The Daily Northwestern — October 21, 2026

Serving the Northwestern and Evanston communities since 1881

The Daily Northwestern Find us online @thedailynu

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

DAILYNORTHWESTERN.COM

Frat statements spark discourse Students talk sexual assualt prevention

By XUAN DAY TRAN and ALEXANDER EICK Thomas Hurley/The Daily Northwestern

Thomas Hurley/The Daily Northwestern

Thomas Hurley/The Daily Northwestern

NPEP honors first female cohort Ceremony honors women who obtained degrees while incarcerated By THOMAS HURLEY

photo editor

Five years ago, Maria Garza was incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center, an Illinois Department of Corrections women’s prison almost 200 miles from Evanston. Now, she’s an advocate for prison reform,

the co-founder of restorative justice nonprofit Challenge II Change and, as of Friday, a Northwestern graduate. Garza is among 18 women who earned a bachelor’s degree through the Northwestern Prison Education Program, marking its first cohort of female graduates. Each graduate earned a

Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a major in Social Sciences. They were honored during a ceremony at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-entry Center, an IDOC facility about 100 miles north of Logan. While Garza was the first in her cohort to be released and return home, she joined her classmates for the graduation

ceremony last week. The students are the first women who were incarcerated while obtaining their degree to graduate from a top ten university in U.S. history. “Today is for us,” Garza said in a speech during

» See NPEP, page 11

the daily northwestern

Since the rise of national coverage surrounding gang-rape allegations at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity, Northwestern fraternities have released statements across social media condemning sexual violence and affirming their support for survivors. On Sept. 30, Delta Tau Delta was the first NU fraternity to post a statement on its Instagram, in which it acknowledged both the gang-rape allegations at Cornell and the increase in sexual violence cases at the University reported in the 2026 annual security report. “This statement by itself does not change anything,” Delt wrote. “We are sharing this to be transparent instead of silent about a problem we’re in a position to address.” McCormick and Communication sophomore Aaron Butikofer, the fraternity’s president, said NU’s chapter already had procedures in place to prevent sexual violence. He added that Delt members have recently discussed how they could improve safety procedures and continue to support survivors of sexual violence. The fraternity’s statement also acknowledged that Greek organizations can be “part of

the problem” in conversations surrounding sexual violence, “through culture, complacency, or both.” “Greek life as an institution, in my opinion, is not inherently bad, when good people are a part of the group,” Butikofer said. “And I think there are many good people across the Northwestern campus that are a part of Greek life.” Butikofer added he understood why some people held negative views of Greek life, explaining that “bad people (making) bad decisions” reflected poorly on fraternities as a whole. NU’s Phi Gamma Delta chapter also posted an Instagram statement on Sept. 30, in which it expressed solidarity with victims of sexual violence. In the statement, the chapter wrote that it would donate proceeds of its Fleaji Vintage Market, hosted on Monday, to the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. “Our flea market is obviously our most immediate action that’s going to include both the direct donation from our proceeds, but also tabling, so we’ll be able to increase visibility for these organizations,” FIJI Recording Secretary and Weinberg sophomore Nathan Heftman said. Heftman added that FIJI hopes to work with other organizations that support sexual violence survivors and female-led

» See FRATS, page 14

Mayor resigns Evanston holds ‘No Kings’ rally

Biss bids farewell, eyes Washington

By MAX TURETZKY and ALLISON KUESTER

the daily northwestern

Daniel Biss resigned as mayor on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in which he is heavily favored to win a seat representing Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. Biss’ resignation ends his Recycle Me

five-year tenure as mayor and clears the way for a special mayoral election in April. Ald. Clare Kelly (1st), who is now mayor pro tempore, has said she will use her power to cancel the special City Council meeting Biss had previously called for Oct. 19 to choose his successor as acting mayor. Instead, Council will vote on an acting mayor at its next regular meeting Oct. 26. Biss, a former state senator and one-time gubernatorial candidate, won the mayoralty in 2021

» See BISS, page 14

Demonstrators gather to urge early voting, solidarity with immigrants Evanston organized the gathering, which began outside the Joseph the daily northwestern E. Hill Early Childhood Center. Indivisible Evanston co-leader Car horns sounded on McCor- Susan Sidell led a chant that set mick Boulevard as protesters lined the tone for Saturday’s rally, urging the sidewalks, waving signs during attendees to “stand up, speak out, Evanston’s latest “No Kings” rally voting’s what it’s all about.” Saturday. According to organizLocal, state and federal politiers, the protest drew about 1,000 cians also joined protesters during attendees and aimed to highlight a brief march through Evanston the importance of voting in the and Skokie. upcoming midterm elections. B:10.25" U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky Local activist group Indivisible (D-Evanston) told The Daily that By THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN STAFF

T:10"

Sophia Bella/The Daily Northwestern Attendees joined hands while listening to a speech by Rev. Michael Nabors.

» See NO KINGS, page 15

INSIDE: Around Town 2 |S:9.75" On Campus 3 | Arts & Entertainment 4 | Gameday 7 | Opinion 12 | Games 14 | Sports 16

2 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

AROUND TOWN

Rivalry game marred by student section slurs By MOLLY CHODOS and WILL HANSEN

the daily northwestern

Under the lights of the newly opened Ryan Field, Evanston Township High School’s football team lost 42-28 to its longtime rival New Trier Township High School on Friday. Tensions escalated during the game as fans in the New Trier student section made racist and homophobic comments toward members of the ETHS marching band. The incident was confirmed by a joint press release from both school districts’ superintendents. “Friday evening should have been an opportunity to celebrate our students’ spirited competition,” the release stated. “No student should leave an event where they came to perform, compete or support their peers feeling that their dignity or belonging were demeaned.” The superintendents reiterated their commitments to investigating these incidents and preventing similar ones in the future. Students, staff and community members have also reported an alleged altercation between ETHS and New Trier players after the game. Students, families and alumni alike packed Ryan Field to experience the 113-year-old rivalry play out in college football’s newest stadium. About 27,000 tickets to the game were sold. The game began with ETHS’ Wildkit Marching Band performing “Go! U Northwestern!,” traditionally played by the Northwestern University Marching Band. “Being a lifetime Evanston resident, it is so great to see Northwestern come together with the Evanston community,” said Evanston resident Stephanie Roache, the mother of ETHS class of 2026 graduate Emmanuel Roache. Emmanuel Roache was part of ETHS’ 2026 state championship-winning track and field team, which was honored on the field before the game. ETHS’ flag football team and the boys’ golf team were also celebrated for their accomplishments during the 2025-26 season. Skokie resident and ETHS class of 1998 graduate Sara Folger attended Friday’s game with two friends from high school. She noted the staggering

Molly Chodos/The Daily Northwestern ETHS and New Trier’s game at Ryan Field was first announced on May 26 at a press conference at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

number of fans from Evanston and beyond that gathered for the face-off. “People have driven hours to be here,” Folger said. The Ryan Field jumbotron dubbed Friday’s game “Illinois’ greatest rivalry,” which ETHS class of 1998 graduate Clare Donovan-Scane, Folger’s fellow classmate, agreed with. “It’s always been a rivalry,” Scane said. “These two communities have a lot of similarities and a lot of differences. And I think that it’s really exciting for all of us to come out and celebrate the opportunities that can happen when we come together.” During a press conference after the game, both

Shop the best of Dell Students save up to 10% on laptops, accessories and more. Dell.com/Student

head coaches expressed appreciation for Ryan Field and NU for hosting the face-off. “I think you saw today what football means to this community, to both communities,” said Miles Osei, ETHS’ head coach. “For sure for the Evanston community — they showed up and supported.” During the game, New Trier’s offense put on a masterclass in running the ball, with senior running back Throy Nightingale Jr. rushing for five touchdowns alone. During the press conference, Nightingale said playing in a college stadium was a great experience.

“I’m looking forward to doing it next year and the year after that and the year after that as well,” he said. While there are no more confirmed high school games scheduled at Ryan Field this season, New Trier’s head coach Brian Doll said he hopes to see the state championships played there in November. “This is an amazing atmosphere,” Doll said. “These two communities being right here side-byside is amazing.” willhansen2030@u.northwestern.edu mollychodos2030@u.northwestern.edu

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

3

ON CAMPUS

McCormick professors adapt to AI By MARIA APESOS

The Daily Northwestern

www.dailynorthwestern.com Editor in Chief Anavi Prakash

eic@dailynorthwestern.com

the daily northwestern

After an AI scandal made headlines at Brown University last spring, Northwestern professors are adapting their curricula to ensure students know how to develop and utilize AI systems without relying on the technology. In March, Brown Prof. Roberto Serrano gave his economics students a take-home midterm. In previous years, the average score ranged from 65% to 80%, according to Serrano. This time, the average was 96%, and of the course’s 86 students, 40 scored perfect marks, the professor told Fortune Magazine. Serrano asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT to complete the exam because he suspected some students cheated. He told Fortune that although Large Language Model’s answers were technically correct, they were convoluted and offered poor explanations. After looking through the exams, he found that most of his students’ answers matched the AI’s responses. Serrano decided to give that year’s final exam in person. As a result, nearly one third of the class dropped out or didn’t take the exam, the professor told Fortune. Serrano said the final’s average score fell to 48% — nearly 20% lower than any previous year’s average. Following the scandal, McCormick Prof. Zach Wood-Doughty said he feels compelled to have in-person or on-paper exams in his 300- and 400-level classes. “I felt I have overestimated the goodwill at play in terms of students’ willingness collectively (to learn), not necessarily individual students,” Wood-Doughty said. “Collectively there are more students than I thought who were more willing to skip to the end of the finished product without actually trying to learn what got them there.”

General Manager Stacia Campbell

stacia@dailynorthwestern.com

Holly and John Madigan Newsroom Phone | 847.491.3222 Campus desk

campus@dailynorthwestern.com

City desk

city@dailynorthwestern.com

Sports desk

sports@dailynorthwestern.com

Ad Office | 847.491.7206

spc-compshop@northwestern.edu

Illustration by Michelle Wu Northwestern professors are adapting their curricula to ensure students know how to utilize AI systems without reliance.

Weinberg sophomore Charlotte Morton, who is taking classes on AI, said she has noticed professors implementing new “guardrails” to prevent students from cheating. In one of her classes, she said her professor asked students to share their essays as Google Docs to review their version histories. Other professors are more lenient on AI usage. McCormick Prof. Edith Elkind said she asks students to specify how much AI they used to complete their homework assignments. Elkind added that she tells students AI disclaimers don’t impact their grade. “It would be silly to penalize the students for doing what the industry is doing,” she said.

Elkind said that she has found that students are less likely to cheat on homework when she grades for completion because they are less likely to receive a bad grade. Morton said she not only wants to learn how to develop AI systems but also understand their impact on society. She added that she wants NU’s program to offer more classes focused on AI ethics and the technology’s potential applications. “One of the reasons why I want to study (AI) is because I think it is also incredibly dangerous and is presenting a lot of problems in society,” Morton said. “I want to understand how it works so that I can help prevent the problems that it’s causing.” mariaapesos2030@u.northwestern.edu

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN is printed each Wednesday during the academic year, except vacation periods, the two weeks preceding them and once during August, by Students Publishing Co., Inc. of Northwestern University, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208. All news is published 24/7 online at Dailynorthwestern.com. First copy of THE DAILY is free, additional copies are 50 cents. All material published herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright 2025 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN and protected under the “work made for hire” and “periodical publication” clauses of copyright law. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208. Subscriptions are $100 for the academic year. THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN is not responsible for more than one incorrect ad insertion.

Check out

DAILYNORTHWESTERN.COM for breaking news

JUST A SHORT STROLL FROM CAMPUS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:30 P.M. GALVIN RECITAL HALL, $8/5

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE

A Northwestern staple for Latin inspired street food !!

Burritos - Tacos - Gorditas - Tamales and more ... Ben Bolter, conductor; Lena Ying-Ting Wong, graduate assistant conductor; Beyond This Point percussion duo Simon Steen-Andersen, Black Box Music Wookhyun Lacey Kwon, Cue (world premiere) Elisa Johnson, As I Am (world premiere) 847-467-4000 concertsatbienen.org

Offering an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well.

Easy online ordering with carryout and delivery

CATER YOUR NEXT EVENTS

Tax-free catering for approved student groups and campus departments. Order online.

Pickup, Delivery, and Catering tomatefreshktichen.com 914 1/2 Noyes Street, Evanston Open Monday–Friday 10 AM - 6 PM

4 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

t n e r E t a d i n n a me st

Ar

nt

& A E

Adonia Balqis/The Daily Northwestern

Suki Waterhouse leaves audience love-struck By ADONIA BALQIS

the daily northwestern

Suki Waterhouse took the stage for her final performance of “The Loveland Tour” at the ethereal Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on Saturday. With crimson backlighting shaping her flowy gown, Waterhouse made a grand entrance in front of a mirrored anatomical heart pierced by an arrow as screams overpowered her introductory music. There was an emphasis on the love in “Loveland,” and it lasted throughout the 90-minute show. The tour began July 22 in Phoenix and closed its U.S. leg in Chicago, Waterhouse’s second visit to the city this year after Lollapalooza. The

tour will resume internationally in Sydney this December. Waterhouse opened with “Supersad” from her album “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” Although the show centered on her latest album, “Loveland,” she played past hits as well, the oldest being “Good Looking,” released in 2017. Waterhouse also celebrated the fifth birthday of her song “Moves.” During “Notting Hill,” Waterhouse played a piano that was covered in Cupid arrows and a guitar. The fans bellowed every word, especially during “Good Looking” and songs that shift from melancholy to sensual undertones. Waterhouse balanced dancing with somber moments, each song eliciting a different reaction from the audience.

Her voice hypnotized the crowd — she sounded real, present and free from autotune. Throughout the night, Waterhouse executed several outfit changes, all tulle-ruffled robes in various colors. During “Jukebox,” Waterhouse brought out four fans, whom she called “the babes of Loveland,” and the five of them did the “jukebox dance.” One fan gifted her a hot pink sash, which she kept on until the next change. For her last outfit change, she put on a crown, which she later awarded to an audience member. The Aragon Ballroom’s architecture did not go unnoticed, and Waterhouse emphasized her admiration for the space to the crowd. Twenty minutes after her exit from the stage, she and her partner Robert Pattinson toured the venue. Waterhouse told The Daily she wanted to see the ballroom in the light after seeing its beauty

in the dark. The romantic essence of the show is a shot to the heart, making the Cupid-inspired backdrop fitting. The room overflowed with lights and audience members’ clothing ranging from deep reds to pastel pinks. Smiles filled the room, glistening under the pink rays. Her finale had a bittersweet atmosphere, spotlighting the significance of the tour and the final night specifically. “What if this is the last show I ever play in my whole life?” she said. “You’re making this a really special last night.” The final show of “The Loveland Tour’s” U.S. leg ended in pink confetti, with bits of love sticking to the crowd as they departed. adoniabalqis@u.northwestern.edu

The Seldoms premiere cubism-inspired dance By CHLOE LEE and CAMILA CHAVEZ

the daily northwestern

On Friday and Saturday, Chicago-based dance company The Seldoms celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 50-minute premiere performance titled “All at Once” at Evanston’s Studio5. Founding Artistic Director Carrie Hanson choreographed the piece in collaboration with composer and percussionist Tim Daisy. Hanson said the performance was inspired by Pablo Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” a foundational painting of cubism, an avant-garde artistic movement that emphasizes objects’ angles and silhouettes using simple geometric shapes. “All at Once” emerged from a 2023 solo piece Hanson choreographed with one of The Seldoms’ ensemble members, Haley Marcin, as part of Hanson’s decades-long exploration of cubism in dance. Hanson later expanded the piece into a complete work that gradually builds from one dancer and musician to nine total performers. Ginger Farley, a retired dancer, noted the challenge of adapting the cubist principles of “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” on stage. “The body is made of curves, and so to try to identify planes and angles — which is what I so associate with cubism — and the concept of everything being sort of in front at once is a physical impossibility,” Farley said. Hanson said she approached the challenge by unfolding the dancers’ bodies to show different sides simultaneously. She had performers repeatedly place their heads in stiff, angular positions and lock their gazes in different directions, drawing inspiration from the head’s centrality in Picasso’s

painting. “What it leads to is a whole lot of torquing and spiraling of the body, and oftentimes looking one way while the body is sort of indicating attention in another direction,” Hanson said. Accompanied by Daisy, Marcin opened the show by stepping onto the stage wearing a simple black outfit, throwing her hands on the back of her head with her elbows in the air, seemingly emulating poses in “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” After the act, Marcin left and returned with a second dancer, both sporting black dresses. The two dancers repeatedly clung to one another, mirroring each other’s steps, only to break apart and restart the cycle. “They come out, and they are doing the same form, but they’re facing different ways. So you’re literally looking at it from two different perspectives,” Hanson said. After the duet ended, the two dancers came back with a third ensemble member and a second percussionist. They ended with all six dancers and three musicians on the stage. Not only did the number of performers on stage increase as the show progressed, but also the movements became more complex and the costumes more layered. By the end, the dancers wore costumes with spiral-shaped boning that extended outward from their bodies and enhanced their movements. Hanson said adding more dancers helped create more density on stage to replicate the “illegibility” of Picasso’s later paintings. The choreography also featured recurring patterns and variations, including a sequence dubbed the “Rubik’s Cube,” in which dancers stood center stage and continuously swapped places. Similarly, Daisy’s percussion involved

Photo courtesy of Ashley Deran “All at Once” was inspired by Pablo Picasso’s cubist painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.”

playing different variations of several patterns, which he compared to looking at an object from multiple perspectives. “I can take those patterns, and I can twist them around and play them forwards, play them backwards, playing them in different registers,” Daisy said. His percussion combined composed sections and improvisation. Rather than having the musical accompaniment follow the dance, he said he wanted the music to stand on its own, while maintaining some connection to

the choreography. Audience member Jackie Brenner said the interplay between the music, the dancers’ formation and their connection to one another immersed her in the performance. “I just love that my brain asks tons of questions without any need for answers, and I just turn myself over to what I’m experiencing and watching,” Brenner said. chloelee2029@u.northwestern.edu

camilachavez2030@u.northwestern.edu

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

5

Michael Lewis discusses DOGE in ‘Blockers’ talk By KIERAN BLAKE

the daily northwestern

When it came time for author Michael Lewis to write a new chapter for the paperback release of his 2018 book “The Fifth Risk,” he decided to write about a Coast Guard oceanographer named Arthur Allen. His interview with Allen inspired him to tell the stories of other civil servants in his newest non-fiction book, “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State.” On Wednesday, Lewis spoke to WBEZ Chicago’s Mary Dixon at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium about the book, which examines the Trump administration’s short-lived Department of Government Efficiency. Lewis’ work chronicles how DOGE impacted the federal government through the stories of civil servants whose jobs the agency targeted. The event was held in partnership with WBEZ and University Club of Chicago, an organization aimed at promoting literature and the arts. Early in the event, Lewis detailed Allen’s years of studying how objects drift in bodies of water to improve search-and-rescue missions for those lost at sea. A week after instituting his new search-and-rescue program, Allen’s research saved the life of a man who went overboard near Miami. “There are articles all over the newspapers about a miracle at sea,” Lewis said. “And no one mentions Art Allen.”

After interviewing Allen, Lewis said he decided that if anything significant happened to government workers like him, he would tell their stories. When DOGE tried to implement mass layoffs, Lewis made good on his promise with “Blockers.” Lewis and Dixon highlighted the importance of sharing these narratives as the Trump administration targets civil servants. “(Civil service is) one of these subjects that we just need to revisit, because it’s in a bad state right now,” Lewis said. Both Lewis and University Club of Chicago Director of Programs Rina Ranalli compared “Blockers” to “The Big Short” — Lewis’ bestselling book following those who predicted the 2008 financial crisis — in how the narrative uses individual stories to shed light on a larger issue. Ranalli described civil servants as “the backbones of our society,” emphasizing the importance of Lewis’ book in returning attention to these workers. Lewis warned that DOGE’s cuts politicized the traditionally apolitical civil service, negatively impacting its critical functions. “Michael Lewis does a really good job of cutting through the noise, and with this book in particular, presenting the perils of politicizing your government,” WBEZ Senior Event Producer Eddie Medrano said. Even with the apparent gutting of the nation’s civil service system, Lewis said he remained optimistic that recent damage can be repaired. He emphasized how the current

Kieran Blake/The Daily Northwestern Author Michael Lewis discussed his new book, “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State,” with WBEZ’s Mary Dixon.

nonpartisan system came from the spoils system — corrupt 19th century arrangements whereby government jobs were given to the winning party’s supporters. Lewis said the federal workforce must be fought for and that Democratic legislators are

preparing to do so. “There is an untapped political marketplace for someone to stand up and defend it,” Lewis said. kieranblake2030@u.northwestern.edu

‘You Can See Everything’ is mind-boggling By EDWARD SIMON CRUZ

senior staffer

In one extreme close-up near the beginning of “You Can See Everything,” a new A24 documentary film, you can see the top half of Elizabeth Holmes’ face partly illuminated by natural light. You can see her wrinkles, which evoke the coarse fibers on a Renaissance painting’s canvas. You can see her hypnotic eyes as she reads a damning New York Times article about herself, looking down and away from the camera but nonetheless staring into your soul. This documentary promises to show “everything,” throwing open the curtain on Holmes and her boyfriend, Billy Evans, in the final days before her 2023 imprisonment. But both directors, Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, have long blurred the lines between objective reality and subjective narrative — Fielder in documentary-adjacent satires and Oppenheim in actual documentaries. They’re a fitting duo to face Holmes, a master manipulator who promoted all-encompassing blood tests that were too good to be true through her now-defunct company Theranos.

Fielder and Oppenheim don’t uncover new evidence for Holmes’ highly publicized case. What they provide instead is more incisive — an examination of what happens when communication breaks down and it’s hard to distinguish truths from lies. Like its many tight close-ups, the film closes you into a claustrophobic space that is equally revealing and confounding. It keeps your eyes glued to the screen, leaving you amazed by the audacity of all involved and confused by the story’s combination of hilarity and horror. A 2022 Times story compared Holmes to the fictional Jay Gatsby, “the mysterious, alluring, handsome millionaire who also ran a few swindles.” But “You Can See Everything” expands Holmes’ saga to remind me of another famed literary liar: Don Quixote, whose delusions of grandeur earn both ridicule and pity. Like Miguel de Cervantes’ two-part novel, this film can be divided roughly in half. Quixote tilts at windmills and engages in other outlandish adventures throughout the book’s first part. In the beginning of “You Can See Everything,” Holmes repeatedly maintains her innocence, and when Fielder asks if she’s ever lied, she responds, “I don’t think so.” Oppenheim kept many crew members from

his latest directorial turn, “Primetime,” and they crafted a similar feeling of suspense. David Bolen’s camerawork prioritizes tight shots and harsh color contrasts. Ari Balouzian’s eerie score includes motifs from Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal thriller “Vertigo.” Adam Locke-Norton’s editing lingers on awkward silences. Fielder’s deadpan demeanor draws attention to the absurdity of Holmes’ and Evans’ behavior. He probes them with strings of pointed questions to tease out their supposed logic. This process often yields perplexing results: Evans casts his partner as a misunderstood genius, and when asked to identify the first baseman in the famous “Who’s On First?” skit, Holmes shakes her head and says, “I don’t know” — another player who’s actually on third base. Either she struggles to read humor the way most people do or she’s playing with Fielder. It’s hard to know the exact truth. It’s also hard to discuss the second half without major spoilers, but if you’ve heard others describe it as unhinged and unexpected, they’re more than right. “Don Quixote’s” second part becomes selfaware as its title character discovers people in-universe who’ve read the novel’s first half. Something similar happens in “You Can See Everything”: Fielder teams up with someone whose thrilling

presence calls back to a previous scene, and they revisit past events, questioning who — if anyone — is telling the truth. Fielder is a schemer. As he’s done in his shows “Nathan for You” and “The Rehearsal,” he seeks answers through elaborate plots and reenactments. You don’t realize that the second half of the film consists mostly of tense, enigmatic conversations, because for every question answered, you find yourself asking another one. In its final move, the film purportedly answers a question about the Times article that troubled Holmes. She’s indignant over what she believes to be a misquote regarding who might play her in a film: “They’re not playing me. They’re playing a character I created.” But maybe the answer isn’t the point. In the nearly three hours leading up to this statement, we are forced to question whether we’re seeing Holmes, Evans and even Fielder play themselves — or merely characters they’ve created. And just as the giant blue eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg watch over the consumerist wasteland of “The Great Gatsby,” Holmes’ own blue eyes haunt us even after we’ve left the theater. e.cruz@dailynorthwestern.com

‘The Paper’ stars discuss Season 2 in roundtable By ALDEN FARROW

arts & entertainment editor

The second season of “The Paper” released Sept. 9 on Peacock. The show is a spinoff of the hit sitcom “The Office.” While also led by “The Office” producer Greg Daniels, “The Paper” is not a complete remake of the original show. It follows the Toledo Truth Teller, a struggling Midwestern newspaper that has just been taken over by a new editor-in-chief, the overenthusiastic Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson). Stars and on-screen co-workers Alex Edelman and Oscar Nuñez joined The Daily and other college newspapers at a virtual roundtable interview Oct. 8 hosted by NBC Universal to discuss the show. Nuñez reprises his “The Office” role as Oscar Martinez, this time taking a backseat to the chaos of his workplace. Oscar’s co-worker Adam Cooper (Edelman) is most reminiscent of Kevin or Stanley from “The Office,” Edelman said. While the show shares a similar style and one character with “The Office,” Edelman said the story is actually closer to another sitcom. “It’s about a group of ragtags and ragamuffins who are trying to build something for themselves, and trying to do it for their community, which is a little more ‘Parks and

Rec’-y than ‘The Office,’” Edelman said. The two had complimentary remarks for each other, with Edelman calling Nuñez a “total comedy Swiss Army knife.” Edelman also established several pet names for Nuñez throughout the call, referring to him as “Oscy” or “Bubbe.” Nuñez claimed his fandom for Edelman, and said he is “passionate about work to a disturbing amount.” On a Daniels set, it’s inevitable for improv to be integrated into the final cut, Edelman said. For example, in Season 2, Oscar comes into the office after drinking his “Saturday afternoon nap time sleepy blend” and starts to doze off. “Oscar improvised a lullaby in Spanish to start singing, and it was one of the hardest scenes for me to keep a straight face in,” Edelman said. “He’s just a brilliant, brilliant additive comedy presence.” “The Paper” is not only a fun workplace comedy, but it also speaks to the current state of journalism. There is a bravery and a “throw caution to the wind” kind of energy that lies in the reporters, Edelman said. Edelman drew a comparison between print journalism and comedy, in that both the number of newspapers and the number of television comedies have both dwindled. When asked what he hopes the audience takes away from the show, Edelman encouraged people to take in the humor but also

recognize the responsibility of giving your community “a distinctive voice,” especially when that voice is being flattened. After watching the show, Nuñez said he hopes people will be inspired to “pick up the

gauntlet” rather than being silenced. “Keep fighting the good fight,” Nuñez said. “That’s all we can do.”

Alex Edelman and Oscar Nuñez star in Season 2 of “The Paper.”

a.farrow@dailynorthwestern.com

Photo courtesy of John P. Fleenor/Peacock

6 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

GAMEDAY

The Daily Northwestern

7

8 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern

Ranking the toughest games left on NU’s schedule By YONI ZACKS

social media editor

Halfway through No. 24 Northwestern football’s season, the results have not been what many expected. With the only blemish on the Wildcats’ (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) resume being a six-point loss on the road to then No. 5-Indiana, national expectations surrounding the program have started to shift. NU is ranked in the AP Poll for the first time since 2020, landing at No. 25 after the victory over Ball State and moving up to No. 24 after defeating Michigan State on Saturday. With a handful of games left on the schedule, all against Big Ten opponents, here are NU’s six remaining matchups ranked from least to most difficult: 6. Home vs. Rutgers — Oct. 24 The easiest game remaining comes this weekend for the ’Cats, taking on a Rutgers

team that has just three Big Ten wins since the start of last season. To open this season, the Scarlet Knights (2-4, 1-2 Big Ten) lost at home to UMass, which had never before beaten a power conference opponent. NU will need to focus on wide receiver KJ Duff, whose NCAA-leading 41.7% target share is 5.5 percentage points higher than the next receiver. The ’Cats must stay dominant throughout the game, something coach David Braun noted was missing, specifically in the second quarter, when they beat Ball State on Oct. 10. “I think there was a level of complacency, almost this sense of like stupor, of thinking that (the dominance) was just going to continue without the urgency and focus that’s required to execute at a high level,” Braun said. 5. Home vs. Illinois — Nov. 29 Normally, this rivalry is a close battle that leans Illinois. This year, however, the Fighting Illini (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) have struggled early,

losing to both Duke and Purdue at home. Illinois will also be missing quarterback Katin Houser for the next 4-6 weeks due to a broken hand, further limiting its offensive potential leading up to the battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy. Last year, NU came into the game against the Fighting Illini with all the momentum after the bowl-clinching victory against Minnesota and still lost 20-13 in a slow, snowfilled game. Braun acknowledged the work of Illinois coach Bret Bielema following the loss. “It’s a credit to coach, a credit to his program,” Braun said. “(I have a) tremendous amount of respect for Illinois.” 4. Away at Minnesota — Nov. 22 After winning on a missed field goal at Wrigley Field last year, NU heads to Huntington Bank Stadium to take on Minnesota in its penultimate game of the season. The Gophers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) have been inconsistent so far this season, winning the Little Brown Jug against Michigan at home for the first time since 1977, but lost to a Purdue team that has only won two Big Ten games in the last two and a half years and got blown out at home by Mississippi State. Last year’s game was a close matchup between two teams in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten, and both have looked to make that next step so far this season. The ’Cats are ahead in the standings and AP rankings and have won two straight against Minnesota, but coach P.J. Fleck’s teams can never be counted out. “I think you saw two football teams that are awfully resilient and willing to duke it out for four quarters,” Braun said following last year’s win. 3. Away at Oregon — Oct. 31

Daily file photo by Aanya Gupta Northwestern football’s remaining strength of schedule ranks 22nd in the country, according to ESPN.

Oregon is a weaker team this season than many expected, falling out of the AP Poll after losses to Oklahoma State and UCLA. Quarterback Dante Moore has missed the last few games due to a concussion, and a return date has yet to be announced. Both of the Ducks’ (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) backup

quarterbacks, Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas, started games in his absences before being benched. This is still a team with the pieces to compete, however. With Moore at the helm, the Ducks dominated NU last season, winning 34-14. “We got our butts kicked by a really good football team,” Braun said of Oregon following the loss last year. 2. Home vs. No. 15 Iowa — Nov. 7 Iowa has an identity and sticks to it, with a suffocating defense that ranks eighth in the country in points allowed. Longtime coach Kirk Ferentz is 13-11 against the ’Cats, who have not beaten Iowa at home since 2017. The last four matchups have all gone the Hawkeyes’ (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) way, and they’ve outscored NU 100-46 across that span. The Hawkeyes have just one loss on the season against Ohio State, but have run through every other opponent, averaging 194 rushing yards per game. NU’s “T.N.T” defensive mentality needs to be on full display against Iowa for the ’Cats to have a chance. 1. Away at No. 3 Ohio State — Nov. 14 By far the most difficult game remaining on the schedule, Ohio State has always had NU’s number. The ’Cats are looking for their first win in Columbus since 1971, and have just one home win in that timespan. The Buckeyes (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) are coming off a close win over then-No. 6 Indiana, pulling off the win NU couldn’t. However, star quarterback Julian Sayin was injured in the game, and will be out indefinitely. Coach Ryan Day said Tuesday that the Buckeyes are preparing to play the rest of the regular season without Sayin. If Sayin returns, the ’Cats will need to capitalize on his rustiness. Otherwise, NU should plan to take advantage of either backup quarterback Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair’s inexperience to have a chance at victory. y.zacks@dailynorthwestern.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

9

Kleather’s journey to his game-winning field goal By XUAN DAY TRAN

diversity and inclusion editor

Senior kicker Jackson Kleather is Northwestern’s man of the hour after drilling a game-winning field goal to beat Michigan State 24-21. “He’s so calm, so steady,” coach David Braun said Monday at his weekly press conference. “I think anything that would have been told to him from our coaching staff would have been a distraction to him. He was ready for that moment.” Special teams coach Paul Creighton said Kleather’s consistency, tempo and intention have allowed him to keep hitting targets during operation time. The Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) have new starters at kicker, long snapper and punter, and Creighton said the special teams unit has found a dynamic fitted to every player’s needs on the field. Kleather transferred to NU this season after three years at Bowling Green, making the transition from the Mid-American Conference to the Big Ten. “I think I’ve just continued to try being present while being here, in each moment, taking one kick at a time, one day at a time, one moment at a time,” Kleather said. Kleather and Creighton both emphasized the role of the rest of the team in his achievements and helping him settle into NU. Creighton said Kleather’s teammates on special teams deserve just as much credit as he does, and that they “have to be perfect” for the team to find success. Braun said that Kleather’s teammates had “full trust in him,” and that his game-winning kick proved that he was “built for the moment.” Kleather said his teammates’ support has helped him keep his confidence in kicking, regardless of outcome. “I can go out there and miss a kick, I can get one blocked, and every single person still has confidence in me to go make the game-winner,” Kleather said. “That’s coaches and players included.” Kleather has already etched his name in the history books for the ’Cats. He scored the first points at Ryan Field with a 50-yard field goal against Penn State on Oct. 2, and his 52-yarder a week later against Ball State is the second-longest field goal in NU history. Despite the level he’s achieved now, Kleather was not always sure about being a football player. Until a year ago, he would have said he loved soccer more than football. Influenced by former NFL kicker for the New York

Giants Ben Sauls, who preceded him at Tippecanoe High School in Tipp City, Ohio, Kleather transitioned from soccer to football. “He is a great influence, and I hope he’s doing well right now,” Kleather said of Sauls. “I’m very grateful for him bringing me along with him throughout high school.” Kleather’s college football career did not have an easy start. His first year and sophomore year at Bowling Green, he “really hated doing it.” He nearly quit football — until he got the motivation he needed to keep playing from his parents and Bowling Green wide receiver Austin Osborne. “I sat down and ate breakfast with him. It was 5:30 in the morning, and I told him, I’m thinking about quitting. What do you think?” Kleather recounted. “And he said, ‘No, I’m not a quitter, so I would never quit, no matter how hard it gets.’

And that helped me stay.” Kleather also credited the support of his friends, family, loved ones and fiancée in keeping him playing. With guidance from Michael Brown, his sports performance coach whom he met at Bowling Green, Kleather said he was able to develop a resilient mindset for both football and life, as well as grow his faith. “That’s a big part of my game, giving all the glory to God and just trusting in Him,” Kleather said. “I got hurt sophomore year. I tore my quad, and that’s when I kind of honed into being more present, trusting God, leaning on Him, his strength and not my own.” Staying present has been especially important for Kleather, who focuses on living in the moment whether he is kicking in a high-pressure game or just walking to class. While he

struggled in his first year balancing athletics and his studies as a pre-med student, he said he found ways to “work around (and) get better.” Creighton emphasized Kleather’s ambitions towards medical school, as well as his maturity in helping him find his place at NU. “For kickers, a lot of times, being in an environment where you can thrive helps you reach your potential,” Creighton said. “Northwestern is a perfect fit for Jackson.” Kleather said his coaches have helped make football fun for him, focusing not only on improving the team’s performance but also reminding them to take the time to be grateful. “We are one of the best schools in the nation,” Kleather said. “And it’s such a blessing.” x.tran@dailynorthwestern.com

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern Senior kicker Jackson Kleather has made 11-of-13 field goals in his first six games for No. 24 Northwestern, including two from 50-plus yards.

Chiles leads last-minute victory over former team By ANDREW LITTLE

gameday editor

Returning to Michigan State to face his former team, then-No. 25 Northwestern senior quarterback Aidan Chiles was excited and prepared to handle any adversity or boos thrown his way. Early on, the excitement was stifled as the Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) started slow on offense, mustering 110 total yards in the first half. However, in the final 60 seconds of the game, Chiles silenced the Spartan Stadium crowd. Leading an eight-play, 64-yard drive, Chiles and NU’s offense set up senior kicker Jackson Kleather’s game-winning 34-yard field goal. With the kick, the ’Cats defeated former coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Spartans (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten) 24-21. “Never a doubt. We knew we was gonna win this game, we just didn’t know how,” Chiles said. “We came out, we finished the game like we were supposed to. We should have started out faster. The score shouldn’t have been as close.” With no timeouts to spare, Chiles executed the two-minute drill with three quick completions for 50 yards, including a toe-tapping sideline catch from senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde that put NU in field goal range. The Michigan State student section jeered at its former quarterback throughout the contest, a favor Chiles returned after the ’Cats’ last-second victory. After the game, Chiles said he let his “emotions get the best” of him, but said the rowdy away environment fueled his focus. “It was different for sure, just being here on the opposite sideline,” Chiles said. “Hearing the fans chant, ‘f–k you Aidan Chiles,’ that was the best part, though. I appreciate it, to be honest.” The ’Cats entered the drive with a chance to win after graduate student defensive lineman Brendan Flakes blocked Michigan State’s go-ahead 33-yard field goal attempt with 1:00 remaining in the fourth quarter. The blocked field goal gave NU a sudden surge. Stepping into the huddle with high stakes, Chiles and the offense capitalized with a clutch, quick drive to pull off the comeback win. “Aidan did a great job of settling in and keeping his composure,” coach David Braun said postgame. “Guys respond to his belief, whether it be

Aanya Gupta/The Daily Northwestern Senior quarterback Aidan Chiles led No. 24 Northwestern to a 24-21 over Michigan State, his former team, on Saturday.

at halftime or on the sideline.” The Spartans did everything they could to rattle Chiles, sending heavy pressure and sacking him five times. Late in the second quarter, with the ’Cats ahead 10-7, Chiles hit a wide-open junior wide receiver Drew Wagner in stride in the end zone, but Wagner was unable to come down with the would-be catch. Instead, NU sent out its field goal unit, but Kleather’s 41-yard attempt was blocked. Michigan State then marched 77 yards

down the field in two minutes to take a 14-10 lead. The Spartans led or were tied the rest of the way until Kleather’s field goal in the final seconds. Trailing 21-13 with 15 minutes to play, Chiles and the offense put together a 152-yard quarter, enough to put NU on top with the game clock hit 0:00. Chiles finished 18-for-27 for 226 yards through the air, along with 25 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The ’Cats are in the midst of a seven-game stretch against Big Ten opponents to close

out the season. After beating Michigan State, NU moved up to No. 24 in the AP Poll. Facing conference play, including hosting Rutgers on Saturday, Braun said his team’s identity was embodied by its fight on the blocked field goal and game-winning offensive drive against the Spartans. “Those last few minutes of the game,” Braun said, “are a direct reflection of what this team is all about.” a.little@dailynorthwestern.com

10 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

Gameday Staff updates its season predictions By THE GAMEDAY STAFF

the daily northwestern

Earlier this fall, The Daily’s Gameday staff gave its season-long predictions after No. 24 Northwestern’s first two games. Since then, the Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) have broken into the national spotlight with the opening of Ryan Field and are ranked for the first time under coach David Braun. Now at the midpoint of the season, the Gameday staff is revisiting its predictions from four weeks ago and updating them for the remainder of the season. Initial Prediction: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten) Updated Prediction: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Key Question: How will injuries affect the rest of the season? NU is already one win away from clinching a bowl game, but the team has its sights set much higher. If the ’Cats want to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive, they need to beat at least two opponents out of Oregon, No. 15 Iowa and No. 3 Ohio State. Two of those games will be on the road in hostile environments. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin are each dealing with injuries and unknown return timelines. Their statuses are major storylines to monitor as the ’Cats may instead face inexperienced quarterbacks in those marquee matchups. On NU’s sideline, redshirt sophomore tight end Luke Dehnicke and redshirt junior cornerback Josh Fussell have been out since the Indiana game at the end of September, and their absences have been felt on both sides of the ball. Redshirt senior safety Robert Fitzgerald also missed Saturday’s game against Michigan State. NU is trending in the right direction injury-wise, getting redshirt senior cornerback Braden Turner, redshirt junior safety Damon Walters, junior wide receiver Hayden Eligon II and graduate student defensive tackle Migo Jackson back in recent weeks. The ’Cats need to continue getting healthier, especially on defense, in order to hold up against this daunting stretch of Big Ten opponents. — Andrew Little, Gameday Editor Initial Prediction: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten) Updated Prediction: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Key Question: How will NU fare in toughest stretch of the season? The only thing keeping the ’Cats largely out of the midseason College Football Playoff conversation might be a facemask penalty against then-No. 5 Indiana. NU has climbed to 5-1, but Bob Chesney’s upstart 6-0 UCLA squad is bathing in the national spotlight at No. 9 on the AP Poll. National reporters still occasionally include the Wildcats (I see you, Andy Staples), but the Bruins remain favored to be the Big Ten’s third

playoff team — trailing behind Ohio State and No. 6 Indiana. However, this past week, which saw five top-10 teams lose, proved that parity is real in the revenue-sharing era of college football, and the ’Cats are chomping at the bit to make the CFP. The ’Cats are off to a blazing start this season after offensive coordinator Chip Kelly transformed NU’s offense with old-school wing-T concepts and pre-snap movement. Senior quarterback Aidan Chiles has 16 touchdowns and no turnovers just a year after being benched on a 4-8 Michigan State team. Defensively, the ’Cats have allowed just 17 points per game to opponents with a “bend-don’t-break” approach. Injuries have marred NU across the field, yet the team has still exceeded preseason expectations and odds to even reach this point. With a grueling three-game stretch featuring Oregon, Iowa and Ohio State ahead, it will have to continue to overachieve to surpass the Bruins and any other Big Ten teams that emerge from the pack. If the ’Cats can win two of those games, they will have a chance to play meaningful football in December. If not, Braun might be bathed in mayo at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl instead. — Kamran Nia, Senior Staffer Previous Prediction: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten) Updated Prediction: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Key Question: How long will the magic last? This team feels different. That is what I said to myself after the loss to Indiana, and it feels even truer now.

Most NU teams of the past would have wilted under the pressure at Michigan State, especially after a failed fake punt. Instead, the ’Cats responded. NU’s response showed me — and many other doubters — what it could do. The ’Cats’ ability to withstand the pressure and complete the fourth-quarter comeback was not something I expected to see, but I’m all for it. The question is, how long can this last? Ever since NU’s schedule was released, its three-week window from Halloween to Nov. 14 has been considered one of the toughest sequences in the country. Away against Oregon on Halloween, followed by a ranked date with Iowa at Ryan Field, both are leading up to a trip to “The Shoe” against Ohio State. The last three games have displayed the potential this team has, from putting up 413 rushing yards against Penn State to relying on Chiles and his passing game to take down Michigan State. In order to win any one of those three games, the ’Cats cannot play scared or start slow. They have to come out guns blazing to take the momentum. — Yoni Zacks, Social Media Editor Initial Prediction: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten Updated Prediction: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten Key Question: Can Northwestern convert in the red zone, and can its defense keep up with stiffer competition? Now midway through the season, I’m standing behind my 8-4 record prediction. Had the Michigan State matchup gone less sourly for NU, I may have altered my stance. I was particularly concerned about the

NORTHWESTERN SCHEDULE

a.little@dailynorthwestern.com

kamrannia2027@u.northwestern.edu y.zacks@dailynorthwestern.com a.gupta@dailynorthwestern.com

GAMEDAY EDITOR Andrew Little WRITERS Alex Boyko Aanya Gupta Kamran Nia Yoni Zacks

10.31 @ Oregon 11.07 vs. Iowa 11.14 @ Ohio State 11.28 vs. Illinois

— Aanya Gupta, Sports Editor

Gameday Staff

10.24 vs. Rutgers

11.21 @ Minesota

’Cats’ defense against the Spartans even though they were missing their top player, Fitzgerald. NU gave up a brutal 53-yard touchdown to Crishon McCray in the fourth quarter that nearly secured a victory for Michigan State. Between the blocked defensive field goal and the three made field goals from senior kicker Jackson Kleather, special teams ultimately saved the ’Cats. This brings up my second point of concern for this NU offense: red zone efficiency. Michigan State ranks 14th in points allowed per game in the Big Ten, but NU relied on Kleather four separate times to try to get points on the board — including his 41-yard blocked field goal attempt. Now don’t get me wrong, I think the ’Cats’ offense is more than capable of putting away Rutgers on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights’ defense is giving up 31.8 points per game and ranks dead last in rush defense — a walk in the park for an offensive mastermind like Kelly. However, Oct. 31 presents a whole new discussion for NU. Moore is likely to return from his concussion for the matchup, filling a gaping hole for a talented Ducks’ offense that ranks No. 24 in the FBS in scoring. The schedule won’t get any easier, as NU faces Iowa’s strong rush attack and an Ohio State offense which ranks No. 10 nationally in offensive efficiency. Will the ’Cats defense be able to fend them off? Only time will tell.

Gameday is a publication of Students Publishing Co. A two-page issue is published on the Wednesday prior to Northwestern road games and a longer issue is usually published on the Wednesday prior to Northwestern home games. All material is © 2026 Students Publishing Co. Questions or comments should be sent c/o Gameday Editor Andrew Little, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208.

northwestern vs. rutgers | Series history: 2-4 POINTS PER GAME

POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME

TOTAL YARDS PER GAME

PASSING YARDS PER GAME

33.5 VS 3I.2

I7 VS 3I.8

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

TOTAL YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME

PASSING YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME

RUSHING YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME

I9I.5 VS I37.5

368 VS 402.5

230.5 VS 2I7.3

I37.5 VS I85.2

PENALTIES PER GAME

TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL

PENALTY YARDS PER GAME

SACKS PER GAME

7.5 VS 4

+8 VS -5

54.8 VS 28.7

I.5 VS I.2

424.5 VS 403.3 233 VS 265.8

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

NPEP

From page 1

Friday’s ceremony, “forever the first.” NPEP was founded in 2018 and currently operates out of both Logan and the male-only Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, Illinois. Two cohorts have graduated at Sheridan, first in 2023 and most recently in April. During her remarks at the ceremony, NPEP Director and philosophy Prof. Jennifer Lackey spoke to each graduate individually and congratulated them on their educational journeys. “You will never know the full shade of the trees you have planted here, but they are growing,” Lackey said. Guest speakers also included former Mayor Daniel Biss, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Chicago). Biss called out carceral injustice during his address and commended the cohort for becoming the first group of women who were incarcerated while obtaining their degree to graduate from NU. “Sometimes our criminal justice system, our carceral system, treats women as an afterthought,” Biss said. During her commencement speech, Pelosi congratulated the cohort and encouraged them to look to the future.

11

She also recalled when her daughter once spent Christmas visiting people who were incarcerated that she met while working on a documentary film. “In the history of the world, there’s never been anyone like you,” Pelosi said. During their remarks, many NPEP graduates thanked Prof. Lackey and the University for bringing college education to Logan. NPEP graduate Shawnette Green said while her incarceration has been difficult, NPEP provided an unexpected opportunity for growth. Green added that she was personally responsible for her progress. “I would never give confinement credit for work my soul had to do,” she said. Many of the graduates spoke about the difficulty of obtaining an education while in prison, noting the growth and self-reflection that their experiences prompted. NU professors in many departments teach classes through NPEP. Students in the program take classes and are tested on their material much like students on the Evanston campus, except their classes take place entirely inside carceral facilities. During the ceremony, graduates congratulated each other, and many expressed hope for the future of NPEP. “Being first means little if we allow ourselves to be last,” Garza said. t.hurley@dailynorthwestern.com

Thomas Hurley/The Daily Northwestern Professors and graduates celebrated with a reception after the graduation ceremony.

DONATE TO THE DAILY Support student journalism n and Evanston comm

unities since 1881

tern The Daily Northwes Serving the Northwester

DAILYNORTHWESTERN.CO

M

Wednesday, Novem

ber 6, 2024

Find us online @thed

ailynu

RAGE 2024 ELECTION COVE

Trump poised for historic win

preferred Northwestern students election, The Harris in this year’s duate Daily’s first poll of undergra students showed. who said Among NU students “likely” to or likely” they were “very general election, Harris the in vote OGBURN LILY ge points. By NICOLE MARKUS and led Trump by 84 percentawith a votdaily senior staffers Only one in 20 students would vote @nicolejmarkus ing preference said they Trump for Trump. victory Former president Donald tial The AP called Trump’sGeorgia, presiden and is poised to win the the in North Carolinaleground states, from data to g election, accordin two of seven batt t on Election Day, Associated Press. showed before midnigh Early data from the night cantly narrowing Harris’ path to winning wall” signifi t “blue the presiden to the former presidency performance the of Michigan, Wisconsin and outpacing his 2020 with key states ania. as Harris underperformed in key states. Pennsylvit became clear that Harvoter demographics and But rs at the Trump addressed supportePalm ris would not be able to secure West in and in turn, the presiTrump Headquarters 1:30 a.m., three states, Pennsylvania Beach, Florida, just before dency. The AP called at 1:30 a.m. claiming victory. American for Trump Richmond, the co-chair “I want to thank the Cedric n, nary honor people for the extraordi president of the Harris-Walz campaig at Howof being elected your 47tht,” Trump announced to supporters not and your 45th presidenfighting for ard University that Harris would and be said. “Every day I will my body.” address the crowd as planned in speak on the election you with every breath ) also would insteadmorning. (R-Ohio Vance JD Sen. Trump’s results in theans took control of the addressed the crowd, calling greatest Republic reported projected victory “the history of Senate as well, the AP the t. political comeback in shortly before midnigh America.”

Former president inches toward 270 as counting rolls on

Students worry as results roll in

nts earlier this year

immigra for everyPotential for seconds turnedbutintoit afeltjokereally, really to just be Trump term cause body scary in the moment just noranxiety, fear at NU like, ‘Oh, now that’s people using

Pilates the way it was meant to be!

15% OFF FOR NU STUDENTS

WAY OFF COURSE

ssment. some dining workers for hara Students and staff report and misconduct continues. t, even Compass transfers them — comme nts as innocen

Compas s’ making her transparency about g for when they startedFor example, ortable. complaint process, includin and sexual uncomf ered thinkin g it allegations of abuse , Com- she rememb her a harassment. In additionemploy - was odd when he called while shifted quietly Nubian queen” pass uct to “beautif ul ees accused of miscondseveral he walked by her table. makmenstory is Th on t facilitie s Content warning: The cook did not deny and racism. differen s. Yaa and about ts tions sexual harassment commen occasion the Yaa erson ing said he wanted McCor mick junior A Compa ss spokesp s her friend but in tears on ge them” and said returned to her dorm grabbing told The Daily these transfer avoid “to encouras misconstrued his Feb. 11. She recalled spend- are not an attempt to - the student and a tub of ice cream under her disciplinary action or terminato words. te effort lewd,” he ing the rest of the day tion, but “a delibera a fair and “There was nothing to make say things the situation in covers. don’t resolve “I said. r, accused rtable.” le manner.” Howeve Three days later, Yaa worker of equitab s are frequen t enough them uncomfo actions an Allison dining hall But the employee’s as Fall ent in transfer said a pattern of sexual harassm more explicit that some dining workers became report Her employnt. come to view passed, Yaa said. a written complai sexualiz ing they have into their workplace Quarter 2023Yaa was waiting for detailed a series of Once, while ons that ees moved n. food, he comments and interacti with suspicio the cook to serve her of her as moved gloss spanned months. Workers saw getting of commented on the “The shift in the natureents one step closer to getting fired, lips. Then, he asked her to walk put Allison employ ee als around the divider separati ng (the employee’s) complim me have as one often, these individu and him hugging to give him a kiss on uneasin ess it. But fired, at least not until them and recalled . caused me much wrote in were not been moved several the cheek, she nt, Yaa wrote had and discomf ort,” Yaa In her complai asked to go they And abusive behavio rs She nt. for a kiss asked complai the cook fear of ret- times. his employees that the by a pseudonym for often followed the s, several jokingly. But combined with Yaa ts, location ribution from the worker. prior string of commenuncomcom- to their new Compas s Group, the est- workers told The Daily. began to feel e. point?” said she pany that runs Northw the “What the f--- is the Com- fortable in the cook’s presenc placed alker say anyone Foster-W ern’s food service, “It’s either he doesn’t someafter receiv- asked employee, who say hall does he employee on leave dining if or plex for thing, g to dincrazy,” Yaa ing the report, accordin with asked to remain anonymous thing, it’s something retribution from manage- said. ing hall workers familiar filing, Yaa fear of remove the abusive rest of the quarthe “You the situatio n. After spent ment. Yaa him er here so she can go abuse ter avoiding Allison’s Pure Eats said she didn’t encount she began person . She What problem in Allison again, and station whenever possible who there. other people? to feel comfortable diningseeing does that solve?” said she recruited friendsbefore But later, she recalled MOD would scout out Allison at ’ text if they ‘I was just shocked the employee working ity Cenmeals and send her a did Pizza in Norris Universcame as a cook. And when she the saw a filed hall, she grabbed ter. His reappearance no one The employ ee Yaa at visit the dining stations and shock, she said, because g to complaint against was a cook food from the other returnin had told her he was was work- the Pure Eats station in Allison, took it to go to avoid the cook. arly cooks hand food to diners work. And since she On occasio n, particul floor above where glass divider. For Yaa, the more biting grew ing in Norris just a a cold the over when it difwith one of dining halls the restaurant, she found food also often came and walks to farther Yaa found ts. ficult to avoid him. grew less appealing, ed is the cook’s commen started out small, Yaa herself spendin g money on “I don’t know if blindsid “But They her said. avoid going A complim ent about the right word,” Yaa delivery services to transparent said. about how pretty then it’s like, I was to Allison. some- skin. Another and I’d opened up about to talk she looked that day. d thing that was difficult » See IN FOCUS,, page 8 Yaa’s friend, who requesteon a lot more.” for fear of retributi about, so I expected is not anonymity recalled Yaa’s experie nce from the Allison cook, . and with ws unique. Intervie from over receiving similar remarks the written complai nts For months, Yaa viewed and dining a dozen student s a lack of hall employees reveal

By COLE REYNOLDS and

Fully equipped Pilates studio in downtown Evanston Private & small group classes • Monday–Saturday by appointment

JERRY WU

daily senior staffers le277 /@jerrwu @charcole2 @charco

mal to paint these e.’” dehumanizing languag a red By NINETH KANIESKI KOSO Coming from Utah, feel daily senior staffers it can state, Madsen said doesn’t matter. con- like her vote said she always results election r, she As the students Howeve s — tinued to trail in, many anxiety votes in local election . express ed fear and of the where change is more possible ions , Madabout the implicat between Ahead of the election to presidential election Harris sen said she has been tryingway the news as a Vice President Kamala t Donald avoid watching anxiety. election her and former Presiden relieve to feel evening. Trump on Tuesday “The stakes of the election “It’s ore McCor mick sophom high,” Madsen said. her biggest really having it so close, you Lucy Madsen said year’s elec- just hard who’s actually ahead.” anxiety about this ental can’t see Andrew tion is related to environm Weinberg freshman mental ed policies. As an environsaid she Onema said he is concern ty of increasengineering major, she may about the possibili during and after is concern ed that Trump mental ing violence. roll back the Environ , affectin g the electionsaid while this elecProtect ion Agency ts. Onema voted her future job prospec found tion is the first one he has d She added she has con- in, he is scared about increase very Trump’s rhetoric to be come- polarization in politics. be after cerning, especial ly “I feel like there might liffe called either end of or dian Tony Hinchc island backlash on of whichPuerto Rico a “floatingrally. protest on either end of garbage” at a Trumped by the ever candidate wins,” Onema of “I’m really concern is hap- said. “I do think back to some as 6 dehuma nization that(Trump) the larger protests on Jan. 14 | Sports 16 pening in a lot of thesaid. “The 14 12 | Classifieds & Puzzles campaign,” Madsen Haitian » See VOTING ANXIETY, page 10 | Arts & Entertainment 4 | In-Focus 8 | Opinion whole talking about Campus 3 | Election Around Town 2 | On INSIDE: Recycle Me

dailynorthwestern.com/donate

847-492-7200 • 1609 Oak Ave, Downtown Evanston www.pilatesconnectionchicago.com

1

PENDING DELIVERY. . .

The Daily’s

BIGGEST HEADLINES right in your inbox Scan the QR code or sign up at dailynorthwestern.com/email

12 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

OPINION

Join the online conversation at www.dailynorthwestern.com

Roska: Would you mind if I crashed your wedding? KATAREENA ROSKA

DON’T QUOTE ME ON THIS

There are few times in your life where you’re allowed — and encouraged — to make it all about you. Birthdays are always fun, but great emphasis is only placed on your first, 18th, and 21st. And you’re probably not present for your funeral. Weddings, in particular, are special because they’re never guaranteed. They also have a tendency of haunting me. I’ve run into weddings in Central Park, the Waldorf Astoria and the Smithsonian. Every time, I find myself stopping just to take it all in. Since I was 10, I’ve kept a running list of all my ideas for venues, color schemes and buffet menus. Plenty of my

favorite rom-coms feature a good wedding to wrap things up. My wedding playlist — the most precious playlist I maintain — is constantly being updated. But despite my love of weddings, I can’t seem to imagine my own. Cue the collective “awws” and pity from my loyal readers. Since my first viewing of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” I’ve had a sneaking suspicion that my fate will end up looking something like Jules’. I see it clearly now. I’m pining over something I can’t have and dancing alongside my George (also known as Joss). All of this, of course, minus the stable income of a pre-AI journalist and Julia Roberts’ perfect hair. At a recent dinner with friends, I admitted that I don’t see myself getting married. Most importantly, I told them that I’ve reconciled to that possibility. If it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, why fuss? It seemed like a normal thing to say. When I looked up from my plate of free bread at The Cheesecake Factory, they looked at me like I had just abandoned my fiancee

at the altar a la “Runaway Bride.” My confession opened a barrage of questions ranging from a simple “Why?” to the more concerned, “Aren’t you too young to think like this?” While my more optimistic friends will remind me that I’m only 20, I feel like I’ve been aged 40 years by my regrets and failed romantic ventures. I’ll paraphrase Lucy from Celine Song’s “Materialists.” Dating takes risk, pain and tons of effort. Weddings are delightful, but you first have to get through the obstacle course of dating, which is laced with “Saw” traps and situationships. And marriage is an entirely different beast. It took Carrie Bradshaw six seasons and two movies before she locked down Mr. Big — and she struggled the whole time. My dejection is not helped by the college dating landscape, or the fact that I recently tried crashing a wedding through notaweddingcrasher.com — a website where you can buy empty seats to

weddings in the area, only to be barred by my age. Yet I know, like Paul Giamatti did in “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” this too shall pass. It’s just passing like a kidney stone. In the meantime, I’ll be on the hunt for some hope in the form of a fantastic meet-cute story, speeches that go on too long, and a beautiful couple to fawn over for an entire evening. So if you’re getting married and have an empty seat, please consider passing an invite to a 20-yearold with no money, no prospects and a great wedding playlist. Katareena Roska is a Medill junior. She can be contacted at katareenaroska2028@u.northwestern.edu. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

Martin: The rocky world of celebrity breakup songs ELIZA MARTIN

RECORD SCRATCH

Ariana Grande name-dropped four of her exes in the first 25 seconds of “thank u, next.” The 2018 single was Grande’s first No. 1 single and spent seven consecutive weeks topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its music video, featuring movie references including a “Mean Girls”-inspired “Burn Book” of Grande’s exes, has almost 900 million views on YouTube. From a commercial perspective, the song — and album of the same name — were tremendously successful. For Grande’s personal life, however, it reflected a much darker period of mourning, following the drug-induced death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. In 2019, she told Vogue that she doesn’t really remember making the album because she was “so drunk” and “so sad.” Breakups are messy. When famous songwriters bring their relationship issues to light, the drama multiplies. And for artists, presenting their preferred

narratives is a dangerous game, as it invites audiences to weigh in on the lives of people they know only parasocially. Taylor Swift is famous — or infamous, depending on who you ask — for writing breakup songs. Personally, I tend to agree with Swift’s stance that her past relationships are legitimate creative fuel. Especially when I think of how older male celebrities were quick to approach her as a teenage star. In 2012, singer John Mayer told Rolling Stone that Swift’s song “Dear John” humiliated him. Mayer and Swift were 32 and 19, respectively, when they briefly dated from 2009 to 2010. The song’s lyrics don’t pull any punches while calling out their age gap, as Swift sings, “Don’t you think nineteen’s too young / To be played by your dark, twisted games when I loved you so?” I’m not sure what Mayer expected when he started dating a young songwriter. Considering the age gap and the power dynamic at play — Mayer an established star and Swift an up-and-comer — I see their breakup as fair game for name-dropping. Conversely, I was not happy when Role Model, also known as Tucker Pillsbury, named the song “Frances” after his ex-girlfriend, Emma Frances

Chamberlain. The couple was first spotted together in 2020, the same year Pillsbury wrote the song “blind” — which skyrocketed his career. He said it was about someone he fell for over social media. Fans connected the lyrics to Chamberlain, who had amassed millions of followers on YouTube and other platforms. In 2022, Chamberlain starred in the music video for Pillsbury’s song “neverletyougo.” The two broke up the following year, and Pillsbury released his album “Kansas Anymore” in 2024. “Frances” is one of many apparent Chamberlain mentions on “Kansas Anymore.” The album calls out her astrology sign, recent sobriety and even reprises lyrics from “blind,” changing them from present to past tense. In this instance, I question whether Pillsbury exploited his connection to Chamberlain to benefit from her fame. It feels like much of his discography was built around her, and it’s unclear whether he regrets that decision, considering that he continued to reference their relationship after it ended. There are two sides to every breakup, and Britney Spears made that clear in her 2023 memoir, “The Woman in Me.” In 2002, Justin Timberlake released

“Cry Me a River,” which skyrocketed his solo career and alluded to rumors that Spears had cheated on him. The music video hammered that point home, even featuring a blonde Spears lookalike. Spears fired back in “The Woman in Me,” claiming that Timberlake had actually cheated on her. She took it a step further, revealing that Timberlake encouraged her to get an abortion after she became pregnant and ultimately broke up with her over text. Clearly, I’m not immune to becoming invested in celebrity drama. It’s interesting to hear songwriters air out their messy relationship issues. But if artists are going to dish out the dirt, they should prepare for other, more unflattering details to surface. In Timberlake’s case, he probably should have kept it classy. Eliza Martin is a Medill sophomore and author of “Record Scratch.” She can be contacted at e.martin@dailynorthwestern.com. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

Slotkin: What happened in Vegas did not spark joy SYLVIE SLOTKIN

COMMUNAL SHOWER THOUGHTS

When I was a senior in high school, I went on a four-night all-inclusive spring break trip to one of the dumpiest resorts in The Bahamas with like 15 other schools and had some of the most fun I’ve ever had. So when, at this time last year, I got added to an “NU Vegas Senior Trip 2026” group chat, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be attending. But when I wrote last week that this weekend would be a partying marathon, I was genuinely filled with more dread than I have felt in a very long time, and I woke up early to go on 10-plus mile runs almost every

Saturday this summer. Turns out, now that I’m able to drink and party as much as I want, it’s kind of not my thing. I tried to bury my anxiety as much as possible. I didn’t want to ruin my friends’ enthusiasm with my bad energy and couldn’t complain to my parents, who so graciously agreed to sponsor my trip. I tried to muster as much excitement as I could for the event I once could not wait for, but I was unsuccessful. I could not have been more excited to leave Las Vegas the second I stepped onto the Strip and my nose was bombarded by the saccharine monstrosity that is the M&M’S store. For fear of sounding elitist, Vegas feels like Times Square if Times Square got to be its own city, and as a New Yorker, I avoid Times Square as much as possible.

Honestly, the only thing I really wanted to do was see RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! at the Flamingo Las Vegas, but that was very much not part of this trip’s itinerary. When you’re a senior in college, Vegas is for going to dayclubs in resort wear and nightclubs in, well, what you wear to nightclubs. And taking lots of photos. I don’t know which part of the trip appealed to the version of me that signed up, other than the misconception that because we were going to wear bathing suits, we would also swim and tan. There was a solid moment where I was upset with myself for not having a good time. Sometimes, when I don’t enjoy something that is considered really fun among my peers, I get stressed and think there’s something wrong with me — that I’m bad at liking things. Then I got rid of that thought because it didn’t really

serve me. I’d still like to work on putting myself out there more and enjoy mixing and mingling with my fellow ’Cats during my final year at school, but I’m giving myself grace to have my own tastes and be honest with myself about what brings me joy. “NU Vegas Senior Trip 2026” did not bring me joy. But I’ll have to return someday to see the queens. Sylvie Slotkin is a Medill senior and author of “Communal Shower Thoughts.” She can be contacted at sylvieslotkin2027@u.northwestern.edu. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

The Daily Northwestern Volume 147, Issue 6

Editor in Chief Anavi Prakash

Print Managing Editors Marissa Fernandez Jonah McClure Sophie Baker Jack Baker

Multimedia Managing Editors Liam Barrett Siri Reddy Josh Singer

Creative Director Cayla Labgold-Carroll

Opinion Editor Ivy Frater

Assistant Opinion Editor Josie Belfer

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR may be sent to 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, via fax at 847-491-9905, via e-mail to opinion@ dailynorthwestern.com or by dropping a letter in the box outside The Daily office. Letters have the following requirements: • Should be typed and double-spaced • Should include the author’s name, signature, school, class and phone number. • Should be fewer than 800 words They will be checked for authenticity and may be edited for length, clarity, style and grammar. Letters, columns and cartoons contain the opinion of the authors, not Students Publishing Co. Inc. Submissions signed by more than three people must include at least one and no more than three names designated to represent the group.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

13

El Diario

Disponible en línea aquí: www.dailynorthwestern.com/category/el-diario

La obra ‘Perreo’ asombra a Wirtz con el reguetón Por LUISELENA GUTIÉRREZ

el diario northwestern

La luz se disparaba intermitentemente sobre el escenario mientras una mezcla de reguetón viejo y nuevo retumbaba dentro del auditorio. Los espectadores bailaban desde sus asientos y algunos cantaban junto a los éxitos de estrellas como Bad Bunny, Don Omar y Daddy Yankee durante la lectura dramatizada de “Perreo” en el Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing and Media Arts este fin de semana. Escrita por la exalumna de Northwestern Valen-Marie Santos (Comunicación ’21) y dirigida por Sofia Ubilla, estudiante de segundo año en la maestría de dirección, “Perreo” cuenta la historia de Vicki, una joven de 18 años de Miami quien llamó la atención de Daddy Dembow, un productor musical reconocido, después de que su canción se hiciera viral en redes sociales. Junto a su prima Alicia y su amiga Yesica, Vicki navega la experiencia de convertirse en una estrella femenina emergente explorando la evolución del reguetón, un género urbano popular con raíces en Latinoamérica, el Caribe y los Estados Unidos. Santos escribió “Perreo” durante su tercer año en la universidad y la obra se presentó a una audiencia por última vez en el Public Theater en 2025 como parte de una serie de ‘spotlight’. Esta lectura dramatizada es el producto de dos semanas de ensayos de guión y movimiento que se realizaron por la esperanza de Ubilla y Santos de presentar esta historia a una audiencia más amplia en Chicago. “En el tiempo que estuve estudiando, el reguetón y ese tipo de música fueron para mí una manera de conectar con mis raíces latinas,” explicó Santos. “Me sentí muy inspirada a hacer una obra que honrara el legado del reguetón, lo importante que es para nosotros y que mostrara

que es más que sólo un ritmo.” A través del personaje de DJ Fuscia, la obra se guía por la mezcla de música en vivo y la narración, entrelazando la evolución del reguetón y el rol que la música tiene en la vida diaria de los latinos. Ubilla agregó que la música de Fuscia fue un método crucial para narrar la historia a través de la pieza. Dentro de la obra, DJ Fuscia, interpretada por Santos, introdujo el reguetón como “historia oral heredada de generación a generación, país a país, pueblo a pueblo,” la cual inició en Jamaica, Panamá, Puerto Rico y la República Dominicana y se desarrolló durante los últimos 20 años con influencias de Brasil y Colombia. La obra muestra cómo el género continúa expandiéndose con la influencia de latinos nacidos en los Estados Unidos. “Es como si ella estuviera tejiendo este mundo. Mientras más trabajo en esta obra, más claro me queda que ella está en un nivel elevado, representando el espíritu del reguetón, el cual debe seguir evolucionando,” Santos dijo. Siendo una latina en una institución predominantemente blanca, Alicia tiene dificultad para sentir que pertenece a lugares nuevos. Para la estudiante de cuarto año de Comunicación, Sarah Villamil Hurtado, quien interpreta el personaje, este rol trasciende el escenario. “Siento que el personaje de Alicia tiene una historia similar a la de muchos hijos de padres inmigrantes y creo que también para muchas personas que van a Northwestern,” dijo Villamil Hurtado. Villamil Hurtado agregó que ella se identifica con las experiencias de su personaje y con “la lucha por tratar de entender lo que significa ser de un país pero vivir en otro.” Cuatro miembros del elenco, formado por estudiantes latinos de NU, al igual que para Ubilla y Santos, dijeron que la batalla de Alicia

Luiselena Gutiérrez/El Diario Northwestern “Perreo”, de Valen-Marie Santos, se presentó en una lectura dramatizada este fin de semana.

de sentir que la identifican como latina en ciertos espacios pero en otros no también resuena con ellos. La estudiante de segundo año de Comunicación, Lianny Camilo, quien interpretó el papel de Vicki, lo describe como ser elogiada por ser latina en ciertos espacios, mientras que sus familiares la consideran “blanca” por no hablar español con fluidez. “Es como un arma de doble filo,” dijo Camilo. Ariadna Escamilla, una estudiante de primer año de Comunicación y espectadora de la obra, comentó sobre la importancia de diversificar las producciones en la comunidad teatral. Agregó que apreció la representación hispana

que trajo la obra al escenario de manera “genuina y divertida.” Para Sofia Aguayo, la estudiante de tercer año que interpretó a Yesica, la obra es una manera de acoger su identidad y celebrar la influencia de la música latina, tal como el merengue, la bachata y el reguetón, “a pesar de que estemos en un lugar donde no somos la mayoría, somos la minoría,” según Aguayo. “Creo que la música es muy emblemática de lo que es nuestra cultura,” dijo Aguayo. “Espero que le dé la misma alegría a la gente que me hace sentir a mí porque... es muy emblemático de dónde venimos.” eldiario@dailynorthwestern.com luiselenagutierrezubeda2027@u.northwestern.edu

Order your yearbook now on CAESAR.

A $10 discount* is waiting for you!

*applied automatically

14 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

BISS

From page 1

in a landslide after then-Mayor Steve Hagerty declined to seek reelection. In a farewell letter published Oct. 16 on Substack, Biss’ wrote he was proud to make “hard choices” throughout his tenure in service of progressive goals. During his tenure, the city began paying out the nation’s first municipal reparations, adopted policies to counter federal immigration enforcement and set out to reform its zoning code. The city’s reparations program for Black residents was launched in 2019, before Biss was elected, but its rollout occurred during his tenure. In 2022, Evanston began offering $25,000 grants to Black residents who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969, as well as their direct descendants, to compensate for decades of housing discrimination. As Biss leaves office, the fate of the city’s reparations program is up in the air. Last week, a federal judge allowed the Department of Justice to join a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. Biss also oversaw the implementation of the city’s Crisis Alternative Response Evanston team, which sends civilians, rather than police, to respond to low-risk calls. Since it launched in 2024, the team has answered more than 3,000 calls. In his farewell letter, Biss noted that Evanston

FRATS

From page 1

organizations on campus to improve accountability and philanthropy. Communication first-year Krish Moorjani, who is not involved in Greek Life, said he believed the fraternities’ statements were guided by efforts to preserve members’ reputations rather than to condemn sexual violence. “By making a statement in the way that they currently have, they’ve turned the situation to being about themselves instead of about Jane Doe, instead of about the case,” Moorjani said. Moorjani added that he believed the lack of intervention by the 50 other Cornell fraternity brothers who received Snapchat messages inviting them to participate in the gang rape was the result of hazing. “When you initially initiate frat members into the

has maintained its CARE team even when many other cities have abandoned similar initiatives. Evanston has gone more than three years without a homicide. The former mayor also made efforts to respond to increased federal immigration enforcement presence under President Donald Trump’s administration. In January 2025, in anticipation of Trump’s second inauguration, the city strengthened its Welcoming City Ordinance. The revised law banned police from sharing data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and barred city staff and contractors from participating in civil immigration enforcement. A subsequent resolution in October 2025 prohibited federal immigration enforcement from city property altogether. During Operation Midway Blitz, when the Trump administration ramped up immigrationrelated arrests in Illinois, Biss told ICE to “get the hell out of Evanston” after immigration agents detained three people on Halloween 2025. In December 2025, he confronted Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino in the streets of Evanston, a scene that made national news. Biss wrote that he was most proud of how Evanston had responded to immigration enforcement agents. Governing a city where the average rent is 25% above the national average, Biss focused much of his agenda on making housing more affordable. In February 2025, the city passed an updated Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which raised

the requirement for affordable units in privately funded developments from 10% to 15% and in publicly funded units from 20% to 30%. The last two years of Biss’ time as mayor were defined by an attempt at zoning reform and his push for a new comprehensive plan, Envision Evanston 2045. After months of delay, City Council passed Envision Evanston, which lays out the city’s development goals, in a 5-4 vote in January. The zoning update remains unfinished. In his farewell letter, Biss wrote that some have, perhaps justifiably, been skeptical of the zoning code rewrite as his “pet project.” Biss has also pushed for sustainable development. Council approved Biss’ proposed Healthy Buildings Ordinance in March 2025, requiring buildings larger than 20,000 square feet — accounting for about 500 of the largest buildings in Evanston — to report their electricity and water consumption to the city and make plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The ordinance, which is set to be finalized in 2027, is the first standard of its kind in Illinois. In his letter, Biss described it as “one of the strongest municipal climate laws in the nation.” However, some of Biss’ decisions have been met with uproar from residents. In October 2023, Biss cast the tie-breaking vote to approve Northwestern’s plans to hold concerts at the new Ryan Field. The commercial rezoning decision faced opposition from residents who expressed concerns about noise and traffic surges, as well as

potential profits for NU despite the University’s tax-exempt status. It sparked the 2023 “Better than Biss” campaign and a 2024 lawsuit filed by 13 neighboring residents and the Most Livable City Association, which alleged Biss’ vote was invalid. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a county judge. Hours after the plans were approved, Biss sent residents a 2,500-word letter defending his decision, citing the economic opportunity he said the stadium would bring. In his farewell letter, he stood by his decision, writing that the deal had already brought in tens of millions of dollars. As Ryan Field opened earlier this month, 7th Ward residents continued to express concerns about the noise and traffic during events. Biss at times faced strong opposition from some councilmembers and members of the public, especially regarding Envision Evanston and Ryan Field. In 2025, he won reelection with 62.4% of the vote against challenger Jeff Boarini, a political newcomer who is now running for the vacant mayoral seat. “Evanston taught me that durable change is slow, collective and uncomfortable,” Biss wrote in his farewell letter. “But it also taught me the awesome power of organizing, neighbor to neighbor, for the common good. Serving as your mayor has been an honor of a lifetime. Thank you.”

frat by hazing them and by humiliating them so that they don’t want to resist or dissent ever, I think there is very little bystander training that ever breaks that coding,” Moorjani said. Both responses posted by the University’s fraternities included maintaining mandatory bystander intervention training for members. Other fraternities’ statements also included commitments to bystander intervention. NU offers hazing training for all student groups and organizations, and the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness offers bystander intervention training for all students, faculty and staff. “I don’t think there’s anything that can actually be done to prevent sexual violence in frats,” Moorjani said. “The closest thing they can do, which is what they’ve been doing currently, is the bystander training.” Cornell’s anti-hazing education initiatives include “Intervene,” which its website, Hazing at Cornell,

describes as “a 20-minute video and corresponding interactive workshop teach students how to apply a key set of bystander intervention skills to real-life situations,” including sexual assault, harassment, and intimate partner violence. A 2026 study from It’s On Us, a campus sexual violence prevention initiative, found that for men who had received sex-apprehensive sex education or sex education that reinforced hierarchical gender norms, sex-positive training and education could actually increase hostility towards women. “We obviously have a zero tolerance policy in terms of sexual violence within our orgs,” NU’s Interfraternity Council President and SESP senior Brayden Golder said. “That’s something that I take very personally, maintaining that kind of standard that we have across our different chapters here.” In 2016, the University formed its online Title IX training, teaching faculty, staff and graduate and professional students how to support survivors and

prevent sexual misconduct. The same year the training was released, rape reports reached 13 — the highest in the last decade. In 2025, NU also began requiring incoming undergraduate students to complete pre-arrival modules through RespectEdu to identify and prevent sexual violence. Golder said the most difficult aspect of combating rates of sexual violence on campus and in fraternities was implementing change and “not just (becoming) another module.” “I don’t necessarily have a solution ready, just because we are trying to find something that is feasible and something that will actually have an impact, and I don’t want to throw something out there, and then not have it actually happen,” Golder said. “I want to be very intentional about everything that we do.”

m.turetzky@dailynorthwestern.com a.kuester@dailynorthwestern.com

x.tran@dailynorthwestern.com alexandereick2028@u.northwestern.edu

WEEKLY CROSSWORD DOWN

ACROSS

2. Thank you, in Rio de Janeiro 3. Medically, involving the removal or destruction of tissue 5. Infectious, online or IRL 6. Unique 17-character identifier for vehicles 7. Christopher Nolan heavily restricts the use of this technology, abbr., favoring practical effects and physical sets 9. Lou Gehrig’s disease, abbr. 10. Eight, en Español 11. Children’s game “Simon __” 12. Defective car 13. Irish paramilitary group 15. Plant-derived compound Tetrahydropalmatine, studied for its potential effects on the nervous system, abbr. 16. Prefix meaning “bad” or “wrong” 18. Katy Perry song “Wide _____,” inspired by the singer’s divorce from Russel Brand 19. Derogatory term for a person known to engage in violent or criminal behavior 23. To bring, lead, or have someone or something following closely behind you; “those two always have their kids __ ___”. 24. Rumor has it that every attendee of the Swift-Kelce wedding had to sign one of these contracts 25. Bowl-shaped pan with deep, sloped sides, which originated in China around 3,000 years ago 26. Do over, on Google Docs 29. A brief midday meal in England 30. This onomatopoeic Charli XCX single peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014 32. The ruling bodies of multiple countries, abbr. 35. Collection of matching items 36. This American film critic wrote for “The New Yorker” from 1967 to 1991; Known for her “witty, biting, highly opinionated and sharply focused” reviews, Pauline ___ often defied the consensus of her contemporaries 37. Multiple refusals of resuscitation, abbr. 39. She heard something in Spanish? 41. Actor and football player Hirsch, also known as “Crazylegs”

1. Home of the Spartans? 11. “One ___,” brief remark to encourage one to wait just a bit, abbr. 14. Multiplicity of a certain forearm bone 15. Bread-crumbing ingredient popularly used to make chicken katsu 16. “Without further ___”, phrase introducing a speaker? 17. Fall vegetable used for hearty soups, stirfries and curries 18. Intensely bitter or sore 20. “___ whiz!” 21. What some call their grandma 24. One may refer to their friend this way, or the pre-flowering stage of a plant? 27. Ringo Starr’s instrument of expertise 28. A native of Endor 29. Sicker 30. Proposed a date 33. Water, in French 35. Intense anger 36. Star sign of most August birthdays 37. Utilize 39. Units of weight, in the imperial system, abbr. 40. “___Squad” PBS Kids TV show featuring child super spies 41. One who promotes products or brands in search of customers 44. Joe Pesci plays this inexperienced criminal lawyer in a 1992 blockbuster 45. Leave out 47. Character may go through one or many; eg. villain, hero 50. Wall Street’s main domain, abbr. 51. Brazilian soccer legend and only player to win three World Cups 52. A ___, skip and a jump 55. In economics, the type of demand which doesn’t substantially react to price changes 60. Slim, steep-sloped rock formation with a flat top, isolated from the land around it 63. Founded by Ted Turner, a cable network featuring reruns of “Friends,” “The Office,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and more 64. Sierra _____, west African country

65. Sharp-sounding drum, or a slipknot wire trap used to catch small animals 66. Enthusiastic support, in slang 67. Home of the Golden Gophers?

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS WITH THE QR CODE

Crossword by Andre Sugden

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN Sophia Bella/The Daily Northwestern

Simrah Khan/The Daily Northwestern

15

Simrah Khan/The Daily Northwestern

Sophia Bella/The Daily Northwestern Sophia Bella/The Daily Northwestern

Simrah Khan/The Daily Northwestern

NO KINGS From page 1

she hopes “every person gets involved and engaged” this election cycle. Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) said he hopes the Democrats “retake Congress” in November. He described the upcoming midterms as “one of the most consequential elections” in his lifetime. Mayoral candidate Jeff Boarini said he attended the event in “solidarity with the community” and emphasized the importance of voting early. “Turnout is imperative for change, so that’s why we want everyone to vote and vote early,” Boarini said. He added that Saturday’s protest reaffirmed how engaged the Evanston community is surrounding “issues of justice and fairness.” With just over two weeks until the Nov. 3 midterm elections, organizers focused heavily on mobilizing

Sophia Bella/The Daily Northwestern

voters and encouraged attendees to cast their ballots early. Addressing the crowd, Aisha N. Davis, senior policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, urged attendees to vote in races “up and down the ballot.” Rev. Michael Nabors, senior pastor at Evanston’s Second Baptist Church, told demonstrators about the racial terror his great-great-uncle faced while advocating for voting rights and helping other Black residents move from the south to Indiana in the 1880s. Nabors said his great-great uncle was lynched in Richmond, Indiana, because of his advocacy. “My family was afraid to tell the story,” Nabors said. “So before I begin, I want to let you know I ain’t afraid.” For protesters like Maureen McCadden, a retired librarian from Morton Grove, Illinois, Saturday’s rally was not her first. McCadden said she has been attending “No Kings” protests for years alongside her dog, Pepper.

For McCadden, the protest presented a chance for the community to unite and remind people to vote. “Voting is our voice. It’s our civic rent,” McCadden said. “It’s what we do to make a change. So we need everybody to come out and vote, preferably early, but make your voice heard.” Second Ward resident Srivathsava Rangarajan said a constant barrage of negative headlines can make it easy to feel “isolated and alone and overpowered.” However, he said stepping into a crowd of neighbors with collective chants and shared convictions offered a different perspective. “You come outside, and then you come and see all the people, and you realize that it’s the exact opposite,” Rangarajan said. “This is the safest place for you to be.” Many demonstrators also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Evanston. Rangarajan, who said he has lived in the U.S. for about 14 years, recalled seeing helicopters overhead

and ICE agents moving through Evanston’s streets last fall. Although he said he had encountered racism in America before, witnessing ICE activity felt different. “It was just kind of shocking because I’d never felt that threatened ever before,” he said. Rangarajan urged understanding and cooperation across the political spectrum. He said he welcomes disagreement, but draws the line at hatred, which he said stems from fear and misunderstanding. “We’re not your enemies. You don’t have to be afraid of us. We see you. We hear you,” Rangarajan said. “Whatever grievances you have, we can work it out together.” karimmelek2030@u.northwestern.edu glenniswoosley2030@u.northwestern.edu carolinezeng2030@u.northwestern.edu emilyzhao2030@u.northwestern.edu

Schedule your

SENIOR PORTRAIT

Wednesday, 11/4 – Sunday, 11/22 @ NORRIS Sign up at tinyurl.com/seniorportnu questions? go to: www.NUsyllabusYearbook.com or email: syllabus@northwestern.edu

16 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

SOCCER

10-man NU draws lowly Penn State on Senior Day By BEN DANNEMILLER

assistant sports editor

Northwestern drew Penn State 1-1 Friday night in a Senior Day match that saw each team receive a red card at a windy, rainy Martin Stadium. “I thought we did a great job to get one point out of being a man down, but we were supposed to get three,” coach Russell Payne said postgame. “And that’s unacceptable for us to go down a man again.” The Wildcats (5-5-2, 2-3-1 Big Ten) fielded the same starting lineup as they did against No. 13 Washington last match. The Nittany Lions (2-72, 0-5-2 Big Ten) made one change from their draw against Michigan, replacing midfielder Peter Doran with midfielder Noah Andreas. Senior midfielder Peter Riesz registered the first shot of the night in the second minute, but his effort was blocked. Penn State also made a few forays into the box early, but NU’s defense denied it any major opportunities. Strong winds, especially in the first half, made crosses difficult. In the 15th minute, senior defender Fritz Volmar pulled down Nittany Lion midfielder Grant McIntosh on a breakaway opportunity, picking up a yellow card before referee Justin St. Pierre initiated a review and upgraded the call to a straight red. The ’Cats struggled to generate offense with the one-man disadvantage. They didn’t register another shot until the 24th minute, when sophomore forward Aaron O’Reilly sent a header over the net. Penn State defender Moritz Weber had his shot, the first on goal of the game, saved in the

James Frazier Wilson/The Daily Northwestern The Wildcats played the Nittany Lions on Friday evening.

45th minute by redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Dominic Pereira. The first half ended 0-0 and both sides registered three shots in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, NU’s attack started hot, as Riesz registered a shot within the first 20 seconds. On the subsequent throw-in, the ball fell to junior midfielder Gabriel Smyth, who slotted it past Penn State goalkeeper Daniel Peluffo-Wiese from a tight angle to score the game’s first goal. Senior defender

Bryant Mayer and Riesz assisted the goal. Penn State midfielder Vladislav Cherny received the ball in the ’Cats’ box in the 51st minute, but his shot was blocked. In the 52nd minute, senior midfielder Tyler Glassberg made it known that he disagreed with St. Pierre’s decision to give a free kick to the Nittany Lions and received a yellow card for dissent. Penn State defender Joseph Sheridan also picked up a booking a minute later.

The Nittany Lions tallied two shots on goal in the 59th minute, but NU’s defense swarmed the ball to avoid an equalizer. Penn State continued to dominate possession around the hour mark, frequently prodding the ’Cats’ box. Smyth went down injured in the 69th minute. Although he was able to walk off the field under his own power, he was replaced by senior midfielder Yuval Nimrodi. NU wasted as much time as it could, giving the Nittany Lions as little time as possible to find an equalizer. Penn State defender Noah Förster brought down a ’Cats attacker in the 78th minute, earning a yellow card. After a chaotic play in NU’s box, Sheridan sent a shot into the bottom right corner of Pereira’s net, equalizing in the 79th minute. In the 81st minute, St. Pierre gave the home side’s bench a yellow card for protesting a no-card call on McIntosh. “I thought there was a precedent set in the first half in terms of the game, and I didn’t feel like that was consistent in the second,” Payne said. “That’s all. I voiced that. Didn’t like it.” The ’Cats had a few promising breakaways in the final ten minutes, but none led to a dangerous shot. With under 40 seconds to go, Sheridan saw red for dissent. However, NU couldn’t take advantage of the 10 vs. 10 in the final minute, and full time came with the score still 1-1. The ’Cats fell to eighth in the Big Ten table, three points shy of the Big Ten Tournament with four matches to go. NU will face No. 20 UCLA in its penultimate home game Monday. b.dannemiller@dailynorthwestern.com

BASKETBALL

’Cats drop opening exhibition game at Illinois State By ALISANDE JAISERRISINGH

assistant sports editor

Northwestern fell 70-64 on the road against Illinois State on Sunday. This was the first of two exhibition games before the start of regular season play on Nov. 2. The returners from the 2025-26 season fueled the Wildcats’ offense, combining for 36 points and 13 assists. It was a close contest to start the first half, with both teams trading buckets early on. Sophomore guard Jake West led the scoring for

NU, with 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting. He led the offensive charge in the first half, giving the ’Cats a three-point lead at halftime. The point guard did not hesitate to feed his teammates, adding seven assists on the night. West was closely supported by junior guard Angelo Ciaravino, who added 12 points and five rebounds. Ciaravino played a critical role for NU’s offense last season, shooting 51.2% from the floor, the team’s second-highest field goal percentage. Sophomore guard Phoenix Gill rounded out scoring for the three returners with 10 points. Graduate student forward Jack Karasinski added

13 points on 5-for-6 shooting, showing some promise for the coming season. The Bellarmine transfer averaged 21.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season and is expected to provide a boost in paint points. Defensive slippages allowed Illinois State to capitalize with 21 second-chance points and double the ’Cats’ offensive rebounds. Miscommunications proved quite costly for NU, as the Redbirds took advantage of the ’Cats’ 20 turnovers, scoring 23 points off those opportunities. NU maintained a seven-point lead early in the second half, following a 3-pointer from graduate

student guard LA Pratt on an assist by West. The tide took a turn for the worse a few minutes later, as Illinois State took the lead with nine minutes remaining. The ’Cats could not convert to close their deficit, missing three layups with under two minutes left in the game. NU will look to strengthen its chemistry and correct its offensive errors in the upcoming exhibition game against No. 18 Iowa State at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Sunday. a.jaiserrisingh@dailynorthwestern.com

VOLLEYBALL

Wildcats fall to No. 22 Michigan State at home By ISAIAH STEINBERG

senior staffer

Northwestern was four points away from a 2-1 set lead over No. 22 Michigan State on Saturday. Instead, it watched the Spartans (15-3, 5-3 Big Ten) win the final seven points of the third set despite two timeouts. In their eighth consecutive conference loss, the Wildcats (7-12, 0-8 Big Ten) fell to Michigan State 3-1 in Evanston 16-25, 25-21, 21-25, 19-25. “It’s just another night in the Big Ten,” coach Tim Nollan said postgame. “Unfortunately, we played another top 25 team, and we didn’t get the result we wanted.” Between unblocked attack, service and ball handling errors, NU committed nine fewer unforced errors than its opponent. The Spartans, however, earned 24 more points than the ’Cats via kills, aces and blocks. NU hit .212 to Michigan State’s .313 and recorded 11 fewer kills. Roughly half of the ’Cats’ total attempts came from sophomore outside hitter Bella Bullington and junior outside hitter Mara Štiglic. The pair led NU in kills with 13 and 12, respectively. As the match progressed, Michigan State increasingly stymied the ’Cats’ key producers, recording one block across the first two sets and 10 blocks across the latter two. Two consecutive blocks on Štiglic comprised part of the Spartans’ third-set comeback, and Bullington’s 10 total errors led all players. Michigan State’s hitting percentage dropped between every set, but remained well ahead of NU in all but set two. Spartan outside hitter Madi Andrews led all players with 17 kills.

The Spartans out-blocked the ’Cats 11 to four on the night and tallied 10 aces to the ’Cats’ four. “We have to do a bit of a better job of trusting our training, moving our feet, getting to those balls and keeping them in the system so (first-year setter Ellie Stiernagle) can run an offense,” Bullington said postgame. Late in the second set, redshirt sophomore outside hitter Ava Pratt donned the libero jersey to replace sophomore libero Lauren Dignan, who leads NU in digs and is fifth in the Big Ten in total digs this season. Nollan said postgame the team “had an injury and had to make some changes on the fly,” to which he said his players adjusted well. Nollan did not explicitly confirm the injury was Dignan’s but noted she did not play the rest of the match. Pratt split playing time with senior libero Drew Wright for the remainder of the match and recorded her first career ace in set three. On the other side of the injury coin, Saturday marked the return of first-year middle blocker Hayley Schaaf, who sat out the last five matches with an unspecified injury. Playing only in the fourth set, Schaaf recorded two kills and one total block. The ’Cats led 4-2 early in the first set. Then, Michigan State rattled off six consecutive points as Štiglic missed a serve and Bullington and sophomore middle blocker Kayla Kauffman committed unblocked attack errors. NU’s brief scoring runs paled in comparison to the Spartans’ for the rest of the set, and the ’Cats hit .176. Between seven kills and two consecutive aces, Andrews scored nine points for the Spartans in the first set. Hitting .423, the second set represented NU’s

Quinn Yates/The Daily Northwestern First-year setter Ellie Stiernagle recorded 38 assists, four kills and two total blocks against Michigan State on Saturday.

brightest spot of the night and the only set Michigan State lost. The Spartans recorded their matchhigh six attack errors and four service errors, while still hitting a respectable .333. The set saw six ties and three lead changes, but the ’Cats led after 16-16. In the third set, NU led 8-3, 15-10 and 21-18 on the back of a more versatile offense that saw Kauffman and first-year middle blocker Maya Stillwell contribute kills. It was at their 21-18 lead when the set fell apart for the ’Cats, who allowed Michigan State to go on a seven-point run. Once again, NU led for a considerable portion of the final set until the Spartans started rallying down 10-8 and didn’t look back. Michigan State scored seven of the next nine points on blocks on Štiglic and kills by middle blocker Zora Hardison. With outside hitter Bianca Mumcular

activating for three kills after the media timeout in the fourth set, the Spartans’ diverse offense posed challenges as the ’Cats only tallied one block in the set. NU looks to climb three places to qualify for the Big Ten Tournament in late November. It will square off against Michigan in Evanston on Thursday. In the meantime, the drought drags on for the ’Cats, who remain the only Big Ten team without a conference win. “We do have the talent. It’s rare that we’re all playing our best at the same time, which makes it a little bit hard to put some things together,” Bullington said. “But we’re working really hard in practice. We’re getting there. We’re getting closer and closer, and hopefully, we’ll be able to put some (pieces) together soon.” i.steinberg@dailynorthwestern.com