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Articles by Michael Bales
Illinois legalizes medical aid in dying
This September, the End-of-life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB 1950), also named Deb’s law, will go into effect, legalizing Medical Aid in Dying in Illinois. Signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in December, the law seeks to add an option to end-of-life care supporters describe as compassionate. MAID is a practice where decisional individuals with a terminal illness can choose to take a lethal prescription prescribed by a participating doctor.
Competition, camaraderie thrive in Bollywood Fusion scene
With stiff competition, cash prizes and teams across the country, Bollywood Fusion dance has become nothing short of a national sport, emerging as a mainstay on campus since the first Bollywood America competition in 2010. Brimming with collegiate talent, students at the University have made their mark on the scene. Bollywood Fusion takes competitive shape at the University through UIUC Fizaa, which utilizes hip hop, bhangra, bharatanatyam and kuthu dance.
UI Arabic debate team graces New York stage at nationals
The University Arabic Debate Team argued its way to fourth place among non-native speaking teams at the fifth U.S. Universities Arabic Debating Championship at New York University the weekend of Sept. 28. The three-day event capitalized on months of preparation for the four-person team while giving them lasting memories on and off the debate stage. “We put a lot of time into this practicing,” said Majd Alahmed, senior in Engineering.
Navigating Online Education: Key Considerations For Aspiring Teachers
Online education offers a flexible path for aspiring teachers, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your teaching career. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you navigate online education. The shift to online education has opened up numerous opportunities for aspiring teachers. However, as with any major decision, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully.
Federal complaint to OCR says UI offers 42 ‘discriminatory’ scholarships
A federal complaint submitted by the Equal Protection Project to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights on Monday alleged that the University violated federal law by offering scholarships that discriminate based on sex, national origin and/or race. William Jacobson, Cornell Law School professor and founder of Legal Insurrection Foundation, said the University has the highest number of “discriminatory” scholarships he’s seen.
Opinion | ‘It Ends with Us’ promotion ends with Blake Lively
**Trigger warning: This column discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Spoilers for the book and movie are also ahead.** The highly anticipated romance and drama film “It Ends with Us,” based on the worldwide sensational book by Colleen Hoover, arrived on the big screen on August 9. Alongside its arrival came the scrutiny of the film’s leads, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Are Game Items & Skins The New Casino Currency?
The landscape of gaming has vastly changed in recent years and a new concept, known as the virtual goods economy, is gaining traction. It involves trading and gambling on in-game items such as skins, avatars and weapons. These digital goods, which are highly valued by players for either their aesthetic significance or in-game benefits, are now making their way to online casinos, being used as alternative gambling tokens.
Illinois men's basketball schedules four matchups with top 25 teams
The 2024-25 Illinois men’s basketball non-conference schedule was released on social media earlier today, and Brad Underwood has lined up a very strong string of matchups for the new-look Illini in addition to their usual slate of games against low-major schools. The team will kick off the year at home on November 4 against Eastern Illinois, a team Illinois blew out 80-52 in last season’s opener.
Opinion | It’s not too late to start something new
As I prepare to start my junior year at the University, I’ve been hit with the reality that half of my time at college is over. While so much of it has felt lived in and well spent, I can’t help but regret the handful of moments where I sat idly and watched it pass me by. It can be intimidating to try new things on campus, especially if you feel as though you’re a few years late. However, it’s a risk that much outweighs the experiences you might otherwise lose.
University I-Team will support First Amendment rights on campus
The Office of the Dean of Students at the University has announced the development of a new support program, titled the I-Team, that will be tasked with supporting First Amendment rights at on-campus events. In a press release, the University announced that the new I-team will consist of 25 full-time interested faculty members to participate in the program during the coming year.
Additions you missed over the summer
While students were home enjoying a well-deserved summer break, Illini coaches worked hard on the recruiting trail. Several programs bolstered their rosters over the summer, trying to continue the winning culture established on campus last year. Seven teams made notable additions, starting with the fall sports. Soccer The season is already underway, and Illinois soccer added a big contributor to the 2024 campaign.
Professional Illini over the summer
The start of a new school year means another year of Illinois Athletics, with the fall sports season ending a summer drought of not watching the Illini in action. But, for those who know where to look, Illini action never ended. Former Illini are scattered around the professional sports world, making a livelihood over the summer seasons. So, for those interested in former Illini greats and a recap of the last few months, here’s the top summer Illini.
The Daily Illini
The Champaign City Council held its weekly meeting on August 13, focusing on the discussion of a number of resolutions. The meeting began with public input. The first resolution would designate a portion of Taylor Street as Honorary Mark Rubel Way and a portion of Bradley Avenue as Honorary Charles Nash Sr. Way. The families of both individuals spoke more on the honorary street names at a previous Champaign City Council meeting.
The Daily Illini
The Urbana City Council held its weekly meeting on Monday, focusing on the Sustaining Urbana Neighborhoods grant program and two ordinances. The meeting began with council input and communications, followed by a staff report on the proposed environmental grant program. The goal behind establishing the SUN program is to create a grant program for community environmental projects.
Experiencing racism as a Black woman
It was around midnight, the neighborhood was cloaked in darkness, and the only light came from the faint glow of street lamps and the Walgreens across from my house. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a deafening crash — a brick hurled through the air. Another brick followed, while another girl watched from a nearby car. My mind went blank as I saw a white woman, her face twisted with rage, attempting to assault me like she promised she would.
Greek Reunion brings energy and excitement to campus
This weekend, Greek life members and alumni from various fraternities and sororities returned to campus for the annual Greek Reunion. The event brings a vibrant and lively feeling to campus, with attendees eager to reconnect and celebrate. The atmosphere on Green Street is energetic as huge crowds assemble outside the three Campustown bars — Joe’s Brewery, KAMS and The Red Lion. The bars have embraced the influx of students, offering a variety of events and specials to enhance the festivities.
Terrence Shannon Jr. has strong second half in Timberwolves NBA Summer League victory
Game two of Terrence Shannon Jr. and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Summer League campaign took place on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Shannon was coming off of a 25-point debut on Friday and looking to build upon his early success. However, that did not happen, with Shannon putting on a relatively underwhelming performance in his second outing. Halfway through the first quarter, Shannon had already committed three fouls, and not surprisingly was subbed out with just under four minutes to go.
Q&A | Quincy Guerrier talks transitioning from Illinois to pro basketball with Toronto Raptors Original
The Toronto Raptors played their first game of the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas Saturday night, and former Illini Quincy Guerrier, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Raptors after going undrafted, was suited up for the team. Guerrier spent his final season of college basketball at Illinois this past season, where he averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.4% from three.
Review | ‘Longlegs’ brings analog horror to the big screen
Rating: 9.1/10 Director and screenwriter Oz Perkins’ newest creation, “Longlegs,” is a visceral take on occult horror wrapped together with a true crime, investigative thematic structure. Audiences who saw the film on its release date, July 12, are surely still trapped in their seats, perhaps too scared to walk from the theater to their car.
Former Illini Brandin Podziemski scores 16 in first game of 2024 NBA Summer League
Fresh off of practicing with the USA Men’s National Team to prepare for the Olympics, former Illini and current Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski suited up for his first game of the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Podziemski’s first basket of the game was a strong drive to the hoop where he was able to score through contact, draw a foul and knock down the free throw to complete a three-point play.
Domask makes debut for Bulls, discusses adjusting to pro game
After signing an exhibit 10 contract with the Chicago Bulls, former Illini Marcus Domask made his debut for the team at NBA Summer League on Saturday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks. Domask checked into the game off the bench with just under four minutes to go in the first quarter. On his first defensive play, the 6-foot-6 guard stayed in front of a driving TyTy Washington and recovered well to contest Washington’s shot when he made a hard stop into a step back jumper.
Donald Trump escorted out of rally bleeding after several loud pops
**This is a developing story. Check back for updates.** Former President Donald Trump was escorted out of a rally in Butler, Pa. after several pop-like sounds went off. Trump was taken down by his Secret Service team visibly bleeding from his ear before being escorted to a motorcade. According to the New York Times, the source of the pop sounds is unknown.
CPD launches drone surveillance program
The Champaign Police Department is launching a drone surveillance program aimed at enhancing safety within the community by offering a birds-eye view of large community events and other situations. By introducing the ‘Unmanned Aerial System’ program, Champaign Police hopes to be able to “quickly search for missing persons, photograph crime scenes and traffic crashes with speed and accuracy and promote the safety of the community and police personnel,” according to a press release by the city.
University student charged with mob action after involvement in pro-Palestine demonstrations
A University student faces a charge of mob action after University Police used her social media profile and video surveillance to identify and tie her to the pro-Palestine demonstrations and encampment that occurred at the end of the semester. Mob action is designated as a class 4 felony, and Yafa K. Issa, 18, of Savoy looks at one to three years in prison if convicted. Protest efforts began on April 26 near Alma Mater, and tents were erected by protestors later that afternoon.
Single-game football tickets available starting July 18
The University’s Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today that single-game tickets for the 2024 Illinois Football season will be available for purchase by the general public starting July 18 at noon. I FUND members will have early access starting on July 15. As part of the FamILLy First campaign, the University says that the lowest ticket prices will be available from July 18-29. Starting July 30, single-game prices will be based on current demand.
Illinois Athletics, Busey Bank announce Memorial Stadium movie night
Illinois Athletics has announced that they are partnering with the Busey Bank to host the Busey Movie Night at Memorial Stadium on August 10. The movie will be family-friendly and decided by an online vote. Illinois Football players will be at the stadium for autographs and pictures prior to the screening.
Terrence Shannon Jr. impresses in NBA Summer League debut, scores 25
Only a few weeks after former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. was drafted No. 27 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shannon made his NBA Summer League debut on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves took on the New Orleans Pelicans in their first game, and Shannon was in the starting lineup, alongside fellow rookie and eighth-overall pick Rob Dillingham.
Review | ‘MaXXXine’ fails to meet its max potential
Rating: 6/10 Mia Goth returns to finish Ti West’s horror trilogy with the release of “MaXXXine,” completing the story told by “X” and “Pearl.” Set in the 1980s, the film follows Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) as she attempts to make the jump from adult films to horror movies to further increase her stardom.
The Daily Illini
Rainbow Six is a tactical shooter that requires shooting skills, strategy and teamwork. To receive R6 rank boosting, you need to learn to shoot accurately, use different weapons and mechanics of destruction and strengthening on different sides of the conflict, and also learn to communicate correctly between allies and give competent and specific information about what is happening on the game map.
Holy carp! Free fishing clinics at Kaufman Lake
Its oh-fish-ial, free fishing clinics are now available biweekly at Kaufman Lake for the rest of the summer. This oppor-tuna-ty is thanks to the Champaign Park District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The clinics are open to all ages with equipment and bait provided to participants. Children are allowed to participate, however they must be accompanied by an adult. Each fintastic clinic will consist of an educational introduction as well as a hands-on portion held at the dock.
CPD to intensify speeding crackdown in July
The Champaign Police Department, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and over 200 local law enforcement agencies will intensify enforcement against speeders starting this month, according to a city press release. In the announcement, CPD Chief Timothy Tyler noted the rationale for the intensification. “Speeding causes unnecessary danger on our roads and puts drivers, passengers and others sharing the roadway at increased risk,” Tyler wrote.
Review | Zach Bryan retains authenticity amid popularity on new album
Oklahoma country musician Zach Bryan released his fifth album ‘The Great American Bar Scene” on July 4. The patriotic release date marks the follow-up to his well-received 2023 self-titled album which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. For the past year, Bryan has been touring the country, selling out shows in the largest venues the American music industry has to offer for top dollar.
Hunter Biden found guilty on 3 counts in rare gun case
Son of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, is facing up to 25 years in prison after being found guilty on three charges regarding lying on a screening form about drug abuse, lying to a gun dealer and lying about possessing a gun. The began in 2020 after his father was elected president. The initial investigation began by examining Biden’s tax affairs then leading to investigating the purchase of his gun in 2018.
Season ends for Illinois women’s tennis with first round loss at NCAA tournament
For the second year in a row, Illinois women’s tennis received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, based on their No. 39 national ranking. The team traveled to Austin, Texas to take on No. 24 Georgia Tech in the first round at the Texas Tennis Center. The matchup kicked off with doubles, where the Illini were the underdogs on paper.
Freshmen steal spotlight at Fighting Illini Tune-Up, Kontonikola crushes javelin record
Saturday’s meet marked the end of the men’s outdoor track and field season, leaving only the Big Ten and NCAA championships ahead. At the Fighting Illini Tune-Up, multiple Illini placed highly in their events, and additional athletes walked away with personal bests. The Tune-Up allowed freshman and sophomore members to show off their improvement and what could be in store for next season. A breakout star from this meet was freshman Eleftherios Kontonikola.
Live Coverage: Statements surround day 9 of encampment
At noon, Illinois State Representatives Bob Morgan, Daniel Didech and Tracy Katz Muhl gave a press conference at the north side of the Main Quad to express solidarity for Jewish students at the University. The Daily Illini spoke with Daniel Didech, representative for the 59th District about his views on University administration, the encampment, and the role of First Amendment rights in protests.
UI professor details risks faculty run while supporting student protest
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UI professor details risks faculty run while supporting student protest
While the pro-Palestinian protest on the Main Quad continues, student protestors are not the only ones who populate the swarm of tents assembled at the foot of the Foellinger Auditorium. Members of University faculty have also made appearances at the encampment, showing support for the students. Despite their willingness to be present, faculty are running significant personal risks by being seen in the protest or voicing their thoughts on the subject.
The Daily Illini
Emergency services responded to smoke coming from the roof of Bunny’s Tavern in downtown Urbana at 2:27 p.m. Monday afternoon. The fire was labeled a working fire by first responders, meaning that it had the capability to cause considerable destruction or loss of life. First responders subdued the fire that was visible from the exterior at 2:37 p.m., according to the METCAD scanner. No injuries were reported.
Illinois women’s tennis falls to No. 25 Washington despite impressive showing in doubles
Following its trip to the Blue Gray Tennis Classic, Illinois women’s tennis returned home to face No. 25 Washington. The two programs were common opponents before COVID-19, but it had been nearly four years since the last meeting. Ultimately, the Huskies rallied in singles to give the Illini their first home loss of the season by a margin of 4-1. Illinois rolled out some familiar pairs in doubles, with its newest star duo of junior Megan Heuser and freshman Alice Xu standing at court one.
Opinion | ‘Freedom of thought’ is losing its meaning
You may have yet to hear of the University of Austin. Different from the University of Texas at Austin, UATX will welcome its inaugural class this fall. Exploring its website reveals a common theme: truth. The university reiterates across multiple pages that it will refuse to shy away from free speech, debate and the supposedly ever-elusive truth. If you’ve kept up with the news in recent years, this might sound familiar.
Sudduth, Ouimet, Garrett set to compete at NCAA championships
Three Illini will be competing in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend. The crop includes senior heptathlete Aiden Ouimet, senior thrower Tyler Sudduth and junior jumper Kam Garrett. Sudduth is the lone championship veteran of the group, having finished eighth in the weight throw last year with a toss of 22.06 meters. Sudduth has surpassed that mark at four meets this season, including in his recent Big Ten championship victory.
Second CU International Film Festival celebrates humanity in filmmaking
Last Saturday, the Knight Auditorium at the Spurlock Museum played host to four of the most groundbreaking and acclaimed short films of the last few years as part of the CU International Film Festival. This was the second iteration of the festival, which aims to create a space for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their creations to film lovers in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Review | Avatar: The Last Airbender returns to Netflix as live action remake
Rating: 8/10 Water, earth, fire and air. These are the ever famous elements that are telekinetically manipulated in the Asian- and Arctic-inspired world of Aang and the other avatars before him. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” premiered on Feb. 22 and racked up over 22.2 million viewers within the first four days of its release. There’s a reason the show received so much attention.
Illinois looks to continue season in Big Ten tournament
Illinois (14-14, 8-10) makes its way to Minneapolis for the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament as the No. 9 seed with Maryland (17-12, 9-9) standing in the way. This marks the 17th matchup between the two programs, however, it has not been close in the series. The Illini have never beaten the Terrapins since first playing them in 1982, and the closest game between the two was earlier this year as the latter won 90-82 in College Park, Maryland.
No. 11 Illinois men’s tennis set to host No. 1 Ohio State - The Daily Illini
After winning back-to-back matches this past Friday, No. 11 Illinois men’s tennis is set to play No. 1 Ohio State this Wednesday at the Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini enter Wednesday on a five-match win streak but will have their work cut out for them against the Buckeyes. Ohio State is 15-0 thus far and has dominated against other squads at the top of the standings.
University YMCA to create new time capsule for 2073
After last year’s opening of a 116-year-old time capsule, the University YMCA is currently building a new capsule and inviting members of the Champaign-Urbana community to share their ideas for what to include in it. The time capsule will be opened in 2073, which will mark the 200th anniversary of the organization.
Notes, player grades from No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball’s narrow loss to No. 3 Purdue
No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball welcomed No. 3 Purdue to the State Farm Center for its final home game of the 2023-24 season on Tuesday night. Despite the Illini leading by six at halftime, the Boilermakers rallied to spoiler Senior Night and give the Illini a 77-71 loss. Raining threes The Boilermakers were 1-6 from distance in the first half which was contrasted by an efficient 4-10 mark from the Illini. Unfortunately for the home team, both teams completely flipped in the second half.
Opinion | I’m a Black-identifying biracial: Here’s what that implies
I recall when I was at my grandma’s house with my Aunt Bib, God rest her soul. Aunt Bib randomly said to me, “Jasmine, I need you to know that you are a Black girl.” In my head, I thought, isn’t that obvious? Until that point, I had never questioned my Blackness before. I grew up with my Black side of the family, and it remains that way to this day. Most of the time, I’d forget that I had a whole other side of the family that was white, but even then, it didn’t matter to me.
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