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Byte Reviews





U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at Veterans Memorial Park near the Delaware Memorial Bridge at an annual Memorial Day Service on May 30, 2021, in New Castle, Delaware. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Five national stories of the week

The White House plans a 'independence from virus' bash, California reopens, US to transfer federal property for Hawaiian home lands, doctors warn of burns from asphalt as a heat wave hits the West and an Illinois chemical plant explosion makes up this week's five national stories. 



Members of Syria's Civil Defence service sift through the rubble at Al-Shifaa hospital following shelling of the rebel-held city of Afrin in northern Syria, on June 12, 2021. Shelling of the rebel-held city of Afrin in northern Syria killed at least 16 people, many of them when a hospital was struck, a war monitor said. (BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Five international stories of the week

G-7 leaders agree on vaccines, China and taxing corporations, Israel swears in a new coalition, Nicaragua arrests five more opposition leaders in a crackdown, Americans stand trial in Japan and there was major wreckage at a hospital hit by artillery in north Syria makes up this week's five international stories. 


The Quick Consequences of Fast Fashion

 A $3 tank top. $8 pants. $10 shoes. While these affordable pieces might be trendy right now, the ethical and environmental issues that come with fast fashion are harming communities and natural resources. 


Officers from local departments gather together in an Ivy Tech classroom for Project Sybertooth April 30. Officers from the Muncie Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff's Office and Ball State University Police Department can take these classes to learn more about cybersecurity. The Ball Brothers Foundation, Photo Provided

Ball Brothers Foundation begins funding Project Sybertooth

Within the last few months, two cyber attacks have crippled entire industries in the United States. One attack threatened a gas shortage on the East Coast and another threatened a meat shortage across the country. With cybercrime on the rise, many people, including Muncie locals and Ball State students, wonder how it can affect them. 


Karen Hemberger presents her ALICE presentation at the annual PathStone community partnership event June 10. Hemberger was this year's keynote speaker and spoke about ALICE employees, the people who need the most help paying for their housing. Maya Wilkins, Screenshot Capture

PathStone holds its annual community partnership event

PathStone Corporation of Indiana held their annual community partnership event June 10 over Zoom, where the corporation gave awards to individuals and organizations in the community. Guests also heard from keynote speaker, Karen Hemberger, vice president of the United Way of Madison County. 



Minnetrista brings Muncie the full Bob Ross experience

With shirts, socks and even breath mints made in Bob Ross’ likeness, his calm demeanor and positive outlook appear to have captivated people nearly 26 years after his death. From 1983 to 1994—the run time of his show, “The Joy of Painting” Ross became a household name. Then, a few years ago, his name resurfaced and became more iconic in popular culture. 


The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 22, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images/TNS)

Five national stories of the week

The Boston police commissioner is ousted over domestic abuse claims, people protest Enbridge oil pipeline, the Biden administration threatens legal action against Texas on shelter closures, water polo players get $14 million in a sex abuse settlement and the Supreme Court agrees to hear second 'state secrets' case make up this week's five national stories. 


The candidate for the Presidency of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, of the Popular Force party, speaks before her supporters during the closing of the campaign for the second presidential round on June 6, at the Las Palomas oval in the district of Villa El Salvador, in Lima, Peru, on June 3, 2021. (John Reyes/EFE/Zuma Press/TNS) * USA and Canada English Language Rights Only *

Five international stories of the week

A train crash in Pakistan kills 40 people, France fines Google for unfair online ads treatment, Mexico president appears to hold majority in elections, the daughter of an imprisoned ex-president leads Peru's election and a Seoul court rejects a slave labor claim against Japanese firms makes up this week's five international stories. 


Jacob Smith (right center) stands with the other members of his jazz group "The Jacob Smith Quartet" — Diego Balseca, Sam Green and Alec Kosla — ahead of their District Theatre performance in Indianapolis June 4, 2021. The opportunity to perform came from Ball State Professor of Music Performance Mark Buselli. Jacob Smith, Photo Provided

Ball State jazz group performs at Indianapolis District Theatre

After a long year of live performances on hold, a jazz group from Ball State performed at the District Theatre in Indianapolis June 4. "The Jacob Smith Quartet" was formed by senior jazz bass performance major Jacob Smith and his group of friends that he met in the School of Music.