plate of bruschetta. Suitable for meat lovers and customers who eat plant-based, there’s a yummy dish for everyone.

You can’t end a date without a sweet treat, and The Bread Company’s got your fix: seven flavors of creamy gelato ready at your fingertips. And for those of age, there is a variety of different wines and sangrias that could elevate your date to the next level. 

But what makes it the perfect date spot is its ambiance. The Bread Company is dimly lit with perfect spacing between chairs — you’ll never feel too close or too far from your date. The wooden chairs and tables sit you right at home, and while the music varies during the different times of day, it always perfectly complements the environment.

Whether there’s a symphony performing at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts or it’s a casual pick-me-up lunch between classes, The Bread Company is the perfect rendezvous locale for you and your special someone. 

mnarag@dailyillini.com

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Stephen Thuney, Champaign county coroner, released an official cause of death on Tuesday.  The press release noted that the coroner officially ruled the death accidental.

“An autopsy was performed on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, that confirmed the death of Mr. Dhawan was due to hypothermia. Acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, significantly contributed to his death,” the press release stated.

Community members held a vigil in Dhawan’s honor on Feb. 11, where Dhawan’s parents were also present.

In a letter published in the News-Gazette, Dhawan’s parents shared that they are devastated by the news.

“We have a big massive hole left in our family; we will never be the same,” they wrote in the letter.

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HERE Champaign residents experienced flooding, primarily on the 10th floor of the apartment complex, on Monday evening. Residents also experienced a power outage earlier in the day, but the issue was reportedly resolved within three hours.

According to the METCAD scanner, the 10th-floor sprinkler system supervisory alarm was activated slightly past 11 p.m.

“We found the problem is an (issue) in the detector system in the elevator lobby,” said an operator at 11:13 p.m. “We are trying to isolate it.”

There is currently no known cause of the flooding, although the METCAD scan at 11:26 p.m. reported a probable hot-water pipe issue.

Earlier on Monday, HERE Champaign occupants experienced a power outage, with generators keeping their essentials running, read an email statement from HERE Champaign management. The statement also mentioned that water and internet would be “spotty or non-existent until this is resolved.”

An update roughly two and a half hours later read, “Power has been restored throughout the building!” It also included updates on water discoloration and pressure, encouraging residents to email with any concerns.

This is a developing story. Updates will be posted here. 

UPDATE: 12:45 a.m.

Management sent an email to residents at 12:38 a.m., stating that they appreciate residents’ patience while they do their best to get the emergency water situation resolved.

There is a team dispatched for water extraction, and other emergency officers are en route to the complex as well, the statement read.

According to the email, the leak is isolated to the 10th floor, but all elevators are currently affected.

The statement also warned residents with standing water in their units to remove as many personal belongings from the floor to a higher area and encouraged them to reach out with any questions or concerns.

UPDATE: 2:34 p.m.

Management sent two more emails to residents at 12:10 and 2:32 p.m. on Tuesday. The first one apologized for recent inconveniences due to the power outage on Monday. The statement also let residents know that there was only one currently working elevator. It re-advised residents to check water discoloration and pressure.

The second email updated occupants that all three elevators were in order, but warned that professional drying equipment was in use in elevator lobbies on floors five through 10. It asked residents to not touch the equipment and again advised them to look at their running water status.

Both emails encouraged residents to contact management with any questions, comments or concerns.

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A University student, whose name is currently unreleased to the public, was found dead Saturday morning behind a University building. The 18-year-old was missing for about an hour before his roommate made a report to the police.

According to a press release, the student’s roommate called the police at 1:23 a.m. on Saturday morning. University police then searched multiple locations, including local hospitals, the student’s residence hall and where he was last seen, as well as paths in between. Police also called the student’s phone but found nothing in their search.

UIPD dispatched again at 11:08 a.m. on Saturday when a University employee found the man on the back porch of a building. Emergency medical services also arrived at the scene, but the report stated that the student was found dead upon arrival, the press release said. 

UIPD notified the student’s family about the incident, which, according to the current investigation, appears to be an accident. 

“Preliminary information suggests that there was no foul play involved, and the death is initially believed to be accidental,” the press release noted. “The investigation is ongoing, and the status may change as new information is collected.”

The report ended, encouraging anyone with information to contact UIPD at 217-333-1216. Anonymous options include contacting Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS. 

UPDATE: Jan. 22 at 3:28 p.m.

The police identified the body as Akul Dhawan, freshman in Engineering. The autopsy report is scheduled for Monday, and updates will be posted here.

UPDATE: Jan. 22 at 4:19 p.m.

The autopsy report has been postponed to Tuesday afternoon because of inclement weather, per the Champaign County Coroner.

UPDATE: Jan. 23 at 8:06 p.m.

Preliminary findings of the autopsy showed no display of significant trauma but did report evidence of hypothermic skin changes, according to a statement from Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney.

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Road Rage. Don’t Engage. titles a new campaign that Illinois State Police are launching. The campaign hopes to provide both an educational and public awareness platform of incidents surrounding road rage in the state of Illinois. 

The Illinois government defines road rage as “driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner that could endanger the safety or property of another driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.”

A press release distributed on Thursday noted that 80% of drivers exhibit aggressive behavior while driving. 

According to ISP, some tips to deal with road rage include:

• If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move to your right and allow them to pass.
• When merging, make sure you have plenty of room and use your turn signal. 
• If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room to merge into your lane. 
• If a speeding driver is tailgating you, safely change lanes when able. 
• Making gestures might anger the other driver; create distance and avoid confrontation. 
• If another driver is acting angry, don’t make eye contact. 

To promote the campaign, police and other strategic jobholders will boost efforts on social media, including a social media toolkit, and spread billboard and radio advertisements. The press release also notes that “ISP Safety Education Officers across the state will continue to educate the public on the dangers of road rage and how to deal with the dangerous behavior.”

“If you are the victim of road rage or believe a driver is following or harassing you, call 911 and/or go to the nearest police department to report it,” the press release noted. “Don’t lose your temper or your life. Road Rage. Don’t Engage.”

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In an updated press release on Monday, the Illinois Supreme Court announced it was updating bill M.R. 25307 to increase access to the court system for people with disabilities. 

“The Illinois Supreme Court is committed to access to justice for all users of the court system,” said Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis in the release. “We appreciate the efforts of our Access to Justice Commission, members of the disability community and members of the legal aid community who worked on these improvements.”

The update came with a corrected link to the Policy on Access for People with Disabilities, the statement said. 

Bill updates include “(requiring) all Illinois courts to include updated Court Disability Coordinator (CDC) contact information on notice of accommodation signs and request forms, which will ensure anyone in any court will know who to reach out for disability access questions and concerns.”

The courts hope this will make for smoother, more consistent experiences for users with disabilities. 

Furthermore, the updated policy articulates the “requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the corresponding Federal Regulations, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and case law clarifying the responsibilities of the courts and the rights of people with disabilities who access court activities.” 

The Illinois Supreme Court also updated the definition of “disability,” and the press release noted it also changed various parts of language usage in the bill.

“The amended Policy proposed by the Disability Access Committee works to eliminate barriers and foster an accessible court system that promotes access to justice for court users with disabilities across Illinois,” said Judge Jorge Ortiz, chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.

This policy is effective starting Jan. 1, 2024, with all courts reporting compliance no later than Aug. 1, 2024. 

“Ensuring disability access within our courts is not just a legal obligation, but a commitment to access to justice,” Ortiz said. 

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