Indiana Daily Student Sept. 17, 2026

IDS Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

INSIDE

Window 85 serves up sweet drinks and big dreams

Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

By Elizabeth Schuth ekschuth@iu.edu

Editor’s note: Some quotes in this story were translated from Spanish into English. Joanna Hanner, an IU freshman, was watching TV in her dorm when she got a call from her boyfriend’s mother. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had detained Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz, her boyfriend of over a year and a half, and she didn’t know what to do. At 9:45 a.m. Sept. 1, ICE detained Nadal-Ortiz and his friend César Cepeda Gomez in the parking lot of the Walmart on the west side of Bloomington. Both Gomez and Nadal-Ortiz are delivery drivers for Walmart and have pending asylum cases from Venezuela according to their families. The arrests came amid a surge in ICE sightings in Indianapolis and Bloomington. According to the ICE Detainee Locator System, both men were moved to the North Lake Processing Center in Michigan, where they were still being held as of Sept. 10. Hanner has been able to communicate with Nadal-Ortiz through paid video calls and texts, but she said the quality isn’t great. Each text message costs 35 cents, and each minute on a video call is 21 cents, Hanner said. Hanner said Nadal-Ortiz was given a navy-blue uniform to wear and has been allowed to watch movies and go outside to play soccer with other detainees. He complained about the quality of food and said the portion sizes have gotten smaller since his arrival. “He just looks overly sad,

‘It feels hopeless’ Bloomington grapples with aftermath of ICE arrest surge

COURTESY PHOTO

Joanna Hanner and her boyfriend Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz stand outside Cheesecake Factory. Nadal-Ortiz was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 1.

depressed and the color on his face isn't good,” Hanner said. Hanner and Nadal-Ortiz's family are raising money for an immigration lawyer on a GoFundMe page. Hanner hopes she can visit the detention center soon and bring him his favorite food — carne guisada. In the meantime, she’s trying to stay positive. “I don't want to get all depressing because it's not so good for him because he's stuck on the inside, and he can't really do anything either,”

Hanner said. The fear of the ICE activity has traveled beyond NadalOrtiz and his family. María, a Bloomington resident and member of local Spanish-language congregation Iglesia Hispana, said her and her family didn’t leave their house for a week after the Sept. 1 detainments. She and her family have pending asylum cases, she said. The Indiana Daily Student is not sharing María's last name because she is fearful of ICE targeting her and her family.

“It feels hopeless,” María said. “As if we were some delinquents, afraid as if we were bad people, but we’re not bad people. We’re not doing anything wrong; we’re only being useful to society.” María's family always keeps enough food and water in their home to last at least 15 days, in case ICE starts detaining people in the area. The only place María said she feels safe is in her home. “We still don’t feel calm going out,” she said. “We’re going to go out with fear, and we’re

going to return with fear.” La Bonita Restaurant and Market closed for several days after the Sept. 1 detainments, along with the Reyes Tacos food truck, according to reports from the Bloomingtonian. Both have since reopened. La Bodega Latin Market clarified on social media that the “staff is safe and doing well” in response to online rumors. During the week of Sept. 6, Iglesia Hispana provided families with supplies such as groceries, diapers and baby

food, María said. “The church took it upon itself to deliver everything they needed to their homes,” María said. Exodus Refugee, a nonprofit with a Bloomington office supporting refugees, also spoke out about the detentions. "ICE enforcement in Bloomington and any other Hoosier community is unnecessary and unwelcome,” Exodus Refugee CEO Cole Varga wrote in an email to the IDS. “Kidnapping immigrants who are being scapegoated for America's decline is racist and it is wrong.” ICE activity has increased across the state beyond Bloomington, prompting U.S. Rep. André Carson, who represents most of Indianapolis and Marion County, to send a letter demanding information about ICE activity in Indianapolis. Lucas González, communications coordinator for the City of Bloomington, wrote in an email to the IDS that ICE does not inform the Bloomington Police Department about their operations or the names of those detained. “We remain committed to doing everything within the bounds of our authority to support, care for, and ensure the safety of our community,” González said. BPD Capt. Ryan Pedigo confirmed that BPD did not assist in any detainments and had no knowledge of ICE operations in Bloomington. Still, María is determined to keep living and working in the city she loves. “I’m content here in this country,” she said. “I would like to stay here for a lot more time.”

IU ranked 6th-worst university in country for free speech By Deshna Venkatachalam devenkat@iu.edu | @deshnavenkat

Indiana University is the sixth-worst university in the country for free speech, according to a list released Sept. 9 by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Out of 261 schools in the annual College Free Speech Rankings, IU ranked 256, with a score of 51 and an F speech climate grade. According to the report, the university improved six points from last year. In last year’s report, IU was ranked third-worst out of the 257 higher education schools included in the report, the lowest ranked public university in the country. An IU spokesperson said they don’t have a statement to provide. Why is IU ranked so low? The new report cited six “speech controversies,” or incidents where free speech was tested on campus in 2024 and 2025, that contributed to IU’s low ranking. FIRE referenced three instances of “deplatforming,” or situations when IU canceled or postponed a guest event. All three of these situations were also mentioned in last year’s report. The first was IU’s cancellation of an art exhibition by Palestinian-American artist Samia Halaby that was scheduled to run from February to June 2024. The artist’s grandniece previously told the IDS that the director of the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art cited

two reasons for the exhibit’s cancellation. One was for security and safety concerns. The other was Halaby’s Instagram, where she advocated for ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and Palestinian freedom. In March 2024, IU urged IU Hillel to postpone a speaker event with former Hamas member and Israeli spy Mosab Hassan Yousef. The event received criticism from the Middle Eastern Student Association and the Palestine Solidarity Committee due to Yousef’s derogatory comments about Islam and its followers. Protesters that were unaffiliated with the organizations planned a counter-demonstration, but the IU Hillel event did not take place after security threats “involving the Muslim community and several white supremacist groups.” IU Hillel stated it planned to reschedule the event for the fall but never did. The last incident of “deplatforming” in the report was the IU School of Medicine’s cancellation of its annual LGBTQ+ Health Care Conference in January 2025, where journalist Chris Geidner was scheduled to be a keynote speaker. Executive Associate Dean Mary Dankoski said that the decision to cancel came because of “challenging” timing amid state legislation targeting diversity, equity and inclusion. The report also mentioned Media School Dean David Tolchinsky’s firing of Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush in October 2025 after he refused an order to direct Indiana Daily Student editors to omit news stories from its Homecoming

IDS FILE PHOTO

Dunn Meadow's pro-Palestine encampment organizer Bryce Greene gives a speech to pro-Palestine protesters June 8, 2024, at Sample Gates from across Indiana Avenue. IU ranked sixth-worst in the 2027 College Free Speech Rankings from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

edition. The termination letter stated he was not eligible for rehire at IU. Rodenbush has since filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging it university violated his First and 14th Amendment rights. Lastly, the report mentions two instances of groups being suspended on campus as a form of “students under fire.” In August 2025, IU suspended operations conducted by the Palestine Solidarity Committee of IU and placed the organization on cease and desist. The IU Office of Student Life sent a letter to the PSC, alleging code of conduct violations and claimed the group presented “an ongoing threat of harm and disruption to the

university community,” but did not explicitly state what policies were violated. The report also mentions when IU Office of Student Life prevented 27 of its fraternities from hosting social events in November 2025 following multiple alleged hazing incidents. While the ban was lifted in December for fraternities “in good standing,” FIRE stated the initial mass suspension “raised concerns about guiltby-association and infringements upon students’ association rights and due process protections.” What do the rankings mean? IU received an overall score of 50.6%, up 5.6% from 2025.

The survey’s average overall score this year is 61.36%, the highest recorded in seven years, according to FIRE. FIRE surveyed 341 IU students and asked an array of free speech-related questions. Of those surveyed, 54% said they have self-censored on campus at least once or twice a month, and 68% said “shouting down” a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus is acceptable, at least in rare cases. Additionally, 31% of students said using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable, also at least in rare cases. The university also continues to hold a “yellow light” spotlight rating, meaning it

has at least one ambiguous policy that “too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application.” In the report, FIRE said IU’s adoption of the Chicago Principles, a set of free-speech guidelines, was a step toward improving its free speech ranking. To earn a “green light,” FIRE said IU should revise its student policies and adopt an official commitment to institutional neutrality. In this year’s report, Purdue University ranks seventh overall and is the top-ranked school in the state of Indiana. DePauw University ranked No. 25 nationwide, and the University of Notre Dame ranked No. 232.

IU community concerned over hiring of School of Medicine dean By Natalia Nelson nelsonnb@iu.edu

Scott Boden officially stepped into his role as dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine on Sept. 8, but some students and faculty have raised concerns about his hiring. The school spans nine campuses and is the country’s largest medical school. Boden previously worked at Emory University as a tenured professor, was the

director of the Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center and the chair emeritus of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Emory’s medical school. Some questioned the timeline of his hiring, with others concerned about his naming in a now-dismissed racial discrimination lawsuit from 2024. Boden and IU did not respond to a request for comment from the Indiana Daily Student.

Dismissed lawsuit The case was first filed in June 2024 by Brandon Mines, a family and sports medicine physician, against the Emory University School of Medicine, the Atlanta Falcons Football Club and Boden, among others. Mines served as the head team medical physician for the Atlanta Falcons and as a professor at Emory. At the time, Boden was the chair emeritus of Emory’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

and chief strategy officer at Emory Healthcare, making him responsible for maintaining the medical school’s relationships with professional sports teams. In the lawsuit, Mines alleged he “was subjected to hostile, negative and unwarranted feedback from Dr. Boden” and another doctor, “all of which included common racial stereotypes about Black men.” Mines alleged he was passed over for opportunities

and subject to office policies that others were not held to. He also described being “publicly and privately chastised by Boden in a tone and manner” that Mines said he had never seen Boden use with his white colleagues. Mines, a Black man, was fired from his position as Head Team Medical Physician in May 2023 after holding the position for nine years. In the lawsuit, he said he was told the decision had been made by Boden, Emory

and the Atlanta Falcons’ CEO based on communication issues. In a motion to dismiss the complaint, defendants argued that Mines did not allege that Boden and the other doctor “used racial slurs, made any race-based jokes or comments to him (or about him), or engaged in offensive physical conduct against him.”

SEE DEAN, PAGE 4

Indiana Daily Student

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NEWS

Sept. 17, 2026 idsnews.com

Editors Ella Curlin, Grace Fridy & Deshna Venkatachalam news@idsnews.com

IUSG to focus on student engagement perspectives into its decision-making. He said more students attending Congress meetings, participating in public comment and becoming involved in advocacy and policy work would show that IUSG is reaching more of the student body. “I think that the more perspectives there, the more creativity that can be had,” Carman said.

By Avery Reis amreis@iu.edu

After the Indiana University Student Government Congress spent much of the summer working on its budget, executive appointments and internal rules, IUSG members said they want to spend more of the fall legislative session working on issues students see in their everyday lives. Luke Carman, an IU junior and chair of the congressional committee on oversight and finance, said the April to October legislative session typically focuses on internal work — including the summer budget and confirming members of the executive cabinet. He also served as student body vice president during the spring 2026 semester after vice president Ava Smith, resigned from her role to study abroad in Italy following the fall 2025 semester. “As we get into this next session, finishing out this one, that’s where we start to move towards more student-facing and studentserving things,” Carman said. IUSG has three branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch, Carman said. Congress is made up of representatives elected from residential and academic districts, based on living arrangements and determined by academic programs, respectively. Congress also has multicultural representatives appointed by multicultural organizations such as La Sociedad Latina, the Muslim Student Association and the Kenyan Students Association at IU. Austin Perny, an IU sophomore and recorder for Congress, said he wants Congress to spend more time on legislation that di-

COURTESY PHOTO | IDS

Members of Indiana University Student Government Congress gather outside of the Indiana Memorial Union on Aug. 22, 2026. At IUSG Congress’ Aug. 31 meeting, members addressed parliamentary procedures, standing rules and changes to IUSG’s bylaws and constitution.

rectly affects students. Perny has been in Congress since April 2026 and previously participated in IUSG’s firstyear internship program. As recorder, he manages documents and records related to congressional meetings. One of Perny’s priorities is working on a proposal that would allow students to put flyers and posters in more outdoor areas of campus, including bus stops and covered balconies. Perny said the current system primarily allows student flyers in places such as bathrooms and on bulletin boards. Perny also said he is working on a bill involving Flock technology that is moving through committee, which means it has been assigned to a committee for review, discussion and possible amendments before it

can be voted on by the body of legislature. The resolution would proactively communicate student opposition to Flock technology on campus and establish a framework for communication between IUSG and the university regarding the technology. “I feel like at the same time we should be taking some of the time we spend on that (internal rules and legislation) to really be able to make programs that are just going to better the life of every single student on campus,” Perny said. Congress has four committees: Student Life, Equity and Justice, Oversight and Finance, and Rights and Concerns for Students. Perny said there are also joint committees between the executive and legisla-

tive branches focused on governance and ethics. They work to improve communication, ensure students have a voice in decision-making, and address issues affecting campus life, health, and well-being. At Congress’s Aug. 31 meeting — the first of the semester — members worked through parliamentary procedures, standing rules and changes to IUSG’s bylaws and constitution, Perny said. Carman said the meeting also included nominations for the director of state relations, director of federal relations, Association of Big Ten Students liaison and health and wellbeing director. Carman said he wants IUSG to connect more with students through marketing and communication. He

also said he wants IUSG to help implement the Chicago Principles, which Indiana University adopted in spring 2026. The principles establish a framework supporting free expression, academic freedom and institutional neutrality and encouraging open debate and inquiry on campus. Student engagement is another area both members identified as a challenge. Perny said IUSG elections have averaged around 10% voter turnout. He said he would like to see the turnout reach 33%. He also said many students do not know what IUSG offers or how it connects with other campus organizations and resources. Carman said IUSG could improve its outreach by bringing more students and

IUSG’s upcoming election The next IUSG election will take place Sept. 21-23. According to the official election schedule, students can vote from 10 a.m. Sept. 21 through 10 p.m. Sept. 23. Every IU Bloomington student will receive an email from the election director on the morning voting begins with a link to the ballot. The election will fill 20 residential Congress seats and any vacancies in academic congressional seats. The residential seats include one from on-campus apartments, two from the central neighborhood, two from Greek and community housing, two from the northwest neighborhood, two from the southeast neighborhood and 11 from off-campus housing. Preliminary results are scheduled to be announced Sept. 25. The Student Body Supreme Court will then certify the results in late September after required election procedures, financial statements and any pending election violations have been resolved. The newly elected representatives will be sworn in Oct. 5 during Organizing Day —the first official meeting of the 2026-27 legislative session. Congress will also elect its speaker and other officers and adopt its standing rules at the meeting.

How IU plans to address hazing By Lily Saylor saylorl@iu.edu

Last month, seven fraternity members at Indiana University were charged with hazing, a Level 6 felony. The charges follow other recent hazing allegations at IU. In November 2025, the IU Office of Student Life temporarily banned 27 fraternities from hosting social events after several alleged hazing incidents. IU defines hazing as “any conduct that subjects another individual to a risk of physical or psychological harm greater than a reasonable risk of group participation, in the course of initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a team, group or organization as a condition of association with a team, group, or organization.” IU officials are working on hazing prevention methods through education and awareness. The university has worked alongside StopHazing since 2023, according to the Office of Student Life website. StopHazing is a national research-based organization that works with universities to implement hazing prevention methods. The organization licenses online courses to help provide hazing prevention education. Lauren Baines, director of health promotion at the Office of Student Life, works with the Hazing Prevention Coalition. The coalition was created in January 2024 and

is an interdisciplinary team of 24 departments, including the Indiana Athletics Department, IU Student Government and the IU Interfraternity Council. Baines said the coalition has been successful in getting organizations to collaborate across departments. “To share about what their students are seeing, to report about what is effective and what is proper messaging for their particular students, opportunities for us to come in and provide trainings and just gathering that support to share with individual offices,” Baines said. “I think that’s the best approach, when we can all come together.” The Hazing Prevention Coalition was created from StopHazing’s Hazing Prevention Consortium, a multi-year research-topractice initiative. StopHazing works with universities for three years. In the first year, the consortium focuses on building capacity and conducting assessments, while the second and third years emphasize implementing sustainable strategies based on data results from the first year. IU joined the consortium in 2023 and is now in its final year. StopHazing Strategy and Operations Director Meredith Stewart said the consortium started in 2013 to conduct research and collect data for effective hazing prevention across college campuses nationwide.

TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

The Indiana Memorial Union is pictured Feb. 13, 2025, on campus in Bloomington. Indiana University joined StopHazing’s Hazing Prevention Consortium in 2023.

Stewart said the development of Hoosiers Not Hazers at IU, as well as updating the website to provide more transparency and clarity on hazing policies has been effective at hazing prevention. Hoosiers not Hazers is an in-person hazing prevention workshop and is mandatory for first and second-year members of IFC chapters. Along with Hoosiers not Hazers, IU provides several other hazing prevention efforts, including workshops, tabling events at involvement fairs and presentations. Julia Nowak, IU Police Department public information officer, said IUPD responds to hazing reports

when received and teaches preventative hazing measures. Nowak said there is Greek liaison program with IUPD officers and Greek life students; officers present to students about alcohol safety, hazing and ways to stay safe at large events. “Some of the tips we like to tell our students is simply to look out for one another,” she said. “If you see someone being pressured, isolated or being put in danger, to speak up, you want people to speak up and seek help.” Nowak emphasized that just because someone consented to hazing, that does not mean that it’s no longer considered hazing.

In a 2023 IU Student Involvement Survey, 80% of IU students agreed hazing is not an effective way to create bonding on campus, and 95% believed they do not need to be hazed to belong to a group. Despite this, hazing persists. Stewart said while there is not one single answer to this issue, she believes it comes down to culture and tradition. “Culture shifting is hard, and it takes time, and you’re coming up against longstanding traditions and norms and historical context of institutions or organizations,” Stewart said. She said while most students do agree hazing is not

okay, once they are in that situation, they either don’t recognize that they are being hazed, or they don’t have the skills yet to combat it. Despite the challenge that comes with breaking down traditions, Stewart is optimistic the culture around hazing can change through building healthy relationships and peer support. “There are a lot of things that get in the way, that are long standing and hard to break through,” Stewart said. “But, inch by inch, we’re getting there.” For more information and resources about hazing prevention, visit the Office of Student Life website.

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Indiana Daily Student

OPINION

Sept. 17, 2026 idsnews.com

Editors Eric Cannon, Emma Howard opinion@idsnews.com

3

ERRANT ERIC

A Flock Safety surveillance camera is pictured Aug. 29, 2026, near Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. In April, Bloomington’s City Council passed a resolution for greater oversight of the use of Flock.

KEEGAN TEDDER | IDS

Flock cameras aren’t ideal. Neither is crime Eric Cannon (he/him)

is a junior studying philosophy and political science and currently serves as a member of IU Student Government.

Every once in a while, we must remember that people tend to overreact. By the time the next most important election ever rolls around, I suspect we’ll have narrowly avoided no less than three more apocalypses. Among the ones we’ve escaped, you can count Y2K, which was supposed to usher in “the end of the world as we know it,” the end of net neutrality, which would “destroy everything that makes the internet great,” and, thus far, the timeline where AI “could kill us all.” Maybe it’s the constant alarmism that has dulled my sense of cosmic danger, or maybe it’s the retrospective absurdity of some of the doomsaying, but lately, I’ve started feeling a tad, well, moderate about the state of the world — and even, dare I say, the slightest bit optimistic as I observe firsthand its newest technologies, like

GrubHub’s delivery robots. Call me an atheist to the doomerism cult, but I don’t think Flock cameras are the worst, either. Only last year, Bloomington housed some of these AI-powered surveillance cameras, sold by the eponymous Flock Safety. They record and analyze passing vehicles’ distinctive features — makes, models, license plates, colors and dents or lack thereof. Importantly, they also have the ability to share their footage with a network of participating law enforcement agencies. This ability stirred controversy when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked state and local police departments to run searches for it. Instances of police officers using Flock’s database to stalk people have also hit headlines recently — rightly so, I agree. Yet, Flock cameras have been around since 2017, previously without much ado. And in a few years from now, I’m sure they’ll still be posted on street corners, again without ado.

You see, as a columnist of two years, I get the inkling that this pitiful state of public relations is not quite a natural course of events. It stems, at least partly, from the pens of my professional counterparts. Journalists, especially those who write opinion, thrive on bringing to the public’s attention the most sensational ideas our society can hold at that moment: for example, AI will lead to soaring poverty, high school should be abolished or Flock cameras will end our civil liberties. A certain indulgence exists on readers’ part as well, I imagine, a scandalous delight in being among the elect, members of the few who have received word of the world’s impending end or its new beginning. Yes, organized religion is on the decline in the United States, but not the innate drive to seek and heed prophetic oracles. With the appearance of Flock cameras, another not-so-rare opportunity has presented itself to evange-

lize the unconverted with the gloomy message of dystopia. Last year, hundreds of protestors gathered in Bloomington as part of a crusade for this creed. They triumphed: the city ended its Flock contract, and later, Monroe County followed suit. But I shall reveal to you, dear reader, a middling world that belongs to a more realistic future. It exists beyond the fervor of the current news cycle, and it has made modest progress in stifling crime while overcoming Orwellian threats with a boring, but effective, defense. Yes, it’s true, Flock cameras aren’t ideal. But neither is crime. Criminal activity exists, and notably, it shouldn’t. It’s something our politics should spend efforts fighting. And as it happens, an effective deterrent to crime is the ability to apprehend suspects — a task Flock cameras excel at. Last year, police departments contracting Flock used the company’s cameras to assist in one out of every

five solved cases — over one million cases. Among these, more than 10,000 missing persons, including abducted children, were found. In Bloomington, Flock cameras helped identify suspects in an armed robbery, two murders, a rape and several child abductions. Altogether, Flock cameras led to a 9.1% increase in the number of cases with arrests — not to mention the crimes they prevented. Across 216 jurisdictions operating cameras, car theft fell by 11%. After all, why would police departments invest in the technology if it did not help? Since crimes are quite expensive, costing the United States $2.6 trillion a year, investment in Flock can lead to impressive savings, for law enforcement and would-be victims. The problem is, of course, people don’t want Big Brother to watch them. Luckily, there is a compromise being worked out. In Waukesha, Wisconsin, a civic interest group sued to require law enforcement in the state to

obtain a warrant before accessing Flock’s database. The point should be obvious. We can enjoy our cake and eat it, too. It’s not recognized often enough that crime rates are drastically down since, well, ever. But they should be reduced further. Any means of accomplishing this, like Flock, is the next natural step to explore. If we can see it through while ensuring footage is accessed only with reasonable suspicion, why not? The good news is that this is surely the way things will go. Just as crime rates have trended downward, the march of time is generally one defined by progress: net neutrality did not destroy the internet — on which you are probably reading this. Nor did Y2K unleash Armageddon. The bad news is that people will continue to prophesy the end times. On the bright side, this will make public discourse more exciting in the meantime. ericcann@iu.edu

SPENCER’S HYPOTHESIS

Don't give up on Perseverance Spencer Schaberg (he/him) is a junior studying microbiology.

In February 2012, the future of NASA’s Mars Exploration program looked bleak. The Obama administration’s 2013 budget request slashed its funding by 38.5%, canceling two planned missions to the red planet in the process. Nine years and $2.7 billion later, America’s top scientists guided a 2,000-pound nuclear-powered rover known as Perseverance 300 million miles through space and safely into Mars’ Jezero Crater. The rover’s primary mission? To search for signs of ancient microbial life and collect samples that could one day be returned to Earth. For that, Perseverance came well prepared: its 7-foot-long robotic arm is equipped with a drill to collect rock and soil samples, and it can even use a laser to vaporize rock from 20 feet away to determine its composition. Best of all, it’s designed to seal away samples in titanium tubes and store them at a drop-off site to be taken back to Earth for detailed analysis. But we won’t be retrieving Perseverance’s samples. At least, not anytime soon. A compromise spending bill enacted by Congress in January 2026 failed to save the Mars Sample Return program. The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget request called it “grossly overbudget" and secondary to “returning to the moon before China and putting a man on Mars”. From that description, you might think Perseverance’s time on Mars was uneventful — but in 2024, Perseverance stumbled upon what NASA called the closest it has ever come to discovering life on Mars. A sample core named “Sapphire Canyon” Perse-

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Director for Planetary Science of JPL Bobby Braun discusses Mars Sample Return Flight Systems in the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission Operations area Oct. 14, 2021, at JPL in Pasadena, California. In 2024, Perseverance discovered what NASA called the closest it has come to finding life on Mars.

verance collected from the Cheyava Falls outcropping revealed irregular, leopardlike spots of minerals buried within the rock. The composition of the minerals seemed consistent with chemical processes associated with microbial life on Earth, but non-biological explanations can't be ruled out yet. An international team of scientists took a closer look at the spots and classified them as “potential biosignatures” — possible evidence of microbial life on Mars that will require far more detailed study on Earth to confirm. The answer to whether humanity has discovered its first extraterrestrial life might be sitting in a titanium tube in Jezero Crater. The implications are astounding — the discovery of life on other planets, let alone one in our very own solar system, might imply that life in the universe is a common occurrence. Even stranger is the possibility that life didn’t originate

on Earth at all but instead hitched a ride here from somewhere else. But these discoveries are only possible if we can retrieve the samples, and the United States seems to lack the perseverance for it. Unfortunately for NASA, the Chinese National Space Administration seems to have more than enough. The CNSA landed a rover of its own, Zhurong, on Mars in 2021. Now it intends to go a step further. Last April, it confirmed a sample recovery mission called Tianwen-3 would launch sometime in 2028 and return Martian samples to Earth as early as 2031. Of course, a discovery made by Chinese scientists doesn’t become worthless to American ones just because another nation beat them to the scientific punch. Look no further than Tianwen-3 itself, which will carry a key instrument provided by the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics.

But at the same time, the Mars Sample Return program is about more than just getting an answer. Just like landing a man on the moon, scientific competition between countries to do what’s never been done before drives the cutting edge of innovation. After all, it was the Soviet launch of Sputnik-1, the first ever artificial satellite, which helped drive Congress to create NASA in 1958. The ominously beeping sphere was proof of a key technological capability of the Soviet Union and wasn't actually equipped with any scientific instruments. The ensuing space race forced us to develop the rockets, computers, communications systems and scientific foundations we rely on in a host of modern industries. Eleven years after NASA’s creation, American astronauts walked on the moon. Competition drives science, for better or for worse,

and you can’t always share scientific capability like you can share scientific knowledge. By dropping out of the race to return Martian samples to Earth, the United States risks losing not only the opportunity to answer the questions raised by Perseverance’s samples, but the chance to develop the technological capabilities required to bring them home. A Martian sample return program isn’t the only research area where China is looking to contest America’s dominance — by one key measure, the Chinese government now outspends the U.S. in research and development funding. At the same time, thousands of U.S. research grants have been canceled or suspended by the Trump administration since the start of 2025. The United States spent decades setting up Perseverance’s unlikely journey to Jezero Crater. We designed a rover that could traverse the surface of an alien planet —

a robot the size of a small car that could survive radiation, dust and extreme cold. We equipped it with the instrumentation to analyze Martian rock and report its findings to Earth from millions of miles away. We even got lucky enough to drill into something worth bringing back. Getting it back is the hard part, and some don’t think the challenge will be worthwhile. But could the average American, in 1958, have imagined the kind of technology that would eventually be born from NASA's space race? Or that in a little over a decade, we could land a man safely on the moon? It seems easy to underestimate how much we can learn when we try to do something that's never been done before. Returning Perseverance's Mars samples represents a new frontier begging to be investigated. What we could find might help us understand our place in the universe — the beginning of the answer to the question: "Are we really alone?" We've come too far to give up on the brink of finding out. It will be difficult, complicated and expensive. NASA even concluded in 2024 that the sample return program needed sizeable reworking for budgetary and timeline concerns. But scientific capability is built by finding ways to solve the hardest problems, not abandon them. If the United States can’t find a way to return the samples, someone else will. Perseverance has already done its part. Somewhere in Jezero Crater, a titanium sample tube might contain one of the universe’s most well-protected secrets. For now, it's waiting for someone to go get it. sschaber@iu.edu

4

May 7, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

» DEAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 They argued that general rudeness was not actionable, Mines had not been terminated due to his race and there were no allegations that he was subjected to severe racebased harassment. A U.S. district court judge dismissed the case in March 2026, writing that Mines’ allegations failed to support a pattern of racial discrimination. Two months after the suit was dismissed, Boden visited Indiana University Indianapolis for a May 21 town hall as a candidate for the School of Medicine dean position. On May 28, IU announced Boden's hiring. Transparency concerns The Indiana University Indianapolis chapter of the American Association of University Professors released a statement in June after Boden’s hiring was announced. The statement expressed transpar-

ency concerns following the dean’s quick appointment and the “unexpected nature of the announcement” of Boden as a candidate. IUI-AAUP President Althea Kaminske told the Indiana Daily Student she felt Boden’s hiring moved very quickly, without enough time to consider input from faculty, students and alumni fully. She said it was surprising to have Boden come out as a third candidate after two finalists had previously been announced and visited the Indianapolis campus in February. “It’s unfortunate that such an incredibly important position at the country’s largest medical school seemed rushed through, and there was a lack of stakeholder input,” Kaminske said. “It sets the dean off on the wrong foot with the rest of the school.” Some students expressed concerns about the lawsuit, Boden’s qualifications and his responses to questions at the candidacy town hall. Ethan SeRine, a second-

year medical student at IU Indianapolis, told the IDS he felt it was an oversight on the part of the university to not have noticed something as “glaring” as the dismissed suit on Boden’s record. “I think it was immediately concerning that we couldn’t find a candidate that doesn’t have a racial discrimination lawsuit,” SeRine said. “Like, I don’t think that’s a common thing in the physician world.” SeRine said that after watching the town hall on Zoom, he felt like Boden was unprepared for the event. “I think there was just a lot of questions left unanswered, and it felt like he didn’t really care enough to prepare to have answers to some of those questions that were kind of obvious in our opinion,” SeRine said. SeRine said after the town hall, he and other students started reaching out to people they knew to put together a petition opposing Boden’s hiring. They felt Boden lacked administrative experience;

Health Spotlight

KEEGAN TEDDER | IDS

The IU School of Medicine is pictured Sept. 9, 2026, on 340 W 10th St. IU students and faculty raised concerns related to the hiring of the new dean of the school of medicine.

SeRine thought it wouldn’t be hard to find a candidate who had been a dean of a smaller school and had experience running a medical school. Boden has served as a tenured professor of orthopaedic surgery since 2001 and in several leadership positions within the Emory Healthcare system, including as chief medical officer and chief quality officer at the Emory Univer-

sity Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital. The two most recent IUSM deans did not serve as deans at a different school before coming to IU. Both worked as faculty members and department chairs before taking the position. Zorah Mehrzad, a secondyear medical student at IU’s Evansville campus, said a petition she helped create opposing Boden’s hiring as the dean

Jan Taylor-Schultz

gained over 130 signatures in about two weeks. “Our big thing was that it felt that the school had very little transparency when it came to selecting their candidates in the first place,” Mehrzad said. Boden will also serve as the executive vice president for university clinical affairs, working as a member of IU President Pamela Whitten’s cabinet.

Optometry

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General Health

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Your neighborhood Healthcare starts here. The Little Clinic at Kroger in Bloomington offers convenient care for the whole family. We treat common illnesses and minor injuries, provide physicals, vaccinations, wellness screenings and more. Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule an appointment online. Open 7 days a week with extended hours for your busy schedule. Quality care when you need it — close to home or school!

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A Way of Wellness Chiropractic Dr. Andrew Pitcer, DC Dr. Crystal Gray, DC A Way of Wellness Chiropractic specializes in comprehensive spinal and extremity care. We offer a wide range of treatment and physical therapy modalities for spinal and extremity issues, addressing not just the symptoms, but the body as a whole. We provide effective chiropractic care helping patients reduce or eliminate pain, improve mobility and function, and improve overall spinal health. The exceptional treatment we provide is always fit to your individual needs and goals. Let us help you achieve and maintain good spinal health. We look forward to meeting you! Mon. - Thu: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Oral/Dental Care

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Tue. - Thu.: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Mon. & Fri.: Appointments Only 1320 W. Bloomfield Rd., Suite B 812-287-8851 btownorthodontics.com

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Dr. Josh Chapman Dr. Timothy J. Devitt Dr. Charles Abraham Experience exceptional care at Bloomington Oral Surgery, where your comfort and health come first. Our experienced team combines advanced technology with compassionate, personalized treatment to make your procedure as smooth and stress-free as possible. From consultation through recovery, we’re committed to providing outstanding care and helping you achieve the best possible outcome with confidence. Mon. - Thu.: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri.: 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 1116 S. College Mall Rd. 812-332-2204 oralsurgeryofbloomington.com

At Chapman Orthodontics, we know what you look for in an orthodontist: someone who is professional, experienced, outgoing, and dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile! We offer free consultations for children, teems and adults. Let us give you a smile you can be proud of using state of the art technology and cutting edge treatment options. We offer clear braces and Invisalign. Chapman Orthodontics is a privately owned orthodontic practice. Dr. Josh Chapman attended IU Bloomington for undergraduate and received his Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS) AND Masters (MSD) in Orthodontics at IU school of Dentistry in Indy. Go Hoosiers!

Office hours are subject to change. Check the website for most accurate hours.

Jackson Creek Dental is conveniently located on South College Mall Road. Most insurance accepted including the Indiana University Cigna plan. At Jackson Creek Dental we offer same day crowns, in office whitening, sure smile, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care.

HOOSIER ORAL SURGEON

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Oral/Dental Care Floyd F. Robison, PhD, HSPP Beth A. Robison, MS, LMHC Thomas Harmes, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Tavel Family Eyecare is your partner in your personal eyecare journey. Since 1940, the company has believed that every Hoosier deserves quality eyecare and vision solutions at an affordable price. Dr. Tavel offers comprehensive eye exams, special testing, management of eye diseases, glasses, contact lenses and much more, all backed by an insurance acceptance guarantee. The company is committed to advancing eye health by investing in the latest technology and providing treatments that are right for every patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Starr is an IU Football Alum who provides pain-free experiences for all Hoosiers with IV sedation. He specializes in wisdom teeth extractions, dental implants, and plasma therapy while utilizing 3D imaging technology. Accomplish fast and predictable healing with plasma therapy to avoid dry sockets after extractions. Voted the most trusted in Bloomington, they look forward to accomplishing exceptional results every day for all Hoosiers. Go IU! Mon. - Thu: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 473 S. Landmark Ave. 812-318-1023 starroralsurgery.com

Mon. - Thu.: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 3925 E. Hagan St., Suite 201 812-822-2489 bloomingtonbraces.com

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the care and services you need to stay healthy at idsnews.com/health

Our eye care clinics serve patients in Bloomington-Atwater Eye Care Center and Indianapolis Eye Care Center, with faculty doctors and student interns who work together to provide the most comprehensive eye care available. Our many services include primary care, pediatrics, low vision, dry eye,laser and disease, contact lenses including specialty lenses, myopia management, aniseikonia, and full optical center. Open to the public and accepting most insurances. Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.,: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wed.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat.: 8 a.m. - Noon 744 E. Third St. 812-855-8436 1160 W. Michigan 317-278-1470 optometry.iu.edu

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ARTS

Sept. 17, 2026 idsnews.com

Editors Lexi Bunting, Ursula Stickelmaier, Abby Whited arts@idsnews.com

5

Window 85 serves up sweet drinks and big dreams By Steven Leatherwood sjleathe@iu.edu

Sitting under the nighttime hotspot of The Upstairs Pub resides a small boba kiosk window called Window 85. Its colorful sign and bright menu draw the eyes of passers-by, attracting them toward the storefront. Smiling out the window of the shop is Kate Gao, as she hands drinks to waiting customers. Gao is the creator of the drink recipes and manager of the shop. The owner of Z & C Teriyaki and Sushi approached Gao with an opportunity to start the tea shop next door. She accepted and rented out the small space next to their store and became a junior partner with the business. The shop offers a wide selection of sweet drinks like milk teas, coffee lattes and matcha. “Sugar makes me happy,” Gao said. “Every day when I feel just like, ‘I’m depressed,’ I need sugar. A little bit of sugar makes me just feel okay.” Gao said she believes other people around her also need something sweet in their lives. Gao is the first and often only face customers see when they order their drinks at the window since she is the only one who works at the shop most days. Customers can choose to order through an ordering kiosk or directly with Gao, though Gao said she still tries to talk to customers because she loves to chat, sometimes

Window 85 is pictured Sept. 8, 2026, in Bloomington. The restaurant opened in August 2026.

even to the point where her voice starts to hurt. Gao works at the storefront every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. — the shop’s hours. The interior of the store is about the size of a small food truck — about 6 feet by 12 feet — complete with a fridge full of a variety of milks, puddings and tapioca. The exterior is quite simple, with signs and menus

boasting the diverse array of drinks to try. Gao herself designed the iconography for the signage. For the past six years, she has been working toward her two master’s degrees, from the philosophy department at Beijing Normal University as well as a degree in the history and philosophy of science from Indiana University which she received in December. She said she

was glad to take a break from school and do something different. “Yes, doing research is really fun,” Gao said. “But still, I want connection with people.” Gao has already connected with a few returning customers like Anna Slavuk, an IU student who discovered Window 85 last week. She said Window 85 has a lot more options on their

ELLIE SNIDER | IDS

menu than other boba places in Bloomington. “I’m from Southern California, they pride themselves in really good boba,” Slavuk said. “When I saw this place open up, it felt almost like nostalgic of home.” T h i r t y - t w o - y e a r- o l d Gao is originally from Qiqihar, China, and moved to Bloomington in August 2022 with her husband. After she got her master’s

degree from IU last spring, she spent months developing the recipes for the drinks leading up to its grand opening Aug. 1. “At the very first beginning, when I opened the shop, only just like one or two orders,” Gao said. “But now it’s good. Yeah, like I can have hundreds.” First-time customer at Gao’s shop, Cassidy Crosby, a graduate student in IU’s English department, said she’s had tea at other Bloomington shops, but Window 85 has been the best one so far. “I have had a lot of subpar matcha in my life,” Crosby said, sipping her strawberry matcha tea. “But this is really, really good.” Gao said that she wanted to someday own a chain of tea shops. She has created multiple business designs, planning her future in boba enterprise. “I have big ambitions,” Gao said, pulling out a notepad that had various plans and shop names on it. “I want to have a chain.” Though she works long hours, Gao said she loves coming home every night to her 2-year-old daughter, Pheonix. Gao said she hoped her entrepreneurial endeavors would help her be a strong female role model in her daughter’s life. “I still choose to be here, work here every day because I think my daughter, she needs a role model in the real life,” Gao said. “Not from a guy, but from a woman.”

‘Heist’ returns for Constellation’s 5th anniversary By Shreya Sendhil ssendhil@iu.edu

“Heist” has returned to Bloomington, the city where it got its start five years ago, to open Constellation Stage & Screen’s fifth anniversary season. The play, which has since gone on to gross millions in theaters across North America, is running through Sept. 20 at the Waldron Arts Center. Written by Arun Lakra, “Heist” follows a band of criminals torn apart by suspicion and betrayal, who reunite for one last job: stealing a multimillion-dollar jewel from an international thief. The creative team used drones, lasers and stage smoke to stretch what the space can do, turning a single stationary set into a shifting, cinematic backdrop for the show’s plot twists. But the show almost didn’t make it this far. Commissioned in 2021 by local patrons Susan and David Jones and developed at the Bloomington Playwrights Project, the company now known as Constellation, “Heist” played just three performances before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close. What started as a short-lived pro-

duction in Bloomington has since grossed over $2 million in ticket sales across the United States and Canada, a rise fueled by award nominations and strong reviews out of its Calgary premiere that put it on other theaters’ radar. There are currently five productions planned across North America in the next year as well as plans to formally publish the script with a licensing company. For director and Constellation artistic director Chad Rabinovitz, who has been with “Heist” since its earliest workshop, history gives this particular staging a different meaning than the others. He has watched the show grow into something audiences across the country now line up for. Getting to bring it home, in a bigger space with a bigger budget, is not lost on him. “This show for me is pure joy,” Rabinovitz said. “I love hearing people gasp and hearing the reactions of the audience when reveals happen.” So far, every night of the run has ended the same way, Rabinovitz said: with the audience on their feet. For him, the standing ovations point to something bigger than a well-built set. He said the goal was to give Bloomington audiences an

immersive experience and blur the line between watching a movie and watching a play. It’s an approach that leans on the same staging already reshaping the show — scene projections, immersive sound design and a nonlinear structure that keeps audiences guessing rather than watching events unfold in order. “I want the audience to have an experience they have never had before on stage, especially in Bloomington,” Rabinovitz said. That intention seems to be landing. Audience members have left just as moved by the show’s cinematic quality as Rabinovitz hoped they would be. “The audio visual was on another level,” attendee Andrew Koke said. “The production was outstanding.” Catherine Overbey, a self-described theater fan who sees a lot of shows, said it was the movie-style live action that drew her in from the start. What stuck with both of them, though, wasn’t something they saw on stage at all. After the curtain call, a QR code lets audience members scan and listen to an audio continuation of the story. For Koke and Overbey, that was the detail that stayed with them longest.

COURTESY PHOTO

Actress Katja Roberts performs as her character in “Heist” during a dress rehearsal Sept. 2, 2026, at the John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington. The play, which was first performed at Constellation Stage & Screen in 2021, returns for its fifth season and runs through Sept. 20.

“I liked going home with the story,” Overbey said. Tickets for “Heist” start at $30 for adults and $23 for students, with paywhat-you-will pricing available for Thursday evening

performances starting at $13. Tickets are available at seeconstellation.org, by phone at 812-336-9300 or in person at 122 S. Walnut St. Looking back on everything “Heist” has become,

Rabinovitz didn’t need to overstate his case. In the show’s program notes, he put it simply: “I was right. A heist for the stage really is the next big thing!”

COLUMN: Where to find fall flavors around Bloomington By Alexis Chavira achavira@iu.edu

Fall’s arrival brings comforting flavors — apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, maple — to menus and bakery cases around Bloomington. These seasonal favorites are a chance to explore the local businesses that make the city special, so here are some places to check out this fall. Soma Coffeehouse & Juice Bar A popular cafe near campus, Soma captures the fall season with offerings like a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin cream cold brew and apple cider. These drinks are best paired with seasonal baked goods, like its pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Soma’s welcoming and relaxed atmosphere encourages you to linger and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Plus, Soma’s location at 1400 E. Third St., just across the street from the Jacobs School of Music, makes it a convenient stop during a

busy fall school day. Crumble Coffee and Bakery Even though cinnamon rolls are a year-round delicacy at Crumble, I think it deserves a spotlight during the fall season. Freshly baked daily, the cinnamon rolls are doughy, spiced with layers of cinnamon sugar and topped with a cream cheese frosting. The extensive pie selection — offering apple, pecan, pumpkin and cranberry apple — is also of note. At the location at 316 S. Swain Ave., Crumble is sure to provide you with a warm and autumnal ambiance. Verona Coffee House When it comes to specialty drinks, Verona might take the cake. The cookie butter latte is the quintessential fall sweet treat, consisting of cookie butter, vanilla, espresso and brown sugar cinnamon. The Rolo cold brew offers a fun twist on a typical coffee order, with the combination of caramel and chocolate drizzle with cara-

mel cold foam. Personally, the sweater weather latte is my favorite, not just because of the name, but because a classic espresso with brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon is something I would never pass up. These fun drinks are only offered until late October, so a trip in the coming weeks to Verona at 3105 S. Sare Road Apt 101 is a necessity. Two Sticks Bakery If you are in need of a cake, Two Sticks at 415 S. Washington St. is the place to be. In addition to their typical menu, the bakery has an impressive catalogue of fall flavors. The spiced brown butter pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting offers a rich take on the classic fall sweet treat, with warm spices and nutty brown butter, which compliments the pumpkin flavor. It also offers a tres leches salted caramel cake topped with whipped cream frosting, making for another tasty and unique fall treat to try.

ILLUSTRATION BY ARDEN ROEDA

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Nothing beats a late night trip to Bruster’s, especially when its seasonal fall flavors are available. This autumn, caramel apple crunch has been added to the menu and, in my

opinion, should stay for good. Another seasonal flavor is pumpkin patch, a pumpkin ice cream with graham crackers and wafer pieces. For those who prefer a plain pumpkin ice cream, no worries — that

makes the seasonal menu as well. Make sure you try these specialty flavors before Bruster’s closes for the winter Nov. 15. Located at 4531 E. Third St., the short drive is worth these extraordinary flavors.

Sept. 17, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

6

COLUMN: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ still shines through the static By Addison Jacoby agjacoby@iu.edu

Light orchestral jazz streams from my living room TV shows the time of 9:40 a.m. Quickly, the screen transitions to say the day of the week, then, "Philadelphia, PA," as I hear Danny DeVito's voice come through the music. Every episode of “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” begins in a similar fashion to this one, telling the audience the time, day of the week and location. And it has for the last 17 seasons. The first two episodes of Season 18 began airing through FX on Aug. 17, with the next eight episodes scheduled to premiere weekly until Oct. 12. As of Sept. 8, five total episodes have aired. After watching half of the season so far, I can safely say that "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" has outlasted cable television for one reason — the topical quick-witted humor. One thing the writers have done right since the first season aired in 2005 is allowing the Gang — as the five main characters refer to themselves — to evolve (and purposefully having them not evolve with the times). The writing of the series has stayed consistent through the years with the satirical themes of acknowledging,

MOVIE STILLS DATABASE

Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Rob Mac, Danny DeVito and Charlie Day (left to right) act in TV show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The first two episodes of Season 18 were released Aug. 17, 2026.

participating and harping on current events, technology and movements. It is one of the few shows that consistently satirizes current problems without

making the satire feel too gimmicky. Within the overthe-top satire of Paddy's Pub, the characters interact with the world as it is and as it changes.

I have seen almost all of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and while the latest season has yet to beat the golden years of the show — which I personally think

are seasons 2-8 — the Gang has managed to keep their numerous commitments to the bit alive. The infamous McPoyle family makes a comeback

in "The Gang Goes to the Ren Faire," as the owners of the land that a Renaissance faire is hosted on that the Gang is visiting. The ever-so business savvy Frank attempts to meet with the landlord, unknowingly scheduling a meeting with Pappy McPoyle (Guillermo del Toro). Within the series, the McPoyles have feuded with the Gang since they were introduced in the early days of the show as the dysfunctional family of the Paddy's Pub owner, Pappy McPoyle. Other recurring characters, such as Uncle Jack (Andrew Friedman) and Luther McDonald (Gregory Scott Cummins), continued to serve their purpose as Charlie Kelly's (Charlie Day) creepy lawyer uncle or Mac McDonald's (Rob Mac) deadbeat dad. Overall, the past five episodes kept the spirit of the show's integrity. The first episode was a strong start to the season and the writers kept the storyline from the first episode bleeding into the second episode since they were released on the same day, which I think was an excellent choice. The next episode, "Gilligan's Island: A Conspiracy Theorist's Paradise," will air 9 p.m. Sept. 21 on FX. Four more episodes in total are set to come out each Monday at 9 p.m. until Oct. 12.

COLUMN: Season 2 of ‘Adults’ embraces the growing pains of early adulthood By Ursula Stickelmaier ustickel@iu.edu

SPOILER: This column contains potential spoilers for “Adults” Season 2. A group of friends living together in New York City is not new. In fact, when it comes to television, I would consider the premise a tale as old as time. It’s becoming a Shakespearean-esque archetype of sitcoms with how many times it’s been reused. “Friends” was doing it in 1994. “How I Met Your Mother” followed that same formula in 2005. And now, in 2026, FX and Hulu continue the tradition with Season 2 of “Adults,” released Aug. 27. While the show is by no means revolutionary, it does an excellent job of providing a comedic plot while giving a voice to the kind of fears and insecurities that come with growing up. The FX comedy series follows friends Samir (Malik Elassal), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Anton (Owen Thiele), Issa (Amita Rao) and Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) living together in Samir’s parents’ house in New York City. Together, the group of five navigates career setbacks, money struggles and the general ups and downs of early adulthood. Compared to Season 1, what I felt that Season 2 did best was show how the characters deal with their

own individual issues, as opposed to issues they have within the group. Your 20s are often known as a time in your life to make mistakes and try new things, but for many people, it’s also a time when they might feel like they’re falling behind, even if they don’t want to admit it. “Adults” does a great job at portraying these feelings that come with early adulthood. I noticed this most with Billie and Issa, two characters who certainly went on an emotional roller coaster this season as they both dealt with complicated feelings in their professional and personal lives. To be frank, Season 1 was rough for Billie. Not only did she spend most of the show looking for a new job after being fired, but she rounds out the first season by breaking up with Andrew (Charlie Cox), her high school journalism teacher who she had confided about feeling washed up earlier in the season. However, Season 2 takes her down an entirely different path as she finds confidence in her dating life while losing even more of the career passion that drove her last season. I’m sure I wouldn’t be too far off in saying that most people in their 20s have felt like they were struggling in all areas of their life at least once, and that’s exactly what we see Billie dealing with.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Jack Innanen and Amita Rao (left to right) act in the TV show "Adults." Season 2 premiered on Aug. 27, 2026.

As hard as she may try, she can’t turn back the clock, and she’s hit a point where she’s been burnt out for so long that she isn’t sure how to start over. And, in possibly one of the most realistic moves of the series, the show makes no attempt to solve this for her. She certainly tries to figure out her life, especially professionally, but she is nowhere near finished. By leaving her story open-ended, it’s easy to see how Billie can grow as a character should the show get renewed for Season 3. Issa follows a similar,

slightly less-tragic character arc as Billie. But while Billie’s biggest issues are faced in her professional life, Issa finds herself struggling personally after her breakup with Paul Baker midway through this season. So much of Issa’s character throughout the show is influenced by how she thinks people perceive her and if they like her or not. In Episode 7, “C Alert,” Issa helps Anton fix a mistake he made at work but instead diverges from the plan when she realizes she doesn’t have to try so hard

to get everyone to like her; she just has to be someone else. It’s probably not the best move to make as a friend, but as someone who has had the same intrusive thoughts that have me asking “if everyone hates me” or “if I’m being too much,” it’s a feeling I can heavily relate to. Like Billie, Issa’s issues are not solved within the eight episodes the season gives you. She’s left to question who she is and whether she can get her confidence back or if she will forever be a “weird little guy,” as the

characters of the show continuously refer to her. “Adults” doesn’t reinvent the sitcom. It doesn’t break crazy boundaries in the television industry like some sitcoms have. Instead, it provides comfort to a younger generation struggling with the same obstacles in their own careers, relationships and personal lives. And while I would have loved more than eight episodes with these characters, the open ending leaves me hopeful that fans will be getting a Season 3 announcement soon.

COLUMN: Explore 4 places to make your own art in Bloomington By Hope Bernard hbernar@iu.edu

If you are bored or just have free time on your hands, making art is a great way to spend your time productively. However, many people don’t have the supplies or the skills to get started on a craft, making the task seem overwhelming. Luckily, Bloomington is home to many places that offer workshops and classes to educate the community on different art forms. Here is a guide to those spaces and their different mediums: The Pottery House Studio at 223 S. Pete Ellis Drive At The Pottery House Studio, you can either throw your own clay forms on a pottery wheel or paint a premade piece. When I went with my friend, the studio had a wide variety of pieces you can paint, including sculptures, mugs and planters. But if you want to throw a piece, you can take a beginner-friendly class like I did. The shop has $320, eightweek sessions, which range from beginner to advanced

levels, where you can learn about throwing pottery alongside the option to take one-time classes that start at $50 per person. If you do decide to take one of these classes or attend the more in-depth sessions, you need to register on the studio’s website. All the information regarding these events can be found online. The shop also hosts events, including “Karaoke with Rebecca Itow,” on Sept. 17. The event will take place at the studio, and additional events can be found on its website’s event tab. University of Sewing at 611 W. 11th St. While primarily a shop that carries everything you need to sew, the University of Sewing also offers a multitude of lessons in sewing, quilting and embroidery. It even offers classes on how to use Bernina machines, giving people an overview of the basics they need to successfully machine sew. Some of its upcoming events include a “Making a Tote Bag” workshop Sept. 22 and an “Embroidery: Machine Embroidery Patchwork Ornaments” class

Sept. 25. If you are looking for something else, there is a wide array of classes that can be found on the events tab on its website. Bloomington Creative Glass Center at 229 W. Grimes Lane If you're looking to make a beautiful stained-glass piece or even learn about the history of glass, the Bloomington Creative Glass Center has you covered. The center offers classes in kiln work and fusing, glassblowing, stained glass and coldworking. The center also has takehome kits for customers to assemble and take back to the studio to be fused if the traditional workshop experience doesn’t work for them. The center will be hosting its 17th annual “Great Glass Pumpkin Patch” Oct. 10 on the Bloomington Courthouse Lawn for those interested in seeing marvelous glass pumpkin pieces. If you are hoping to participate in one of their classes, there are still spots available in the “Fused Glass House Numbers” class Sept. 21, as well as the center’s “Glass Combing” class Sept. 22. Upcoming classes can be

IDS FILE PHOTO

The inside of the Pottery House Studio is seen Sept. 4, 2021, at 223 S. Pete Ellis Drive. Potter House Studio has offered different classes and workshops since opening.

found on the center’s website. Prices depend on the individual craft. Bloomington Art Club Although not an art shop, the Bloomington Art Club holds many events to create art in a variety of mediums. The club is open to everyone, and participants can bring their own supplies,

projects they are currently working on or simply use what supplies the group offers. The group offers the community opportunities to create and view zines, small art booklets that share ideas and stories. Artists can enter their zine into the group’s submission form to be featured in a quarterly zine

called “CART,” that aims to showcase a community or artist’s works. The Bloomington Art Club will be hosting “Movie x Art Club: Zine Making + Film Screening” on Sept. 20 at 408 W. Kirkwood Ave. More information about event dates and how to donate to the club is on its website.

Indiana Daily Student

SPORTS

Sept. 17, 2026 idsnews.com

Editors Conor Banks, Sean McAvoy, Kasey Watkins sports@idsnews.com

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FOOTBALL

‘Back to how we used to be’ Indiana steps up to standard in win over Howard

MANASVI DOSHI | IDS

Indiana football redshirt senior defensive lineman Josh Burnham forces an errant throw against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The Hoosiers shutout the Bison. By Conor Banks

conbanks@iu.edu | @Conorbanks06

Indiana football made its mark as one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the nation last season. The Hoosiers rarely made mistakes en route to a national championship win. Indiana also established itself as a consistent force in the run game in 2025, recording a programrecord six 300-yard rushing performances. These two areas are essential for any team wanting to compete. But the Hoosiers didn’t set the tone in the run game and missed 13 tackles in their season opener against the University of North Texas on Sept. 5. Despite a 52-16 win, head coach Curt Cignetti made it clear his team did not meet the standard last weekend. The Cream and Crimson upped their standard of play

during a 55-0 victory over Howard University on Sept. 12 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. In an appearance on the Inside Indiana Football radio show on Thursday, Cignetti said a disappointing season opener prompted him to “send a message” to his team. Following a shutout victory against Howard, the third-year Hoosiers head coach said there “was a better taste in our mouths.” North Texas outgained Indiana 152-134 in rushing yards, and a 43-yard rushing touchdown from seventh-year quarterback Grant Wilson inflated the Hoosiers’ rushing line. In the backfield, redshirt senior running back Lee Beebe Jr. and junior running back Turbo Richard combined for just 3.1 yards per carry. “We just gotta do way better in the run game,” redshirt senior offensive

lineman Joe Brunner said postgame Sept. 12. “Talking about last week, I think we did that this week.” The Hoosiers set the ground game tone early against Howard. On their second series, the Cream and Crimson ran the ball on eight of their 10 plays. Beebe and Richard both surpassed 100 rushing yards. Beebe led the team with 117 yards across 16 carries, while Richard handled 11 attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Howard struggled to find rushing space against Indiana’s defensive front. The Bison mustered just 13 yards in 27 attempts with four ball carriers in the negatives. In 2025, Indiana led the nation with 129 tackles for loss. On Sept. 12, its defensive front collected 12 TFLs — a step up from its seven last weekend. It was a collective team

effort as nine different Hoosiers contributed a TFL. Sophomore defensive lineman Keishaun Calhoun and junior defensive lineman Daniel Ndukwe tied for a team-high two TFLs. “Yeah, that’s great,” Cignetti said of his defensive line Sept. 12. “Back to how we used to be.” Howard struggled to move the ball throughout the afternoon. The Bison earned just four first downs to the Hoosiers’ 24. Indiana also limited Howard to just 1.2 yards per play — over four yards less than North Texas’ 5.5 yards per play average last weekend. The Cream and Crimson were also much more effective getting to the quarterback Sept. 12. After picking up just one sack in its season opener, Indiana had five against Howard. While it did not result in a sack, redshirt senior defensive lineman Josh

Burnham had perhaps the Hoosiers’ most impactful pressure. On a third-and-8 in the second quarter, Burnham broke through the Bisons’ protection and laid a hit on graduate student quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins. Scroggins released the ball just as Burnham made contact, forcing an errant throw that fell into the hands of junior linebacker Rolijah Hardy, who took the ball the opposite way for a pick six. Coming from the University of Notre Dame, Burnham was one of eight defensive players Indiana added via the transfer portal before the season. With a large collection of new talent, it will take time and full-speed repetitions for the new-look unit to gel. This was seen in Indiana’s 2025 Week 1 contest against Old Dominion University, when the Hoosiers surrendered a

75-yard touchdown on the opening play. But the defense gathered itself, allowing just nine combined points in its final two nonconference games. “I think it’s chemistry,” Hardy said Sept. 12. “I think as we continue to play these games, we’re gonna be able to play off of each other. And I think today showed that.” Now, the challenge will be maintaining this level of play as tougher conference games loom, including an Oct. 17 showdown against No. 6 Ohio State. In the meantime, Indiana can continue building chemistry, as the Hoosiers host Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19 to close nonconference play. “We keep a high standard and the standard always gonna be the standard,” Hardy said. “...Coach Cig (Cignetti) challenged us to get better this week, and I think we did better.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Indiana falls 3-0 to No. 6 Ohio State By Will Kwiatkowski

wdkwiatk@iu.edu | @WKwiatkowski_15

Around 20 brass instruments, from trumpets to tubas, brought energy to hot afternoon Sept. 13 at Bill Armstrong Stadium as Indiana women’s soccer prepared for its biggest test of the season. The IU Crabb Band opened the game with a familiar sound from the stands — the Indiana fight song. No. 6 Ohio State took away that energy in fewer than nine minutes. The Buckeyes scored twice before the match reached the 10-minute mark and added another goal in the second half, defeating Indiana 3-0 Sept. 13 and snapping the Hoosiers’ twomatch winning streak. Ohio State senior forward Amanda Schlueter opened the scoring in the eighth minute, sending a perfectly placed right-footed shot into the top-left corner where no goalkeeper could reach. Fewer than two minutes later, a familiar face doubled Ohio State’s lead. Senior forward Elle Britt, who played for Indiana before transferring to Ohio State two seasons ago, sent a leftfooted shot into the bottomright corner to make it 2-0 just under nine minutes into the match. The two goals quickly changed the atmosphere at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

The Indiana band continued playing from the stands, and the Hoosiers kept grinding on the field, but they were forced to chase the match almost from the start. Indiana entered Sept. 13 following consecutive road victories over Ohio University and Nebraska. The Hoosiers opened Big Ten play Sept. 10 with a 1-0 victory over the Cornhuskers, their first shutout of the season. Undefeated Ohio State presented a different level of competition. “They’re a very good team,” head coach Josh Rife said after the loss Sept. 13. “They came out and showed us why they’re ranked where they’re at.” Indiana prevented the deficit from growing before halftime, but Schlueter showed why Rife considers her one of the nation’s elite players shortly after the break. In the 60th minute, Schlueter received the ball roughly 20 yards from the goal. She dribbled forward before taking a step away from her defender, creating enough space to send a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner past fifth-year goalkeeper Dani Jacobson. “You give her that kind of time and space, like she’s going to punish you,” Rife said. “And that’s what happened.”

JACK JERNIGAN | IDS

Indiana women’s soccer senior midfielder Krista Murphy battles for the ball against Ohio State on Sept. 13, 2026, at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington. The Hoosiers lost 3-0.

The goal was Schlueter’s second of the match and sixth of the season, giving her the second-most scores in the Big Ten before the remainder of matches on Sept. 13 concluded. Rife said containing a player of Schlueter’s caliber couldn’t fall on one defender. Indiana attempted to provide help defensively and limit her one-on-one opportunities. Yet, Schlueter still found

the space needed to score twice. “Arguably (Schlueter) is a kid who’s going to be up for National Player of the Year,” Rife said. Indiana was unable to answer Ohio State’s third goal, dropping to 1-1-0 in Big Ten play and missing an opportunity for its first 2-0 conference start since 2023. But Rife wants the Hoosiers to use the loss as an early look at the level

required to compete with the Big Ten’s best. “I’d rather have this game now than later,” Rife said. “We see what it looks like.” Rife said Indiana can take confidence from stretches where it challenged Ohio State while recognizing the areas where the Buckeyes punished mistakes. “What can we learn from these moments that we can

take from it?” Rife said. “There are going to be other good teams in conference.” Indiana now has a week before traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, for its next Big Ten match against the Badgers on Sept. 20. The Hoosiers have seven days to learn from their first conference loss. For Rife, however, the first step was simply moving past it. “The best thing about today,” Rife said, “is it’s over.”

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May 7, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

» DEAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 They argued that general rudeness was not actionable, Mines had not been terminated due to his race and there were no allegations that he was subjected to severe racebased harassment. A U.S. district court judge dismissed the case in March 2026, writing that Mines’ allegations failed to support a pattern of racial discrimination. Two months after the suit was dismissed, Boden visited Indiana University Indianapolis for a May 21 town hall as a candidate for the School of Medicine dean position. On May 28, IU announced Boden's hiring. Transparency concerns The Indiana University Indianapolis chapter of the American Association of University Professors released a statement in June after Boden’s hiring was announced. The statement expressed transpar-

ency concerns following the dean’s quick appointment and the “unexpected nature of the announcement” of Boden as a candidate. IUI-AAUP President Althea Kaminske told the Indiana Daily Student she felt Boden’s hiring moved very quickly, without enough time to consider input from faculty, students and alumni fully. She said it was surprising to have Boden come out as a third candidate after two finalists had previously been announced and visited the Indianapolis campus in February. “It’s unfortunate that such an incredibly important position at the country’s largest medical school seemed rushed through, and there was a lack of stakeholder input,” Kaminske said. “It sets the dean off on the wrong foot with the rest of the school.” Some students expressed concerns about the lawsuit, Boden’s qualifications and his responses to questions at the candidacy town hall. Ethan SeRine, a second-

year medical student at IU Indianapolis, told the IDS he felt it was an oversight on the part of the university to not have noticed something as “glaring” as the dismissed suit on Boden’s record. “I think it was immediately concerning that we couldn’t find a candidate that doesn’t have a racial discrimination lawsuit,” SeRine said. “Like, I don’t think that’s a common thing in the physician world.” SeRine said that after watching the town hall on Zoom, he felt like Boden was unprepared for the event. “I think there was just a lot of questions left unanswered, and it felt like he didn’t really care enough to prepare to have answers to some of those questions that were kind of obvious in our opinion,” SeRine said. SeRine said after the town hall, he and other students started reaching out to people they knew to put together a petition opposing Boden’s hiring. They felt Boden lacked administrative experience;

Health Spotlight

KEEGAN TEDDER | IDS

The IU School of Medicine is pictured Sept. 9, 2026, on 340 W 10th St. IU students and faculty raised concerns related to the hiring of the new dean of the school of medicine.

SeRine thought it wouldn’t be hard to find a candidate who had been a dean of a smaller school and had experience running a medical school. Boden has served as a tenured professor of orthopaedic surgery since 2001 and in several leadership positions within the Emory Healthcare system, including as chief medical officer and chief quality officer at the Emory Univer-

sity Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital. The two most recent IUSM deans did not serve as deans at a different school before coming to IU. Both worked as faculty members and department chairs before taking the position. Zorah Mehrzad, a secondyear medical student at IU’s Evansville campus, said a petition she helped create opposing Boden’s hiring as the dean

Jan Taylor-Schultz

gained over 130 signatures in about two weeks. “Our big thing was that it felt that the school had very little transparency when it came to selecting their candidates in the first place,” Mehrzad said. Boden will also serve as the executive vice president for university clinical affairs, working as a member of IU President Pamela Whitten’s cabinet.

Optometry

Dr. Andrew Jones, OD Dr. Marzia Zamani, OD Dr. Mark Houser, OD

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General Health

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Your neighborhood Healthcare starts here. The Little Clinic at Kroger in Bloomington offers convenient care for the whole family. We treat common illnesses and minor injuries, provide physicals, vaccinations, wellness screenings and more. Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule an appointment online. Open 7 days a week with extended hours for your busy schedule. Quality care when you need it — close to home or school!

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A Way of Wellness Chiropractic Dr. Andrew Pitcer, DC Dr. Crystal Gray, DC A Way of Wellness Chiropractic specializes in comprehensive spinal and extremity care. We offer a wide range of treatment and physical therapy modalities for spinal and extremity issues, addressing not just the symptoms, but the body as a whole. We provide effective chiropractic care helping patients reduce or eliminate pain, improve mobility and function, and improve overall spinal health. The exceptional treatment we provide is always fit to your individual needs and goals. Let us help you achieve and maintain good spinal health. We look forward to meeting you! Mon. - Thu: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Oral/Dental Care

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Mon. - Thu: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1124 S. College Mall Rd. 812-336-5525 jcdsmiles.com

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Mon. - Fri: by appointment 205 N. College Ave., Suite 712 812-575-4540 lpsbehavioralhealth.com

Dr. Josh Chapman Dr. Timothy J. Devitt Dr. Charles Abraham Experience exceptional care at Bloomington Oral Surgery, where your comfort and health come first. Our experienced team combines advanced technology with compassionate, personalized treatment to make your procedure as smooth and stress-free as possible. From consultation through recovery, we’re committed to providing outstanding care and helping you achieve the best possible outcome with confidence. Mon. - Thu.: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri.: 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 1116 S. College Mall Rd. 812-332-2204 oralsurgeryofbloomington.com

At Chapman Orthodontics, we know what you look for in an orthodontist: someone who is professional, experienced, outgoing, and dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile! We offer free consultations for children, teems and adults. Let us give you a smile you can be proud of using state of the art technology and cutting edge treatment options. We offer clear braces and Invisalign. Chapman Orthodontics is a privately owned orthodontic practice. Dr. Josh Chapman attended IU Bloomington for undergraduate and received his Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS) AND Masters (MSD) in Orthodontics at IU school of Dentistry in Indy. Go Hoosiers!

Office hours are subject to change. Check the website for most accurate hours.

Jackson Creek Dental is conveniently located on South College Mall Road. Most insurance accepted including the Indiana University Cigna plan. At Jackson Creek Dental we offer same day crowns, in office whitening, sure smile, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care.

HOOSIER ORAL SURGEON

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Oral/Dental Care Floyd F. Robison, PhD, HSPP Beth A. Robison, MS, LMHC Thomas Harmes, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Tavel Family Eyecare is your partner in your personal eyecare journey. Since 1940, the company has believed that every Hoosier deserves quality eyecare and vision solutions at an affordable price. Dr. Tavel offers comprehensive eye exams, special testing, management of eye diseases, glasses, contact lenses and much more, all backed by an insurance acceptance guarantee. The company is committed to advancing eye health by investing in the latest technology and providing treatments that are right for every patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Starr is an IU Football Alum who provides pain-free experiences for all Hoosiers with IV sedation. He specializes in wisdom teeth extractions, dental implants, and plasma therapy while utilizing 3D imaging technology. Accomplish fast and predictable healing with plasma therapy to avoid dry sockets after extractions. Voted the most trusted in Bloomington, they look forward to accomplishing exceptional results every day for all Hoosiers. Go IU! Mon. - Thu: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 473 S. Landmark Ave. 812-318-1023 starroralsurgery.com

Mon. - Thu.: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 3925 E. Hagan St., Suite 201 812-822-2489 bloomingtonbraces.com

For membership in the Indiana Daily Student Health Directory, please contact ads@idsnews.com.

the care and services you need to stay healthy at idsnews.com/health

Our eye care clinics serve patients in Bloomington-Atwater Eye Care Center and Indianapolis Eye Care Center, with faculty doctors and student interns who work together to provide the most comprehensive eye care available. Our many services include primary care, pediatrics, low vision, dry eye,laser and disease, contact lenses including specialty lenses, myopia management, aniseikonia, and full optical center. Open to the public and accepting most insurances. Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.,: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wed.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat.: 8 a.m. - Noon 744 E. Third St. 812-855-8436 1160 W. Michigan 317-278-1470 optometry.iu.edu

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Sept 17, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

FIELD HOCKEY

Hoosiers erupt, beat Cardinals 7-1

ANYA MINEKUS | IDS

Sophomore midfielder Georgia Rottinghaus runs upfield in a game against Central Michigan University on Sept. 7, 2026, at Deborah Tobias Field in Bloomington. Indiana scored seven unanswered goals against Ball State University on Sept. 13. By Jack Davis

jjd5@iu.edu | @JackDavis0006

Indiana field hockey struggled to put the ball in the cage early against Ball State University but scored seven unanswered goals in the final three quarters to defeat the Cardinals 7-1 in Muncie, Indiana. The Hoosiers controlled possession from the start, but early opportunities failed to result in goals. Indiana recorded 10 shots and six shots on goal in the first quarter while earning five penalty corners, but Cardinals senior goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich kept

the game scoreless. Ball State turned the defense into offense and eventually struck first. Junior forward/midfielder GiGi Ranoldo scored off a penalty corner with 14:35 remaining in the second quarter to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead, despite Indiana holding a 13-1 advantage in shots at the time. The goal appeared to wake up the Hoosiers' offense. Indiana responded with three goals in the final five minutes of the first half, turning its early pressure into production.

Junior forward/midfielder Mijntje Hagen tied the game with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter, scoring off a penalty corner. Sophomore forward Celia Arroyo Cabezudo and senior forward/midfielder Theresa Ricci assisted on the goal. Hagen scored again less than two minutes later to give Indiana its first lead of the game, with Arroyo Cabezudo and Inés Garcia Prado providing the assists. Then the game became the Molly Stutte show. The sophomore forward/midfielder scored with 40 seconds remaining

in the half to give Indiana a 3-1 lead. She carried the momentum into the third quarter — scoring twice more to complete her hat trick, her first with the Hoosiers. Stutte's second goal came with 13:35 remaining in the third quarter. She found the back of the cage again with 7:44 remaining in the period. The three goals gave her six in the season thus far. Arroyo Cabezudo added another goal with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter, extending Indiana's lead to 6-1. It was her fifth goal of the season.

Hagen added her third goal of the game with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, completing her hat trick and capping Indiana's 7-1 victory. Indiana finished with 36 shots, including 27 on goal, and 17 penalty corners. Ball State recorded three shots, all on goal. Indiana head coach Kayla Bashore said the Hoosiers' pressing lines and composure improved throughout the game. “We were just working on our pressing lines, going into the second quarter, just shifting some things around, but, again, just

having that ability to build the play with some composure, I thought that got better as the game went on,” Bashore said postgame on the ESPN+ broadcast. The win extended Indiana's winning streak to four games. The Hoosiers will open Big Ten play against No. 2 Iowa at 6 p.m. Sept. 18, in Iowa City, Iowa. The game will stream on B1G+. “This year, it'll be a really great test for us,” Bashore said. “This team has a lot of potential. They have a lot of ability to not just build the play out, but to counterattack from the good pressing lines.”

SOFTBALL

Indiana opens with 19-1 victory over Bryant & Stratton By Adair Spurlock madspurl@iu.edu

Indiana softball returned to Andy Mohr Field on Sept. 13 for the opening game of its fall slate, demolishing opponent Bryant & Stratton College in a 19-1 win. Most notably, freshman shortstop Alexa Iwema hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning that brought the Hoosiers to an 8-1 lead over the Bobcats. They scored another 11 runs and collected a total of 25 hits. Each player got the opportunity to play in two innings, a contrast to the nine-player lineup of a regular season game. All six pitchers — Ella Troutt, Aubree Hooks, Taylor Hess, Leah Helton, Reese Mosolino and Bria Bosiljevac — pitched during the game. The team announced nine freshmen as part of its 2026 signing class ahead of this season. Additionally, after four years at Minnesota, outfielder Breezy Burnett signed with the team. Burnett has a career total of 55 runs, 81 hits, including 27 extra base hits, and 53 RBIs paired with her .983 fielding percentage. She is also a three-time Academic AllBig Ten selection. Head coach Shonda Stanton said the newcomers have shown significant promise.

“We’ve got a group of returners that are acting like vets, and leading, and teaching,” Stanton said postgame Sept. 13. “And then we’ve got a bunch of newbies that are being first followers and just getting on board. We’ve been very efficient, and I’m very pleased with how we’re coming together as a group.”

“The challenge then, moving forward, will be patience, tactical patience.” Shonda Stanton, head coach

Of the newcomers, standouts include freshman infielder Emma Bruggenschmidt. She was a 2025 Miss Softball finalist and finished her senior year of high school with a .533 batting average, 58 hits, 14 doubles and five home runs. Utility player Aly Vanbrandt returns for a fourth year after earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors while batting over .400 in both 2024 and 2026. Stanton also said the tactical skill the team exhibited during the game was not limited to offense or defense. “We scored up and down the lineup, it didn't matter what part of the lineup,” Stanton said. “We had a

couple long balls today, we had clutch hitting and then we played well defensively with each of our pitchers.” Fall ball games do not count toward the team’s official record. These games are 10 innings instead of the regular season’s seven to give the players as much repetition and practice as possible. Stanton said a strong start comes with the caveat of having to pace that success. “The challenge then, moving forward, will be patience, tactical patience,” Stanton said. Such patience has served the team well before; Indiana softball has made regionals the last four consecutive years. Last season, the Hoosiers finished with a 43-16 overall record, and a 17-7 conference record. They also led the nation in hit by pitches with a total of 77, the most in the NCAA Division 1. Stanton, who enters her 10th year as head coach, said she understands what it will take to continue that streak. “It’s all about the process, you know, one game at a time,” Stanton said. “For us (we have to) be hungry, to push and have that confidence of what this program can do and become.” The Hoosiers will next face off against Indiana Tech at home at 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Andy Mohr Field.

ELLIE SNYDER | IDS

Indiana softball players huddle Sept. 13, 2026, at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington. The Hoosiers opened their 2026 fall exhibition schedule with a 10-inning matchup against Bryant & Stratton.

Indiana Daily Student

PHOTO

Sept. 17, 2026 idsnews.com

Editors Trinity Mackenzie, Katherine Maners visuals@idsnews.com

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Indiana football shuts out Howard 55-0

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MANASVI DOSHI | IDS

1. Head coach Curt Cignetti surveys the crowd at a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Cignetti was named the 30th head football coach at Indiana University. TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

2. Indiana football players celebrate a touchdown in a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Sophomore wide receiver Davion Chandler scored the touchdown.

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TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

3. Indiana University freshman feature twirler Breanna Dickey smiles during a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The twirler performed with the RedStepper Dance Team. MANASVI DOSHI | IDS

4. The Indiana football team celebrates after a touchdown in a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Indiana scored eight touchdowns in the game. TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

5. Redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover looks to throw in a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Hoover threw no interceptions in the game. MANASVI DOSHI | IDS

6. The Indiana football team lines up in a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Indiana’s record this season dialed up to 2-0. TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

7. Junior wide receiver Charlie Becker is interviewed after a game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Becker had three touchdowns in the game. TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

8. Redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover runs from a Howard University defender on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Hoover had 145 yards in the game. TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

9. Indiana cheerleaders cheer during a football game against Howard University on Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The cheerleaders performed stunts and carried Indiana flags after each touchdown.

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TRINITY MACKENZIE | IDS

10. Freshman linebacker Jacob Savage dives for a Howard University player Sept. 12, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Savage had a sack in the game.

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Sept. 17, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com

IU volleyball sweeps Cal Poly, Eastern Illinois

Freshman outside hitter Sara Snowbarger receives the ball in a game against Eastern Illinois University on Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Snowbarger had six digs in the match.

BEN HARPER | IDS

Freshman outside hitter Sara Snowbarger celebrates with fifth-year middle blocker Kiki Granberry in a match against California Polytechnic State University on Sept. 10, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. The Hoosiers beat the Mustangs in three sets.

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

Fifth-year middle blocker Kiki Granberry prepares to spike the ball in a game against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Granberry recorded seven kills in the match.

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

Sophomore setter Teodora Kričković, freshman outside hitter Sara Snowbarger and sophomore middle blocker Victoria Gray celebrate a point in a game against Eastern Illinois University on Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Kričković recorded four kills in the match.

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

Sophomore setter Teodora Kričković receives the ball in a game against Eastern Illinois University on Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Kričković had nine digs in the match.

BEN HARPER | IDS

Sophomore defensive specialist Hannah Leftridge passes the ball in a match against Cal Poly on Sept. 10, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Leftridge finished the match with eight digs and two assists.

BEN HARPER | IDS

Sophomore setter Teodora Kričković celebrates in a match against California Polytechnic State University on Sept. 10, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Kričković finished the match with four blocks and two aces.

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

The Indiana volleyball student section boos Eastern Illinois University in a game Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Students also stomped on the bleachers and shouted at Eastern Illinois’ setter.

KATHERINE MANERS | IDS

Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager blocks a ball in a game against Eastern Illinois University on Sept. 11, 2026, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Jager recorded four total blocks in the match.