Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily


Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Wejdan al Balushi

Wejdan al Balushi, Visual Designer

Wejdan is a Visual Designer at the Minnesota Daily. She is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a major in Art with a minor in Computer Science. With a passion for creativity and technology, she combines her artistic skills with her technical knowledge to create visually stunning designs. In her free time, Wejdan enjoys immersing herself in books, exploring new destinations through travel, and eagerly embracing new adventures and experiences.

All content by Wejdan al Balushi
Bone marrow donations help patients with diseases like leukemia and sickle cell disease.

[Photo] Gift of Life club makes bone marrow donation easy

by Rachel Hoppe
Published November 21, 2024
Playing an instrument teaches you things that can be applicable later in life.

[Photo] Opinion: What band class taught me

by Riley Stern
Published November 19, 2024
The closures are part of an effort to address a $1.5 million funding gap.

[Photo] Ice rinks at Powderhorn Park, Webber Park may stay closed this winter

by Ainsley Brown
Published November 18, 2024
Spirituality and science are not mutually exclusive.

[Photo] Opinion: Astrology’s hidden wisdom

by Vivian Wilson
Published November 14, 2024
Snacking has become essential to everyday American life.

[Photo] Opinion: The united snacks of America

by Riley Stern
Published November 11, 2024
October was named Disability Employment Awareness month by the Minneapolis City Council.

[Photo] Employment challenges persist for people with disabilities

by Alexandra DeYoe
Published November 10, 2024
When times are tough, it’s important to step away now and again.

[Photo] Opinion: Of goats and Gophers — a weekend away from campus

by Leo Huppke
Published November 6, 2024
The East Bank Neighborhood Partnership interim board awaits legal verification from the state before it can act as an official organization.

[Photo] What’s next for the East Bank Neighborhood Associations

by Grace Aigner
Published October 30, 2024
The University uses the Good Neighbor Fund to finance beautification efforts in the surrounding neighborhoods.

[Photo] University opens Good Neighbor Fund for 2025

by Maya Bell
Published October 30, 2024
No matter what genre a reader is pulled to, fall is a great time to settle down and read a new book as the days become shorter and nights are longer.

[Photo] Fall book recommendations

by Sophia Arndt
Published October 30, 2024
The board was first proposed in February.

[Photo] Minneapolis City Council considering creating Labor Standards Board

by Ainsley Brown
Published October 28, 2024
Halloween is as American as the Fourth of July.

[Photo] Opinion: Why America loves Halloween

by Riley Stern
Published October 21, 2024
As Annie Dillard famously said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

[Photo] Opinion: A new lens on procrastination

by Vivian Wilson
Published October 17, 2024
The Opinions Desk gives unqualified advice.

[Photo] Relationship advice in 10 words or less

by Opinions Desk
Published October 16, 2024
Undergraduate Student Government, Minnesota DFL campus initiatives and professors say student engagement is higher than ever.

[Photo] USG Row the Vote exceeds registration goal, students lock-in for election season

by Sam Hill
Published October 15, 2024
Investing time in social life is crucial for personal development.

[Photo] Opinion: Social life is equally as valuable as academics

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published October 15, 2024
The webpage was created by the University’s Office of Internet Technology.

[Photo] Navigating AI @ UMN webpage helps students and staff understand AI

by Avery Vrieze
Published October 14, 2024
Earthy tones reflective of falling leaves are integral to autumn’s color palette.

[Photo] Opinion: Why fall is so nostalgic

by Vivian Wilson
Published October 10, 2024
Compared to campaigns that emphasized candidate “firsts,” Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris is doing the opposite.

[Photo] Opinion: Kamala Harris is ignoring identity politics

by Riley Stern
Published October 7, 2024
A partially-blind student advocate and low-vision student reflect on their experiences at the University.

[Photo] Blind and low-vision students forge community at UMN

by Samantha Siedow
Published October 6, 2024
Supporters argue the change would increase voter turnout and save the city money.

[Photo] Odd or even years? St. Paul voters will decide when to vote

by Ainsley Brown
Published October 2, 2024
The agricultural industry is shaped by hidden forces that affect our day-to-day food choices.

[Photo] Opinion: The government controls what we eat

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published October 2, 2024
The job market trend is affecting minimum wage and first professional jobs.

[Photo] Minnesota’s job openings down since pandemic, students feeling the effects

by Grace Aigner
Published September 30, 2024
Faculty say the economic impact study helps quantify the good they do.

[Photo] UMN faculty push for new economic impact study

by Mady Leick
Published September 29, 2024
Despite being clean and peaceful, suburbs are riddled with design flaws.

[Photo] Opinion: The suburbs are broken

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published September 18, 2024
Scammers are contacting people through websites and lost pet posters.

[Photo] Officials warn of scammers targeting people with lost pets

by Katrina Bailey
Published September 16, 2024
Single-use products made of polystyrene foam are detrimental to the environment and human health.

[Photo] Opinion: Styrofoam should be banned

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published September 11, 2024
Students are getting less time to weigh their financial options as the delay pushes aid closer to payment deadlines.

[Photo] FAFSA delays raise concerns for students

by Tyler Church
Published August 3, 2024
The Gophers most recently played in Hockey Day Minnesota in 2020 and the Hall of Fame Classic in 2022.

[Photo] Gophers women’s hockey spreading their sport across the metro

by Emmett Laurent
Published July 30, 2024
The course will be taught by Perry Hackett, Mary MacCarthy and Anne Cohen.

[Photo] New course at UMN teaches students how to start biotech companies

by Georgia Jensen
Published July 25, 2024
Online communities enable globe-spanning friendships that could never exist otherwise.

[Photo] Opinion: Online communities offer real social interaction

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published July 23, 2024
Trees and plants must adapt to the changing climate.

[Photo] UMN develops new list of recommended species to make forests more resilient

by Josie Wise
Published July 22, 2024
Protecting biodiversity and stabilizing the climate are equally important factors in healing the Earth, says UMN researcher.

[Photo] UMN researcher pinpoints areas to protect before next mass extinction

by Josie Wise
Published July 22, 2024
For Clairo, “the third time’s the Charm.”

[Photo] Review: “Charm” by Clairo

by Sommer Wagen
Published July 21, 2024
At a predominantly white institution, students of diverse backgrounds work to carve out their own shared spaces.

[Photo] Opinion: Diversity is everyone’s responsibility

by Riley Stern
Published July 15, 2024
Students share concerns about ongoing safety issues and crime in Dinkytown.

[Photo] UMN students react to recent crime in Dinkytown

by Sophie Eydis and Josie Wise
Published July 14, 2024
Do not compare yourself to your peers.

[Photo] Opinion: Go at your own learning pace

by Isabella Caswell
Published July 10, 2024
People cause 90% of Minnesota wildfires, according to the Minnesota DNR.

[Photo] How communities can protect themselves from intense wildfires

by Ainsley Brown
Published July 10, 2024
When the balancing act of platonic and romantic relationships is tipped off the scales, it is aching to see.

[Photo] Opinion: Women choosing romantic relationships over friends is disheartening

by Isabella Caswell
Published July 4, 2024
University students say the approved increase in tuition is causing stress and anxiety.

[Photo] UMN students react to approved tuition increase

by Sophie Eydis
Published July 1, 2024
Accountability is important, but it is not easy to administer.

[Photo] Opinion: Do not attack someone for having a different opinion

by Isabella Caswell
Published June 27, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development oversees this program to ensure it goes smoothly.

[Photo] $86 million in grant money for small businesses is up for grabs

by Katrina Bailey
Published June 26, 2024
Once children get social media, it is a never-ending cycle of addiction.

[Photo] Opinion: Social media pressures children to act older

by Isabella Caswell
Published June 20, 2024
“Kumbayah the Juneteenth Story,” written by Rose McGee, takes place on Friday, June 21 at Northrop Auditorium.

[Photo] Juneteenth events to celebrate across Minneapolis

by Katrina Bailey
Published June 18, 2024
Living with someone you don’t know might not be such a bad thing.

[Photo] Opinion: The case for random roommates

by Riley Stern
Published June 11, 2024
Local activist artists share their political prints, poetry and plans for future change.

[Photo] Local art activism as a tool for liberation

by Sommer Wagen
Published April 26, 2024
#WomanLifeFreedom perseveres.

[Photo] How social media fueled the flames of Iran’s women’s rights revolution

by Samantha Siedow
Published May 1, 2024
Refreshing the look of the student center will benefit the campus environment.

[Photo] Opinion: Demolish the St. Paul Student Center

by Natalie Trimble
Published April 25, 2024
Ozempic (Semaglutide), an injectable pen, is a weekly injection that helps the pancreas produce more insulin by lowering blood sugar levels.

[Photo] Ozempic: UMN researchers insert their expertise

by Emma Walytka
Published May 1, 2024
As difficult as it may feel, forcing yourself to exercise can transform your college life.

[Photo] Opinion: Get off the couch

by Leo Huppke
Published April 17, 2024
Denver has just two losses since the start of February.

[Photo] Tristan Broz scores overtime winner as Denver beats Boston University in opening game of Frozen Four

by The Associated Press
Published April 16, 2024
Exam culture isn’t for everyone.

[Photo] Opinion: Ditch the scantrons

by Claudia Garcia
Published April 16, 2024
UMPD is now taking calls from the University and surrounding area as MPD focuses on the greater Minneapolis area.

[Photo] UMPD to handle emergency calls in Dinkytown, Marcy-Holmes

by Maya Bell
Published April 11, 2024
The Webster duo is going to face off in Minnesota this weekend.

[Photo] Denver’s McKade Webster chases another hockey title after sister Makenna helped Ohio State to crown

by Pat Graham - Associated Press
Published April 10, 2024
The class dives into serious discussion of the impact of nuclear weapons.

[Photo] UMN political science class explores nuclear weapons

by Sophie Eydis
Published April 10, 2024
Dancing may feel intimidating or vulnerable, but it can have profound effects on your self-esteem.

[Photo] Opinion: Dance!

by Leo Huppke
Published April 10, 2024
Learn to find happiness in your own company.

[Photo] Opinion: Date yourself

by Claudia Garcia
Published April 9, 2024
Inspired by the success of the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift-devoted student groups were formed this year.

[Photo] UMN Swiftie groups to become “the 1” Taylor Swift fan group on campus

by Avery Vrieze
Published April 3, 2024
The quality of dorms should equate to the amount of money students spend.

[Photo] Opinion: Why are we normalizing terrible dorm experiences?

by Claudia Garcia
Published April 2, 2024
Murali cited personal and mental health reasons for his resignation.

[Photo] Shashank Murali resigns as Undergraduate Student Government president

by Georgia Jensen
Published April 1, 2024
Have these lonely hearts found their true love?

[Photo] Campus Caucus: Matchmaker

by Leo Huppke
Published April 1, 2024
Therapy methods may help college students with their mental health struggles.

[Photo] Opinion: Therapy in the U.S. isn’t accessible or affordable

by Natalie Trimble
Published March 28, 2024
The Minneapolis City Council plans to reconsider the Fair Rides ordinance on April 11 after Uber and Lyft announced a plan to leave the area on May 1.

[Photo] With Uber and Lyft gone, the road ahead is unclear

by Alexandra DeYoe, Sam Hill, and Chloe Bechard
Published March 27, 2024
By demonizing pleasure, we set ourselves up for unfulfilling sex lives.

[Photo] Opinion: Let’s talk about sex

by Leo Huppke
Published March 27, 2024
Other efforts at the capitol include increasing accessibility to voting on campus and making the college transition easier for students with disabilities.

[Photo] USG highlights University issues to Minnesota Legislature

by Natasha Delion
Published March 21, 2024
Uplifting women should be more of a priority on campus.

[Photo] Opinion: Everyone needs a feminine presence in their lives

by Natalie Trimble
Published March 21, 2024
March marks Women’s History Month in the United States, which highlights historic women’s contributions and movements. For some female-led student groups on campus, this means taking on a leadership role.

[Photo] Female UMN student leaders create spaces for women to be heard

by Amirah Razman
Published March 19, 2024
Decisions about reproductive health should be in the hands of the people, not the government.

[Photo] Opinion: Are we defending or denying the sanctity of life?

by Claudia Garcia
Published March 14, 2024
From using a credit card to unexpected financial emergencies, students face many challenges surrounding their personal finances.

[Photo] How UMN students are tackling their finances

by Amirah Razman and Gabrielle Erenstein
Published March 14, 2024
Crookston, Morris and Duluth provide criminal justice programs that offer a more traditional route into law enforcement.

[Photo] UMN criminal justice programs vary by campus

by Logan Anderson and Samantha Siedow
Published March 9, 2024
If a renter finds their car stolen or damaged, they are still on the hook for covering costs even if the car is parked in an enclosed apartment garage.

[Photo] Who is responsible for car thefts in apartment garages?

by Natasha Delion
Published March 4, 2024
Parenting is less important to Gen Z than any other generation.

[Photo] Opinion: This is why Gen Z does not want kids

by Claudia Garcia
Published February 29, 2024
The subtraction of a smartphone can be an addition to your life.

[Photo] Opinion: Life without a smartphone is great

by Leo Huppke
Published February 28, 2024
For some, streaming services provide some challenges, despite giving the consumer more options to choose from.

[Photo] The downsides of streaming services

by Ethan Lambert
Published February 22, 2024
Previously, USA Hockey had recommended the use of neck guards but did not mandate them nationwide.

[Photo] Minnesota hockey community weighs in on new neck guard mandates

by Eitan Schoenberg
Published February 21, 2024
Black people have struggles, but there is more to the story.

[Photo] Going beyond Black people’s pain in film

by Alexis Letang
Published February 21, 2024
New opportunities in the School of Music with the world music and ensemble music minors, which allow students to gain credits by playing in ensembles.

[Photo] School of Music is expanding its curriculum

by Logan Anderson
Published February 20, 2024
The Marcy-Holmes/University Project and the University Neighborhood Partnership are working at the same time.

[Photo] Marcy-Holmes tests out merging University housing into neighborhood association

by Katrina Bailey
Published February 19, 2024
Final exams at UMN can vary from the department to the professor.

[Photo] Finals at UMN take different forms across campus

by Logan Anderson
Published February 18, 2024
Students reflect on student discounts and whether or not students use them.

[Photo] What do the Timberwolves, Domino’s and Spotify all have in common?

by Amelia Roessler
Published February 13, 2024
Love is in the air: UMN students share why they use dating apps for Valentine’s Day.

[Photo] Swipe right: UMN students talk about their relationship with dating apps

by Alex Lassiter
Published February 13, 2024
Evaluating the dynamics of Carlson’s most popular major.

[Photo] Opinion: How to improve Carlson’s finance curriculum

by Michael Fraley
Published February 13, 2024
Finding "the one" on dating apps, especially with the growing number of users, has just become more difficult.

[Photo] Opinion: The slippery slopes of dating apps

by Natalie Trimble
Published February 11, 2024
The Minnesota DNR-Forestry is the biggest and longest-term member of SFEC.

[Photo] Branching out: The Sustainable Forest Education Cooperative

by Emma Walytka
Published February 9, 2024
aclovestories

[Photo] UMN alumni love stories: from college sweethearts to “I do”

by Amirah Razman
Published February 9, 2024
When was the last time you took a deep breath?

[Photo] Opinion: Spirituality is more than a buzzword

by Leo Huppke
Published February 8, 2024
The pricing program is aimed at having clinics be able to give medication for lower prices, if not free.

[Photo] Looking deeper: behind the scenes of the 340B drug program

by Emma Walytka
Published January 31, 2024
The groups want to make the broader student body aware of Japanese culture and language.

[Photo] Student organizations strive to get students engaged with Japanese culture

by Sophie Eydis
Published January 24, 2024
The neighborhood organizations surrounding the University of Minnesota have been making steps to merge into one, large group.

[Photo] University neighborhood associations navigate merger; Prospect Park opts out

by Grace Aigner
Published January 24, 2024
Researchers warn food labels can be misleading.

[Photo] UMN researchers say diets are not one size fits all

by Emma Walytka
Published January 23, 2024
Men and women can be friends, even though they are fulfilling in different ways.

[Photo] Opinion: Can men and women truly be ‘just friends?’

by Claudia Garcia
Published December 6, 2023
Students often struggle in these core classes for their major.

[Photo] UMN students and faculty discuss chemistry introductory course challenges and resources

by Sophie Eydis
Published December 5, 2023
Minneapolis has a wide-variety of urban interest groups.

[Photo] Opinion: What to love about urbanism in the Twin Cities

by Kelly Rogers
Published December 4, 2023
The study found that climate change decisions had to be made immediately for trees to absorb the right amount of carbon.

[Photo] UMN professor involved in international research shows forests could slow climate change

by Henry Stafford
Published November 29, 2023
The building was demolished on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Demolition begins on former Kmart building, attention shifts to New Nicollet Redevelopment project

by Grace Aigner
Published November 21, 2023
There is still going to be a host of events in town for those in the Twin Cities this weekend.

[Photo] 6 Thanksgiving events around the Twin Cities this week

by Max Mueller
Published November 20, 2023
The Nov. 7 election was a modest win for the progressive wing of the council, picking up the Ward 7 seat.

[Photo] New city council to majorly impact future of rent control, homelessness and MPD

by Jack O’Connor
Published November 20, 2023
Changes are being implemented to different college career centers at the University of Minnesota

[Photo] University career centers make improvements to their programs

by Amelia Roessler
Published November 17, 2023
The budget request would be discussed in the spring legislative session.

[Photo] UMN requests an additional $45 million from legislature

by Olivia Hines
Published November 15, 2023
$300 million is expected to be raised for Thursday's Give to the Max Day.

[Photo] 15th anniversary of Give to the Max Day supports UMN groups

by Amelia Roessler
Published November 15, 2023
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