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Articles by Valeria Garay
One Week Left: What’s Next?
Graduation is less than a week away. Between final exams, final projects, and asking Sami Apartments to give me a move-out extension, I haven’t really had the time to think about “what’s next?” The question itself is daunting. Like many people, I don’t have a job secured and will be moving back into my mom’s place. The simple, two word question elicits fear and this sense of instability.
A New Place to Call Home
Since I was in high school, I had this obsession with moving away from home. Maybe it was the youngest daughter in me that needed to run away in search of something I could call my own. Not a worn and deteriorating hand-me-down my sisters shoved into a trash bag for me to look through. I’ve always wanted my life to be my own. At first, I dreamed of living in New York City. It reminded me of Chicago in a way that meant I would still be surrounded by a bustling city that resembled home.
DCFS and ISU Partner for New Child Protection Training Academy
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State University and the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services are partnering to open a Central Illinois regional simulation training lab for the Child Protection Training Academy. The four-year, $2.1 million grant funds the workforce development project to prepare frontline DCFS and private sector staff who play critical roles in child protection and welfare intervention services.
"The Sunrise on the Reaping" release reignites conversations about the original "Hunger Games" trilogy
NORMAL, Ill. — New York Times Bestselling Author Suzanne Collins’ best known for her book trilogy “The Hunger Games” has been sparking conversation on social media following the release of her novel “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The fourth book in the book universe focuses on the beloved trilogy character Haymitch Abernathy. The novel takes readers 40 years after “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” during the 50th annual Hunger Games.
Mayoral Candidate Kathleen Lorenz reveals her plans for office if elected
Image courtesy of the Town of Normal official website NORMAL, Ill. — With 10 years of service on the Normal Town Council, Lorenz feels ready to take on the role of Normal Mayor “It’s just a gut feeling,” Lorenz said. “I feel ready now based on professional and then council experience.” Lorenz has an extensive background in nonprofit work, social services, administration, and upper management.
ISU grad details his time volunteering in Poland after the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war
NORMAL, Ill. – In the summer of 2022, Jeffrey Walsh, a graduate student at Illinois State University, found himself thousands of miles from home, standing amid a crisis that would change how he viewed the world. In Warsaw, Poland, just three months after the Russia- Ukraine war began, Walsh was there to offer his help. He volunteered with organizations such as UNICEF and the Polish Red Cross to assist the growing number of Ukrainian refugees pouring into the country.
Student Government Elections to take place this week
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Student Government Association will hold their yearly elections on Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5. Links will be sent in a mass email to the student body shortly after the polls open on Tuesday. Positions up for election include: the Student Trustee, President and Vice President for the Association of Residence Halls, President, Vice President and Chief of Staff for SGA, as well as 20 open seats for students senators of SGA.
NORMAL, Ill. — The Illinois State University Board of Trustees meeting on Friday saw topics of a possible faculty strike, justice for Palestine and growing concerns about immigrant student safety. Ashley Farmer is a criminal justice professor and a member of United Faculty of Illinois State University. She has been serving as the lead negotiator for the UFISU bargaining team. Farmer stated the union’s message for trustees was simple: the union needs a fair contract immediately.
Veterans Parkway strives to become safer for the community
Image courtesy of the McLean County Government Center’s official Facebook page NORMAL, Ill. – Veteran’s Parkway is looking to make new changes to provide a safer environment for pedestrians and vehicles. The McLean County Regional Planning Commission has undergone a study that will work to identify the needs for both pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The commission is asking the public about their experiences on Veterans Parkway so they can properly adhere to the community’s needs.
Normal Town establishes goals for 2025
Image courtesy of the Normal Town Council official website NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council has its sights set on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the town’s infrastructure, economy, housing and quality of life for 2025. Assistant City Manager Brian Day shared how they plan to make these changes. “We’re putting a significant amount into street resurfacing, [and] pothole repairs,” Day said.
The League of Women Voters of McLean County to discuss affordable housing
Image courtesy of the League of Women Voters official website NORMAL, Ill. – The League of Women Voters of Mclean County is hosting a panel to discuss the affordable housing crisis in the area on Jan. 28. League of Women Voters of Mclean County President Laurie Wollrab explained why they’re holding an event like this. “We just have people that can’t afford a home. Rents are going up: part of that is inflation and part of it is interest rates and so forth,” Wollrab said.
TikTok ban threatens tight-knit relationship between ISU and its students
NORMAL, Ill. — The beloved social media platform, TikTok, has been a large topic of conversation following the United States decision to move towards banning the app. Illinois State University’s flagship TikTok account will be one of the many accounts affected by the Supreme Court’s decision. Director of Strategic Communications, Kevin Bersett spoke about the impact the app has had on campus and how it has fostered a more relaxed relationship between the university and its students.
University Galleries to host accessibility-centered event
Image courtesy of University Galleries NORMAL, Ill. – The University Galleries will hold a Sensory-Friendly Morning on Saturday following the opening of an accessibility-themed exhibit. This event will provide dim lights and a quiet space for neurodivergent people to view the artwork on display. Staff will focus on mitigating any stimulus that could be triggering or difficult to handle for people with sensory disorders.
An exhibition coming to Bloomington-Normal brings a new perspective to the Harlem Renaissance
Photo courtesy of VisitBN BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – An exhibition called “The Harlem Renaissance: as Gay as it was Black” will be opening at Jazz Upfront, a Bloomington jazz bar, on Jan. 17. The exhibition is a joint effort between the local organization, the Prairie Pride Coalition (PPC) and the national Stonewall Foundation. According to PPC Board President Dave Bentlin, it’s no coincidence the exhibition comes just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month.
Bloomington Public Library Director explains the current state of book censorship
NORMAL, Ill. – According to the Los Angeles Times, the results of the 2024 presidential election have led conservative parental groups to push further to limit books they deem inappropriate or immoral. Bloomington Public Library Director Jeanne Hamilton explains what exactly goes into “We have seen recently that states are putting laws in place that govern local choice and we also are seeing that there are more united efforts throughout the country,” Hamilton said.
LIUNA Local 362 Picket outside the Bloomington-Normal Marriott
Image Courtesy of The Normal Trades and Labor Assembly Facebook Page NORMAL, Ill. — Members of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 362 are picketing at the Marriott Hotel in Uptown Normal over Edelman Construction Inc.’s lack of contract and substandard wages for employees. Ronnie Paul is the business manager for Laborer’s Local 362, he was among his fellow union members as they stood outside the Marriott “The substandard wages bring wages in the area down,” Paul said.
Academic Senate Chair explains the recent changes in ISU's budget
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s budget is looking a little different than it has in years past, but university officials claim we’re still in good financial standing. Last month, President Aondover Tarhule announced the formation of a Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability and Excellence (RISE) task force, which will be in charge of the reductions that Tarhule sees as necessary.
ISU's Pawfficer Sage is set to hang up the vest after five years in the service
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University Police Department announced that therapy K-9 Pawfficer Sage is headed into retirement after five years of service. Police Chief Aaron Woodruff dove into the impact Sage has had during her time in the service, and how she became the beloved pawfficer. “She’s greeted over 71,000 individuals… and she’s also attended over 1,000 events on and off campus, and that’s with COVID-19 factored in.” Woodruff said.
ISU Center for Civic Engagement Representative speaks on voting processes in McLean County
NORMAL, Ill. – Election season is in full swing and early voting deadlines are on the horizon. Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement Director Paige Buschman shared the benefits of voting early. “Early voting tends to be a lot more relaxed in terms of volume, so you’re not going to see huge lines almost ever during early voting,” Buschman said.
Normal Theater and Community Players Theatre prepare to "do the Time Warp again"
NORMAL, Ill.- The Normal Theater is partnering with the Community Players Theatre for the annual showing of the “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” once again with shows on Oct 24-26. The production includes a showing of the film, as well as live shadow actors participating by acting out the movie while it plays. The actors prepared for the collaborative show by watching the film and studying the blocking of characters to mimic what they viewed and portray it as it plays alongside them.
McLean County Museum of History launches Dia de los Muertos installation
Photo courtesy of the McLean County Museum of History’s official website BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The McLean County Museum of History is hosting a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov 1 beginning at 4 p.m. The celebration this year will include an art installation by community artists. Micaela Harris serves as the Director of Communications at the museum with Emily McCusker who is the Director of Youth and Family Education.
Carle Health hosts community vaccine clinics
NORMAL, Ill. With flu season approaching Carle Health is hosting community vaccine clinics to fight against the flu. The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older should get a yearly flu shot to combat the virus. Carle Health Family Medicine Provider Rachel Plantholt explained the importance of regular vaccines. “Regular Vaccines are incredibly important; they are the safest and most effective way that people can protect themselves from preventable diseases,” Plantholt said.
Author and Lecturer Barbara Sostaita speaks at ISU Latinx Heritage Month Event
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Latin American and Latinx Studies program is hosting a series of events with presentations from various speakers to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. The celebrations run through Sept. 17 and Nov 1. Barbara Sostaita, holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Sostaita is an Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago.
ISU and Heartland Community College partner for Digital Literacy Week
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University is teaming up with Heartland Community College for Digital Literacy Week, to promote community access and knowledge of technology. “This will be our second year in the partnership. Last year, we partnered for digital skills training as well as device distributions.
Flashback Friday Interview - John McCall Jr
8 Prove it 21 Savage ft. Summer Walker
Flashback Friday "Midterm and Chill"
Our amazing Flashback Friday hosts escaped from the midterm stress this week on their show, featuring all their stress-relieving top songs. Their full picks are featured below, with songs from Alanis Morissette, the Smiths, and the Goo Goo Dolls. You can tune in to Cami, Niyah, and Gabe every Friday at Noon!
Career Service Center Receptionist explains ISU pre-graduation resources
NORMAL, Ill. Located on the second floor of The Bone Student Center, Illinois State University’s Career Services Center provides students with networking resources and career advising to help them prepare for post-grad life. Career Service Center Student Receptionist Kaley Beckman explained what the resource provides and what the job application process should look like pre-graduation.
ISU Registered Student Organization creates a safe space for women to weightlift together
Image Courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – After feeling like something was missing her freshman year at Illinois State University, Senior Exercise Science Major Aneesa Ortega created Girl Gains ISU as a safe space for women on campus to weightlift together. “When I was a freshman coming to ISU, I had already been looking to join an RSO and clubs,” Ortega said.
Lasting Impressions: Hollywood greats, film appreciation and nostalgia culture
NORMAL, Ill. – The recent deaths of legendary Hollywood actors have brought nostalgic feelings to many as actors like Dame Maggie Smith and James Earl Jones are reminiscent of a simpler era in film. In the wake of these loses, many are wondering what makes a good actor and what classifies their legacy as memorable. Alexander Prince is the president of Illinois State University’s Film Society.
ISU Students march around Normal to Take Back the Night
NORMAL, Ill. – A group of Illinois State University students marched around Normal Thursday night holding signs demanding a safer community, specifically for women at night. One of the signs read “Silence is Violence.” So they got loud.
New horizons for ISU's Student Government Association
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Student Government Association met for its third time on Wednesday to discuss new horizons for the future. The SGA meeting consisted of a new appointment for one of the off-campus senator spots. There are usually bills and resolutions to go over and rarely does the association have any amendments to pass. The most recent amendment passed by the association was for them to be registered in Redbird Life.
T.I. - Dime Trap
By: Logan Flesch Dime Trap is T.I.’s tenth studio album. It is exactly one hour long, but listeners could just as easily perceive it to be two hours long. The album is full of filler, garbage material that only hurts T.I.’s legacy as the “inventor of trap music.” I will say, I have never been an avid fan of T.I., but I recognized his talent and influence on rap culture. Also, I’ve never met anyone that did not like “Live Your Life”, “Whatever You Like”, or “Swagga Like Us” from Paper Trail.
Normal Police Officer Brad Park speaks on recent shooting incident
NORMAL, Ill. — At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29 officers responded to reports of a large crowd of students and others gathered at the gas station. Gunfire resulted in the death of 18-year-old Randall E. Glass of Oak Lawn, IL. Neither victim was affiliated with Illinois State University. Normal Police Officer Brad Park addressed the incident and how they are responding to it. “It’s definitely a case that we’re working a lot of hours on currently,” Park said.
Interim Chief of Equity and Inclusion at Illinois State University launches weekly conversational event
NORMAL, Ill. — Interim Chief of Equity and Inclusion Officer, Byron Craig, is hosting a new weekly event called ISU in Conversation, aimed at fostering discussions among students about identity, sexuality, and political ideologies. The events take place at the Bone Student Center from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with the next sessions scheduled for Oct. 7 and Oct. 14. These sessions focus on pre-election discussions, belonging, and success.
Local Business Feature: Butter Twice & Again
NORMAL Ill. – What began as a pop-up shop in a coffee shop called Coffeehouse is now its own store that has been established in Uptown Normal since 2018. The mission of the company is to promote sustainability and encourage its customers to shop ethically while serving the town of Bloomington-Normal with style. Store Associate Emma Miles emphasized the uniqueness of the store’s merchandise.
As Seen on BookTok: social media platforms are increasing engagement in public libraries
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Public Library is welcoming the increase in engagement and library presence thanks to the help of TikTok and other social media platforms. The increase of engagement is coming from Booktok, a subsection of Tiktok where users plug the books they’re currently reading, and encouraging viewers to read the books they’re enjoying. After a surge in 2023, BookTok is not just getting people to read, it’s increasing popularity at public libraries.
Student Protestors interrupt ISU President Aondover Tarhule’s State of the University Address
Image courtesy of Illinois State University’s official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule gave the State of the University address in the Center for Performing Arts on Thursday. This yearly presentation was interrupted by students affiliated with the Peace for Palestine organization demanding ISU devests from companies that monetarily support Israel’s cause in the Israel-Hamas war.
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