The Daily Illini

Terrence Shannon Jr. impresses in NBA Summer League debut, scores 25

2024-07-13T01:10:20Z

Only a few weeks after former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. was drafted No. 27 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shannon made his NBA Summer League debut on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves took on the New Orleans Pelicans in their first game, and Shannon was in the starting lineup, alongside fellow rookie and eighth-overall pick Rob Dillingham. Timberwolves veterans Mike Conley Jr., Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as former Illini Malcolm Hill (who plays for the Pelicans), were in attendance for the matchup.

Shannon got on the board early with a massive poster dunk on Pelicans rookie and No. 21 overall pick Yves Missi, inciting roars from the crowd in the Thomas & Mack Center. He drew a foul as he rose up and was able to knock down the free throw to finish the three-point play.

Midway through the quarter, Shannon knocked down a three and hit two free throws after drawing another foul on a drive to the hoop. He checked out with eight points at the three-minute mark of the first quarter. When the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter, Minnesota led 24-23.

Shannon checked back in at the beginning of the second quarter and immediately showed his skills as a finisher in transition. First, Leonard Miller stole the ball and passed to Dillingham, who dropped it off to a cutting Shannon for a two-handed flush. Only moments later, Shannon got the ball on a fast break with nobody near him, throwing down another two-handed dunk to raise his point total to 12, prompting a timeout from the Pelicans.

“They told me to be aggressive,” said Shannon after the game. “And Rob even telling me to keep attacking, keep shooting and keep going to the basket.”

After the timeout, Shannon continued his aggressive play, sprinting the full length of the court and drawing a lot of contact. However, he missed both free throws. Shannon did not score the rest of the first half, checking out with two minutes on the clock. At halftime, Minnesota was still in the lead, 45-40.

With seven and a half minutes to go in the third quarter, Dillingham grabbed a steal and ran the court with Shannon, dishing it to his fellow rookie for an emphatic slam. Shannon hit a technical free throw a minute later to up his point total to 15. He exited the game with four and a half minutes left in the third quarter but returned with two minutes to go, scoring his 16th and 17th points off of a hard drive along the baseline to the basket.

To start the final quarter of play, Shannon hit a baseline midrange jumper off an inbounds play, giving him his seventh bucket of the afternoon. A few minutes later, Shannon missed a deep three from the top of the key but made up for it on the next play, driving along the baseline, drawing a foul and knocking down both free throws. Shortly after, he was blocked on a drive but the Timberwolves regained possession, allowing Shannon to get the ball back in his hands and score on his second attempt. With under a minute to go and the Timberwolves only up by two, Shannon took control once again, driving in traffic to extend the Timberwolves lead to four.

Minnesota would go on to win the game 81-74. Shannon was the game’s leading scorer, with 25 points on 9-14 shooting from the field and 1-4 shooting from three. Despite an outstanding offensive showcase, Shannon’s defense was just as impressive as his offense. The 6-foot-6 guard contributed three rebounds, a steal and two blocks. He was also vocal with his teammates and aggressive in contesting shots, but he stayed under control, only committing two fouls.

“You’ve got to do whatever you’ve got to do to be on the floor,” said Shannon. “Whether it’s being vocal or playing hard or going and getting a rebound, be a good defensive player.”

Shannon will next take the floor on Sunday at 2:30 Pacific time, as the Timberwolves take on former Illini Giorgi Bezhanishvili and the Indiana Pacers.

@sahil_mittal24

sahilsm3@dailyillini.com

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Review | ‘MaXXXine’ fails to meet its max potential

2024-07-11T19:37:51Z

“MaXXXine” review — Score: 6/10

Mia Goth returns to finish Ti West’s horror trilogy with the release of “MaXXXine,” completing the story told by “X” and “Pearl.”

Set in the 1980s, the film follows Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) as she attempts to make the jump from adult films to horror movies to further increase her stardom. After landing the role, she must balance the demands of director Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki) while outrunning past traumas that come back to haunt her in the form of PI John Labat (Kevin Bacon).

The cast also includes Maxine’s friend Leon (Moses Sumney), coworker Tabby Martin (Halsey) and her agent Teddy Night (Giancarlo Esposito).

While the movie tries to follow the magic of “X” and “Pearl,” it fails to create the tension that a horror movie needs to stay exciting. Even scenes that should have felt scary or unnerving fell flat due to strange editing choices.

The film is a clear attempt to emulate the slasher genre of the 80s. The music and lighting throughout the movie paid homage to the decade through synth-pop and neon glows.

However, the editing follows the same style, creating moments that feel silly rather than scary. In particular, one gruesome death with a knife involved constant jump cuts to a black-gloved hand slowly bringing the knife down. It broke the scene’s tension and made the entire moment seem like a bad parody of slasher films.

There were plenty of moments like that throughout the film, feeling awkward rather than comedic or scary. Others have compared “MaXXXine” to Giallo films, a style of movie that focuses on creepy killers, gorgeous women and filthy urban streets — which all fit the movie’s setting extremely well.

But style isn’t an excuse for poor horror. “X” and “Pearl” utilized unique styles while retaining the audience’s attention and fear. Those movies mixed comedy and horror well, while “MaXXXine” seems to struggle to find its ground.

The story also doesn’t feel fulfilling. Without giving too much away, the movie’s climax seems too ridiculous as an end for the series. The killer’s reveal is confusing and makes the entire plot seem pointless. It feels stylized to fit a certain movie genre, at the expense of the tension.

Of course, there are a lot of positives, mostly in the form of the acting. Once again, Goth knocks it out of the park. As Maxine, she delivers a performance that truly fits the insanity of a woman in Hollywood willing to do anything to get the fame she wants. Even in scenes with the legendary Giancarlo Esposito, Goth retains focus as the most intimidating character on screen.

Ti West’s “MaXXXine” does a good job of finishing Maxine’s story. It shows just how far one woman will go to achieve her desired fame. However, without the weight of the past movies in the trilogy, “MaXXXine” doesn’t deliver very well. It’s exciting to imagine what’s next for Mia Goth, but until then, we can watch her figuratively — and literally — crush killers under her heel.

nalluri4@dailyillini.com

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Holy carp! Free fishing clinics at Kaufman Lake

2024-07-11T18:56:04Z

Its oh-fish-ial, free fishing clinics are now available biweekly at Kaufman Lake for the rest of the summer. This oppor-tuna-ty is thanks to the Champaign Park District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The clinics are open to all ages with equipment and bait provided to participants. Children are allowed to participate, however they must be accompanied by an adult.

Each fintastic clinic will consist of an educational introduction as well as a hands-on portion held at the dock.

The clinics will occur at 2702 West Springfield Ave., Champaign. on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The last clinic offered this summer is September 26, 2024.

Although the clinics are free, registration is required prior to the clinic.

fabbott2@dailyillini.com

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CPD to intensify speeding crackdown in July

2024-07-11T19:48:07Z

The Champaign Police Department, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and over 200 local law enforcement agencies will intensify enforcement against speeding starting this month, according to a city press release.

In the announcement, CPD Chief Timothy Tyler noted the rationale for the intensification.

“Speeding causes unnecessary danger on our roads and puts drivers, passengers and others sharing the roadway at increased risk,” Tyler wrote. “Champaign Police remind drivers to obey the posted speeds and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.”

Throughout the month, Champaign Police officers will be conducting visible patrols to prevent speeding and promote road safety. Citations and written warnings will be issued to those found exceeding speed limits or violating other traffic laws, with a focus on main roads and residential neighborhoods.

The initiative is funded by federal traffic safety grants managed by IDOT.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Urbana fire displaces residents

2024-07-09T13:33:00Z

The Urbana Fire Department responded to a fire last night that left the occupants of a home displaced, according to WCIA.

WCIA reports that the fire broke out at a home on Sunday on Glover Ave in Urbana. At around 8:40 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a call for smoke coming from a house. Crews were on the scene within minutes.

Firefighters proceeded to increase the alarm to a working fire. Flames were found burning on the second floor of the house, and UFD put out the blaze within an hour. No injuries were reported and WCIA reports that no occupants were home at the time of the fire.

UFD is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Review | Zach Bryan retains authenticity amid popularity on new album

2024-07-09T02:59:03Z

Oklahoma country musician Zach Bryan released his fifth album “The Great American Bar Scene” on July 4. The patriotic release date marks the follow-up to his well-received 2023 self-titled album which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

For the past year, Bryan has been touring the country, selling out shows in the largest venues the American music industry has to offer for top dollar. His meteoric rise to fame through the 2020s, even through active service in the Navy, has defied the traditional country singer trajectory, quickly making him one of the most popular artists in America.

“(Musicians) have a pipeline of ‘oh man, I played the small bars, and then I played the bigger small bars, and then I played the bigger, bigger small bars, and then I played medium venues, and then bigger medium venues’,” explained Bryan in an interview. “But when I got out of the Navy I was already there.”

Fame is infamous for changing those who acquire it, but listening to “The Great American Bar Scene,” it is evident that Bryan is yet to be affected.

The soul in the man-and-his-guitar recordings of Bryan’s early career is still blatantly present across the album’s 19 tracks, retaining the raw and honest sound in his music. His guitar often takes the instrumental lead while avoiding pop country-esque progressions, giving Bryan his originality and, sometimes, walking the line of folk.

While his earlier recordings were bare almost to a fault, Bryan’s recent releases including “The Great American Bar Scene” have expanded upon instrumentation, adding sonic layers to his heartfelt stories.

The greatest example of this is heard on “Oak Island,” as from the first few seconds both a bass and soft electric guitar can be heard melodically plucked in the background. Once Bryan’s story of a deal gone wrong concludes, the guitar amps up and the instrumentals build with a blaring trumpet. It keeps building until the guitar and drums are playing too quickly to be coherent, and then it all falls away in controlled chaos.

Bryan also hosts a sizable number of background singers and features that add tasteful harmony or complementary verses to the album. On the song “Towers,” choir singers echo the hard-hitting moments of the chorus, making what is otherwise a fairly simple song into a memorable piece of the album.

Features range from Canadian singer Noeline Hofmann, who has only released a few YouTube recordings, on the duet “Purple Gas,” to one of the only indicators of Bryan’s stardom on the album, an aging Bruce Springsteen for the song “Sandpaper.”

Save for the punchy and infectious track “American Nights” and the finale of “Oak Island,” the album is filled with a mellow tone that isn’t as somber as it is reflective or reminiscent. Even with some instrumental variance, the slower pace and frequent acoustic strumming do give the album a one-dimensional sound.

What you hear is what you get with “The Great American Bar Scene” — in the sense that once listeners finish the first few tracks, the album doesn’t come with too many surprises. For existing fans, this won’t pose an issue as Bryan’s pen and performance are as good as they’ve ever been. But if listeners aren’t current fans, the album isn’t an attempt to reel them in.

Though many of the songs invoke a similar feel, some still do manage to stand out, such as “28.” The reminiscent air of the album is at its finest on the chorus which is easy to sing along to.

“How lucky are we/ It’s been a hell of a week/ We’re all grown now,” Bryan sings while authoritative piano chords hit the audience with welcome force. Later lines of the chorus are also tweaked throughout the song, rewarding careful listeners.

Small additions like these lyric variations are what further set Bryan’s music apart from the rest of the field. Whether it’s the time signature change with only 21 seconds left on the track “Funny Man,” or the seamless transitions between longing singing and harmonic conversation on “Better Days,” each decision feels intentional in a sound owned and occupied by Bryan.

“And please don’t ask me how these last years went/ Mama, I made a million dollars on accident,” Bryan sings on “Northern Thunder,” a confession that explains the success of his music that tries anything but to intentionally be popular.

As Bryan’s touring is scheduled to continue through the summer and beyond, the release of “The Great American Bar Scene” gives the coming packed arenas a batch of new tracks they will likely hope to hear from, piling on to one of the most in-demand set lists in the country.

mcbales2@dailyillini.com

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Jershaun Newton commits to Illinois football for 2025

2024-07-09T23:27:36Z

The Fighting Illini have secured a 2025 commitment from Jershaun Newton, a three-star quarterback from Clearwater Central Catholic High School in Florida. Newton, younger brother of former Illini star and current Washington Commander Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, announced his decision on social media.

Standing at 6-foot, 205 pounds, Newton is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 51 best QB in the 2025 class, the No. 91 Florida recruit for his class and the 669th overall recruit in the nation. He chose Illinois over offers from numerous Power Five programs including Ole Miss, Florida State, Miami, Indiana and Mississippi State.

As a junior, Newton showcased his skills by completing 65% of his passes for 2,084 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns and contributed defensively with six tackles-for-loss and four sacks as a linebacker. He led his high school team to back-to-back State championship berths.

Newton is set to continue the family legacy at Illinois, following in the footsteps of his older brother Jer’Zhan. As a junior in 2023, Jer’Zhan was a team captain, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. He led the team with 52 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks, earning numerous accolades including a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy. Jer’Zhan was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders.

Jer’Zhan’s success sets a high bar for Jershaun as he begins his journey with the Illini.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Review | ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ is a powerful drama in disguise

2024-07-07T20:46:29Z

Rating: 9/10

The post-apocalyptic horror sci-fi movie series, “A Quiet Place,” returned to theaters this June with a third installment — “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel to the two-part series.

“A Quiet Place” tells the story of a young deaf girl and her family as they fight to survive in a world where predatory aliens run rampant.

In the newly-released prequel, viewers get a first-hand look at the initial “Day One” of the alien invasion, following the main characters, Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminally ill cancer patient and her cat Frodo, along with Eric (Joseph Quinn), a lonely law school student. The characters quickly realize that the aliens are blind and hunt using their adept hearing abilities.

The movie, like its predecessors, is primarily silent. While the first movie in the franchise relies on American Sign Language (ASL) as its primary mode of communication, the prequel adds a method of conflict, as the characters struggle to communicate without a non-spoken language.

As the story progresses, the couple ventures through the city, avoiding aliens and near-death experiences at every turn, accompanied by what may be the world’s smartest cat.

Determined to save her cat, Sam carries him on the journey inside of a tote bag. He becomes a wholesome addition to the cast, with entire scenes following his misadventures. Much to the audience’s surprise, Frodo plays a key role in the story and adds to the tension in the already high-stakes film.

The movie does a phenomenal job of evoking the sense of fear and uncertainty that horror fans crave without using many extremely violent or gory scenes. With the movie’s setting being in a crowded city, viewers witness the destruction and panic the aliens cause — something that is not as present in the more rural environment of the first two installments. This makes for enjoyable action scenes and more complex attacks.

The film makes use of similar scare tactics as the first in the series, with moments of intense suspense accompanied by dramatic sound effects and jump scares. The aliens’ ability to quickly run to the source of any slight noise leaves the audience waiting with bated breath at each move that the characters make.

The movie also delves into deeper themes of life and death alongside the main story. Sam, who has, until this point, essentially been waiting to die in hospice, sees the apocalypse as a way out. However, Eric is clearly terrified of dying, especially alone. Their opposite outlooks work well together, showing two strong sides of human nature as they embark on their journey.

Underneath the intense action scenes, the film adeptly builds up the relationship between Eric and Sam as they make their way through the city. With Eric gaining a new appreciation for life, and Sam remembering what it’s like to feel alive again, the film grapples with complex themes of loneliness, fear and loss.

Viewers can easily relate to the fear Eric displays, not wanting to be left alone in the uncertainty of whether or not he will live another day, while also understanding the determination of Sam to die on her own terms. Through this, the film shows the complexity of human desires and motivations and pushes beyond the ‘jump scare’ factor that many horror films profit from.

Both actors were well-cast for their roles and displayed intense emotions throughout the film despite their limited spoken lines. As the characters progress and learn more about each other, so does the audience, resulting in a genuine emotional connection which only adds to the movie’s powerful drama aspect.

Overall, the movie serves as a worthy addition to the well-established series. Fans of the original movie and its sequel will no doubt be infatuated with this film as well. With its surprising emotional aspect, viewers will leave the experience not only scared but wiping tears from their eyes.

jahzara2@dailyillini.com

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University’s iFAB awarded over $50 million for biomanufacturing

2024-07-07T20:25:16Z

The University’s Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing program has received a substantial boost with a $51 million grant from the federal government. This funding is part of a $504 million allocation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The grants are part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The act, formally known as Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors, aims to “advance America’s global leadership in critical technologies, and strengthen our national and economic security,” according to the EDA.

The White House announced that 12 tech hubs across the nation will share the $504 million to enhance regional innovation and growth. The iFAB focuses on biomanufacturing, converting crops like corn and soybeans into a wide range of high-value commodities.

In a press release, Vice President Kamala Harris stated the importance of this investment.

“Every American deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they live,” Harris stated. “These Tech Hubs will give regions across our nation the resources and opportunities necessary to lead in the economy of tomorrow while creating good-paying jobs for American workers.”

According to WCIA, state leaders are pleased with iFAB’s selection for this funding. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) expressed enthusiasm at the decision.

“I’m so pleased iFAB is receiving this critical Tech Hub funding, unlocking innovation, investment and job creation for years to come,” Duckworth said. “Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and technology, making our state ideally positioned for these Tech Hub awards.”

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), whose district includes the University, responded similarly.

“The $51 million federal investment in the iFAB Tech Hub is a game changer for Central Illinois,” Budzinski said. “The funding announced today will build on that foundation with explosive economic growth and place Decatur, Monticello and Champaign at the center of a booming bioeconomy.”

More information on the CHIPS and Science Act is available on the EDA’s website. More information about iFAB is available on their website.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Early morning shooting in Champaign injures two

2024-07-06T20:33:00Z

The Champaign Police Department responded to an area hospital on Friday morning at around 3 a.m. after two individuals arrived with gunshot wounds.

According to a press release by the city of Champaign, a 41-year-old male from Champaign suffered a serious abdominal injury, while a 28-year-old female from Champaign received a graze wound. Both victims remain hospitalized in stable condition.

The press release says that preliminary investigations indicate the victims were at a gathering in the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of E. University Ave. An altercation reportedly broke out between the male victim and an unidentified individual, escalating quickly. Police say the unknown assailant then drew a firearm and fired, injuring both victims before fleeing the scene. The victims were subsequently taken to the hospital by personal transport.

Officers are actively searching for witnesses and any video footage that might assist in the investigation. Residents and businesses in the area with surveillance cameras are asked to contact the police. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

CPD encourages anyone with additional information to call 217-351-4545. Information can be shared confidentially. For those preferring anonymity, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-TIPS, visiting 373tips.com or using the ‘P3 Tips’ mobile app.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Review | ‘Despicable Me 4’ proves why the series should end

2024-07-07T16:19:53Z

Rating: 4/10

The original “Despicable Me” movie was released almost 14 years ago. The original plot involved the heartfelt story of a villain learning to be a good father to three orphans while balancing his evil work. With a funny cast of characters, a heartwarming story and, of course, the Minions, it’s clear why the movie was such a success.

The newest installment of the franchise is “Despicable Me 4,” a movie that struggles to hold onto the original film’s magic while languishing in a dull plot and few funny jokes.

The film follows Gru (Steve Carell) as he continues his Anti-Villian League activities and attempts to stop the newest villain in the series, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell). After Gru’s family is threatened, they’re moved to the seaside town of Mayflower, where they take up new identities and attempt to follow normal lives.

The rest of Gru’s family, including Gru’s wife, Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and the children, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan), all try but fail to fit into normal lives. Gru is also facing a new problem in the form of Gru Jr., his new baby who seems to despise him.

Maxime isn’t the only villain in this film, as Gru’s new neighbor Poppy Prescott (Joey King) blackmails him into some evil plans of her own. And of course, the Minions are up to their antics, including the formation of an X-Men parody team called the Mega-Minions, who cause mayhem in their own way.

The soundtrack is well done, with Pharrell Williams releasing another single for the franchise: “Double Life.” The song, playing over the opening scene, is catchy, fun and adds life to a film that mostly uses pop hits from the past few years for the rest of its runtime.

In a golden era of animation, it’s easy for the film’s animation studio Illumination to fall short. Movies like “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” have set a new standard for how animated movies should look and feel. With animation as a market growing fast, studios need to keep up with the rising popularity.

In this regard, the movie does a surprisingly good job of meeting its competitors. Many unique angles and perspectives make the film seem original while still retaining the rubbery, soft style that Illumination films are known for.

But those same industry standards are also chock-full of rich and engaging stories that kids and adults can enjoy, something that this movie severely and noticeably lacks.

The movie seems to be a series of shorts cobbled together into a movie, rather than a full feature film. Different members of the cast are engaged in their personal vignettes as the plot attempts to progress, and very little is done to connect their stories. Even the climax of the film seems to only feature Gru, Gru Jr., Maxim and Poppy actively fighting.

These constant jumps in focus are what make the movie feel fragmented and incomplete. Rather than starting with a plot and building funny scenes around it, the movie puts its all into making comedic bits that also happen to advance the plot.

The comedy in the movie isn’t terrible. The Minions are, as in past movies, the funniest characters, providing a slapstick comedy that manages to not feel outdated or overly childish. A particular standout is a montage of the Mega-Minions attempting to help civilians, which charmingly parodied classic comic scenes and superhero cliches.

And of course, there are still jokes aimed mostly at children and those specifically for adults. But the jokes do little to distract from the slow, painful pace of the plot. Instead, they seem to amplify just how little the story matters in a movie that is mostly short films put together.

“Despicable Me 4” wasn’t terrible. It had some good animation and a few funny scenes; but altogether, it barely resembles the magic the original once had. Illumination, obviously chasing the success of previous films, continues to push out more “Despicable Me” content and, hopefully, this film will finally be the sign to lay the series to rest.

nalluri4@dailyillini.com

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The Fourth of July: A history of Independence Day

2024-07-05T19:09:32Z

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is recognized nationwide as a day of liberation — a day when Americans can celebrate their freedom during the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday and spend the day embracing the U.S. spirit of barbecue and fireworks.

Looking back to the 18th century when America’s founding fathers were still toiling to declare official nationhood, the Fourth of July was an intricate political affair.

Early in the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress, the governing body of America’s 13 colonies, voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776. A unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence was passed legally two days later, marking the U.S.’ first day of political autonomy from Great Britain.

The Declaration of Independence was the American people’s first formal assertion of their political rights as a governing body. Written largely by Thomas Jefferson, the document produced an idea of collective American identity and experience in just 1,320 words.

Coincidentally, John Adams, the second U.S. president, and his successor Jefferson both died on the 50th anniversary of July 4 in 1826. Former president James Monroe would die exactly five years later on Independence Day in 1831, according to the Library of Congress.

Following the Declaration of Independence, American citizens burst into immediate revelry, and the summer of 1776 was marked by concerts, bonfires, parades and the occasional celebratory firing of muskets and cannons.

Some colonists celebrated independence by holding mock funerals for King George III as “a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty,” according to History.com.

Massachusetts became the first state to adopt the Fourth of July as an official state holiday in 1781, and it would eventually become recognized at the federal level in 1870.

Patriotic celebrations became more common nationwide after the War of 1812 — the first time the U.S. and Britain fought since the Revolutionary War.

Independence Day is marked by fireworks shows across the country, with colorful explosions taking the cake as one of the biggest parts of the holiday.

The first organized firework celebration occurred on the one-year anniversary of the holiday in Philadelphia as all armed ships fired 13-gun salutes in honor of the original colonies.

Boston observed similar firework festivities in 1777 as the Sons of Liberty, an early group of revolutionary American colonists who opposed taxation without representation, set off numerous fireworks and shells over Boston Common.

Patriotism reigns over July Fourth, with the jubilant celebrations and expressions dating back 248 years to the very first American day of independence.

sg94@dailyillini.com

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Champaign City Council introduces two new employees, discusses various resolutions

2024-07-07T23:44:50Z

The Champaign City Council held its weekly meeting on Tuesday, introducing two new employees and focusing on a number of resolutions.

Derek Braun was introduced as the festival district coordinator and Brett Johnson as the emergency management coordinator.

The first resolution was one approving the appointment of John Easley to the Neighborhood Services Advisory Board in Champaign. This motion was passed.

An ordinance approving the final plat of Boulder Ridge Eighth Subdivision was also passed. This area is a 15.1 acre development with thirty-six residential lots and four common lots to be utilized for stormwater.

A resolution to approve a major variation for the property at 1757 W. Kirby Ave. was approved, as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The major variation will allow for a restaurant drive through to cross a portion of the access aisle for Old Farm off-street parking in the Commercial District. This resolution was passed.

Later, a resolution accepting a bid and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for the roof replacement of Champaign Fire Station One was also passed.

A resolution executing an agreement for the construction of the first phase of the Downtown Plaza Project, a plan to “reimagine a City-owned parking lot into a vibrant public plaza,” was passed. A professional services agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc. a construction engineering service, has also been passed.

The final resolution of the meeting was one authorizing the purchase of a midsize aerial lift truck. This resolution was passed.

The meeting concluded with public comment, followed by council and City Manager comments.

paul34@dailyillini.com

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Guide to celebrating the Fourth of July in Champaign

2024-07-07T16:23:59Z

As the Fourth of July approaches, questions of how to spend America’s most notorious holiday start to rise for students who are stranded in Champaign-Urbana for the summer.

Public festivities start in the morning with the Champaign County Freedom Celebration at Memorial Stadium. The day’s events kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Youth Run and end with a finishing display of fireworks at 9:15 p.m. which can be seen from most places on campus.

The Urbana Park District will also hold an event at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and features giveaways and contests that are fit for most age groups.

Harvest Market will also host their “Stars and Stripes Celebration” at the Farmhouse Restaurant from 4-8 p.m. which will feature carnival-style food, activities and live entertainment.

From anyone new to the area to long-time residents of the C-U, there are events available for every age group. For more information on other events, check out the Chambanamoms list of activities.

mkw9@dailyillini.com

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UIPD phones down, 9-1-1 still available

2024-07-04T02:29:18Z

UPDATE 9:23 p.m.

The University sent out another Illini-Alert, notifying the campus population that the UIPD phones have been fixed.

5:07 p.m.

The University sent out an Illini-Alert on Wednesday, reporting that the University of Illinois Police Department phones are down. This does not include 9-1-1 services.

UIPD says that 217-333-8911 or 9-1-1 can still be called if police assistance is needed. Additionally, the email police@illinois.edu can be reached for non-emergency events.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Urbana City Council discusses energy supply, traffic resolutions

2024-07-03T21:37:42Z

The Urbana City Council met on Monday for its weekly meeting, which began with public input and was followed by focusing on a number of resolutions. The first resolution proposed was support for an Illinois Community Development Block Coronavirus grant.

Illinois has received $15 million from the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act. These funds can be used for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or acquisition of properties for homeless shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing. The goal of this program is to increase shelter capacity to pre-COVID levels.

This motion was passed to the City Council’s consent agenda. If approved, the city of Urbana, in partnership with Hope Village Inc., will submit an application for funding in order to aid the construction of Hope Village.

A resolution approving a professional energy consulting services agreement was passed.

A second resolution authorizing a service agreement with the lowest responsible bidder for an electrical supply for residential and small commercial retail customers was also passed to the consent agenda.

A resolution approving a right-of-way license agreement with Experience Champaign-Urbana was suggested. This proposal includes implementing an interpretive sign commemorating the African American Heritage Trail in the downtown Urbana area, adjacent to 120 W. Main St.

This motion was passed. If the ordinance is passed by the City Council upon further review of the consent agenda, Experience Champaign-Urbana will construct the sign.

An ordinance requiring a stop sign at the intersection located on Melissa Lane at Marc Trail was proposed. A stop sign was temporarily added to the south end of Melissa Lane in October 2023 in response to the road being fully built. Currently, the intersection is uncontrolled with no stop signs. This ordinance was passed.

An ordinance which would prohibit parking and allow for towing vehicles within the cul-de-sac on Gregory Street was also passed. This ordinance would allow police to have vehicles parked within the cul-de-sac towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

The final resolution of the meeting would authorize the execution of an intergovernmental cost sharing agreement for an Illinois environmental protection agency-sponsored household hazardous waste collection event, which would last one day. This motion was passed.

The council meeting concluded with council input and discussion.

paul34@dailyillini.com

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Three-star 2025 DB Desmond Straughton commits to Illinois

2024-07-03T16:45:23Z

Illinois football has added to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of Desmond Straughton, a three-star defensive back at Roseville High School in Michigan. He announced his commitment via X last week after an official visit to the University.

Straughton, standing at 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is ranked by 247Sports as the 13th-best recruit in Michigan, the 51st-best DB in his class and the 678th overall recruit in the nation.

He received offers from several Power Five programs, including Michigan State, Purdue, Minnesota, Arizona State and West Virginia.

In his announcement, Straughton expressed gratitude.

“First off, I want to thank God for giving me the amazing opportunity to be able to play ball at the college level,” Straughton wrote. “I also want to thank my mom for laying such an amazing foundation for me… And to my Dad, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best.”

Straughton also expressed appreciation towards other programs for their interest and opportunities offered during his recruitment, and voiced his excitement to join the Illini.

“This whole process has been incredible, and I’m really grateful for all the interest and opportunities you offered me,” Straughton wrote. “With all that said, I’m super excited to announce my commitment to the University of Illinois and join the Fighting Illini family!”

Straughton’s addition brings Illinois’ 2025 recruiting class to 12 members. According to 247Sports composite rankings, Illinois’ 2025 class is ranked second to last among Big Ten schools, only ranked higher than Purdue. The class is ranked as the 63rd best recruiting class overall.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Review | Megan Thee Stallion defines summer with new, self-titled album

2024-07-07T16:43:34Z

Rating: 7.9/10

Megan Thee Stallion is kicking off 2024’s hot girl summer with her self-titled album, “MEGAN,” which dropped on June 28.

Her third LP contains 18 tracks and is packed with features, including UGK, GloRilla, Victoria Monét, Yuki Chiba and others. Not only is the album impressive in its production, but Megan manages to maintain her fun, free energy throughout an otherwise lyrically heavy project.

The first track, “HISS,” is a clear, thorough introduction to the major themes of the album, which acts as Megan’s opportunity to tell her side of the story after the Tory Lanez shooting trial. The fiery, quick-witted song reminds fans of Megan’s talent as a rapper and lyricist.

“I just wanna kick this shit off by sayin’ fuck y’all/ I ain’t gotta clear my name on a motherfuckin’ thing,” Megan begins.

The track was met with widespread approval, earning Megan a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts when the single was released.

Listeners have also speculated that Megan is firing shots at artists she has previously been involved in drama with. The most notable is Tory Lanez, who was found guilty last August of shooting Megan in the foot, but artists such as Nicki Minaj and Drake are also on the Megan Thee Stallion diss list.

The album continues with serpent-themed songs such as “Rattle” and “Boa,” both of which maintain the fun, Y2K energy of the project with less-than-charitable commentary on Megan’s haters. The songs serve as a warning call to anyone who might think about going head-to-head with Megan in the future.

“All my haters, know it’s too many/ Say a prayer, can’t be too many,” raps Megan in “Rattle.”

The pieces are not only lyrical warnings but musical ones too. While the album has its repetitive moments and it perhaps does not deviate from her past work as much as fans may have hoped, it’s moments like the Gwen Stefani sample in “Boa” that highlight Megan’s skill as a musician and creative.

This is not the last sample on “Megan,” though, as “Broke His Heart” enters the ring with a sample from Jeezy’s “I Love It” — a household name in the rap scene. The Tay Keith-produced song is a piece true to what fans would expect from Megan, which is a theme throughout the album. While the piece does not particularly stand out, hearing the sample will certainly gain a smile from hip-hop enjoyers.

Megan stays true to her roots as the album progresses with “Where Them Girls At,” an early 2010s-esque, dance-rap anthem that calls back to her 2021 album, “Something for Thee Hotties.” The song is album-defining, flirty, fun and, most importantly, unapologetically Megan.

A song that will certainly make its way to clubs across the world, “Where Them Girls At” is a must-hear for self-proclaimed Megan fans.

“Hot girl, put the cuffs down/ Icy from the neck down/ I’m that bitch, so they all dissin’,” Megan raps.

While some of the features may not be able to keep up with Megan’s flow and general sense of artistry, pieces like “B.A.S.” and “Accent” are likable; however, they don’t offer anything new to the project, which seems a fair ask from a featured artist.

Throughout the songs, listeners can’t help but wonder if the featured artists were able to reach their full potential in “Megan,” or if they were mere interludes to Megan’s musings.

One feature that really stands out, however, is Grammy-winner Victoria Monét on “Spin.” The sensual, R&B-inspired song perfectly matches Monét’s thick, almost angelic vocals. The piece is sexy, daring and a much-needed deviation from the remainder of the album.

“I always been fine, yeah, this face is my original/ I’m gon’ blow your mind when you watch me spin around this pole,” Monét sings over a simple, sultry humming in the background.

Megan is not afraid to be vulnerable in the project, either. Pieces like “Moody Girl” delve into Megan’s feelings of never being satisfied and the tumultuousness of stardom.

“In a room full of people, I still feel lonely/ By myself even when he is all on me/ Tell me you love me, know you just told me,” Megan laments.

While some may fear that pieces like this seem out of place in Megan’s discography, she doesn’t lose her voice as an artist in these songs, for better or for worse. While perhaps a more experimental piece on this album may have done the artist some good, there is an argument to not fix what isn’t broken.

The album closes with a final nod to Megan’s shedding of her skin with “Cobra,” closing out what Megan has coined her “rebirth era.” The song is raw, grungy and honest. Megan delves into the loss of her parents, struggles with addiction and mental health.

The song comes as a curveball, and listeners can’t help but wish she had done more experimenting earlier in the album as well. Despite this, it’s the perfect closer to an otherwise solid album. She expertly juxtaposes the fun, upbeat energy of most of the album with a grungier sound to close the project.

“Breaking down and I had the whole world watching/ But the worst part is really who watched me?/ Every night I cried, I almost died,” Megan sings.

While what was branded as Megan’s “rebirth era” did not quite sell on that promise, “Megan” is an enjoyable addition to Megan’s discography. What the album lacks in novelty, it makes up for in dance-worthy tracks that are sure to make their way onto summer playlists across the globe.

aka10@dailyillini.com

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Two overnight apartment fires displace Champaign residents

2024-07-03T00:00:55Z

Overnight, the Champaign Fire Department responded to two apartment fires that resulted in significant property damage and the displacement of residents from their homes.

The first fire occurred at 11:36 p.m. on Monday, at an eight-unit apartment building in the 500 block of E. Columbia Ave. The fire was reported by a passerby. Firefighters arrived to find a growing fire and went inside to investigate, where they encountered a fast-moving attic fire.

Firefighters used aerial ladders to reach the appropriate height and then utilized their hoses to bring the flames under control. The cause was determined to be accidental and related to electrical equipment. No injuries were reported, but the occupants of the apartment were displaced.

Just three hours later, at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, a separate fire broke out at a three-story apartment building in the 600 block of Crescent Drive. The fire was reported by an occupant. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the second and third-floor balconies and quickly escalated the response to a second alarm.

Crews deployed multiple hoses to control the blaze. No injuries were reported, but the building’s residents were forced to relocate. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

In a press release, the CFD reminded everyone to maintain working smoke alarms and to practice a home escape plan.

“Smoke alarms can provide early notification when seconds count,” the CFD wrote.

qjato2@dailyillini.com

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Two 2025 Florida prospects commit to Illinois football

2024-07-02T13:01:31Z

Illinois football has added two three-star prospects from Florida to their 2025 recruiting class – defensive back Robert Jones III from Vero Beach High School and running back Cedric Wyche from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Both three-star recruits announced their commitment to Illinois in recent weeks, with Jones announcing his just a few days ago.

Robert Jones III

Robert Jones III is a 6-foot, 165-pound defensive back, specifically a cornerback for his high school team’s defense. Despite missing a few games in 2023 due to injury, Jones still recorded 19 tackles, nine pass breakups and 2 interceptions. Jones is ranked the 97th cornerback in his class and the 150th overall prospect in the state of Florida, according to 247Sports.

Jones chose Illinois over offers from schools such as UCF, which is in his hometown, as well as USF and Louisville. Additionally, Jones was previously committed to North Carolina State, but he decommitted prior to an official visit to Illinois last weekend. In a report published by 247Sports, he was asked about his commitment to Illinois, to which he replied, “They just felt like home.”

Cedric Wyche

Cedric Wyche is a 5-foot 10, 200 pound running back who provided tremendous power to his high school’s offense. His most notable efforts were in his junior-year season, where he had 63 carries for 470 yards and six touchdowns. Wyche also caught 14 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns.

The three-star Ft. Lauderdale native committed to Illinois over Minnesota, Michigan State and Boston College. According to 247Sports, Wyche is the 55th ranked running back in the class of 2025, as well as the 92nd overall prospect in the state of Florida.

naveeda3@dailyillini.com

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