Opinions: Popular video app Tik Tok stirs up government controversy.
Sports: Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche does not dissapoint in playoffs.
WesternCourier.com
Monday, August 24, 2020 - Vol. 121 Issue 1
@WesternCourier
Move-in occurs amid pandemic
By Rachel Greene editor-in-chief In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Illinois University recently faced another challenge: the annual move-in weekend. Residence halls on campus, which have remained nearly vacant since the pandemic struck in March, opened for move-in on Wednesday through Sunday. New students were able to move in Wednesday through Thursday and returning students were able to move in on Friday through Sunday. Changes were noticeable throughout every facet of the weekend. This year, rather than moving in at a certain time depending on how many miles away from campus they live, students had to sign up for a one hour move-in appointment to ensure that social distancing could be
maintained as well as wearing masks at all times, both inside and outside the residence halls. In addition, students were limited to bringing two guests to assist them with their belongings. Both students and guests were required to wear masks and have their temperatures taken prior to being allowed to check-in and were required to remain in their vehicles until their exact move-in time. Carts were sanitized between every use, extending waiting times for students. Even the packing list, which remains fairly standard, was updated to include a digital thermometer, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and masks. The annual tradition of the movein crew was noticeably absent from the day’s events. While there was no move-in crew physically helping students transport their belongings, various resident assistants and other
student leaders assisted with taking temperatures, reminding people to wear their masks over their noses and ensuring social distancing was occurring at all times. Student Member to the Board of Trustees Justin Brown who assisted with this year's move in said, “I have helped with move-in every year and this year was no exception. While it was very different, that same sense of excitement was in the air. Students, both new and returning, had an energy that brought a smile to my face - even though it may not have been visible underneath the mask. It was a challenge navigating how to safely and efficiently move in the largest freshman class in years, but housing worked hard to ensure that students and their families were abiding by not only Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, but also by all of the policies the uni-
versity has in place. While this year will be different, it will still provide our students with the high quality education that they have become accustomed to.” Brown mentioned an increase in enrollment among both freshmen and transfer students, which while positive for the university, has provided an additional challenge to those working in housing. With the residence halls in North Quad being offline, Thompson, Corbin, Olson, Lincoln, Washington and Grote have students on all floors, even the second floor of Corbin, which typically serves as a conference floor for guests on campus. With full residence halls and a sense of uncertainty about what the semester will bring, all students are now moved in and set to start classes.
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Student leaders assisting with temperature checks during move-in weekend.
Sports on Page 7: NHL Second Round Predictions
FILE PHOTO
r-greene2@wiu.edu Opinions on Page 4: The Tik Tok Controversy
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Monday, August 24, 2020
NEWS
WesternCourier.com
New Student Convocation takes on a new format for fall 2020
MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University’s President’s New Student Convocation, which typically hosts administrators, students, families and community members in Western Hall immediately following move-in, was held in an entirely different format this year. The event serves as the first real, tangible experience that students have on our campus. All freshmen and their families are invited to hear from various speakers and gain inspiration for the four years ahead of them. The ceremony as a whole serves to promote the values of Western Illinois University and set students up for four years of academic and personal success. Usually in person,
WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall. Mail: 1 University Circle, WIU, Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: 309-298-1876 Fax: 309-298-2309 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays E-mail: micour@wiu.edu Member: Illinois College Press Association, National Association College Press
the university opted to live stream the event via Zoom on Friday at 10 a.m. so incoming students could still experience the words of welcome and the formal beginning to their college experience. While the event was livestreamed and was not open to the public, a number of student leaders were invited to sit in the audience during the event to demonstrate a sense of community and remind those watching of the university policies in place, no matter the occasion. Upon entering the COFAC Recital Hall, students were directed to social distance. In each row, many chairs were taped off in order to prevent anyone from sitting in them. Masks
were required as per university policy. While the audience may have been smaller than usual, speeches were still given in person by Academic Vice President William Clow, Interim President Martin Abraham, Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance Lysa Fox, Mayor Mike Inman and Student Government Association President Daria Levchenko. The speeches focused primarily on the challenges this year may bring as well as the opportunities that can still be found on campus. During her address to the class of 2024, Levchenko stated, “During these COVID times, getting involved is going to look a little differ-
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Rachel Greene
proofreader Mary Kilbourne
R-Greene2@wiu.edu
MC-Kilbourne@wiu.edu
news editor Rachel Greene
photo editor Sara Remar
R-Greene2@wiu.edu
SE-Remar@wiu.edu
opinions editor Allison Young
assistant photo editor Sara Remar
AN-Young@wiu.edu
SE-Remar@wiu.edu
sports editor Chris Bean
production manager Brandon Trost
CR-Bean@wiu.edu
BL-Trost@wiu.edu
assistant sports editor Chris Bean
business manager Janiya Haynes
CR-Bean@wiu.edu
J-Haynes2@wiu.edu
edge editor Peyton Finnegan
assistant business manager Nash Miller
PM-Finnegan@wiu.edu
NK-Miller@wiu.edu
copy editor Amanda Wandachowicz
advertising manager Tyler Hoffman
A-Wandachowicz@wiu.edu
TE-Hoffman@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
ent than normal. More things are going to be online, some events may change last minute and it will be a challenge. But do not let that discourage you from seeing the different organizations and meeting the students who make up this school. You may have to reach out of your comfort zone this semester as we all navigate this new time we are in. Whether you get involved in several organizations or only one, make the best out of it. You never know what could happen if you don’t try.” Levchenko went on to mention that even in the midst of these times, she hopes that students will make the most of their time on this campus
and in this community. She reminded the student body to do their part to ensure that the Leatherneck family remains safe and healthy during these times. While many traditions on campus may look different this year or may not be able to occur at all, convocation is a prime example of how important moments can be conserved in new ways that are realistic in the world today. With safety and regulations in mind, convocation remained able to serve the purpose of welcoming students and families to a new community, campus and phase in their lives.
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Monday, August 24, 2020
@WesternCourier On Friday, the university announced through an email from the Office of Risk Management that they will be providing free COVID-19 test kits to students. The testing kits were available to students living on campus last weekend and will be available to students commuting or living off campus beginning Tuesday. Kits can be picked up at the metered parking lot at the University Union. Test kits will be available until Thursday. The free test kits are saliva collection kits. They will be provided by the Beu Health Center staff as well as volunteers who have been adequately trained. The saliva will be collected in the kits and then overnighted to a lab in Kansas. Unlike the testing that has been done so far in McDonough County, this test will provide results in 24 hours, helping to minimize the risk of contact with students who test positive.
While the large majority of testing is anticipated to be done in one large group over the course of the next week, the university will continue to complete a random weekly sampling of the Western Illinois University student population throughout the entire fall semester. Students who receive a positive test result will be required to isolate for 14 days. Students who live on the Macomb campus will be able to quarantine in Bayliss Hall, which was renovated into a quarantine center over the summer. Students who commute or attend the Quad Cities campus are required to isolate at home for 14 days as well. The test kits, while not mandatory, are highly recommended for all students. In addition to providing the kits, the university will also be installing 350 HEPA air purifiers. These will be installed in various classrooms and build-
ings on campus in an effort to stop the spread of the virus through the air. Students will now also be required to answer a COVID-related survey and take their temperature prior to entering a classroom or campus building. This rule will apply every day including weekends if a student intends on entering campus property. The daily survey can be found at wiu.edu/selfcheck/. There will be a kiosk available at the Office of Public Safety for any student who does not have a way to access the survey off campus. Students who indicated in any way that they have been exposed to or show symptoms of COVID-19 will be contacted by the Beu Health Center with follow up questions and guidance.
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The editorial views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editorial presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editorial board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.
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2020 Fall Semester Editorial Board
Edge Editor - Peyton Finnegan Editor-in-Chief - Rachel Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young
NEWS
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One of the newest upcoming social media platforms is causing a stir. The app is called TikTok. It is a video platform where people can create short films. There are different audio enhancements and filters to spice up these short clips. I am sure that most people are familiar with the social media platform by now, but are you informed on what an uproar the app is bringing to the social media community? The app is owned by a Chi-
Freshmen, welcome to Western Illinois University, the campus that has a special place just for you. As a senior this year, I would personally like to give you just a few tips and tricks to navigating and getting comfortable on campus. I know that this last year has been difficult for many of you due to COVID-19, but that does not have to stop you from having an amazing
nese company called ByteDance Ltd. and has grown rapidly with over 175 million downloads within the last few months. One of the biggest issues that has been found with this application is that it has access to your location services, search histories and much more. Some people seem to think that TikTok is the first app to be doing these things and using this information but, I know that other apps on your phone do the
same thing. The Chinese company has the ability to look at and analyze the data of users from the United States. I understand why this is a concern, but it has led to an entirely different uproar with President Trump. The U.S. government has actually restricted the use of TikTok on any government owned cell phone or electronic device. We are not the only country that is banning the app either; countries like India have hopped on the bandwagon because they have realized the dangers of the popular app. The United States is close to following the same protocol. In the last few weeks, Trump announced that he is going to
prohibit the use of TikTok in the United States. While there is data to prove the dangers of the application, some have a different opinion as to why Trump wants to ban TikTok. A theory behind his announcement of banning the app is that he does not like to do business with China. This has been known for quite some time, so people don't find it very ironic that he wants to get rid of the app. In my opinion, I understand the speculation they have, but I also see why there is harm when it comes to the data that is able to be shared through the app. There are people who live and breathe TikTok, which is absolutely absurd in my opinion. People are focused
on “becoming famous” and I also see why that is a problem. I love the well-known app and I do tend to spend many hours watching funny videos, but I do not think it would be as big of a deal as people are making it if the application was banned. As entertaining as TikTok is, there is a lot you are risking when using it. There has been talk of Microsoft buying the popular app in order to keep it alive. The company has been working with the United States government to work out ways to make changes to the app and see if there are ways to make it safer. Do you want to see TikTok stay, or should it go down in history?
freshman year. The first piece of advice I want to give you is to ask questions when you have them. It doesn't matter who it is; your professors, RAs, friends or even just people you see around campus. Lost? It’s alright to stop and ask someone for help. Asking questions is one of the ways that you can be successful. I have found that by asking
questions, you can get things done in an efficient and productive manner. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors questions even if it is just to clarify. This will help you get the best grade possible in the course. The second thing that helped me find success at Western was to make sure that this was my home. We all have families that we love and adore, but this is our time to grow and learn who we are on our own. I am absolutely not saying to never go home or to never see your family, but try not to make it an every weekend experi-
ence. Make new friends and lean on them when things get tough. Making Western my home has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in college. As I am sure most of you have already been told, get involved in something on campus. I cannot stress how important it really is for your next four years. This is a way to make friends and a way to feel like you are not just a student. Joining clubs or organizations is also a resume builder. Believe it or not, the next few years are going to fly by. You will blink and it’s going to be time to be an
adult. So, being involved on campus is one of the easiest ways to add things to your resume. The last thing that I want to leave you with is to be yourself 100 percent. I remember what it was like to be nervous and quiet around people, but it’s okay to go out of your comfort zone. Being yourself is going to find you some of the best people you will ever meet. You are now a Leatherneck, and we look out for each other. Just because this has been a rough year due to a global pandemic does not mean that your first year of college has to be a drag.
E3 EDGE
Monday, August 24, 2020
WesternCourier.com
Grey's Anatomy final season speculation
Grey’s Anatomy is set to return to ABC in the fall for its 17th season. This immensely successful series is one of the most prosperous in the history of television. This is quite remarkable, considering it has gone through several cast changes and time-slot changes. Premiering in March of 2005, this American medical drama series spotlights the lives of surgical interns,
residents and attendings as they grow into seasoned doctors while balancing their professional and personal relationships. Developed and written by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy has grown into one of the largest television dramas to ever air. However, speculation over the last few months has left many fans wondering whether they are heading into their
final season. The show is also the longest running scripted primetime series currently airing on ABC. The series revolves around the title character, Dr. Meredith Grey who is played by Ellen Pompeo. Grey is first featured as an intern and later becomes the chief of general surgery, all the while exploring the ups and downs of messy relationships and workplace drama. Grey's Anatomy has been well received by critics throughout much of its run and has been included in various critics' year-end top 10 lists. Since the beginning, the show has been described by the media as a television "phenomenon," ow-
ing to its longevity and dominant ratings. Pompeo is only contractually obligated for one more season, so will this be the end? As rumors of her disinterest in continuing production after season 17 continue to spread, fans everywhere are heartbroken. Longtime Grey’s Anatomy fan Mary Kilbourne elaborates, “Even though I hold this show near and dear to my heart, I think it’s time for the storyline to come to an end. I believe this because the storylines are becoming very repetitive and it will never live up to the original cast.” Many fans share a similar outlook on the show, claiming
that the recent storylines are becoming derivatives of past plots. Another problem that continuously arises within the show is actor retention. Many original cast members feel they have “done their time.” This is understandable, however it still changes the show nonetheless. For instance, in the most recent season, actor Justin Chambers had his final episode as Pediatric Surgeon “Dr. Alex Karev.” This was hard for fans because he was one of the original cast members in 2005. Like everything in the world, all good things must come to an end, and if you ask me, 17 seasons is a pretty good run.
ELLE.COM
The original cast of Grey's Anatomy.
FIND US ON @westerncourier THE WESTERN COURIER
E4 EDGE
Monday, August 24, 2020
WesternCourier.com
Juice WRLD, the legend that never died
On Dec. 8, 2019 music artist Jarad Anthony Higgins, known as Juice WRLD, was pronounced dead at the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in Chicago just days after his 21st birthday from an accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine after landing at Midway Airport. This is not exactly front page news, however, the late rapper had more than 400 confirmed unreleased songs. Although, it is speculated that there are more than 1,000 songs that are unreleased. His legacy still lives on today. His posthumous album Legends Never Die was released on July 10, 2020, through Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from The Weeknd, Trippie Redd, Marshmello, Polo G, The Kid Laroi and Halsey. According to Billboard magazine, “The third full-length album from the late artist marks his second to bow
Juice WRLD's album contains 22 songs.
at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, following last year's Death Race For Love. What's more, Legends enters with 497,000 equivalent album units moved -- not only the best single-week mark of his career, but the highest single-week total for any artist in 2020. The set also places 17 tracks on the Hot 100 this week, including five in the chart's top 10 -- a simultaneous feat previously accomplished only by The Beatles and Drake.” Many people that mourned the loss of their favorite rapper experienced floods of emotions from his recent album release. Longtime Juice WRLD superfan Melanie Higgins comments on the impact his death has on her generation, stating “He wrote so many songs about his struggle with anxiety, depression and drug abuse. I think that’s why his death impacted his fans so much; because we all knew what he was going through and
we all connected to him.” In Chicago, Artist Corey Pane painted a mural memorializing the rapper days after the album’s release. The mural features a portrait of Juice WRLD surrounded by butterflies and shooting stars that’s similar to the cover design for his recent posthumous album Legends Never Die. Many fans have visited, leaving flowers and candles to pay tribute to the rapper that was taken too soon. While the recent posthumous album by Juice WRLD features many popular songs like “Conversations,” “Come and Go,” and “Wishing Well”; Melanie names “Blood on my Jeans” as her favorite. “Blood on my Jeans” was written about his drug addiction and his relationship with his girlfriend, Ally Lotti. Melanie had been awaiting this song for a while and stated that, “Juice teased this song on his Instagram live in 2019 and I have been waiting for its release ever since then.” Juice WRLD may have passed, but his music legacy lives on. So I guess the question is, do legends ever really die? THEGUARDIAN.COM
Juice WRLD performing.
YOUTUBE.COM
Western Illinois fall sports postponed until the spring By Christopher Bean sports editor MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois fall sports have been canceled. On Friday, Aug. 7, the Missouri Valley Conference postponed confernce football games and postseason play until the spring. Two weeks ago on Aug. 10, The Summit League postponed all fall sports (cross country, soccer and volleyball) until the spring. Men's soccer will have to wait to defend their Summit League title, after winning their fifth regular season title in
school history. The women's team won six games last year, but missed the confernce tournment after only two conference wins. The volleyball team also won six games last year, improving from only two the year before. The third year under head coach Ben Staupe will have to wait. Both men's and women's cross country teams were set to race in five meets this fall, but will have to continue to train for them until the spring. After a 1-11 season, the Leathernecks, led by third year head coach Jared Elliott, will prepare for the first ever spring season.
WQAD.COM
NHL Second Round Predictions
It was definitely a different start to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the first time ever, 24 teams qualified for the postseason, 12 teams from each conference, meaning that the field was wide open for anyone to make a shock run. There were eight five-game series to qualify for a spot in the final 16. Those that didn’t make the cut were the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens. Each one of those teams was defeated in five games and therefore eliminated from the playoffs. While these series were taking place, the top four teams from each conference played a round robin against one another to determine the seeding for the first round. It made for some interesting and exciting matchups. So, what happened, and what’s going to happen next? The Las Vegas Golden Knights were pitted against the experienced Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks didn’t even belong in the playoffs in the first place, so
it’s no surprise they went out in the first round. And when you pit them against one of the best and well rounded offenses in the league, it was a no brainer. Vegas took the series in five. They’ll take on the Vancouver Canucks, who defeated the defending champions St. Louis Blues in six games. Vancouver ’s Bo Horvat and J.T. Miller have lit up the playoffs, scoring six and five goals, respectively. And then there was Quinn Hughes. This rookie defenseman really proved to everyone that he was the real deal in these playoffs with his one goal and nine assists. Their combined efforts made the Blues’ defense look like a pee-wee hockey club. The Blues’ 2-8 record coming back from the break didn’t help them either. They had no momentum and never really stood a chance against a fast and highly skilled team like the Canucks. My prediction for round two: Canucks in seven. In a rather shocking turn of events, the Dallas Stars eliminated the Calgary Flames 4-2. I say that because Calgary is another one of those young, fast and skillful teams that have the potential to make
a deep run if not win it all. Dallas’ rookie right winger Dennis Gurianov has six goals to his name in these playoffs and they also have the leading defenseman in points, Miro Heiskanen with 13. I guess it’ll be a couple years before Calgary really has it in them, but this year wasn’t the year. Dallas will be taking on yet another young, fast and skillful team, this time in the Colorado Avalanche. The Av’s beat the Arizona Coyotes in five games in convincing fashion. They scored a combined 22 goals in just five games with huge back-toback 7-1 wins in games four and five to wrap up the series. Everyone expected center Nathon MacKinnon to breakout these playoffs and he certainly did with his six goals and 10 assists. It’s possible the Stars wear down the Av’s during this series, but I don’t think it’ll matter. Dallas already has a 1-0 series lead and great defense wins championships, but I’m calling Colorado to come back and win it in seven. Now onto the east. The Philadelphia Flyers took down the Montreal Canadiens in six games. Everyone thought Philly could make a deep run and it’s not over yet. The big question for the Flyers was their goalkeeping, and it hasn’t bothered them at all. Starter Carter Hart as well as his backup
Brian Elliot have exceeded expectations. Elliot boasts a 1.47 GAA while Hart has a 1.71 GAA. Philly’s offense was nothing special, but they are starving for something to happen. They don't exactly have a tough task in front of them either. They’ll be taking on the New York Islanders. The Isles beat the Washington Capitals four games to one, ending the series with a big statement 4-0 win. Left winger Anthony Beauvillier has six goals in these playoffs and right winger Josh Bailey has 10 points thus far. They’ve got a great head coach behind them in Barry Trotz who was able to take down his former club and the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions. I really don’t know who will take this series. It’s honestly the one I care the least about because neither of these teams particularly excite me, but I guess I’m going to pick New York in six. The Tampa Bay Lightning made a mockery of themselves last season in the playoffs getting swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was a rematch from last year, but this time they were able to come out the other side, winning the series in five games. Center Brayden Point has scored five goals so far and Andrei Vasilevskiy has looked solid as always. This time around, Tampa Bay has a chip on their shoulder. The Lightning will be tak-
ing on last year ’s runners up Boston Bruins. Talk about a team with experience and depth. Tukka Rask might have backed out for personal reasons, but it didn’t bother this team at all. While no one has particularly been on fire for them, they’re still the Bruins. They know what they’re doing and they know how to get back there. They made easy work of the Carolina Hurricanes in five games but will have a rough road again ahead of them. Many people thought Tampa Bay was a lock to win it all last season and then proceeded to get absolutely embarrassed. I don’t think it’ll happen again this year. I think this will be the best series of the entire playoffs, and I think it’s the Lightning’s year. Tampa Bay in seven. Some people say that this year ’s champion will have an asterisk next to their name in the history books. I completely disagree. The Stanley Cup is still the hardest championship to win in sports. Take into consideration that there is no more home ice advantage and I think it makes it even more difficult. They have to deliver night in and night out in an empty arena and they do so because there is still everything to play for. I commend the NHL for how they’ve handled the playoffs this season, and even though my St. Louis Blues are out, I’m still excited to see how it will end.