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Articles by Anthony Addante
ISU community protests against sexual violence
Students and faculty marched Thursday for Take Back The Night, an international demonstration that protests sexual violence. The event started with a presentation from Students Ending Rape Culture. SERC explained that the event started in the 1970s to protest violence against women but later expanded to encompass all victims of sexual assault. At Illinois State University, the march has been held annually for more than 30 years.
‘No Kings’ rally to encourage residents to vote
“No Kings” declared a nationwide day of action on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Bloomington-Normal 50501 is hosting “No Kings: Vote Early,” with the goal of getting people involved with the voting process. “As the midterms are coming up … we really just want to make sure that people get out there and vote, know their rights when voting and feel comfortable going out there,”
50501 spokesperson Lily Linden said.
Sichuan Chinese: close to campus, competent in flavors
Sichuan Chinese has the honor of being one of the only Chinese restaurants within walking distance of Illinois State University's campus, but is it worth the trip? In short, yes, but don’t expect it to blow you away either. For my appetizers, I got an egg roll and pan-fried dumplings. The egg roll was savory, crispy and well-filled. The sweet and sour sauce served with it was a standout of the meal. Taste-wise, the dumplings were of similar quality.
Academic Senate: 10% tax on RSO’s through ISU
The Academic Senate met for the first time this October and primarily discussed budgetary matters, including how to address an unexpected shortfall in revenue as a result of lower than predicted enrollment. “As I mentioned before, the FY27 enrollment forecast was 22,113 students. Our actual fall enrollment came in at 21,577 students so we had 536 fewer students than what we had anticipated for this fall.
Get to know RSO presidents: Anthony Tamayo
When junior Spanish education major Anthony Tamayo first arrived on campus, he felt isolated. That all changed when he joined the Association of Latinx American Students. “There wasn't a whole lot of, like, Latinos on campus. … It could feel a little isolating at times,” Tamayo said. “And then, I would see these posts on Instagram and on Redbird Life about like this group called ALAS.” “Everyone was just super nice.
Academic Senate searches for solutions as enrollment decline produces revenue gap
The Academic Senate met for the first time this month and primarily discussed budgetary matters. Specifically, how to address an unexpected revenue shortfall resulting from lower-than-expected enrollment. “As I mentioned before, the FY27 enrollment forecast was 22,113 students. Our actual fall enrollment came in at 21,577 students … so we had 536 fewer students than what we had anticipated for this fall.
SIUE administrator reports student journalist to police over email expressing free speech concerns
Dylan Hembrough, the editor-in-chief of The Alestle, was working with his lab partner when he received an email from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department. The message notified him that someone in the university’s marketing department had filed a police report, alleging they had been harassed by Hembrough. A frightened Hembrough immediately left the lab, trying to regain his composure.
The Student Government Association finished up September by hearing a presentation from the Student Leadership Advisory Board and the Education Student Leadership Advisory Board. The two organizations seek to connect student voices to their respective deans in the College of Business and College of Education. They accomplish this through collaboration between student leaders, such as the presidents of registered student organizations.
SGA closes out month with presentations from RSOs
The Student Government Association wrapped up September by hearing presentations from both the Student Leadership Advisory Board and the Education Student Leadership Advisory Board. The two organizations seek to connect student voices directly with their respective deans in the College of Business and College of Education.
Student Government Association Series 1.1
The Student Government Association passed their first bill of the semester and appointed three new members at their latest meeting. The bill allocates $1,000 to the School Street Food Pantry for the purchase of reusable bags. Secretary of College Affordability Tyler Martin spoke on the value of the bill for SGA. “It really helps the student welfare on campus. I think it forwards our mission by promoting student welfare.
Addante: Weekends bum me out
It’s a funny thing to be sad on the weekends. One would think that after a week of studying, writing, reading and commercial fishing for good measure, they would be able to enjoy a pleasant rest. Sleeping in and sleeping long, with perhaps a hot coffee to warm those work-weary hands. However, I have found through many lonely Saturdays and Sundays that this is not necessarily the case. The end of the week is supposed to be the best part, but I feel guilty for not feeling as happy as I should.
SGA passes first bill of semester, appoints new members
The Student Government Association passed its first bill of the semester, allocating $1,000 to the School Street Food Pantry to purchase reusable bags. SGA also appointed three new members. The reusable bag bill has become perennial legislation for SGA and passed unanimously. The first appointment of the day was junior marketing major Allison Schwer for Watterson on-campus senator. Schwer is a resident assistant at Watterson and the president of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a service sorority.
SGA discusses budget for new school year
The Student Government Association met for its first September meeting, passing its budget for the 2026-27 school year and appointing three new members. The budget is similar to last year’s, with two major changes. SGA has been allocated money to improve their office, and they will also no longer meet in the Old Main Room at the Bone Student Center, saving $9,000 per year. “But if you'll notice, our budget for this year is actually increased by $10,000.
A fresh new take or a stand with simplicity: The battle of Theo’s Microcreamery vs. Carl’s Ice Cream Factory
Theo’s Microcreamery and Carl’s Ice Cream Factory were both easily accessible during the Sweet Corn Circus Festival, so I decided to try them back-to-back to see which is worth some late-summer love. Immediately, the names of these respective establishments reveal very different philosophies ice cream-wise. Carl’s conjures images of typical Americana, and it certainly leans into that aesthetic, perhaps best exemplified by its pseudo-mascot, the aptly named Carl.
The Student Government Association returns for a new year
The Student Government Association held its first meeting of the year this past Wednesday, appointing new ex officio members to the Interfraternity Council and Black Student Union. The first appointment of the evening was senior nursing major Benedict Erhabor as the IFC ex officio. Erhabor is the current president of IFC and is a member of the Student Nursing Association and the Student Leader Council. “I think I’ve shown a pretty big commitment to student leadership during my time at ISU.
Town of Normal master plan invites community feedback
The Normal Parks and Recreation Department launched a strategic master plan to invite community feedback. As the Town of Normal begins shaping the future of its parks and recreation system, officials are turning to residents for input through a master planning process to guide the next decade of development. Parks and Recreation Director Doug Damery said the initiative came to fruition at the end of the previous plan’s lifespan.
Normal Town Council approves ethics code in unanimous vote
The Normal Town Council unanimously passed an ethics code proposed by the Ethics Committee of Bloomington-Normal. The ordinance does not have any disciplinary measures but does set certain expectations for council members. Former McLean County Board member Barbara Stuart was a key figure in forming the committee and advocating for the ordinance.
Food Review: Schroeder's Vending Machine
Like most buildings in our technologically advanced age, Schroeder Hall has vending machines with bountiful options for foods and drinks, including Ruffles, Cheez-Its, Lay’s, Pepsi, Gatorade and coffee from Wolfgang Puck. Yes, Illinois State University really has a Wolfgang Puck coffee vending machine. Puck himself is pictured on the machine, looking at a cup of coffee with disbelief. It is as if within that mug he can see the future, and it frightens him. It probably should.
SGA debates lowering GPA requirement for executive board
The Student Government Association debated an amendment that would lower the GPA requirement from 2.75 to 2.5 for executive board positions. Off-Campus Senator Nevin Shourek and Student Body Vice President Edgar Chavez worked to research GPA requirements at Illinois State University’s peer universities.
Addante: Student Press Freedom Day highlights the importance of student journalists
Almost one year ago, Rümeysa Öztürk was detained by plainclothes U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents after co-writing an opinion piece demanding that Tufts University divest from companies associated with Israel. As student journalists navigate an ever-changing landscape politically, socially and technologically, they face challenges that demand flexibility and toughness. This year’s Student Press Freedom Day theme, “Resilience in Action,” reflects these ongoing challenges.
Academic Senate pushes for policy changes, updates Impact Awards
The Academic Senate finished its discussion of the 9.2 policy at its most recent meeting. The policy covers the proper use of information technology systems and has not been overhauled since 2011. The Academic Senate considered nearly every aspect of the policy at the last meeting, and as a result, the discussion at the recent meeting was brief. “That’s an opportunity for me to say thank you for all of your great comments two weeks ago.
SGA hosts candidate forums for upcoming election, announces events
The Student Government Association is hosting candidate forums for students to meet and hear from their potential student representatives. The first forum took place at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23, and the second forum will take place at 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 26 in Felmley Hall, Room 133. The first forum involved the executive ticket from SGA and the Association of Residence Halls, as well as student trustees. The second forum will allow potential senators to speak to their constituents.
Academic Senate discusses IT policy at recent meeting
The 9.2 policy was the primary subject of discussion at the most recent Academic Senate meeting. The policy covers appropriate information technology usage, and because it has not been updated since 2011, a refresher was deemed necessary. ISU Academic Senator Aaron Paolucci, a member of the Planning and Finance Committee and associate professor of creative technologies, explained the reasoning behind the changes.
Food Review: Heaterz
It was a bleak, cold and altogether miserable evening the first time that I went to Heaterz. I had just driven back from a track meet, and it was past 11 p.m. I had a few choices for dinner. I did not feel like walking, so it was a decent enough option as it was right by my dorm. When I walked in, I immediately noticed the air was thick with the smell of marijuana. I was not surprised or disappointed, considering it was late at night in a college town.
Student Government Association appoints new student body vice president
Student Body President Alondra Zagal appointed On-Campus Senator Edgar Chavez to be the new student body vice president. The appointment came after Zagal succeeded Noah Montoya as student body president, leaving the position of student body vice president vacant. Chavez prioritized his commitment to transparency during his speech before the debate. “Many of [the people] here have provided feedback for me, and I have never turned them away.
RSO to know: Sports Analytics Club
“Moneyball” popularized the utilization of sabermetrics, which is the statistical analysis of baseball, as a way to build a competitive team at a low cost. Over 20 years later, analytics has become an important aspect of almost every sport. Inspired by their own experiences working for a variety of baseball teams, a group led by junior computer science major Max Quirk decided to create a club dedicated to sports analytics.
Alondra Zagal succeeds former Student Body President Noah Montoya
Student Body President Noah Montoya failed to meet the grade point average requirement of 2.75 to maintain his position within the Student Government Association. Montoya attempted to be reinstated at the first SGA meeting of the semester. His attempt at reinstatement failed. Student Body Vice President Alondra Zagal succeeded him as president. The final vote was 12 nos, seven yeses and three abstentions, which did not meet the required two-thirds majority for the vote to succeed.
SGA reinstates graduate senator, introduces apparel bill at recent meeting
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association’s recent meeting revolved around reinstatement attempts for Graduate Senator Jazmine Benson and Tri-Towers Senator Hassan Hillard. The vote required two-thirds of the assembly to vote yes. Benson was successfully reinstated, while Hillard was not. Benson explained how she was working to improve after accumulating three unexcused absences, which led to her removal.
ISU students relish EMDH's Pickle Palooza
Event Management, Dining and Hospitality held Pickle Palooza last week in the Bone Student Center. The event featured a variety of pickle-related activities and foods, such as pickleball and fried pickles. Over 250 students attended the event, including Brook Horton, a freshman human development and family science major. “I decided to come because my roommate made me come, and honestly, I’m so thankful that I came,” Horton said. “My favorite highlight so far has been the tater [tots].
Addante: The ballad of Gregory Bovino
If you have ever stumbled over your words talking to a love interest, unironically worn an “Imagine Dragons” t-shirt or are haunted by some humiliating chapter in your life, take solace in knowing that you will never embarrass yourself as badly as Gregory Bovino. He is the man in charge of President Donald Trump’s “Midway Blitz” in Chicago, but the first taste of winter seemingly has him reeling, as he reportedly plans to leave soon.
Food Review Series: Tony's Tacos
Tony’s Tacos shows that one can get authentic Mexican cuisine even in what many would call “flyover country.” Located on 304 N. Main St., it is within walking distance for many students at Illinois State University and an easy drive for those off campus. They have a simple takeout process for those who wish to eat at home. Tony’s Tacos offers quality food at a fair price. The dining area is welcoming with a winking taco on display and a toppings bar.
Art gallery showcases the creative talent of students in the community
Over a three-week period, students from Thomas Metcalf School explored the theme of identity through a variety of artistic styles ranging from sculptures to digital art. Illinois State University recently showcased the artworks that the students created, and it was a wonderful testament to the tremendous art that young individuals can produce. One highlight was a collaborative recreation of “The Weeping Woman” by Pablo Picasso.
SGA fills two positions, passes amendment at last meeting of October
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association held its last meeting of October, and in spirit with Halloween, many members were in costume. The meeting saw the appointment of a new secretary of information technology (IT) and interfraternity council (IFC) ex officio. SGA passed an amendment that exempts those performing military service from attendance and approved $600 to go towards a Rader Family Farms outing.
Town of Normal meet-and-greet educates students about town council, Normal departments
The Town of Normal held a meet-and-greet, an event where students had the opportunity to connect with individuals on the town council and various department heads. Parks and Recreation Director Doug Damery discussed the importance of networking with students.
Get to know SGA: Speaker of the Assembly Emma Susami
Speaker of the Assembly Emma Susami, a veteran of the Student Government Association (SGA), is taking on unfamiliar challenges and responsibilities in her new position. Being the voice of SGA is unlike any leadership role she has taken on before, but she is determined to facilitate her fellow members’ goals and let the student body know that SGA cares about their issues.
'Hamilton' star Javier Muñoz to speak at upcoming cultural dinner
University Housing Services is hosting a cultural dinner from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 27 featuring actor and activist Javier Muñoz. The event will take place in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center. Muñoz is most notable for starring as Alexander Hamilton in “Hamilton” from 2016-2018. He is also an activist for LGBTQIA+ rights. Illinois State University has been hosting cultural dinners since the early 1980s.
SGA appoints secretary of elections, passes first two bills of the semester
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its first meeting of October and appointed Matt Saner to the position of secretary of elections. Saner is a sophomore majoring in cybersecurity and the vice president of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). “I run the TPUSA chapter at ISU, which is a nonpartisan organization that promotes American values … through my organization, I was able to impact a lot of people’s voting habits,” Saner said.
RSO to Know: SWAT's dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles
The GSpot, run by the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT), is a familiar sight for students on campus. The pop-up wellness gazebo provides resources for sexual health every Wednesday and is a core part of SWAT’s mission to advocate healthy lifestyles on campus. “As a whole, we really try to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness across campus … one of the main things that we’re known for is GSpot,” senior political science and psychology major and SWAT President Michael Young said.
Students enjoy an outdoor movie screening and apple cider
Illinois State University served hot apple cider and screened “Inside Out 2” Sept. 22, allowing students to relax as the semester reaches its midpoint. The first 100 attendees received a free blanket. The event also featured soft drinks and popcorn with a variety of flavored salts. “I was kind of looking for something to do. I found it on Redbird Life … I figured it was movie night. [I] always like doing those,” sophomore engineering and technology major Brayden McElmury said.
SGA proposes first bill of the semester, discusses student safety
The first bill of the year was proposed at Illinois State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting this past Wednesday. The bill will likely be voted on at the next meeting. If approved, it would provide funding for the School Street Food Pantry to buy canvas bags. Watterson Senator Lennon Stoner introduced it.
Town of Normal holds community survey, residents desire higher quality of life
The Town of Normal held a community satisfaction survey. The main takeaways from the survey were desires for higher quality of life and maintaining roads, as well as a dissatisfaction with the lack of affordable housing. 70% of residents rated quality of life as good or excellent, which is higher than the national average of 67%. Town of Normal City Manager Pamela Reece shared how she viewed the survey results. “We appreciate hearing from residents that Normal is a great place to live.
SGA passes budget, appoints new BSU ex-officio
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its second meeting of the year this past Wednesday. They passed their annual budget and appointed a new ex-officio for Black Student Union (BSU). Student Body President Noah Montoya also gave an update on feedback gathered through meetings with the leadership of various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). The annual budget was passed unanimously and is similar to last year’s budget.
Addante: 'The new concept is a betrayal of Reggie'
Illinois State University, in a time of immense economic pressure on higher education, decided to spend money on a Reggie redesign that looks like a fourth grader’s half-remembered depiction of the old mascot. The change was wholly unnecessary. Nobody was complaining about the old look, and the ISU community was not consulted about the potential restyle. Unsurprisingly, the reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.
Festival ISU engages students, welcomes new RSOs
Festival ISU, held last Tuesday and Wednesday on the Quad, gave students the opportunity to explore different ways to get involved. The Illinois State University Solar Car Team was one of over 250 organizations that participated in the event. The team is currently in the process of designing Mercury Eight, which they hope to build and race in two years. Solar Car Team President Mac Brody discussed the importance of gaining new members for the team.
SGA discusses budget, involvement at first meeting of the fall semester
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its first meeting of the fall semester this past Wednesday. The meeting focused primarily on SGA’s budget for the upcoming year, which will be voted on at the next meeting. “Last year, we were way under budget, so we had a massive surplus of funds, which is not a bad thing. It just means we, as an association, need to be prudent and spend more money,” Student Body Chief of Staff Sam Majka said.
Addante: (Slightly) disturbed minds at Normal Humor improved on 'ISNL' performance
Drugs, barbarity and murder. While this may sound like the recipe for a gruesome, self-indulgent horror flick, it is a valid, perhaps simplistic description of “Illinois State Night Live.” Those (slightly) disturbed minds from Normal Humor put on quite the show for the spring, and in some respects, it improved on last semester’s performance. Normal Humor made a clear improvement with its prerecorded sketches. They went a lot smoother and none of the sketches were cut off halfway through.
SGA holds final meeting of semester, welcomes new association
Illinois State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its last meeting of the semester on Wednesday. It was the first meeting of the new association. New leadership positions were elected internally within the legislative branch. They also appointed three secretaries, four senators and confirmed five ex officio. Off-Campus Senator, Emma Susami, ran for speaker of the assembly, a position which was formerly known as president of the assembly.
Addante: The forthwith demand for honey mustard in the dining halls
Freshman James Clarke, an entirely fictional, yet strikingly attractive ISU student, shuffles to the Watterson Dining Center as frigid wind whips through the air. He carefully steps down the terrifyingly steep stairs leading to the entrance and is welcomed by a rush of warm air that repairs his freezing face. He gets a chicken sandwich and some fries, but something is deeply wrong—all the sauce choices are either bland, disgusting or a combination of the two. What is James to do?
SGA holds final general assembly meeting of semester, reviews new policies
Illinois State University's Student Government Association (SGA) held its last general assembly meeting of the semester this past Wednesday in the State Farm Hall of Business. The meeting proved to be a busy night for SGA as six legislative items passed the assembly. The passage of the 13th Amendment removed outdated committees and established three internal committees: civic engagement, internal affairs and external affairs. It also established vice-chairperson roles and allows for subcommittees.
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