Raphael Ranola is a journalist for The Daily Illini, focusing on local news and issues in Champaign, Illinois. His articles cover a range of topics, including technology, economics, culture, and student life. Raphael aims to provide insightful perspectives and spark meaningful discussions within the community.
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Raphael Ranola's articles focus on culture, society, and entertainment news with a local perspective. His emphasis on expert commentary and data citation indicates interest in well-informed opinions supported by factual evidence.
Pitches to Raphael could include local experts or individuals who can offer unique insights into cultural trends, societal issues, or the impact of entertainment on the community within Illinois and Champaign. Additionally, sources with relevant data to support their perspectives could be appealing for his coverage.
Given his geographic focus on Illinois and Champaign, pitches should tie into these locations when applicable. Providing access to local personalities or events that relate to his themes covered may increase the likelihood of successful outreach efforts.
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By: Raphael Ranola
This column is split into multiple parts for brevity. This section will focus on a lack of clear undergraduate research opportunities for economics students.
Since I’ve gotten to the University of Illinois, I’ve answered a plethora of icebreakers: What’s my major? Where do I live? What’s my favorite food? But one of the questions that often stumps me is simple: Where are you from? Over the summer, I moved from Naperville, Illinois to Manhattan — a drastic yet exciting...
By: Harrison Cao, Melissa McMasters, Wikimedia
Cloudless sulphur rests on a sapling as the sun shines on Mar. 7, 2016.
I’m not a sports guy. I’m actually the editor of opinions, so this is the journalistic equivalent of a crossover episode. That gives me a unique position to represent the layman — the casual enjoyer of sports — amid a sea of many, many people who are more qualified than me to be talking about sports.
By: Grayson Hodson
Formal group photograph of the Supreme Court on June 30, 2022.
By: Raphael Ranola, Angel Saldivar
Sophomore Business major Ariana Mizan addresses the Student Trustee Forum on Feb. 20.
The title of this “Perspectives” column is an homage to Roger Ebert, late editor-in-chief of The Daily Illini and renowned columnist, whose final column for The DI was titled “And in the end: Ars Gratia … Reflections.” Ebert’s writing voice is referred to as “ Midwestern,” and in all of my writing I hope to convey the same kind of kindly, conversational tone — a privilege afforded to me as a columnist and not a reporter.
I nonetheless applied to the Environmental Leadership Program offered by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. I’ll admit that I applied for purely pragmatic reasons, curious about corporate sustainability and networking opportunities.
During this period of polarization in American politics, bipartisanship seldom occurs in the legislature. Still, if there is one thing that brings our government together, it is their distrusting disposition toward China. With a potential TikTok ban on the horizon spurred by fears of China’s connection to the company, the effects will likely be negative for the average citizen and lucrative for one lucky social media giant.
By: Amartya Nalluri
I’ve never been one to partake in political debates. I just can’t be bothered to care about our future president, my local senator or the livelihood and freedoms of millions of citizens in one of the largest democracies in the world. It’s just not for me!
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