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 senior at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a major in Art with a minor in Museum and Curatorial Studies. 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
Let’s not get swept away by the people making the waves.

[Photo] Opinion: We are being overwhelmed on purpose

by Matthew Jegers
Published July 15, 2025
No need to look around when the people in charge are looking out for you.

[Photo] Satire: A day in the life of a Trump-era college student

by Matthew Jegers
Published July 8, 2025
Facing our fears of fiat money, and its daunting unreality.

[Photo] Opinion: More money, more problems?

by Vivian Wilson
Published July 8, 2025
Music bridges the gap between our thoughts and society.

[Photo] Opinion: We’re in tune with our minds

by Matthew Jegers
Published June 24, 2025
Infancy and surveillance under the internet has consequences.

[Photo] Opinion: The kids are alright, the internet isn’t

by Vivian Wilson
Published June 19, 2025
Chemical and genomic iconography, six cyclohexanes and a DNA strand

[Photo] UMN researchers develop new treatment for late-stage GI cancers, initial trials prove promising results

by Anshu Patel
Published June 8, 2025
Friendships are tricky to navigate, especially transitioning into summer. We’re here to help.

[Photo] Friendship advice in 10 words or less

by Opinions Desk
Published May 8, 2025
Mental health affects everyone in different ways.

[Photo] Minnesotans share mental health struggles, coping skills to raise awareness

by Katrina Bailey
Published May 7, 2025
The University president’s salary has increased by 80.5% since 2006, while the median-earning employee has seen an increase of 56%.

[Photo] Hiring of administrative employees outpaces faculty, enrollment

by Hannah Ward
Published May 7, 2025
Incumbent for Ward 2, Robin Wonsley, has advocated for the convention’s original date, where college students will still be on campus.

[Photo] Lawsuit seeking to return DFL Ward 2 convention to June unsuccessful

by Katrina Bailey
Published May 5, 2025
The ideal prom dresses are as expensive as wedding dresses.

[Photo] Opinion: Prom is a pre-game for weddings

by Izzy Curry
Published May 5, 2025
Politics is so much more than nationwide arguments.

[Photo] Opinion: Political leaders don’t just exist in D.C.

by Matthew Jegers
Published April 28, 2025
American symbolism no longer represents the unity of America.

[Photo] Opinion: The new Americana

by Izzy Curry
Published April 27, 2025
Voting should not be this difficult.

[Photo] Opinion: Stop the SAVE Act, save democracy

by Amelia Watters
Published April 24, 2025
Penguins’ economy and global growth are under significant pressure.

[Photo] Satire: The penguins strongly object to Trump’s trade war

by Wren Warne-Jacobsen
Published April 23, 2025
Small-town living is often romanticized.

[Photo] Opinion: It’s a small world in a small town

by Izzy Curry
Published April 20, 2025
SeaQuest has four other locations besides Minnesota, being New Jersey, Nevada, Utah and California.

[Photo] Defunct Roseville SeaQuest’s animals now at other zoos

by Katrina Bailey
Published April 18, 2025
Finals season doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being.

[Photo] Opinion: A mental health walk a day keeps the exam stress away, right?

by Wren Warne-Jacobsen
Published April 16, 2025
Minneapolis officials and non-profit groups are hosting events to celebrate Black Maternal Health Awareness Week.

[Photo] UMN study finds access to Indian Health Services, insurance decreases maternal death rates

by Rachel Hoppe
Published April 9, 2025
The Bureau’s eTrace system is free for all law enforcement agencies to use statewide.

[Photo] Proposed bill calls for law enforcement help in mapping gun trafficking

by Alexandra DeYoe
Published April 8, 2025
The “podcast-ification” of journalism has troubling implications.

[Photo] Opinion: More podcasts, more problems

by Amelia Watters
Published April 2, 2025
A love letter to the goth subculture.

[Photo] Opinion: Why aren’t we all goth?

by Vivian Wilson
Published March 30, 2025
Changing our state legislature’s electoral system could be the key to making state leaders reflect the wishes of voters.

[Photo] Opinion: More districts, more problems

by Matthew Jegers
Published March 26, 2025
Social media regularly makes cultural fashion trendy, causing mixed reactions.

[Photo] Opinion: It’s okay to be different as long as it’s trendy

by Izzy Curry
Published March 23, 2025
Massive federal funding cuts and federal worker layoffs among the highlights to Trump’s second term.

[Photo] Local Republicans weigh in on Trump’s second term

by Alexandra DeYoe
Published March 13, 2025
Midwestern winters aren’t for the faint of heart.

[Photo] Opinion: On cabin fever

by Vivian Wilson
Published March 2, 2025
Visual caption: The internet and social media facilitate political and social isolation.

[Photo] Opinion: The patriarchy is perishing and making us polarized

by Wren Warne-Jacobsen
Published February 26, 2025
The legislation will also address resources for problem gambling support.

[Photo] Minnesota legislators look to legalize, regulate sports betting

by Grace Aigner and Alexandra DeYoe
Published February 21, 2025
Are girl’s girls wolves in sheep’s clothing?

[Photo] Opinion: Girls just wanna be themselves

by Vivian Wilson
Published February 19, 2025
Telehealth and training primary care providers are among the solutions.

[Photo] UMN Masonic Institute works to increase pediatric mental health care

by Rachel Hoppe
Published February 19, 2025
Love is in the air.

[Photo] Campus Caucus: Deal-breakers and relationship-makers

by Vivian Wilson
Published February 13, 2025
The Undergraduate Student Government spoke about their goals for the spring.

[Photo] USG talks semester priorities

by Ahmed Hassan
Published February 7, 2025
We should all talk smaller.

[Photo] Opinion: Stop projecting your own social ineptitude

by Vivian Wilson
Published February 6, 2025
History repeats — let’s learn from it.

[Photo] Opinion: Look to the history books

by Wren Warne-Jacobsen
Published January 31, 2025
Students plan to travel, work and focus on personal projects over the break.

[Photo] UMN students discuss winter break plans

by Hayden Lessiter
Published December 31, 2024
Policy updates follow a change to federal law.

[Photo] UMN updates policy regarding holds on records and registration

by Mady Leick
Published December 31, 2024
Commit to the bit, not a relationship.

[Photo] Breakup advice in 10 words or less

by Opinions Desk
Published December 12, 2024
Minnesota has an even split in the House and a DFL majority ofby one seat in the Senate for the upcoming legislative session.

[Photo] DFL, Republican leaders promise bipartisanship ahead of legislative session

by Ainsley Brown
Published December 11, 2024
Learning queer history has been essential to feeling pride in my sexuality.

[Photo] Opinion: How to be gay

by Leo Huppke
Published December 11, 2024
The impact of social movements can be difficult to quantify.

[Photo] Opinion: The #MeToo movement almost 20 years later

by Riley Stern
Published December 10, 2024
Ice, snow and leafless trees make the winter season uniquely beautiful.

[Photo] Opinion: Stop whining about winter

by Leo Huppke
Published December 5, 2024
CollegeBound is partnering with St. Paul Public Schools for the expansion.

[Photo] St. Paul expands CollegeBound program eligibility

by Ainsley Brown
Published December 4, 2024
The core ideas of socialism are not as radical as people make them out to be.

[Photo] Opinion: America is already socialist

by Jasmine Shackleford
Published December 4, 2024
With unpasteurized milk and fluoride-free water prevailing, this turkey-centric season has become truly American.

[Photo] Satire: I’m thankful for Trump, liberty and justice for all

by Leo Huppke
Published November 27, 2024
Students weigh in on why community is important, especially in winter and the wake of the election.

[Photo] Opinion: We need each other now more than ever

by Riley Stern
Published November 27, 2024
The petition urges health care workers to acknowledge the conflict in Palestine to better care for all patients.

[Photo] Petition encourages health care workers to advocate for Palestine

by Rachel Hoppe
Published November 27, 2024
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 3, 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 3, 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 23, 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 16, 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 15, 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 28, 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 17, 2024
Exam culture isn’t for everyone.

[Photo] Opinion: Ditch the scantrons

by Claudia Garcia
Published April 17, 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
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