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Town of Normal raises tobacco purchasing age
ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor | @addough
to tighten age restrictions on tobacco purchases across the country. According to the organization, six states and ast year the Town of Normal more than 330 cities nationwide have raised the purchasing age of adopted Tobacco 21 restrictions. tobacco and vaping products to ISU’s Chief of Police Aaron Wood21. Normal joins more than 30 Illinois ruff said regardless of age, those caught communities who have enacted Tobacco smoking will be issued citations. 21 ordinances. “Smoking, vaping and chew are all Vendors caught selling tobacco and prohibited on campus property. If we vaping products to those under 21 will catch people smoking, we can issue face a $50 fine for the first offense and a them a regular smoking citation which $500 fine for repeated offenses. is the state law,” Woodruff said. Former Gov. Bruce Rauner (R-IL) “I don’t think we’ll have a lot of vetoed legislation that would raise the enforcement on it. I think a lot of it will purchasing age from 18 to 21 citing be some verbal warnings and reminddoubts that the bill would prevent teeners that smoking on campus is not agers from getting tobacco products as allowed,” he said. well as the effect on Illinois businesses. ISU junior marketing major Ryan “Since no neighboring state has raised Mavrinac said the new ordinance the age for purchasing tobacco products, won’t deter those under 21 from buying local businesses and the state will see tobacco and vaping products. decreased revenue, while public health “This type of law only hurts local impacts continue,” Rauner wrote at the businesses. Anyone under the age of 21 time. is still going to find a way to buy cigIn a press release, spokeswoman for arettes, wraps, vapes or Juuls if they Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Jordan Abudayyeh, really want it,” Mavrinac said. said the governor looks forward to “It’s the same thing as being under Photo by Christopher Edwards | Photo Editor reviewing the legislation. James Wittington smokes outside Kroger in Normal. The Town of Normal raised the purchasing age of tobacco 21 and getting alcohol. It still happens “The governor believes in order to help and vaping products to 21. despite the government dictating how build a healthy society, we have to work old we have to be to buy things,” he said. Council members. The council unanimously voted to approve to prevent young people from smoking,” Abudeyyeh stated. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue’s 2018 the law. The ordinance went into effect Dec. 1 after representatives of annual report, the state collected more than $745 million in The Tobacco 21 movement advocates for similar measures Illinois State University’s chapter of Tobacco 21 met with Town cigarette taxes.
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Connect Transit to raise bus fares, eliminate routes MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180
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onnect Transit will consider raising the price of bus fares to cover expending finances in the midst of the federal government shutdown. Connect Transit General Manager Isaac Thorne said that price hikes may be coming to Connect Transit buses as early as July. The decision came from last Tuesday’s board meeting. “Connect Transit needs to increase revenue as expenses increase to continue providing transit service,” Thorne said. “Over the last few years, Connect Transit has increased frequency on most routes to 15 or 30 minutes, added Sunday service and late service on four routes. All these additional services bring more value to our customers but also increase expenses. All of the fare revenue gained from this fare proposal will be applied to our operating expenses.” All riders can expect to see a raise in fare prices by at least 25 percent if the vote is passed. This means regular fares would increase from $1 to $1.25. On-demand riders for Connect Mobility would also see an increase in fares from $2 to $2.50. For bus passes, the initial price would share the effect, but the only major increase would come from the 30-day pass for the fixed route service and Connect Mobility. Those prices would increase from $32 to $36 for the
standard routes while the pass for Connect Mobility would increase from $65 to $70. Fortunately, riders will enjoy the next couple months without any price raises. “Connect Transit has not raised fares in the last 12 years. Our expenses are tied to service hours. To reduce significant expenses, Connect would have to eliminate routes or operational hours. No decision has been made.” Thorne said that a public hearing and Connect Transit Board vote will take place on March 12, 2019. The proposed fare increase would not take effect until July 1, 2019. “Connect Transit has not held any community engagement sessions as of today,” Thorne said. “We are still very early in this process but engagement sessions will be held in February leading up to the vote in March.” The consideration, however, was not met with unanimous support from the board. Board member John Bowman told the Pantagraph that he sees potential for the decision to become overbearing for no good reason. “I would not want to see us spend a lot of money to pursue fare equity,” Bowman said. “Even $60 a month is a bargain over maintaining a personal vehicle, insurance, depreciation and gas cost.” Another consideration that came about Tuesday was suspending the Olive Route for Connect Transit. “The proposal for route adjustments is to discontinue the Olive route due to
performance in terms of ridership,” Thorne said. “The Olive route has the least amount of ridership of all 15 routes. The three areas most customers are using the route are at Orlando Northbrook Estates, Walmart-Normal and OSF Medical Center-Fort Jesse. The customers at Orlando Northbrook Estates can still access the Yellow route. The Yellow route has 15 or 30 minute service and will connect with the Red at Uptown Station traveling to Walmart-Normal.” Thorne said the route adjustment proposal would use the hours saved from the Vidette Archive Olive route and create additional service on Connect Transit is considering raising its bus the Red and Lime routes, creating the Red fares and eliminating routes for affordability. Express and Lime Express. The Red and Downtown or Uptown Transfer Center at pasLime routes are heavily used by customers and would benefit from additional frequency. senger pick-up times. Bowman told the Pantagraph that he dis“The Lime Express would run Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then from 1:30 agreed with the consideration entirely, opting to 5:30 p.m. This will allow us to increase for reformation of the route over elimination. “It bothers me we’ve taken the approach we service from the Walmart in Bloomington to Downtown Bloomington during peak times.” allow routes to fail without making adjust“The Red Express would run Monday ments ... to make them perform better,” through Friday. It would run from 7 a.m. to 11 Bowman said. “We’ve cut out areas of the a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This would allow Con- community that pay a disproportionate share nect to continue to service OSF Fort Jessie of the expenses.” Medical Center and increase service from MIKE SMITH is a News Reporter for The Uptown to the Normal Walmart. This means the addition of the Lime Vidette. He can be reached at msmit13@ilExpress and Red Express will be on the stu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @Agora_180. off peak hours and will not congest the
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Two dozen influenza cases confirmed in Bloomington-Normal
Although the month of December did not bring the freezing weather and snow Illinoisans are accustomed to, that did not stop the flu from spreading. The City of Bloomington, along with many cities in Illinois, faces yet another fast spreading f lu season. Although this flu season has not proven to be as dangerous as past years, it is still important to take precautions in an effort to prevent a harmful outbreak. Some medical centers in the area are even urging visitors to limit their access to the facilities, in order to keep the flu from spreading. OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center is one of the many medical facilities asking its visitors to stay away. Chief Medical Officer Paul Pedersen advises visitors not to come in if they are sick. “We’ve got enough illness in the hospital, so don’t come, but if you do, please make sure you are appropriately masking if you are
sick,” Pedersen said. Towards the beginning of January, OSF’s sites in the Bloomington-Normal area had confirmed two dozen influenza cases alone. Not all medical facilities in the area have limited visitor access because the outbreaks are not as serious as they have been in previous years. Almost all doctors and medical facilities around the nation promote free flu shots which are considered the best way to prevent the flu. Illinois State University’s Student Health Services is one of the many medical locations that provides free flu shots. They urge students to get the vaccination so the ISU campus can stay healthy and not see an outbreak of its own. Taking some extra steps to prevent the flu is important and easy for everyone to do. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all healthy children, along with other high risk groups, get a flu vaccination. Other precautions that can help prevent the flu include washing one’s hands, coughing into one’s elbow, disinfecting common surfaces and drinking water to help strengthen your immune system.
There is also the possibility that students are less likely to have an interaction with crime since
JACK O’NEIL is a News Reporter for The Vidette. Follow him on Twitter at @JackONe39393244
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There are many risks when going out alone at night no matter where you are. Fortunately for students who live on or near campus, there are safeguards that Illinois State University has put in place. These include a heavy presence of campus Vidette Archive police and emergency Illinois State University uses emergency text alerts sent to every phone. alerts to inform all students, staff and faculty The emergency alerts of potential dangers. happen whenever a crime it’s the wintertime. ISU Chief of is reported by the campus police or when weather conditions Police Aaron Woodruff said that are deemed hazardous. ISU sopho- he wants more students to focus more Miranda Schreiber said that on the winter when it comes safety. “First and foremost, dress approshe believes that she is quite vulpriately for the weather,” Woodruff nerable and feels safer knowing said. “We’ve seen a number of stuthese texts are at hand. “I’m short, I’m skinny and I keep dents dress differently than they a key lodged in between by two fin- should.” Those who wish to learn about gers in case of an attacker. The key is not likely to work so, thankfully, ISU safety and security can call the there is a way for me to know when campus police at (309) 438-3631 or visit the campus police website. it’s not safe to go out.”
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
Normal considering electric scooter pilot program ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor | @addough
As electric scooters begin to pop up across college campuses nationwide, the Town of Normal is considering a pilot project for an electric scooter program. Town Planner Mercy Davidson said the E-Scooter program would be similar to that of the bike-share program where users download an app to check out the scooters. “Every scooter has a GPS unit imbedded in it so the software would be able to track where the scooters are. When a user opens up the app, they’ll be able to see where the closest scooter is located,” Davidson said. The E-Scooter pilot program would run on a dockless system meaning they can be located in areas where the town does not prohibit scooter parking. “As with bike-share, we want people to be able to have alternate modes of transportation available. We support alternative transportation whenever we can,” she said. “It helps people avoid using a car wherever they need to go so it’s a great alternative,” she added. Although the E-Scooter program is still under discussion, an initial launch would see 150 scooters distributed around Normal. “Nothing is definite, but it could scale up from 150 E-Scooters to 250 scooters, if not a little bit more,” she said.
Davidson said renting the scooters may not be cheap if the user rides it for an extended period of time. “It’s likely to be around a dollar to check it out and then 10 to 15 cents per minute after that so it’s not cheap when you look at the math,” she said. “If you’re on it for an hour it could cost you $9-$10.00 which is why people ride them for five to ten minutes.” The absolute maximum speed for the E-Scooters would be 15 mph but the town has the ability to work with the company and the software to create speed zones. This would reduce the scooter’s speed in certain areas. “It could be 10 mph in Uptown Normal or let’s say ISU wanted the speed to be maxed at 8 mph on the Quad, that could be done.” Davidson said. “We haven’t ironed out all the details yet.” Normal prohibits the use of skateboards and bicycles in Uptown and the use of motorized vehicles is banned on Constitution Trial. The town may reconsider the ban in the future. “It’s unclear whether they can be used on the trail or not. We would expect to pass a local ordinance that would prohibit them on the sidewalks in Uptown as with skateboards and bikes,” Davidson said. The Town of Normal would not be paying for the scooter program unlike the bike-share program which the town subsidizes. “They’ll be completely paid for by user fees so no tax dollars will go towards this program.”
Courtesy of Tribune News Media
Town of Normal is considering adding an electric scooter pilot program. The program is similar to the bike-share program that is active in town. A vote to implement the E-scooter program is planned for late February. A vote to launch the E-Scooter pilot program was planned for late February but town officials recently became aware of a potential conflict with state law on what constitutes a motorized vehicle. “It’s unlikely anything would go to our
elected officials until March, at the earliest. If we do this it would be a one-year pilot to iron out the bus and see how it goes because there are some concerns,” Davidson said.
ISU’s MCN to adapt nurse program through collaboration GABI GUERRERO News Reporter | @gabigue97
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s the landscape of healthcare reform responds to nationwide changes, Illinois State’s Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) has put a strong focus on recognizing the need for nurses in the community. Through the Affordable Care Act, healthcare delivery models have altered the focus of health services away from reactive illness towards a proactive one. This approach towards a patient-centric care deviates from the old model of physician-centric care. MCN Dean Judy Neubrander has helmed the new nursing education and research efforts to the adjusting models, as the urgent need for MCN to groom nurses who were prepared to lead and coordinate care teams had been recognized. Last year, Neubrander was responsible for the $2.8 million Health Resources and Service Administration grant for the MCN. The funding paved way for the college to launch the Change Agents to the Underserved: Service Education (CAUSE) project. Neubrander said the ultimate purpose of the grant was to prepare registered nurses (RNs) to practice at the full scope of their license in primary care settings. “For the first part of the grant, we’ve partnered with these three healthcare Ali Rasper | Vidette Photo Editor clinics. The grant required that those clin- Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing is focusing on recognizing the need for nurses in ics serve the under-served which is why the community. MCN has developed their nursing program to groom nurses to be prepared to lead and we chose those particular centers,” Neu- coordinate care teams. brander said. designed by both the college and medical center. 2019. “[Under-served] patients are individuals Centers like these make it possible for those who either don’t have health insurance or don’t It will teach RNs how to lead and harmonize without public aid or health care to get things have health insurance that covers what they primary care teams. They focus on preventative care for people like flu shots or physical exams which they need that care for,” she said. who do not go to the doctor as regularly as normally may not have access to. The program CAUSE seeks to strengthen the MCN curriculum, allowing nursing students and RNs they should due to the lack of public aid or places a strong focus on achieving better health to practice primary nursing to meet growing health care. The intent is to be proactive and and preventing illness and disease rather than work with patients to obtain overall better reacting to them. health care needs. The goal of these collaborations aims to help The new health care models aim to make stu- health. “We’re embedding two registered nurses at students gain the skills necessary to enable dents more valuable to clinics, who have already adapted to changing health care, as they look Chestnut, and one other RN at the other two them to work in this new model of patient-led clinics. We’re educating those nurses on a dif- health care. The partnerships have been set for jobs. In an effort to assist its students, MCN plans ferent process for primary care that is really up to give students the opportunity to have a to collaborate through clinical partnerships case management focused,” Neubrander said. hands-on clinical experience. “For example, if someone has diabetes the MCN is reacting to the change in health care with three Bloomington medical clinics; Chestnut Family Health Center, Community Health nurse will work very closely with that individ- and providing unique opportunities for their Care Clinic and the McLean County Health ual to get their hemoglobin A1C, which is the students to be properly educated and trained measure of your diabetic health and drive that as they enter the work force. Department. Chestnut Family Health Center will be the number down.” The MCN nursing students will be learning GABI GUERRERO is a News Reporter for The Vifirst facility to hold clinical experiences for in Chestnut’s new, 32,000 square foot family dette. She can be contacted at glguer1@ilstu. MCN nursing students. The programs, which will begin in the Fall 2019 semester, have been integrated health center which will open Spring edu. Follow her on Twitter at @gabigue97
Outstanding University Creative Activity Award honors ISU faculty CINDY HERNANDEZ News Reporter | @Cindylu_7
Professor of Sculpture Claire Lieberman and Professor of Communications Brent Simonds were awarded the Outstanding University Creative Activity Awards. A ssistant Professor Dan Ozminkowski was honored the Creative Activity Initiative Award. All recipients will be honored on Feb. 21 at the Founders Day Convocation. The award is given to ISU faculty for their outstanding creative work. The creative contributions include but are not limited to painting, sculpture, film, drama and creative media programming. The contributions must have been recognized in the field at the national or international level. The award does not recognize a single, major work but recognizes consistent and sustained contributions to the profession or field of the recipient. According to Illinois State News, Liberman is a sculptor and installation artist whose work explores the relationship between play and violence in contemporary culture. Simonds was awarded for his creation of more than 30 works of creative productivity. His work includes CD-ROMs, experimental video stimuli and video documentary. Associate professor Ozminkowski is a lighting designer and is credited more than 200 productions. Each recipient receives 3,000 dollars. 1,000 dollars is awarded in salary and 2,000 dollars is given for operating funds. All funds must be expended by the end of the fiscal year the award is granted. All recipients are considered and reviewed by the College Research Committee. CINDY HERNANDEZ is News Editor for The Vidette. She can be reached at vidette_cherna9@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Cindylu_7
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
The future is looking PINK
Features
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
Senior marketing student reflects on internship experience
KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM Features Reporter | @kourtcunningham
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nternships are a crucial step in any college student’s future career path and there are many options out there in the professional world. Senior integrated marketing communications major Stephanie Khoury chose an internship opportunity with a company that was already a big part of her life. Khoury has been on a part of the PINK Campus Team here at Illinois State University her whole college career. The past two years she has been the team’s representative. According to L Brands, “Victoria’s Secret PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent college-aged woman.” They do everything from marketing the brand to planning events and giveaways for students and Khoury is in charge of it all, talking to the high-ups in PINK on the regular. Khoury has even worked at the PINK store previously during the crazy holiday retail season. This past summer, Khoury took her love for
PINK to the professional level when she heard of an internship opportunity from her boss. She set out on a new adventure in life and traveled to the PINK headquarters in Columbus, Ohio where she was a summer intern. Throughout her internship, Submitted by Stephanie Khoury she did everything from helping with the PINK bus, being Senior marketing major Stephanie Khoury is the PINK campus team respresentative and interned with PINK the main contact for their agen- over the summer. She plans to continue working with the brand in order to gain more marketing experience. cies and planning in-store as well as experiential events for “This experience has changed my life and experience or even just a chance to get one’s the company. helped me decide what I want to do for the rest foot in the door, but nonetheless very benefi“I wanted to learn everything I possibly of my life. I had the opportunity to experience cial for future careers and creating a network. could from my boss,” Khoury said. “My boss such an amazing work space and learn from Similar to Khoury’s experience, taking a has been with the company for 10 years and amazing people,” Khoury continued. chance could lead to figuring out exactly what knows so much about marketing, especially There are many different types of intern- one wants to do in life or even finding a promexperiential marketing.” ships out there for almost every career path ising career opportunity out of it. Khoury has already made a positive impact and it is highly recommended students find on the very popular company and feels she can one right for them. Academic advisors, procontinue to do so in the future if she is able to fessors, bosses, even the internet can help one KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM is a Features keep working for them. Reflecting on her expefind an intern position that fits their goals. Reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached rience, she thinks this will help further her in Internships are meant for professional at klcunn1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter her future career.
To those who won’t fall in love at ISU Students talk dating culture in college
MAIRE MALONEY Features Reporter | @MaireMRose
I t is not uncommon for one to meet several happily married couples who began their love story while in college. In fact, a 2013 data study released by Facebook showed that nearly 30 percent of the recorded marriages were of those who had met in college. Still, current university students find themselves often doubting the possibility of meeting their future spouse, let alone finding true love in college. Even though many adults continue to believe college is a great place to meet “Mr. or Mrs. Right,” the reality is that most college kids today would prefer to meet several potential partners during their college years rather than meeting their one and only, forever and always. The avoidance of commitment and monogamy practiced by a multitude of today’s college students seems to have grown in popularity in recent years. The lack of romance and fidelity that has become widely accepted by the larger number of today’s students has prompted the question of what the young adults of today’s society think about relationships and dating. In an effort to uncover the influences that are to blame for the decreasing success rate of college relationships, a group of Illinois State sophomores discussed the leading factors they believe have the strongest impact on today’s
Morisa Garnhart | Vidette Photographer
“Ghosting” is a popular practice among college kids which consists of breaking off a relationship by ceasing all communication and contact with a former partner without warning or justification. society. Though it may not be surprising, the growing obsession with social media accepted by today’s younger crowds was considered to have the biggest influence on college dating among the discussion group. As a result of the content shared through social media, the younger generations of today start to compare themselves to the standards and unrealistic luxuries promoted by most popular social
media outlets. Through the highly manipulated images and materialistic trends that the feed and timelines of most social media pages, college kids worldwide have felt the pressure to show case their lives in the most extravagant way possible. This seemingly growing tendency has created many conflicts between young couples. Sophomore Julia Whitcomb shares her perspective on the
connection between social media and college relationships. “Social media has created a shallow sense of competition that causes many couples my age to care more about establishing an impressive and relevant presence on social media than maintaining a healthy relationship with their significant other,” Whitcomb said. While many college students agree that the influence of social media has created several
problems for a lot of young couples today, others argue that the use of social media has helped a countless number of college couples. Sophomore Emily Murphy recognizes the negative effects of social media, but also believes that if used appropriately, social media can be a great resource for many young couples. While sharing her thoughts, Murphy explains how many college students use media outlets as a way of communicating with their significant others and a way for long distance couples to strengthen their bond with one another. “Many college relationships begin after a conversation was initiated over social media. I think our generation finds comfort in the ability to hide behind a screen when talking to someone new because in some ways, it makes the possibility of rejection seem a little less scary”, Murphy said. Although the impact of social media differs for every college couple, the power the media has on our society nowadays has undoubtedly become more significant in the lives of college students than ever before. Despite all the controversy surrounding the world of social media, the impact it has on relationships can easily be controlled by its users. Using social media as a tool to spread positivity and acceptance is a great way to prevent conflict with loved ones and build genuine relationships with others.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
Civic Engagement Learning grant looks to award RSOs MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180
acquire through the organization. Paterson explained the difference between the Illinois State Senior Professiontwo groups and their funding als and the American Democracy policies. Project (ADP) are teaming up to “Senior Professionals are a sponsor civic engagement projgroup of people in this commuects in the community. nity who come together for a The two organizations released variety of learning opportunities the 2018 Civic Engagement Grant and they raise money and give Award. Applications are availaway grants each year,” she said. able online at the ADP website “However, funding for grants for Illinois State University. The through the ADP is annual,” she submission deadline is Saturday. added. In order to apply, you must be According to their website, an ISU registered student organithe ADP is a cooperative effort zation or individual participating by students, faculty, staff and in an in-course project that is administration that aims to aimed at improving or educatencourage civic engagement on ing the Bloomington-Normal the part of students. community. ADP embraces all organized The Community Engagement activities designed to promote Learning grant program works to constructive civic engagement further the goals and principles on the part of undergraduates Christopher Edwards | Vidette Photo Editor while they are on campus, and that ISU set with its core value of civic service to the commu- ISU’s Senior Professionals and the American Democracy Project will collaborate to after they graduate. sponsor civic engagement projects in the Bloomington-Normal community. nity. Students instill these values Building on a wide variety through their curricular experiof such activity already occurences and time working within ring at Illinois State, the ADP is assignments and much more. within the classroom, and expand the community. designed to serve as a catalyst for The Community Engagestudents’ knowledge about what The grants will provide requested programmatic changes that will ment Learning grant program is civic engagement is and how they reimbursement for faculty that covensure all Illinois State students intended to support the incorpocan participate in social change. ered the expenses for course-based are fully prepared to assume a ration of the principles and goals Though this connection between events on their own funds. Comresponsible role as contributors to of ISU’s core value of civic engagethe curriculum and society, stumunity projects funded by these civic society. ment into students’ curricular dents are better prepared to take grants can vary in their goals and The ADP provides faculty, staff experiences. part in their society. execution, but the typical utility of and students with significant Through the reimbursement of The Center for Community these grants covers the cost of serresources to promote civic and these funds, faculty and professors Engagement and Service Learnvice learning assignments, guest political enlightenment, empowerhave the opportunity to increase ing’s Jan Paterson said that there speakers, travel expenses for class ment and engagement on campus, the civic engagament taking place are a variety of grants you can trips, material for in-class activities, in the community and beyond.
ISU’s O’Reilly examines diminishing lake ice ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor | @addough
Illinois State University’s Catherine O’Reilly has been one of the leading authors of a new international study showing vanishing lake ice in the Northern Hemisphere due to climate change. Published in the journal “Nature Climate Change”, the study predicts the loss of ice on lakes could impact more than 650 million people. O’Reilly has previously led past studies on the impact of climate change on rapidly warming lakes around the world. “We’re not talking about lakes getting a little warmer. We are talking about lake ice being gone in the winter. Our children and grandchildren would not see something we have taken for granted,” O’Reilly said in an interview with ISU News. Researchers observed whether a lake had an ice-free year, determined influencing factors and then applied the information to a global lake database. The goal was to figure out how many lakes would be affected periodically by a loss of ice cover. “We found currently 15,000 lakes along the edge of the cold winter zone periodically do not have ice cover,” O’Reilly said. That number would more than double even if the global community is able to meet the Paris Climate Change Agreement’s goals to hold average temperature warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
ANDREA RICKER News Reporter | @ricker_andrea
Illinois State University’s International Seminar Series will present “Islam in South Asia: Diversity and Unity” at noon Wednesday in the Prairie Room at the Bone Student Center. The talk will be presented by ISU’s professor of political science Ali Riaz. Riaz will discuss the various dimensions of Islam in South Asian countries. The talk is free and open to the public. “Although we tend to equate Islam with the Middle East, the largest number of Muslims in the world live in South Asia,” Riaz said. “I will address this misconception [that Islam is homogeneous] and discuss various strands and practices. I will also highlight the similarities in these practices.” Riaz will discuss how these South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, have variations in their practice of Islam. “I am hoping this presentation, along with other presentations of the series, will generate interests in religious pluralism, diversity within each religion and their roles in society and politics,” Riaz said. “Considering the importance of Islam as a faith and Islamism as a political ideology, [the] more we understand [the] better we will be able to appreciate.”
Riaz also adds that religion and politics are areas of interest for him. He has also had multiple research works focusing on the interplay of religion and politics in South Asia. The focus of the International Seminar Series this semester is world religious literacy. The series has free presentations every Wednesday until the end of the semester. “The series is important because it looks at a topic or theme from many points of view,” Series Coordinator Larissa Kennedy said. “Because [the series] is open to the public, it is a way for the university to connect with the wider community.” This semester the series also complements a class, IDS 254 Religions and Cultures. The topic is an introduction to world religions. “This semester [the series has] invited a variety of scholars who will highlight the important ways in which the study of religions and religious traditions are indispensable for understanding our world today,” Kennedy said. “Our speakers will approach the question of the role of religions in the world from an interdisciplinary perspective.” ANDREA RICKER is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at arricke@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
The incarcerated have rights, too
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or the past week, cold temperatures, and even colder winds, have been sweeping across the country, and while the Midwest may have gotten the worst of the cold, there have been even bigger problems in other parts of the country as a result. While the student body at Illinois State University was enjoying two extra days to catch up on homework and sleep from the comfort and warmth of their homes, inmates at a New York prison were sitting in their cells without any heat. CNN reported that David Patton, the director of Federal Defenders of New York and a representative for the union representing the facility’s workers said “Lighting is down. No light in the cells. All locked down since Thursday night. That’s going on for at least 36 hours. When the sun goes down it’s pitch dark. Inmates who have medical conditions can’t read the instructions on the medications.” Temperatures in some parts of the prison were reported as low as 49 degrees. While many have shown concern over the prison
staff and workers who have had to wear hats, gloves and coats during these chilly conditions, it is equally important to remember those incarcerated. People have started to organize to protest these inhumane conditions, with rapper Cardi B being one of the latest high profile voices to join the cause. She posted her support on Instagram Saturday night with the hashtag “OccupyForHumanity. Incarcerated Individu-
als Have Rights Too!” This issue of human rights for those behind bars is often a hot topic when it comes to prison reform, but it is, in fact, a right guaranteed to us as American citizens. “It is unacceptable, illegal and inhumane to detain people without basic amenities, access to counsel or medical care,” New York Attorney General Letitia A. James said. “The reported
conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center are appalling. Prisoners and detainees have rights and those rights must be enforced. My office is in touch with legal service providers and inmates’ attorneys, and closely monitoring this deeply disturbing situation.” United States prison reform has been a serious issue for some time now, with this latest injustice only adding to the list of those that many prisoners face. The bottom line is, no human person should ever be treated like an animal. The true purpose of the prison system is to one day reintegrate those who have made past mistakes into society, where they can contribute as fully functioning members. Moreover, we need to be able to hold the government and the law to the standard that is set for us as American citizens. A human rights issue about children, the sick or the incarcerated is still a human rights issue, no matter how you look at it. We should not be allowing the people in power to abuse citizens that they deem as lesser when they have promised us that it is within our Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director rights to expect better.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KIM LARSEN, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.
Put a stop to sexually abusive situations MY VIEW BECKY FLETCHER | Editor-in-Chief
A
fter the dismantling of Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein’s careers from sexual abuse claims and the rise of the #MeToo movement, you would think that those who hold positions of power would stop thinking they can do whatever they want to whoever they want, but unfortunately, that’s wrong. In a recent exposé by The Atlantic, it’s been revealed that director Bryan Singer is being accused of multiple counts of sexual abuse. The Atlantic’s exposé accused Singer of having sex with four underage men, but these weren’t the first
claims to surface of Singer. In December 2017, Singer was accused of rape by a man named Cesar Sanchez-Guzman, who was only 17-years-old at the time, according to Rolling Stone. Since the release of these claims, actor Rami Malek has come forward saying, “In the light of the #MeToo era that this somehow seems to exist after that, it’s a horrible thing.” Malek worked with Singer on the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” before Singer was fired due to poor conduct and availability, not for the sexual abuse claims. “In my situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all. And that’s about what I can say about it at this point,” Malek said on working with Singer. What am I getting to with all this information? Basically, I’m shocked that sexual abuse is still prominent in the entertainment industry. Where is it said that if you’re in a position of higher power, be it direc-
VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion, but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
tor, producer or actor, that it is OK to take advantage of people sexually? What’s worse is that Singer is still set to direct an upcoming film titled “Red Sonja,” despite the accusations. Many other directors, like James Gunn, who posted offensive tweets 10 years ago, automatically lose directing jobs and are shunned from the entertainment industry for making unjustifiable decisions, yet someone with sexual abuse claims are not facing that same treatment? I don’t get it. Why do we, as a society, turn a blind eye to sexual misconduct claims but quickly lay down a swift hand of justice on any other event deemed unjust, racist, misogynistic and then some? The idea of rape and sexual abuse is uncomfortable and often makes us squirm in our seats. We need to be better at speaking about, and dealing with, sexual abuse claims. Judicially, I have no way of offering help to change the way we handle
sexual abuse claims. Personally, there are a few things you can do to help prevent sexual assault to a friend or stranger. If something doesn’t seem right, create a distraction to get the potential victim to a safe place, ask directly if they need help or refer to a person of authority or enlist others to help you dismantle the situation and show support. Believe victims. Be patient and supportive, approach the situations with sensitivity and help them seek the medical or authoritative attention they may need. I feel heavy-hearted toward those who have faced sexual abuse and I hope that those who have been abused are able to claim the dignity and justice that they seek. This behavior can no longer continue, nor should it be tolerated. BECKY FLETCHER is an Editor in Chief for The Vidette. Contact her at rlflet1@ilstu.edu Follow on Twitter at @becky__fletcher.
MORE OPINIONS ONLINE
THEY SAID IT
“
We’re gonna fight every game. Since we’re in first now, we know the target’s on our back, so we’ve got to go in every game looking for every team’s best game.” -- ISU junior guard Zach Copeland on sitting in tie for first place in MVC
Editorial: Why big-name singers get away with rape
“
Rape culture has been normalized in society through the misogynistic language and the objectification of women’s bodies ... Does a rhyme and lyric make up for the fact that millions of women suffer sexual violence?
Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board
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EDITORIAL BOARD BECKY FLETCHER Editor-in-Chief | @becky__ fletcher ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor and Columnist | @addough TYLER SMITH Columnist | @incognegro KIM LARSEN Copy Editor and Columnist | @Kimla_11 CINDY HERNANDEZ News Editor and Columnist | @cindylu_7
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
Lady ’Birds split weekend slate BLAINE LEWALLEN & JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Reporters | @Blainelew3 | @JakeSermersheim
Sunday | ISU 70, VALPO 67
Erin Hooley | Chicago Tribune/TNS
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy during a news conference January 9, 2018, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
Bears’ head coach Nagy set to headline Blo-No’s next ‘Evening of Stars’ gala JONATHAN BARLAS Sports Editor | @janveselybarlas
Only a few weeks after the Chicago Bears suffered their heartwrenching, unbelievable first round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy looks forward to attend this year’s American Red Cross Evening of Stars gala in Bloomington-Normal. Announced Thursday, Nagy is set to be the featured speaker for this year’s event located at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in uptown Normal at 6 p.m. April 18. Garnering previous praise, Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers headlined last year’s event. Nagy’s appearance not only will be highly anticipated but charitable for the American Red Cross. The organization raised a record $342,000 in last year’s Evening of Stars. The proceeds from the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Red Cross in the Bloomington-Normal area, goes toward disaster relief, military family support as well as the collection of blood products. Sponsorships are available beginning Friday as individual tickets are set to be sold at $200 apiece later this February. Guests also have the option to enjoy a “Red Carpet Experience,” which includes two tickets and an invite to the event’s sponsor
reception beforehand. As the Bears come off their most successful season since their 2006 Super Bowl run, Nagy reignited Chicago football’s fire since joining the team in 2018. The Bears achieved a 12-4 record, a NFC North Championship title as well as the team’s first playoff appearance since 2011. Nagy was also recently named NFL Coach of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America in his first season as a head coach in the NFL. He was previously the offensive coordinator for Andy Reid’s FAST Kansas City FACTS Chiefs and WHAT: American Red played a Cross Evening of Stars huge role in gala in BloomingtonNFL superNormal. star Patrick WHO: Bears’ head Mahomes’ coach Matt Nagy development. Following WHEN: 6 p.m. April 18. the Bears’ WHERE: Marriott Hotel 16-15 loss to and Conference Center the Eagles in uptown Normal in early Jan- TICKETS: To go on sale uary, it is later this month hard to forget the emotions Chicagoans felt in the aftermath of stained defeat. Nagy has repeatedly stated to the media that this is only just the beginning for a rebirth of the Bears’ reign as “Kings of the North.”
Stay on top of ISU Sports with “Redbird Report” podcasts Mondays at Videtteonline.com
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’Birds held the Crusaders to just 29.6 percent (8-27) shooting from the field in the half, and 37.7 percent (20-53) for the game. Outside of Goods, ISU (11-9. 4-5) received 11 points from Newland. Maggett and Gietzel added nine points apiece.
After dropping three straight Missouri Valley Conference matchups, the Illinois State women’s basketball Friday | LUC 62, ISU 59 squad knew it needed to get back on Unable to complete a late cometrack in February in order to be at its back, the Redbirds (3-5) recorded best heading into March. their third straight Missouri Valley Led by Simone Goods’ 30 points Conference loss to the Loyola Ramand seven rebounds, the Redbirds blers (4-4). were able to do just that, defeatDespite trailing by double digits as ing Valparaiso 70-67 on the road late as the fourth quarter, the RedSunday afternoon. birds were able to pull within three After 16 first-half points, Goods and make an attempt for the game. continued her stellar play into the The loss spells the third straight in third quarter, as she scored back-to the MVC for the ’Birds -back buckets to open up ISU’s bigISU head coach Kristen Gillespie gest lead at 48-31 with 6:58 left in sees that her team needs to get back the third quarter. on track soon. The Crusaders were not done yet. “First half we couldn’t score, and I Led by Allison Schofield’s eight thought we defended well,” Gillespie points, the Crusaders climbed all the said. “It is tough when their nonway back to within four at 51-47 on shooters make shots and we can’t Schofield’s trey with 2:50 left in the do the same. We’re in some trying fourth. The ’Birds went nearly four times right now and now got to get minutes without a score. it figured out quickly.” Schofield knocked in three more Even though the ’Birds strugof her team-high 22 points to make gled to end the half they still UP NEXT it 56-53 before Ally Gietzel’s jumper were not out of it. Early after the Illinois State (11-9, 4-5 MVC) returns made it 58-53 heading into the fourth. half, the Redbirds tied the game home to face off against the EvansAn Addison Stoller layup for Valpo up 21-21 after a Beck layup. The ville Purple Aces at 7 p.m. Friday at pulled them to within two at 60-58 Ramblers responded by going ona Redbird Arena. with 8:22 remaining. From there, both offenses stalled as the next score wouldn’t come until the 4:47 mark as Goods finally found the basket. Shortly after, Valpo’s Grace Hales knocked down two free throws to again make it a two-point game at 62-60. Hales added 21 points for Valpo. After another score by Goods, a three by Shay Frederick pulled Valpo even closer at 68-67 with 1:29 left. Despite a missed jumper by Tete Maggett on the other end, a big defensive stand and a rebound by ISU’s Katrina Beck gave the ’Birds the ball back. Two Beck free throws with 0.9 seconds left sealed the deal for ISU, as they held on for the victory. Contradicting play styles by each team gave the Redbirds an advantage to begin the game, as they were able to quickly move the ball and get some open looks inside against the undersized Crusaders. The ’Birds held an 11-7 advantage early in the first quarter, eventually growing to a narrow 15-14 lead at the end of one. From there, the Redbirds used an 11-5 run to open up a 33-19 advantage as the Crusaders could muster just a three and two free throws from Schofield. The ’Birds closed the half strong, however, as a jumper by freshman forward Kayel Newland and a free throw by Maggett gave them a Jeffrey Smudde | @jeffsmudde 39-28 halftime advantage. Goods ISU women’s basketball lost to Loyola Friday but defeated Valparaiso Sunday finished the half with 16 points. The as the ’Birds remain in seventh place in the Missouri Valley Conference.
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9-0 run capped by an Ellie Rice three-pointer. The game looked like it was over for the Redbirds when they found themselves down by 14 (55-41) with 3:31 left. Down to 53 seconds and the Redbirds still found themselves down by 10 (60-50). Within eight seconds the Redbirds made the game 60-56 thanks to back-to-back threes from Newland and Maggett. With seven seconds left Maggett tried to make it a two-point game with a three-pointer. The shot did not fall, but a foul from Rice gave Maggett the chance to do so. Maggett sank all three of her shots from the charity stripe to make the game 62-59. A missed free throw gave the Redbirds the chance to tie the game. With time running out, Maggett just missed the three-pointer that would have tied the game. The Redbirds took a blow by losing Goods with a 1:40 left in the fourth quarter. Maggett finished the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Goods finished the game with 16 points and eight rebounds.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
NEST PROTECTED
Keep your foot on the gas, ’Birds
MY VIEW JON BARLAS | Sports Editor
F
Ali Rasper | Photo Editor
Illinois State senior forward Milik Yarbrough shouts to his teammates while enjoying Redbird Arena’s largest crowd of the season (8,107) during ISU’s 65-57 win over Loyola University Chicago Saturday night at Redbird Arena. Yarbrough led the game with 21 points on 50 percent shooting.
Illinois State moves into first place Missouri Valley Conference tie with 65-57 win over Loyola KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @Kade_Heather
Illinois State senior forward Milik Yarbrough jabbed the Loyola Ramblers by nailing back-toback threes with hands directly in his face with less than two minutes left until halftime. ISU senior guard Keyshawn Evans took the Redbirds into halftime with a 35-25 lead after a layup with five seconds left as Redbird Arena’s 8,107 rose to their feet. ISU pulled away for a 16-point lead, but held on for a 65-57 win Saturday night at Redbird Arena to move into a tie for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference with the Ramblers. “[Yarbrough] gave us energy. It was a struggle to score for both teams for a while and I thought it was due to great defense, not bad offense,” ISU head coach Dan Muller said. “Those two threes were huge, the energy and separation with the score, and I thought Keyshawn’s basket at the end of the half was a big momentum play.” Just six minutes before Yarbrough’s back-toback threes, ISU sophomore Isaac Gassman put the Redbirds ahead 20-17, which ended up being their last lead. Both teams traded early 7-0 runs, but with Yarbrough playing with confidence, it was as if he felt he could make anything. He finished with a gamehigh 21 points on 7 of 14 shooting, 3-for-5 3FG. “We weren’t good enough defensively to overcome our offensive woes, simple as that,” LUC head coach Porter Moser said. “They hit open shots, they hit tough shots, they hit both.”
REDBIRD REPORT
13-0
Illinois State men’s basketball’s record when leading at halftime this season. ISU is also undefeated at home in the MVC (5-0).
Evans also seemed to find the perfect time to finally heat up this season. Evans poured in four three-pointers and finished with 14 points. The three-pointers made a tremendous difference. The Redbirds shot 11-for-25 beyond the arc, while the Ramblers were held to just 5-for-25 from three. LUC senior guard Clayton Custer managed eight points on 1-for-12 shooting from three-point range and 3-for-14 overall. ISU junior Zach Copeland scored 11 points, knocking down five of them with back-to-back shots right after he assisted Gassman on the final lead-changing play. “We were all super focused. We knew this was a big game, we knew these guys had our number the last four times, so we just tried to leave it all out on the court,” Copeland said. The offense was flowing, but it was also one of the better defensive performances the Redbirds put on all season. ISU forced 12 turnovers on probably the most careful ball-handling team in the MVC. “Our defense was really good, we executed the game plan well. We tried to limit [Cameron] Krutwig a little better than we did the first time and multiple guys really did a great job on him,” Muller said. Muller may have been pleased with the defense on Krutwig, but the Loyola center still recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Krutwig was responsible for three turnovers, but he was the main reason why the Ramblers still out-scored ISU in the paint 24-14.
MBB STANDINGS
WBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl Illinois State 7-3 14-9 Loyola 7-3 14-9 Drake 6-4 17-6 Southern Illinois 5-5 12-11 Valparaiso 5-5 12-11 Missouri State 5-5 11-12 Northern Iowa 5-5 10-13 Evansville 4-6 10-13 Indiana State 3-7 11-11 Bradley 3-7 11-12
Conf Ovrl Missouri State 9-0 13-7 Drake 8-1 16-5 Northern Iowa 6-3 13-8 Bradley 5-4 15-5 Loyola 4-5 10-10 Illinois State 4-5 11-9 Indiana State 4-5 10-10 Southern Illinois 3-6 10-10 Valparaiso 2-7 6-15 Evansville 0-9 2-18
LUC got as close as six points (37-31) in the second half with 16:55 left. That was immediately after Muller repeatedly yelled to his team, “Energy!” Muller demanded, the Redbirds responded. ISU quickly grew a larger lead soon after when sophomore Matt Chastain and Copeland each hit threes. After just four players scored in ISU’s win at Drake on Wednesday, all eight active players found themselves in the scoring column Saturday night. “You want those guys to have confidence, I certainly want them all to score. I don’t care who scores, I don’t think they do either and that’s the great part about it. As long as we’re efficient and we were really efficient,” Muller said. The Redbirds shot 45.8 percent (22-48 FG) from the floor and went 10-for-14 at the free throw line, making 10 of 13 in the second half. LUC committed 13 personal fouls in the second half and just three in the first. ISU now owns a share of first place in the MVC after splitting the season series with LUC. The Redbirds are also undefeated at home in MVC games and improve to 10-2 at Redbird Arena this season. “We’re gonna fight every game. Since we’re in first now, we know the target’s on our back, so we’ve got to go in every game looking for every team’s best game,” Copeland said.
UP NEXT
Illinois State (14-9, 7-3 MVC) continues its homestand when it takes on Valparaiso (12-11, 5-5 MVC) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Redbird Arena.
Women’s Golf ISU plays in the Mid-American Match Play Challenge with Bowling Green in Lakewood Ranch, Florida on Monday and Tuesday.
Softball ISU opens its season at 5:30 p.m. Thursday when it takes on South Florida in the USF Opening Weekend Invitational. The Redbirds will also play NC State, No. 5 Florida, No. 6 Arizona, and No. 14 Michigan over the weekend.
rom the repeated hardship Illinois State University has faced against Loyola over the past two seasons, the ’Birds have finally found a way to dethrone the reigning Valley champs. The Redbirds (14-9, 7-3 MVC) dropped the last four of five meetings facing the Ramblers as ISU now shares the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference. While the triumph of Saturday’s contest still rings throughout Valley contention, the joy is almost as short lived as expected. Illinois State knows the road ahead of them with all signs pointing towards Arch Madness. With only eight more games to play before the madness ensues, the Redbirds readily prepare for what has been in their sights for over a year: an MVC Championship. Senior forward Milik Yarbrough stepped up in a big way Saturday, scoring a game-high 21 points as both senior Keyshawn Evans and junior Zach Copeland played key supporting roles. Evans scored 14 points, continuing his hot three-point stride as of late as Copeland delivered in the clutch with a late three to put the game out of reach. Nevertheless, the ’Birds led by a margin of six points or more for the majority of the game as the Ramblers’ defense could only hold on for the ride. A packed student section, an electric energy in Redbird Arena and an underwhelming Loyola squad was ISU’s key crutch in coming out victorious. Reigning MVC Player of the Year Clayton Custer was most definitely not himself Saturday night, scoring only eight points while compiling only a 2-for-13 shooting ratio from the field. Capitalizing on both Custer’s off-night and the absence of Lucas Williamson as he recovers from a broken hand, the Redbirds broke their four-game losing streak against Loyola thanks again to the improved play of the defense. Sophomore Matt Chastain continues to be the glue for the defense’s strong string of games, as the Redbirds now tout a three-game win streak along with sitting in first place. But now is not the time for complacency. The Redbirds have all the momentum they need to stay atop the Valley and the only way of staying there is found in both diligence and mindset. Seniors Evans, Yarbrough and Phil Fayne know what is at stake, as all three starters have seen the outcome of a winning season as well as what it takes to compete for an MVC Tournament title. The tournament is more than doable, but Illinois State’s senior leadership and team morality will be its defining factor for the rest of the season. All we can do now is wait and see. JONATHAN BARLAS is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be reached at jgbarla@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @janveselybarlas