In a controversial and heartbreaking move, Taco Bell removed all potato items from their menu; they claimed this would make room for more plant-based options, but months later, no such options have been added. As a former regular customer, I’m calling on Taco Bell to bring potatoes back — or…

Thanksgiving break is meant to be used as a time to relax with friends and family without worry surrounding school responsibilities. However, this year has been anything but relaxing or worry-free, and next semester, there will be no chance for students to step away from the stress.

I am an anarchist, or more specifically, an anarcho-communist. Most people are confused by this term, and for good reason: There isn’t any one definition of anarchism that’s universally accepted. The most commonly accepted definition among my own circles is anarchist philosopher Noam Chomsky…

Please note: This staff editorial reflects the views of the large majority of The Alestle staff, not of each individual staff member. 

While shopping at small businesses may make us feel like we’re doing something good, they aren’t always better than corporations. Small businesses typically offer their workers worse benefits and — in my experience as well as my friends’ — can have just as toxic of work environments as any o…

In the wake of a stressful presidential election, President Donald Trump is attempting to reconcile his shortcomings by claiming there was voter fraud — a claim which could radically distort the general public’s view of democracy and create further divide between the parties.

The presidential election is finally over, and a lot of us who have been afraid for the last four years are starting to feel safer now. Many of us are hopeful that things will calm down and the new administration will not ruin as many things as quickly as the last one. Transparently racist p…

Given the significance of this election, and the current state of the pandemic, the results of the 2020 presidential election may not be announced any time soon. We have to remain patient, because something of this importance requires time and effort. 

I would’ve written in Kanye West for president in a heartbeat a few years ago, when I still wanted a pair of Yeezys — but in 2020, I can’t even support who he’s become as a person, much less as a presidential candidate. 

Your vote matters, and with such a high-steaks election cycle, your vote is especially crucial. You may have to vote for the lesser of two evils, which is okay, but it takes more research than a scroll through Twitter.

Students with disabilities and students with low incomes face more barriers to online education than able-bodied, upper class students and it needs to be addressed.

The recent presidential debates proved that personal attacks should have no place in a debate. Certain topics should be off limits, and we at The Alestle agree that these debates should be used strictly for discussing various policies in a direct manner. 

After the Presidential Debate, I saw quite a few people on Twitter making fun of Biden for various things. People were making fun of him for various things, including calling Trump a clown and his reputation for forgetting things. However, the worst criticism I had heard was that the debate …

Although the Attorney General’s findings and facts related to the recent charges in the Breonna Taylor case are up for debate, at least one takeaway is clear — the law itself is not always moral. 

While society is beginning to become more aware of the existence of trans and non-binary people, the medical field still has issues with cisnormative language, especially in reproductive care.

In response to a viral video on TikTok suggesting Generation Z should get a tattoo to unify them and spark rebellion, many individuals rushed out to get the tattoo — but clearly didn’t take the time to research the symbol or its Nazi history.

A privilege is a right given to a particular group or person that leaves outside groups or people at a disadvantage. As a white woman, I have realized recently that not everyone understands this concept, nor do all choose to accept that white privilege has ruined how our generation, and past…

As gender reveal parties continue to rise in popularity, the announcement displays have become increasingly inventive — and significantly more dangerous. One such gender reveal party is now the cause of wildfire raging through thousands of acres in San Bernardino, California.

The pandemic isn’t over, and chances are it won’t be over for a while. People like anti-maskers and reopen America protesters have always slowed recovery from the pandemic, but even those who follow the rules and listen to the government are also guilty. 

Before students returned to campus for the fall semester, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced that all university students living on campus, faculty and staff are required to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week. SIUE should do the same. 

Last week, Expect Us protesters donned T-shirts with ‘bloody’ handprints and dipped their hands in red paint to symbolize the impact tough-on-crime legislation would have on communities of color. When looking back on decades of similar rhetoric in the United States, and its corresponding law…

Despite colleges and universities across the country reopening with revised learning models and various forms of online instruction, COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire. Here’s our message to college students: If you really care about your friends, stop exposing them to the effects of your p…

Madison Lammert, editor-in-chief

College takes time, patience and dedication. So does parenthood.

After managing to flatten the curve for a few weeks, COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are on the rise again. This time, young adults are the primary age group becoming infected. When browsing social media, it’s easy to see why. 

With protests continuing two months after George Floyd’s death, many are coming out in defense of police, sometimes when officers are not even being personally attacked. Some are saying, “not all cops are like that” and using snappy little slogans such as “back the blue,” while others are ra…

As unprecedented restrictions have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, many voters are wondering how they’ll place their ballot come election day this November. Thankfully, residents of Illinois stand with 33 other states that don’t require excuses to receive mail-in absentee ballots, a pri…

Donald Trump certainly wasn’t the first celebrity to become president of the United States, nor was he the first to even run. However, with the rise of technology and the increasing popularity and influence of celebrities in society, we shouldn’t be blindly throwing our votes at politically …

As the younger generation comes of age, the problematic past of the entertainment industry they grew up with is facing immense backlash. The latest target is Shane Dawson, a YouTuber, whose comedy should not only be questioned but disavowed entirely.

Peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment, and we at The Alestle believe such demonstrations are an important part of demanding equality and respect for all. Those practicing this right should not be threatened for doing so.

As debates rage surrounding the founding of the U.S. and the fate of long-standing institutions of racism, June 19 was a day of celebration for African Americans. It’s past time we ditch racially charged holidays such as Columbus Day and opt for making Juneteenth a federal holiday instead.

As George Floyd’s death has sparked international protests, social justice issues seem to be on the forefront of many people's minds. As a result, some of us may be hearing parents or older relatives expressing outdated or problematic thoughts. 

I was a soldier in my youth and I can distinctly remember a training event geared to mentally prepare us for combat. A grizzled sergeant told us, “None of you are Rambo. That does not exist. When the bullets start flying, you will not rise to the occasion. You will sink to the level of your …

All sexual assaults are not OK, regardless of who the perpetrator is. The truth is that anyone can be a sex offender, and their age, gender or level of attractiveness does not change that sexual assault is a heinous act.

In the wake of public outcry regarding injustices faced by the Black community, there has been a spike in activity regarding the destruction of Confederate monuments. 

Although protesting is a right guaranteed to all citizens of the United States, it is important to ask ourselves, “Is the meaning of the movement being lost?”

Abuse takes three main forms: physical, emotional and verbal; These three types of abuse can be broken down further into numerous subcategories. One of the most impactful subcategories of abuse is narcissistic abuse, which commonly occurs under the umbrella of emotional abuse.

Last week, our staff discussed why journalists should not be prevented from doing their jobs when covering protests. We understand there have been instances where protesters take physical action against the media, and, as seen in our last staff editorial, we acknowledge this. However, this w…

As protests have erupted across the country, journalists from small and large outlets alike have stepped up to provide coverage of the events, putting themselves at personal risk; some have been met with being arrested or targeted by violence.

After months of being unable to visit our favorite retail stores, having many of our friends far away and worrying about our income being in jeopardy — if it hasn’t been lost all together — many of us are craving a taste of normalcy. With many restaurants opening their dining rooms soon, it’…

Living in the midst of a pandemic is far from what we consider normal, but maybe it’s time for a new normal. This is our chance to acknowledge the areas of our day-to-day lives that need improvement.