The Alestle Vol. 77, No. 26

alestle THE

SENATE SCOOP THE

New elected officials take the helm of Student Government

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

Members of next year’s Student Senate were sworn in at their Monday night meeting on April 15.

The Senate also voted to approve annual funding allocations for almost 40 different organizations.

President Barrett Larkin recommended members of the new Executive Board to the Senate, all of whom were approved.

Financial Officer Olivia Davila will stay in her current position for the upcoming year and “ will be the bridge between this year and next,” according to Larkin.

Former Freshman Senator Ben Cole will be next year’s organization relations officer, the position previously held by Larkin. Larkin said he hopes Cole will continue unfinished initiatives from the previous year and attend even more to the needs of organizations and petitioning students.

“Ben has good ways, and he’s not stuck in them,” Larkin said. “Keeping what’s good now while still progressing is the clear path forward for [his position].”

Former Freshman Senator and Fee Commissioner Sydney Euchner will be

next year’s external affairs officer. Larkin said Euchner stood out as a candidate for this position due to her past experience in communications.

“She separated herself from the pool by her experience in the Kimmel office [and] on Student Government as a senator,” Larkin said. “I can appreciate the skills she picked up at the Belleville CEO program.”

Former Senator for the Diversity Council Aly Abou-Zaid will be leading Student Government’s marketing arm with his video expertise as the new communications officer, a position that was voted into existence this semester.

“His media work has a sense of charm and timing that will also benefit bonding events as much as posts,” Larkin said.

Former Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences Moayad Abuzaneh will be next year’s wellness and equity officer, a position Larkin selected him for due to his experience as a premedical student.

“He has shown in concrete ways his commitment to this school and his belief in Student Government, more than earning the chance to continue that work,” Larkin said. “He is not just calculated and bold, but filled with the

see SENATE on page 2

New SG president, vice president talk about their plans for the coming year

Just after they were sworn into office, The Alestle’s Editor-in-Chief Dylan Hembrough sat down with Student President Barrett Larkin and Vice President Lucia Knapp to ask them a series of questions about their plans for the 2024-2025 school year.

Hembrough: What are some big initiatives you have in mind for the three pillars (academics, mental health, community) of your campaign?

Knapp: I am primarily going to utilize their communication styles and the networking that they promoted. I really want to reach out to Student Government alumni and get more insight on what they think Student Government could improve on here. I don’t always want to be looking back, but I do know that those are valuable perspectives to have, especially since they have the experience.

Larkin: We’ve been looking through past initiatives, and I feel like a lot of them can be sorted into one of them. For example, a dead week [a week of no new assignments] during finals week has been thrown around. I think that fits both mental health and academics.

Knapp: I’m on the same page as Barrett. I’m more aiming to help guide the senators to focus their efforts on developing their own initiatives under the structure of the three pillars to help better campus.

Hembrough: What have you learned from your predecessors that you plan to incorporate into your own leadership?

Larkin: I know of the past four presidents: Jacob Graham, Hailee O’Dell, Rahmat Salau and Mackenzie Richards. Jacob and Hailee were very organized — I know them mostly by the documents that they’ve left behind. Rahmat and Mackenzie were very sociable, very charismatic. They expanded Student Government and did a lot of promotion. I hope I can combine those two things, being very organized and being that friendly presence.

Hembrough: How will you most effectively represent the student body in the event of conflict with administration?

Larkin: It’s the little chipping away on the sides of things and the information that you can distribute from talking to administrators that are happy to talk with you — maybe not as fast as you would like, but they’re there. In the event of a conflict between two administrative blocs, I think the Student Government president might be in a good position to be the mediator. Knapp: Our roles as president and vice president of Student Government are mainly to act as liaisons between staff, faculty and the student body, so in the event of such an issue, it would be our job to communicate staff and faculty concerns to the students and vice versa. We would act as representatives and make sure that we are communicating wants and needs clearly and decisively.

To speak with members of Student Government yourself, visit the Student Government office in SSC 1280 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Surge of asylum seekers sparks migration policy debate in sanctuary states

AVA GALBAN reporter

While the U.S. has had many large and continuous flows in regards to its migration trends, the recent influx of individuals seeking asylum in sanctuary states, such as Illinois, has ignited a widespread discussion on migration policy and border security.

After President Joe Biden expanded parole to migrants from the countries of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela in Jan. 2023, the nation watched as large numbers of migrants arrived in airports and landing zones.

Laurie Rice, a professor of political science at SIUE, said, “We’re facing this challenge particularly now because there’s been so much instability

in the world, for lots of different reasons. People are facing vulnerability for all sorts of reasons, and they see the United States as a place where they can find safety.”

According to the Center for Strategic International Studies, the increase in migrants from South and Central America to the U.S. can be attributed to various factors, including economic instability, political turmoil, violence and environmental disasters in their home countries.

Take Venezuela, which is facing dire economic conditions, political instability and widespread violence.

The Venezuelan economy has been in freefall with hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods and a collapsing healthcare system. The

National Immigration Forum highlights political repression and abuse of human rights have also forced many to seek refuge elsewhere.

These “push factors” compel individuals and families to seek safety, opportunity and a better quality of life in the United States.

Illinois is a sanctuary state, meaning its government actively offers support and provides resources to undocumented individuals. This status has been utilized by many border states. These border states have been bussing migrants to Illinois as well as other states since April 2022.

Chicago mutual networks estimate 36,099 asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago since August 2022 via 800 buses and several planes from

select states, including Texas, New York and California.

While the representatives of cities like Chicago were open to receiving the incoming population, the state was not adequately prepared for the responsibilities of caring for them.

While alternative housing in hotels and shelters were established, Chicago could not support the continuous flow of migrants, resulting in the implementation of police stations as respite centers.

This, however, proved to be a faulty method as months passed and more and more buses arrived.

After incumbent officials did not adequately respond to the growing crisis, a state of emergen -

cy was issued. This led to local organizations and community members stepping up to take a more active role in serving the new and growing population.

Diego Garcia, program manager at Gage Park, was one individual who got involved with aiding with youth program coordination at Todo Para Todos, a mutual aid respite center operating in Pilsen, a neighborhood in Chicago.

“It felt like the city was fully relying on residents of Chicago to do their work, which at the time, felt like a lot,” Garcia said. “It felt like us volunteers had to fulfill every need of the migrants, even when it came down to what

Women’s tennis finishes season second-seeded in OVC Championship

Barrett Larkin

Lucia Knapp

Being prepared for severe weather is a 24/7 job, various leaders say

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

To properly respond to severe weather events requires teamwork and a constant eye on the sky.

Director of Facilities Management Craig Holan said communication moves quickly because of this constant surveillance.

“Even in the middle of the night, I have building engineers on duty that can respond immediately to damage,” Holan said. “For example, [with] the hailstorm damage, they immediately responded and within an hour had called in my in-house crafts and trades — carpenters, electricians, plumbers — to assess the damage and to start mitigation.”

Holan said two roofs, those of the Art and Design building and the Student Fitness Center, had been declared total losses after the hailstorm about a month ago.

“We had contractors come in immediately the next day to start patching the roof,” Holan said. “We immediately start with the procurement process to put a new roof on. At the same time, obviously, we’re working with our insurance carriers and keeping track of our expenses and costs. An event this size is pretty significant in terms of the damage.”

SENATE | COVER SG officials sworn in to office

kindness and understanding of authentic friendship with the student body.”

The Senate also approved former Senator for the School of Arts and Sciences Brendan Auerbach for the new position of head justice. Larkin said Auerbach was instrumental in developing the position and new judicial branch in the first place.

“He will enforce the current constitution in a way to help the Senate operate with higher morale and productivity,” Larkin said. “Together in 30 minutes, we came up with a lot, implying a year’s worth of collaboration will be abundantly fruitful.”

Former Vice President Jared Jess’s final awarding of “Senator of the Month” went to Euchner. Both Jess and former President Mackenzie Richards made their farewell remarks to the Senate, thanking them for a memorable year of hard work.

Six senators were absent without excuses: Alexis Allen, NaKaila Campbell, Ashton Carter, Jaylin Morris, Sof’ya Mueller and Alejandra Parram.

| Chloe

04.01.24

An officer responded to a report of a person living in the log cabin near Stadium Drive, but the cabin was empty.

04.02.24

An officer responded to a report of a possible homeless encampment being built near Recreation Road. The officer advised that the area was clear when they arrived.

04.05.24

A person was driving around the Bluff Hall and Evergreen Hall parking lots using a megaphone. When an officer arrived at both incidents, the person was gone.

Holan said that, though there were no official estimates at the time of the interview, the two roofs alone would be more than $500,000 to repair. In the meantime, Holan said Facilities Management keeps several materials on-hand to provide a temporary fix until bids can be secured.

Holan said Facilities Management has relative autonomy within university administration to act even more quickly.

“We have a phone chain that is in constant use, checking weather between the vice chancellor, myself [and] the chief of police,” Holan said. “If we couldn’t get a hold of anyone, we would respond regardless and do what we think is right.”

Holan said a good example of this occurred at the School of Dental Medicine in Alton over winter break.

“At that particular campus, the 24/7 coverage is provided by the police, so when they noticed there was four feet of water in the basement, they notified us,” Holan said. “I had people on the ground on Christmas Day, [and] I was there the day after.”

Holan said several people in positions like his own have undergone National Incident Management System training, also called NIMS.

Chief of SIUE Police David Goodwin has also undergone this training and works with parts of the university to ensure a safe and rapid response to severe weather events.

“Based on those weather observations, we send out those follow up e-Lerts,” Goodwin said. “Then, our staff is out looking for damage, looking for issues where there might be water buildup, flooding, that kind of thing. Once we’re done with the actual weather event, we’re forwarding damage information to facilities and the vice chancellor for administration.”

Goodwin said the safety of both the general population and

his staff is a top priority.

“The key for us is to get that word out to the community as quickly as possible,” Goodwin said. “We’re encouraging people to take whatever action that’s in those e-Lerts. We address those basically on a caseby-case basis, depending on the weather situation.”

SIUE Police don’t just respond to on-campus emergencies, however.

“Most folks don’t realize when the tornado hit the Amazon warehouse, here within the last two years, we were one of the first agencies on scene,” Goodwin said. “While we may initially respond and do life-saving functions, we would fall under [the fire department] and follow their guidance. We’re there to support them [and] make sure that they have the resources that they need.”

Managing Director for Madison County Transit SJ Morrison said safety is of the utmost importance during severe weather events.

“We’re a critical transportation service for thousands of Madison County residents and employees and visitors every day. We don’t get to just not operate,” Morrison said. “We operate in all weather, in all conditions. It’s critical for us to make sure that if we can’t get a bus there that we, at a minimum, send out one of our road supervisors in a vehicle to run the routes and make sure that we don’t have anybody waiting. We don’t want to leave anybody stranded.”

Morrison said the bus drivers are trained to listen to the radios for inclement weather.

“Dispatch … is our nerve center for our organization. They send out updates, weather reports and other updates to the drivers over the radio,” Morrison said.

Morrison said the buses work closely with first responders and have additional functions beyond transporting the resi-

dents of Madison County.

“There was a major fire in Pontoon Beach, and it brought in first responders from something like a dozen communities,” Morrison said. “We provided a much-needed bus for the first responders to get relief away from the heat and the flames.”

As the climate shifts, however, weather events have the potential to become even more extreme. Assistant Professor of Geography Alan Black said a warmer atmosphere often equates to more energy for storm systems to use.

“If the atmosphere is warmer, you can hold more water vapor, which gives you more moisture to work with when you’re talking about things like thunderstorms, rain or hail,” Black said. “Now, it doesn’t mean that you get severe weather, but it reasons to say that if the environments are more common than severe weather is likely to become more common as well.”

Black said warmer temperatures are not the only symptom of a warming world.

“The planet is warming, but it’s not warming equally. What we end up seeing is that the contrast in temperatures between the equator and the north pole in winter are not as strong as they might have been,” Black said. “We’re right in the middle, so we get both. We should expect more of those big cold outbreaks, and more of these abnormally warm temperatures, too.”

Black said he encourages people on campus to be aware of where weather shelters are around campus and be familiar with basic severe weather protocols. Holan also said that no amount of planning is ever too much.

“Anyone who’s in a position like mine will say you can never be too prepared,” Holan said. “Each situation is different, so that’s why we do our best to try to look at each potential scenario and have some plans for it.”

IRAN

Iran launched missiles at Israel on April 13 in response to the bombing of Iran’s embassy in Damascus. Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran in the near future.

UKRAINE

A Russian strike in the city of Chernihiv killed 17 people on April 17. The city has become a big target in recent bombing campaigns by Russia.

CARIBBEAN

Barbados Ambassador

David Comissiong has made comments about the necessity of a tribunal to seek slavery reparations for Africa and Caribbean nations.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland’s parliament has voted in support of banning the swastika to remove extremist symbols. The ban comes following an increase in antisemitism worldwide.

UNITED KINGDOM

Mohammed Abbkr has been sentenced to indefinite detention in a hospital after he set fire to two men leaving a mosque last year.

Police closed Cougar Lake Drive due to flooding from the severe weather on March 14.

Wolfe / The Alestle

Lovejoy Library, Noise Box Gallery celebrate Louis Sullivan’s legacy

BRANDI SPANN opinion editor

Lovejoy Library collaborated with the Art and Design department’s Noise Box Gallery to honor the legacy of architect Louis Sullivan on April 12 with a full day of presentations by guest speakers and tours of SIUE’s Louis Sullivan collection.

Sullivan died on April 14, 1924. For the 100th anniversary of his passing, Fine Arts Librarian and Associate Professor Therese Dickman organized a celebratory day of events to honor his architectural legacy and influence on SIUE’s campus.

“He was known as the father of skyscrapers … He was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, so he was very influential at the time. He’s known for his very ornate, elaborate designs, which were often inspired by nature,” Dickman said. “The other thing that he’s known for is the phrase ‘form follows function.’ He liked to know what the purpose of each building was, and he would often tailor the design to the purpose of that building.”

Danny Houk is a second-year grad student on the committee at the Noise Box Gallery — the student art gallery in Art & Design East. He said Dickman reached out to the gallery because it was part of her vision for the event to incorporate students.

“We did a call for art a little over a month ago. We asked all the Art and Design students [to] propose any piece they wanted inspired by his life, and then

Illinois

we would select it from however many proposals we got. We ended up getting five of those,” Houk said. “A few of the teachers made Louis Sullivan-inspired assignments in their art classes, so they curated some of the strongest pieces from their students.”

The student gallery will remain on display until May 2.

Sullivan wanted to create an American architectural style. His design philosophy was driven by his tendency to initiate repetition, organic and outward movement from a central point.

Built in 1891, Sullivan designed the Wainwright Building in St. Louis — one of the first-ever skyscrapers. He was born in Boston, studied in Paris and brought his talents closer to home when he was drawn to Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire. Architects flocked to the area to get involved in rebuilding a flame-resistant city.

Years after Sullivan’s passing, as demolition projects in Chicago and St. Louis began to remove Sullivan’s buildings, architectural photographer and historical preservationist Richard Nickel began to salvage Sullivan’s ornaments. As a young university in search of art, SIUE purchased Nickel’s collection.

“We bought the original collection of 200 items for $12,000 in 1966,” Erin Vigneau-Dimick, executive curator for the SIUE University Museum, said.

According to Vigneau-Dimick, SIUE currently has at least 2,000 architectural pieces installed on campus.

“The university purchased

struggles with

they were eating every day, housing and emotional and legal support.”

“Overall, I am very grateful for the network of mutual aid volunteers that were supporting the needs of migrants. Looking back, I do wish the city had supported a bit more because of the different experiences I’ve had,” Garcia said.

As the city scrambled to open more city-run shelters across Chicago, locals began airing their grievances on the prioritization of new arrivals over struggling, long-term residents. The city of Chicago allocated $150 million to housing, feeding and caring for the new arrivals, a budget which the city has already burnt through.

This spring marked a critical point in Chicago’s handling of the migrant influx as the city began closing its shelters, effectively evicting their residents.

Erica Sagrans, a mutual aid volunteer collecting data on migration to Chicago, hosted the “Chicago Says Welcome” teach-in, where she discussed the anticipation and outcomes of the evictions, and the extensions provided in the past preventing them.

“The city started running out of money. It’s very unlikely there will be a third extension,” Sagrans said.

Sagrans was correct. With shelters beginning their closure, migrants have been left on their own for housing, food and other resources, forcing many onto the streets. As of Febru-

it for a very reasonable rate … SIUE actually has the largest collection of architectural ornaments in the world,” Dickman said. “We were fortunate to be at the right place at the right time.”

Michael R. Allen, executive director at the National Building Arts Center, said that cycles of change always tend to circle back around to the old look. He said that the preservation of old archi-

balancing compassion,

ary, four shelters have officially been reported to have concluded their operations.

While coordinating resources posed a significant challenge for the state, one of the prominent hurdles arose from the outlook of long-term residents towards the new migrant arrivals. Xenophobic sentiments took over local conversations and national media.

Lilianna Maluck, a senior at SIUE specializing in research on the current migration trends in Illinois, spoke on the importance of the lost humanistic perspective in the media, and everyday conversations.

“We must educate ourselves on where these people are coming from, their cultural backgrounds, what languages they speak, why they’re even coming to this part of the country, let alone the country as a whole,” Maluck said.

tecture, and the reincorporation of that architecture into modern work, is a powerful way to contest the erasure of buildings and design history.

SIUE’s Sullivan collection is mostly displayed on the second floor of Lovejoy Library in the Sullivan Lounge.

The walking tour invited attendees to observe the other pieces located outdoors on the

east side of Lovejoy, some designs on the lower level of Alumni Hall, a gold detailing from an arc in the Morris University Center, a part of a column on the third floor of Rendleman Hall and a plaster reproduction in the lobby of Woodland Hall.

The guest speakers encouraged attendees and members of the SIUE community to explore the rich architectural history that SIUE’s campus has to offer.

cost in response to migration crisis

receive buses and planes of migrants, Illinois representatives began considering options to take some weight off of Chicago’s shoulders while maintaining the title and practices of a sanctuary state.

The goal was to collaborate with rural and suburban areas of Illinois to relocate migrants. Gov. J.B. Pritzker additionally announced $41.5 million dollars in grant money to be distributed to the areas taking in substantial populations.

Diego Garcia, Program Manager at Gage Park “

I do wish the city had supported a bit more because of the different experiences I had.”

In a press release, Pritzker said, “Although we will still need significant federal support as this crisis continues, these grants will empower local governments to build out services and support for new arrivals so we can successfully transition them into our state and give them the opportunity to complete their legal asylum process.”

Maluck emphasized the importance of remembering that these migrants are people too, a detail she said is often forgotten in the modern portrayal of migrants in the media.

“They’re painted as either obstacles or a problem to solve.

I don’t think that they’re being painted and spoken about as if they’re humans with families and children,” Maluck said.

As Chicago continues to

Despite this looking like a shift in a positive direction, many communities in Illinois have made deliberate stances against taking in migrants. As more cities across the state consider this possibility, larger conversations and ranges of sentiments on the matter loom.

“I think we might see a range of reactions. For some places they might see it as an opportunity. Particularly in areas where

perhaps there’s a lot of jobs that can’t be filled, and in areas where there’s lots of vacant housing, it might be an opportunity for revitalization. Some might respond positively, and others might respond more negatively and see this as a threat,” Rice said.

McLean County Board Member Chuck Erickson proposed a motion to prohibit the allocation of county tax funds to assist migrants potentially relocated to the central Illinois county.

“Many sanctuary cities and other locales are reaching a breaking point due to limited resources for accommodating migrants,” Erickson said to The Center Square.

While economics play a large role in the conversation on managing this crisis, Florence Maätita, professor and head of the Sociology Department at SIUE, said immigration is not a sole reason for economic concern.

“There certainly is a good reason to be concerned about protecting the economy. We also have to be careful that we’re not scapegoating immigrants as the primary source of all of these issues,” Maätita said.

Grundy County declared itself a non-sanctuary county and even implemented interstate signs on the sides of roads instructing bus drivers not to stop in their towns. These signs have since been removed.

Professor Samantha Meeker, who specializes in racial and ethnic relations linked a lot of these recent xenophobic trends to the emergence of the normalization of racism following the election of former

President Donald Trump.

“People have been a lot more comfortable being more open about those stances. A lot of people talked about the Trump presidential campaign and actual presidency. It brought out a lot of closeted racists,” Meeker said.

“The further we move in time the less acceptable it is to be open about those things. We do know very well that people still hold those beliefs, but, for the most part, it has been more strategic to keep them a bit closer to your chest and use veiled and coded language when you’re talking about it,” Meeker said.

Later, a series of bills addressing the rising costs associated with migrant care was introduced by a coalition of Republican state legislators. State Representative John Cabello, emphasized that Illinois residents should not bear the burden of covering migrant healthcare expenses.

“It’s nonsensical to see individuals struggling to afford health insurance while those who enter the country illegally receive healthcare benefits without the same obligations,” Cabello said.

While the conversation of funding is controversial, the question of long term benefits of spending is one important to consider.

“One of the things we have to think about is sometimes people are hesitant to spend money for services, yet sometimes spending money for services actually saves us money in the long run. For example, providing basic healthcare services is actually less expensive than it is treating emergencies that could have been prevented,” Rice said.

SIUE Professor of Art History Ivy Cooper presents the panel “Sullivan in Ruins” during the Louis Sullivan Centennial Celebration on April 12.

| Maximilian Lenhart / The Alestle

Artwork by T. Weltzin

We reviewed Chinese food at local spots, from Edwardsville to St. Louis. While the food is the most important component, the perfect meal comes with friendly service and a good price. We rank based on price, taste and service, reviewing local Chinese restaurants to fnd your perfect ft.

China King is the king of all Chinese restaurants

MATTHEW WOLDEN copy editor

China King, located in Edwardsville, provides quick service for the food you selected while also providing a good portion of food for a fair price.

I ordered my food for takeout before going to the restaurant. What surprised me was that it only took 10 minutes for the employees to prepare the food. My food ready for me to grab upon my entrance into the restaurant.

As I was in a bit of a hurry, I didn’t

get too much time to evaluate the atmosphere, especially with how quickly I was able to go to the cashier, pay and leave.

I ordered General Tso’s Chicken with an egg roll. The dish was served with a sweet sauce alongside fried rice. As someone who had never tried an egg roll before, I found it pretty good. However, I thought the chicken was a bit too sweet and overpowering for my palate. The fried rice, on the other hand, was great. It mixed incredibly well with the sauce.

Overall, it is a great restaurant to grab food quickly and go about your day.

88 China: Perfect leftovers at a reasonable price

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

88 China is Granite City’s hidden hole-in-the-wall gem right off of Nameoki Road, and with how tasty it was, I was surprised it wasn’t busier.

88 China is located in a plaza with various stores, making it easy to miss with its nondescript facade. The inside is a clean, beautiful little nook.

The cashier let me take my time looking at the menu. I decided to go with the lobster lo mein and a shrimp egg roll. I went with my girlfriend, who ordered shrimp lo mein, a shrimp egg roll of her own and crab rangoon for both of us.

For two people, it was just less than

$40. I thought that was a lot at first, even after seeing the portion sizes, but I vastly underestimated how filling the meal would be. The price I initially thought was a little steep became a bargain.

The food itself was among the best Chinese food I’ve ever had. It was all freshly made and delivered to us just a few minutes after we ordered. The noodles in my lobster lo mein were the perfect texture, and the lobster bits added a nice flavoring to the overall tapestry of flavor that was this meal.

We asked for take-out containers and took our food home with us. I had lobster lo mein leftovers that night, and it still tasted pretty fresh. 88 China scores high on the reheatability index.

Asia Garden offers authentic Chinese hibachi & sushi fusion

CIARA FOLKERTS reporter

Collinsville’s Asia Garden shines as a hidden gem, offering patrons an enticing array of delectable dishes catering to every palate.

Being a picky eater, I was surprised by the variety of choices and affordable prices that Asia Garden had to offer, including hibachi, sushi, ramen and even boba drinks.

I ordered their special Volcano roll that was filled with crab meat, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese. It was topped

with baked spicy crab meat and drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce, for the price of $13.95.

The sushi dish was beautifully displayed and lived up to its name, as it was served in a circular ring, resembling a volcano.

The dish erupted with flavor and provided a perfect blend of sweet with a hint of spice.

Although I was hesitant about the spicy crab meat, it was the best part of the dish. It highlighted the fresh and bold taste, marking it as one of the best sushi

The best prices, best service at Best Buffet in Wood River

T. WELTZIN multimedia editor

The Best Buffet in Wood River quickly caters to all your needs — unless you’re sauce on the floor.

Apart from the sticky floors, the atmosphere upon entering is welcoming. I was instantly greeted at the door and seated promptly. Since this establishment is a buffet, I selected my food, and when I returned, my drink was waiting for me.

The buffet itself had a variety of food, ranging from sushi to apple pie. Everything that’s supposed to be tender is juicy, which

is often not the case at other buffets that are open all day.

My first plate was filled with vegetable lo mein, honey chicken, fried rice, broccoli chicken and chicken on a stick. I tried to sample a little bit of everything, and I’m pleased to report that the only things I didn’t like were due to personal preference, like the sad sliced pizza.

Best Buffet is truly the best in terms of quality and efficiency, if you’re alright with a thin layer of stickiness on not just the floors – but everything. In all, $14 per person isn’t bad at all for a few full meals.

I Ciara Folkerts / The Alestle

I Dylan Hembrough / The Alestle

I Matthew Wolden / The Alestle

Corner 17 a bustling location and great food, worth the wait

CHLOE WOLFE lifestyles editor

Despite the long wait, Corner 17 is the perfect place after a long day of shopping in University City — just make sure you check in on their website.

Before my friends and I even got there, we made the rookie mistake of not checking in. When we did finally go to check in on the website, the wait time was a whopping 120 minutes. Luckily, there were a ton of things to do in the area.

Since we got there around 7:15 p.m., not much was open, so we opted to spend our time in Vintage Vinyl.

As we were heading back to the car to drop our purchases off, we received a message saying that the hostess would

soon be calling our name and we needed to be there before we lost our spot. We did not end up waiting the whole predicted two hours — it was only an hour and 20 minutes.

Corner 17 is a loud and bustling restaurant so do be warned, but the service is good and quick. You even get to watch the noodle puller do their job through a glass window.

I ordered the sesame chicken as well as the chicken stir-fried noodles to share with the table, which was $30 before a tip. The food was delicious and gorgeous and made for excellent leftovers.

This food is on the more expensive side, but, with the atmosphere, the taste, the service and location, I think it’s worth it. Just make sure to check in first!

Joy Luck Buffet in Brentwood leaves you wanting more

TORI WATERS copy editor

Joy Luck Buffet offers guests a wide selection of delicious dishes and a perfect ambiance to enhance your dining experience.

I was amazed from the moment I stepped into the restaurant. The decorations were glittery, yet the dimmed lights enhanced the beauty of the gentle sparkle.

Joy Luck Buffet also has an array of delectable foods. I tend to stick to foods I know I like, so I opted for dishes I’ve enjoyed previously. I tried their sesame chicken, vegetable lo mein, chicken and

broccoli and beef wontons. Each dish had the perfect temperature and texture. I was a fan of everything, but the vegetable lo mein took the cake for me.

The food was outstanding, but the service was a bit disappointing. My friend and I were seated quickly, but we were never checked on for refills or anything else. I will give them the benefit of the doubt because the restaurant was decently busy, but I was still expecting better service.

Joy Luck Buffet is rather pricey compared to other Chinese buffets. It costs around $16 per person; however, because the variety of options and the quality of the food, it is worth the price.

China Quick, authentic cuisine for when you’re in a rush

I Audrey O’Renic / The Alestle

AUDREY

O’RENIC

sports editor

Belleville’s China Quick offers authentic Chinese cuisine conveniently through delivery, take-out and drive thru.

I decided to grab lunch on my way to work and chose the drive-thru. The building is similar to a house in structure, and the staff inside really did make it feel like home.

The intercom system attached to the outdoor menu was not functional, so I had to call the number on the board to order manually.

I ordered chicken lo mein for $13, including the tip. The staff member at the window was kind, and we chatted briefly before my order was ready. The total time it took from ordering to receiving my meal was just under six minutes.

The chewy noodles balanced well with the crunchy vegetables and juicy chicken. The flavor had the classic sweet, salty lo mein taste, but was rather bland. The portion was enough for me to feel full and have leftovers.

Although my time with China Quick was quick, I will be stopping by again in the future.

Alton’s China Star gets my star of approval

BRUCE DARNELL managing editor

China Star is a good pick for Chinese food in the Alton area. The prices are cheap, but they seem to better suit delivery or pick-up orders rather than sitdown meals.

I ordered Kung Pao Chicken and crab rangoon for around $18. I may have accidentally ordered too much crab rangoon, since the Kung Pao Chicken seemed to come with it. I ended up with about 12 pieces of it — most of which I

put in my refrigerator.

The food was good. I enjoyed the chicken, and the crab rangoon was tasty. The chicken was mixed in together with vegetables and peanuts in a hot tin container.

The restaurant seemed to prioritize delivery or pick-up orders, as much of the eating area was cluttered with boxes. Most people I saw come in while waiting were there to pick-up their food and leave.

I don’t think the environment detracts from the food though. If I were in the area, I’d probably stop by again.

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Creating inclusive campuses: ADEI training should be mandatory for college students

THE ALESTLE STAFF editorial board

In our modern landscape, diversity isn’t merely a trendy term, but a foundational element of our societal understanding. Colleges and universities are pivotal in this regard, as they mold the future leaders and citizens of the world.

While SIUE does offer ADEI training and a newly developed ADEI certification program, these programs are optional, and up to the student to pursue.

As institutions are tasked with nurturing individuals and fostering critical thinking, they hold a responsibility not only to develop students’ major-specific knowledge, but also to cultivate an environment of inclusivity and equity.

In this pursuit, anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) training stands as an indispensable tool. This is essential for shaping well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a diverse global landscape.

SIUE itself is one of the many universities striving to foster a more inclusive and equitable campus. SIUE has been honored

as one of the 13 institutions chosen by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) who have established a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center.

According to SIUE, the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center serves to “prepare the next generation of strategic leaders and critical thinkers to break down racial hierarchies and dismantle the belief in the hierarchy of human values.”

ADEI training encompasses a range of educational initiatives aimed at fostering awareness, understanding and action around issues of discrimination, equity and inclusion. From addressing subconscious biases to promoting cultural understanding and creating safe spaces for marginalized groups, the objectives of such training are multifaceted.

ADEI training is about preparing students for the realities of the modern world. In today’s interconnected society, individuals are increasingly likely to encounter people from diverse backgrounds in their personal and professional lives.

This looks like educating

individuals on history, reflection upon our own biases, and re-examining our actions and beliefs.

Moreover, ADEI training serves as a powerful retaliatory force to prejudice and discrimination. Despite progress in recent decades, bias and discrimination persist in various forms, both overt and subconscious.

By raising awareness of underlying biases, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy, ADEI training helps to dismantle the barriers that divide us.

ADEI training fosters a culture of acceptance and appreciation for diversity, where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions rather than judged based on superficial characteristics.

Furthermore, ADEI training has been shown to contribute to the academic success and personal development of students. According to studies performed by the U.S. Department of Education, students perform better academically and are more engaged in learning when they feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. ADEI training is not just about promoting social justice — it’s about maximizing the potential of every student to succeed.

Whether in politics, business, education or any other field, leaders must be able to understand and navigate the complexities of diversity.

This training provides students with the skills and perspectives they need to lead with integrity, empathy, and cultural competence, thereby contributing to positive social change.

ADEI training is a reflection of a college’s commitment to its core values of equity and social justice. Colleges and universities have a unique role to play as institutions of higher learning and centers of intellectual pursuits.

At the end of the day, ADEI training is an investment in the future of our society.

As college students graduate and enter the workforce, they will become leaders, decision-makers and influencers in their respective fields. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to promote equity and inclusion, colleges can help to create a more just and equitable society for future generations.

ADEI training should be a required component of every college student’s educational experience.

SD governor blames Native Americans for American-caused problems

DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief

Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem doesn’t seem to care that thousands of people in her own state are suffering because of decisions she has made

that keep Native American reservations impoverished.

Four Native American tribes in South Dakota recently voiced complaints about comments Noem made regarding Mexican drug cartels on reservation land.

According to MSNBC, Noem claimed tribal leaders are benefiting from cartel influence, her only “evidence” being the tribes’ disapproval of her governorship. “We’ve got some tribal lead-

ers that I believe are personally benefiting from the cartels being there, and that’s why they attack me every day,” Noem said. Tribal leaders in the state

Last November, Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out issued a state of emergency because of these issues. Star Comes Out has said Noem is politicizing human suffering, and I’m inclined to agree with him.

The federal government has treaty obligations to provide law enforcement on tribal lands, but Star Comes Out maintains that the government has failed on this front. Again, he’s spot on.

It has been widely reported that the Pine Ridge Reservation, which is roughly the size of the state of Connecticut, has just 33 officers to respond to more than 100,000 emergency calls each year.

For comparison, the Connecticut General Assembly reported in 2022 that roughly 6,500 police officers were employed across the state.

Part of the reason law enforcement

is so sparse on reservations is because of alleged undercounting of tribal populations — something members of the U.S. judicial system have noticed and called on the federal government to correct. These numbers currently give the government an excuse to underfund reservations.

This isn’t the only time in the last few years that Native Americans have been neglected and disrespected by the U.S., often at the expense of human lives.

Back in 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, tribal leaders set up traffic checkpoints after a massive COVID-19 outbreak in Sioux Falls. Noem demanded these checkpoints be discontinued, despite denying tribal requests for a state-wide stay-at-home order.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier said that the tribe only had eight hospital beds and no intensive care unit in a three-hour radius.

“All we have is prevention,” Frazier said. “If we ever get the virus spread throughout our reservation, we don’t have the resources, the medical resources,

to try to address it.”

The truth is that Native Americans, especially those on reservations, suffer greatly because of political decisions both in the past and the present.

The Indian Health Service does provide medical care for reservations, but it also suffers from a lack of funding. According to Director of GoodRx Research Tori Marsh, California was promised millions of dollars in IHS funding 40 years ago that still has not been fulfilled.

Marsh said Native Americans are also prone to symptoms of generational trauma from past genocide and present discrimination, which can result in heart disease, substance abuse disorders and PTSD.

With these conditions, it’s hard to deny that the U.S. is continuing a decades-long cycle begun to disenfranchise the Native American people. Current inaction from both parties on these issues is leading to real loss of life across the country, just like it has been for centuries.

Noem herself has doubled down on her comments about tribal leadership and

drug cartels, part of a wider effort to stoke fear in the U.S. conscience about an imminent border crisis.

Because of Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the southern border, many have speculated that Noem, a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, is using situations like these to cozy up to Trump ahead of the election.

Like Star Comes Out said, Noem is using the suffering of the people she was elected to govern to her own advantage. That’s disgusting.

Call and petition your government to put pressure on them to allocate this much-needed funding. Don’t be afraid to join or organize a protest. With situations like these, elected officials won’t take action until millions of voices call for it constantly.

In the meantime, you can donate to and volunteer at organizations like Partnership With Native Americans or Global Volunteers that work with hundreds of tribes across the country to improve their lives.

Point: The Lou is the greatest city to call home

SAM MUREN reporter

St. Louis stands out as a prominent city in the United States and is the closest major city to SIUE. Despite facing criticisms, St. Louis is a great city to live near.

The creation of cities is one of humanity’s greatest developments. It’s remarkable how cities allow such a large number of people to live closely together and thrive as a community.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment, popular industries or an interesting location, each city has its own unique atmosphere and lifestyle.

While Chicago is bigger in size, it does not make St. Louis any less enjoyable. Sometimes less is more because there is a greater appreciation for what you have.

All these things considered, I believe that St. Louis houses the greatest opportunity for a complete and prosperous life for everyone. The Lou holds a beautiful history that is cherished to this day.

St. Louis was originally established by the French. Even today, our French origins live on through the fleur-de-lis. The symbol can be seen everywhere in the city — including on the city’s flag.

Famously, St. Louis is where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their expedition out west after the Louisiana Purchase.

The Gateway Arch was built in 1963, which gave the city the nickname “the Gateway to the West.”

St. Louis also has rich African American history. Located between the Union and Confederacy, the city saw many African American people relocate here during Reconstruction.

Southern African American culture became intertwined with St. Louis culture, especially when it comes to music. Originally started in New Orleans, jazz music branched out into new styles like the blues.

W. C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” is one famous piece of music that embodies a history of jazz music in the city.

Whether you’re driving by the Gateway Arch or attending a local hockey game, you are exposed to the history and culture of St. Louis.

Regardless of the smaller size of the city, St. Louis is home to successful industries that provide for its community members and the world.

Washington University is one of the

top research universities in the United States, and it accompanies many other institutions in the greater St. Louis area like Saint Louis University, SIUE and the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

St. Louis is also a very successful sports market. Both the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals are well-established and successful sports teams that represent the city.

The Cardinals have been one of the most successful Major League Baseball teams of all time, and the Blues have also found consistent success along with a championship a few years ago.

With the rapid rise of the Major League Soccer team of City SC, St. Louis has officially established itself as a sports city. All three teams have provided successful and entertaining sports to watch for local and worldwide fans.

Along with sports and education, St. Louis has many thriving businesses that make up the city’s economy. Anheuser-Busch, established in 1852, is a renowned beer company with many different alcoholic beverages.

The Lou is also known for introducing foods like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and St. Louis-style pizza — a square-

Counterpoint: ‘When I’m back in Chicago, I feel it’

AVA GALBAN reporter

Chicago’s skyline is like no other, with skyscrapers that make you crane your neck just to see the top. St. Louis is not quite on the same level in terms of architectural wow factor.

Chicago is renowned for its architecture, with iconic skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower (still lovingly referred to as the Sears Tower), the John Hancock Center, the Bean and much more.

— you name it, they’ve got it.

The Art Institute of Chicago could keep you busy for days, and don’t even get me started on their theater scene. Chicago’s culture stands out for its unparalleled diversity, vibrancy and depth. In addition to the world-class Art Institute of Chicago, it has the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Alder Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium.

Chicago is also celebrated for festivals like the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.

Now let’s talk about the next strong point: food. I’m sure you’ve heard of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza.

The city has a wide range of cultural cuisines. There is something to satisfy every craving.

With food from Mexico, Italy, India, Vietnam and so many more, Chicago’s culinary scene is the best in the nation.

sliced, thin crust pizza topped with sweet tomato sauce and provel cheese.

St. Louis’ educational institutions, sports and businesses all provide opportunities to succeed and thrive. Not only are there many successful industries, but there are also places to enjoy and embrace the St. Louis culture and atmosphere.

Some of these places include the St. Louis Science Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park and the Gateway Arch

The reach of the city spans across two states. While the city center is in Missouri, East St. Louis and its surrounding communities on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River lay claim to the greater St. Louis area, also known as the “Metro East.”

One might argue that larger cities are better, but the tight-knit community is what makes the city so special. Whether it is the passion of the fans at each of the major sports events or the city gatherings, St. Louisans are connected on the history, culture and current makeup of the city.

St. Louis is an amazing city and should receive more recognition. Overall, St. Louis has been, is and will continue to be a great place to live.

both Midway and O’Hare Airport are major national and international hubs, making it easy to jet off wherever your heart desires.

Chicago’s economy is booming, with big-name companies like Google, Caterpillar, Amazon, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Apple calling it home sweet home: finance, tech and healthcare. When it comes to industry, call Chicago the windy city, because we’re blowing the competition away. St. Louis can’t compete.

When it comes to culture, Chicago is like the cool kid in school with all the hobbies. Museums, theaters, music venues

Chicago has the bustling big-city energy, diverse culture, delicious food, easy transportation and booming economy that make it a top contender in the urban showdown. have repeatedly called on the U.S. government for aid in addressing issues of rampant crime, including drug offenses, gun violence and sexual violence.

Chicago is home to iconic music venues such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the blues clubs of the South Side and a thriving theater scene including Broadway in Chicago.

While St. Louis is a car-dominated city, Chicago offers public transportation in the form of buses or trains, thanks to Chicago Transit Authority’s Loop. Plus,

Tennis tans Leathernecks’ hide, secures championship spot

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

SIUE women’s tennis served a 7-0 victory against the Western Illinois University Leathernecks in their final regular season match on Saturday at the SIUE Tennis Courts.

Graduate student Jill Lambrechts and senior Jordan Schifano had a strong opening with a 6-1 win in No. 2 doubles.

Senior Fabiola Perez and sophomore Cydney Rogers followed the lead with a 6-2 victory. Securing the doubles point for the Cougars, sophomore Margaux Guibal Britt and sophomore Amelia Gorman finished 6-3 in

No. 1 doubles. Perez set the stage for singles following her 6-2, 6-0 triumph in No. 4 singles. Rogers followed with a clean sweep in No. 5 singles, 6-0, 6-0. Freshman Paula Guillen Cerver carried the momentum with a score of 6-2, 6-0, and Schifano shut out Western Illinois in No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-1.

After hindrances in No. 1 singles, such as incorrect calls from Western Illinois, Guibal Britt came out on top, 6-2, 6-2.

Head Coach Adam Albertsen celebrated seniors Perez, Lambrechts and Schifano’s successes in rebuilding the tennis program.

“They’re a special group,” Albertsen said. “Over the past three years, they have won about 80 percent of their matches as a team.”

SIUE moved to 5-1 in the OVC, securing them a second-seed spot in the championship tournament.

“We look at the OVC Tournament as a brand new season,” Albertsen said. “We look forward to this new season ... we’re ready to get there and get to work.”

The Cougars will play the Leathernecks again in the second match of the OVC Championships at 12 p.m., Friday in St. Louis.

Track and Field: Cougars mark territory in home meet

OPINION: Recognition in women’s sports is important

MICHAL KATE CASTLEMAN

online editor

In recent headlines, there was one thing people seem to talk about more than usual — women’s sports.

This newfound affection for female athletes and their skills arrived later than it should have, but because of the pure talent of Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, Caitlin Brink, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and many others, they have captured the attention of millions.

18.9 million people tuned into the Iowa Hawkeyes vs. South Carolina Gamecocks game on April 7, becoming the most-watched ESPN basketball game ever — including men’s professional and college basketball.

This kind of attention defeats any argument that women’s sports do not deserve our support. Oftentimes, people com-

ment women are not built like men, women’s sports are “not worth watching.”

Clark herself beat former National Basketball Association’s Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry’s record for most three-pointers in a season. If this is not direct proof of the talent of female athletes, then what is?

As a collective whole, it is time to remove any idea that women cannot be talented, skilled athletes. No matter the records beat or skills displayed, there always seems to be an excuse for why female athletes are still not good enough.

Women’s sports have been labeled as “boring” my entire life, usually by men. It is because of this loud, piercing argument that women are not good enough athletes that the attention surrounding Caitlin Clark and other players has been

so massive.

Underestimating an entire group of people ultimately leads to that group believing they cannot achieve the “impossible.” When you teach little girls that women are not capable of being accomplished athletes, they will believe you.

Players such as Clark and Watkins are helping younger girls and women discover their talents and the fact that they can become successful in athletics — especially on the court or field.

This year’s women’s March Madness tournament should ensure a better future, not just for women’s basketball, but women’s sports as a whole. We cannot continue to undermine female athletes; these women have dedicated days and hours to their work, and they fully deserve every ounce of appreciation they receive.

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

SIUE track and field conquered the annual Cougar Classic home tournament with several first-place finishes last weekend at Ralph Korte Stadium. Sophomore Kaylee Allen collected a win in the women’s 200-meter dash at 25.47 seconds, and also received a nomination for the OVC female track athlete of the week. Senior Kailah Carter also received the first-place title in the women’s 400-meter dash at 57.56 seconds.

In the women’s 800-meter run, senior Gabrielle Horton finished first at 2:16.46.

Senior Alexis Hutchins threw 14.16 meters for first place in the women’s shot put, and sophomore Maryiah Menicucci followed second at 13.00 meters. Hutchins fell 0.01 meters shy of first place in the hammer throw, scoring 55.28 meters. Hutchins was nominated for OVC Female Field Athlete of the week following her performance.

Junior Jamirah Meeks

overtook the women’s javelin throw with a 35.82-meter first place finish.

The Cougars dominated high jumps with all-around first-place finishes. Sophomore Aseanti Boone and freshman Zaria Searcy tied for first with a 1.59-meter jump in the women’s competition. Sophomore Harper Smith trailed close behind, securing third place at 1.54 meters.

Freshman Drew Tucker claimed victory in the men’s high jump following his 2.00-meter jump, and sophomore Caden Belcher tied for second at 1.90 meters. Tucker received a nomination for OVC male freshman of the week.

In the men’s 110-meter hurdles, sophomore Tyler Bell collected both a first-place win and a new personal record at 15.25 seconds.

Track and field seniors were recgonized and celebrated during the event.

SIUE track and field will travel to compete in the Gibson Invitational on Friday, April 19, at Indiana State University.

Senior Jordan Schifano strikes the ball in the final set of No. 2 singles, winning 6-0 on April 13. | Pedro Henrique G-M / The Alestle

Junior Taylor Lehman (#3) and Sophomore Caden Belcher (#2) accelerate out of their starting blocks during the 400m hurdles on April 13. | Maximilian Lenhart / The Alestle