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Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
Transfer pitcher removed from Indiana baseball roster
Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com
IU Board of Trustees approves
$40 million in renovations for Memorial Stadium
KENNEDY HANNAH | IDS
Fans file into Memorial Stadium before the game against the University of North Texas on Sept. 5, 2026, in Bloomington. The Indiana University Board of Trustees Executive Committee approved a $40 million renovation plan to Memorial Stadium during its Sept. 10 meeting. By Grace Fridy gfridy@iu.edu
The Indiana University Board of Trustees Executive Committee unanimously approved a $40 million renovation plan for the west bowl of Memorial Stadium during a Sept. 10 virtual meeting. Executive Committee Chair David Hormuth, Vice Chair Marilee Springer, Matt Ferguson and Steve Henke all
voted in favor of the project, which will add to and renovate existing facilities in the west bowl, like restroom and concessions spaces. The west bowl was constructed in 1962 and has not undergone any major renovations since, John D’Angelo, vice president for capital planning and facilities at IU, said during the meeting. He said that the renovations will add 225 bathrooms to the west
bowl and renovate the existing 166, bringing them up to Americans with Disabilities Act code. “In short, this $40 million investment addresses critical infrastructure needs in the West Bowl, brings plumbing up to current code, resolves longstanding ADA deficiencies, and increases restroom capacity by 136%,” D’Angelo wrote in his prepared statement for the meeting. “It also
expands concession space and points of sale to improve fan service.” During the meeting, Henke praised the plan as timely and proactive, stating that its focus on accessibility and fundamental infrastructure will help preserve the stadium’s longterm functionality. The board authorized the use of $50 million for projects meant to “maintain safe and effective operations for infra-
structure and systems affected by Memorial Stadium usage,” in August, D’Angelo wrote. According to D’Angelo’s prepared statement, the timing of the approval will allow the board to submit the project for state approval before the board’s scheduled October meeting, keeping the project on track for the university’s goal to complete renovations by fall 2027. “Memorial Stadium is one
of the places where people experience Indiana University at its best – whether it’s cheering on the Hoosiers or participating in cherished events and traditions such as Commencement,” Henke wrote in a statement for the meeting. “Today's action reflects our commitment to preserving this valuable asset so it can continue to serve the university and the people of Indiana for decades to come.”
Indiana’s first state mammal could be a bat. Here’s why: By Elizabeth Schuth ekschuth@iu.edu
Desiree Coy spends hours a day on Facebook, contacting local legislators and cities across Indiana, all for a bat.
IDS FILE PHOTO
Belongings of people experiencing homelessness lie in the grass Jan. 11, 2021, at Seminary Park. The number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in Monroe County increased by over 22% this year, according to the 2026 Point-In-Time report.
Monroe County homelessness increases
By Natalia Nelson nelsonnb@iu.edu
The number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in Monroe County increased by over 22% this year, according to the 2026 Point-In-Time report. The Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care usually conducts its annual PIT count on a night in late January. Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Outreach Manager Brian Philps told the Indiana Daily Student in an email that the survey collection period was expanded to five days, as the state experienced extreme cold. Philps said individuals were asked to report where
they slept on the night of Jan. 28. The surveys are carried out by volunteers and PIT coordinators in 91 Indiana counties. The count totaled 373 people in Monroe County, up from 305 in 2025. Of the people counted in Monroe County, over a quarter were under 18. Monroe County had the seventh-highest number of unsheltered people out of all counties in the state included in the report. It saw 49 unsheltered people, meaning they were living in places “not meant for human habitation,” such as cars, parks, streets and encampments. Monroe County had the fourth-highest homeless population of the counties
included in the report, after Vanderburgh, St. Joseph and Allen counties. Marion County, where Indianapolis is located, was not included in the count and is covered by the Indianapolis Continuum of Care. Across the state, volunteers counted a total of 5,192 sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, a 6.8% increase from 2025. People who are sheltered and experiencing homelessness are defined as those in emergency shelters, transitional housing or safe haven veteran housing. This year, the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care reported its count was impacted by temperatures in the negative double digits that
increased shelter locations and bed availability. Senate Enrolled Act 285, which makes camping and sleeping on public land a Class C misdemeanor, went into effect July 1. Its author, Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis, said during the bill’s third reading that the bill created a “moment where outreach, diversion and connection to services can occur and to move individuals toward a healthier and more stable life.” Bloomington has spent over $9 million on curbing homelessness since 2024, according to a report released last November. The city’s efforts include investing in affordable housing, eviction prevention and rapid rehousing programs.
“It's the only animal in the entire world that has Indiana in its name, so that already makes it a shoo-in. That's already an incredible sense of unique Hoosier pride.” Desiree Coy
The New Haven, Indiana, resident’s campaign — Our State, Our Bat — is pushing to make the Indiana bat the first Hoosier state mammal. The Indiana bat is an endangered species first discovered in 1928 in Wyandotte Cave in southern Indiana, close to the Kentucky border. The most recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service count in 2019 found 537,297 Indiana bats across 16 different states. Coy said the campaign started on a whim after she discovered Indiana had no official state mammal. She created a petition and sent it to a few friends and family, who sent it to more friends. Now, the petition has over 3,000 signatures. Indiana is one of only five states without an official
state mammal, and Coy believes the Indiana bat is the perfect candidate. “It's the only animal in the entire world that has Indiana in its name, so that already makes it a shoo-in,” Coy said. “That's already an incredible sense of unique Hoosier pride.” Coy is not campaigning alone. In 2025, fifth-grade teacher Heather Asher and her students at Riverside Intermediate School in Fishers, Indiana, pitched the idea to Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers. Wilburn introduced House Bill 1237 to make the Indiana bat the official state mammal, but it died in committee. She said in an email to the Indiana Daily Student she plans to reintroduce it in the 2027 legislative session. The bat acts as a natural pesticide, with each bat consuming thousands of potentially crop-destroying bugs a night, according to the Bat Conservation Trust. The Department of Natural Resources estimates bats save America’s farmers nearly $4 billion each year on pesticides through their bug munching. Coy said 11 Indiana mayors have announced their support for Our State, Our Bat. Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson announced her support in a June 29 letter to the Indiana General Assembly.
SEE BAT, PAGE 4
Indiana Daily Student
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Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
Editors Ella Curlin, Grace Fridy & Deshna Venkatachalam news@idsnews.com
Postdoctoral fellow competes on Survivor 51 By Natalia Nelson nelsonnb@iu.edu
When Angelica Loblack watched Survivor with her mom and grandma growing up, they all joked that Loblack would never compete. The thought of being dirty and having sand under her toes sounded miserable. But on Sept. 23, Survivor season 51 premiered on CBS with Loblack among its 21 cast members. Loblack, 29, is a postdoctoral fellow for Indiana University’s Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society and visiting assistant professor of sociology at IU. She kept her casting “a little under wraps” for her family, she said. “My mom literally said when she found out that this was better — like me going on Survivor was better — than giving her a grandbaby,” Loblack said. “That’s how important and significant it was for her.” Survivor is her mother and grandmother’s favorite show, Loblack said. “Castaways” are stranded on a beach in Fiji, challenged to form their own society, forage and hunt for meals and compete in challenges for
extra food and advantages. Castaways are voted off one by one every few days until a “Sole Survivor” remains and wins the $1 million grand prize. Loblack’s biggest motivation to go on the show was to give her mother and grandmother the opportunity to watch her throughout the season. “As they age and as their health kind of goes through certain complications, I was just like, ‘I have to get on this show and give them this experience so they can be at the watch party,’” Loblack said. “And it’s not in memory of them, but with them. I want to experience it with them.” Loblack also said she wanted a challenge after she finished her Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland in 2025. She felt unstoppable. “What happens to me when I’m like, put in a difficult position, or I’m fatigued and hungry?” Loblack asked. “Am I still who I think I am?” Going into the show, Loblack said she was most nervous about being hungry. She doesn’t like seafood or eggs, which makes up some of the diet the castaways are able to scrounge up. Loblack
questioned whether she would still be social and strategic on an empty stomach. Loblack said she tried to eat a boiled egg every day before she left to push herself to expand her palate. “I couldn’t do it,” Loblack said. “I can’t force myself to like those things. It’s a texture thing.” To prepare for the show, Loblack trained in swimming, bought a balance beam and started working on her grip strength. She played volleyball in high school and considers herself an avid runner, so she was hopeful that would translate into the show’s challenges, which include endurance challenges and puzzles. Loblack has used Survivor as a teaching tool in her Sociology of Families class at IU. She remembers playing an episode for the class from Season 48 where several castaways work together and connect to show students how families can go beyond relation. CRRES Director Sonia Lee said Loblack was “pretty secretive” in the beginning about being on the show. Lee said it felt special to know what was going on and because it was close to the
COURTESY PHOTO
Survivor 51 contestant Angelica Loblack is pictured. Loblack, a postdoctoral fellow and visiting assistant professor at IU, watched Survivor with her mom and grandma growing up.
summer, the filming didn’t disrupt Loblack’s obligations or teaching schedule at IU. Both Lee and CRRES Administrative Assistant Dalton Kumar said they had never watched Survivor before. “Some people are gonna be surprised that a professor has been cast on Survivor, and I think in part that’s because of the stereotype that we have that professors are
boring,” Lee said. Lee said she loved that Loblack would be representing professors and academia in a fresh new way. Kumar said he is interested to see how Loblack’s sociology background would help her on the show. He described her as easy to talk to and work with, friendly and passionate. “I will say that if we watch
Survivor and anybody’s mean to her, I’m gonna hop on cancel culture,” Kumar said. Members of IU’s sociology department had a watch party planned for the Survivor Season 51 premiere at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Social Science Research Commons in Woodburn Hall. Episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays.
Company replaces Indiana Men’s Tennis stringer By Sofía Rodríguez sr73@iu.edu
Indiana University senior Wyatt Derrow was sitting on his couch at home when he received a phone call from Indiana men’s tennis associate head coach Mike Murray on Aug. 31. When he hung up the phone, he was no longer a stringer for the IU men’s tennis team. Derrow had been the Indiana men’s tennis team stringer since his freshman year at IU. As a stringer, he worked to re-string tennis rackets with a machine after hours of play would leave strings stretched or snapped. That day, Murray informed Derrow that there would be a company stepping in to replace him. The coaches told him his services would no longer be needed, Derrow said. “I think it’s a pretty big deal honestly, I was pretty loyal and spent a lot of time working for these guys and they kind of replaced me pretty quick,” Derrow said. Derrow said that during the first week of the fall
semester, the coaches were trying to find another stringer that could help him with the heavy workload that required him to be on call for the team at any hour of the day.
“I think it’s a pretty big deal honestly, I was pretty loyal and spent a lot of time working for these guys and they kind of replaced me pretty quick,” Wyatt Derrow, former Indiana men’s tennis stringer
IU Athletics spokesperson Jackson Yeary said in a text to the Indiana Daily Student that the official decision was made by the coaching staff. The coaches decided to switch over to a professional stringing company, Game Set Match Tennis, that strings for other college tennis programs around the country, Indiana men’s tennis head coach Jeremy Wurtzman wrote in a
statement to the IDS through Yeary. The company is based out of North Carolina and provides racket customizations along with stringing services, Yeary wrote. Derrow said he was contacted at almost all hours of the day by players or coaches to string a racket, which required him to go to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. As a stringer, Derrow said he would weave the strings back into the racket and pull them with a special machine to ensure they were tensioned a certain way. “This was ultimately our choice because we wanted a more reliable and professional stringing service,” Wurtzman wrote. Wurtzman wrote that last year, a student stringer broke the stringing machine, which put pressure on Murray to get it repaired during a competition. The head coach wanted to go with a more reliable option that had experience with stringing and customizations. “Managing the hourly student employees had be-
come a significant responsibility for our staff,” Wurtzman wrote. “Stringing for 10 players requires a substantial time commitment, including many nights and weekends, as well as during periods when the students are on vacation, but our team is still practicing or competing.” There is a “significant turnover” each year with student employees. The team would need to find and train new students because previous staff became unavailable for the school year, which made it difficult to maintain consistency and reliability. Fabio Haiduc, a former stringer for Indiana men’s tennis and IU alumnus, told the IDS in an email stringers are the backbone of the team and he doesn’t think the replacement is a good idea. The players need fresh strings frequently because they play at a high level, Haiduc wrote. “The team may like it, but I have a feeling there will be instances of frustration because the company may or may not be able to do same
CARTER LUOMA | IDS
Indiana University senior Wyatt Derrow poses for a photo Sept. 11, 2026, at the IU Tennis Center in Bloomington. Derrow was the head stringer for Indiana men’s tennis three years prior to being replaced.
day rackets, or throughout the night, or has the same availably as me or Wyatt had,” Haiduc wrote. Haiduc worked with Derrow for one year as a stringer. “This leaves a student out of a job who was expecting to make money throughout the year doing this,” Haiduc
wrote. For Derrow, the position was more than just an hourly job; tennis had been his life. “Tennis is probably my biggest hobby,” Derrow said. “I’ve played tennis most of my life and stringing rackets is something that I enjoy and am good at.”
Bloomington launches safe routes to school program By Zoe Reed
reedzoe@iu.edu
The City of Bloomington partnered with University Elementary School to launch the planning process for the Safe Routes to School program, which aims to improve school transportation safety and accessibility, according to a Sept. 9 press release. Bloomington previously used the program for six elementary schools in 2013, including Arlington Heights Elementary and Binford and Rogers Elementary. Bloomington Long Range Planner Cole Jackson said the program is an extension and priority of the city’s larger safety plan: Safe Streets for All. Safe Streets for All is a planning effort that began in fall 2023 and aims at eliminating all traffic fatalities or serious injuries on local
roadways by 2039. The program will focus on a different school each year, with University Elementary School chosen for this year’s partnership, according to the Safe Routes to School website. “It’s got some challenges for road safety, and so we wanted to address this one as it is high priority,” Jackson said. Jackson said the planning process for the program has begun, with “surveys, activities, and public meetings” to be scheduled for students, families, school staff and community members, according to the release. Jackson said parents can expect to receive surveys through emails from the school. “We’ll have meetings with and at the school as this progresses, and in the end,
there’ll be like a plan that everyone can sort of review and make comments on,” Jackson said. At the end of the planning process, parents and students can expect both near-term and long-term infrastructure improvements based on the needs expressed during the planning process, according to the release. According to the Safe Routes to School program’s website, the city created the program, last used in Bloomington in 2013, to increase activity and engagement among kids while reversing morning traffic from driving children to school. Safe Routes to School programs began emerging in the late 1990s, with Congress passing Safe Routes to School funding through a federal transportation bill
called SAFETEA-LU in 2005, according to the program’s summary, ending in 2012. More recently, Congress created the Transportation Alternatives program, which helps fund walking and biking facilities, community improvements and safe routes to school projects. For the 2026 fiscal year, there is $1.498 billion in estimated individual State Transportation Alternative apportionments. The site also mentions benefits of the plan, including safe travel options, decreasing air pollution around schools, creating more connected neighborhoods and improving school performance through exercise and higher concentration. The program for University Elementary hopes to add new sidewalks, crosswalks and other missing
infrastructure to slow traffic and increase walking safety, Jackson said. “I think students are some of the most vulnerable people who are going to be using the road, whether they are walking or biking or even just in cars,” Jackson said. “And so, this is a great way of reducing risk to some of our most vulnerable people.” Each year, a school will partner with the city to create a customized safety plan, with additional support and resources to help the program. All schools are invited to participate in Safe Routes to School activities each year, with annual events, classroom curriculum, activities and other education on student transportation safety. Students can also join the Walking School Bus or Bike Bus programs, which are groups of students who
walk or bike to and from school with adult supervision each day. Bloomington also hosts three annual safety awareness events, which all Bloomington schools are encouraged to participate in. Bloomington’s Communication Director, Desiree DeMolina, said in an email to the Indiana Daily Student that the program is an opportunity to work alongside the community to make safety improvements. “The trip to school helps set the tone for a child’s day, and every child should be able to make that trip safely and with confidence,” DeMolina wrote. The Monroe County Community School Corporation did not respond to requests for comments. Transportation safety concerns can be reported online at uReport.
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Students lead Snag, a new delivery service The business took over the city’s Toppers location, which closed in January By Amogh Belgal abelgal@iu.edu
The former Toppers Pizza location is now home to a student-run business: Snag, a delivery service using red and white bags. Indiana University business students Evan Abraham and Zachary Thompson launched Snag, at 212 S. Indiana Ave., earlier this month. The goal, they said, is to provide a quick delivery service for convenience store items in 15 minutes or less. “Snag is about quick delivery,” Thompson said. “It's something that we're striving to meet every single day because that's how we run our brand.” Snag was originally founded in 2021 by former University of California, Santa Barbara students Mason Cohen and Jacob Duijser and has now grown to over 10 campuses across the country. The company hopes to open over 50 locations this fall, including the newly launched one at IU. Thompson previously visited the Texas Christian University campus and used the Snag delivery service often. Thompson and Abraham later decided that it was needed at IU due to long wait times from other services. The two students signed a lease for the building previously inhabited by Toppers,
ELLIE SNIDER | IDS
The Snag delivery store storefront is pictured Sept. 8, 2026, in Bloomington. The location previously housed Toppers Pizza before being converted into a Snag storefront for local online delivery orders.
and began the cleaning and building process mid-August. In a Reel posted to the Snag IU account, the building was completely empty at the time, and everything in the warehouse including the shelves and freezer had to be arranged. “It was a long process, but it was fun learning how to run and operate a store, and build it from the ground up,” Thompson said. Still full-time students at
Texas, to get an idea of store operations and how to be a manager of a store. Since launching, Thompson said the store has seen hundreds of orders and an overall positive reaction from the Bloomington community. “We’re putting up numbers we didn’t expect to put up,” Abraham said. “You’re driving down the street, people are yelling ‘Snag!’ left and right.”
IU, Abraham and Thompson had to figure out how to balance schoolwork, a social life and being full-time managers of the store. “At some point when you’re juggling three things, something has to give,” Thompson said. “You have to be able to assess the situation and see where your priorities lie.” Before they launched Snag at IU, the two visited Snag headquarters in Austin,
The majority of Snag’s marketing is done through its Instagram account, which the founders said they wanted to be “Barstool-esque.” Abraham said his goal is to create fun and engaging content through social media. However, the founders want to keep their content mostly separate from the actual Snag business by drawing attention to the brand through relatable videos. “From there, we hope that
we can bring in new customers and connect us to a base we hadn’t already connected with before,” Abraham said. For help with their promotion, Bloomington content creator Adrian “Zuke” Zucula has featured in Snag’s content. Zucula commonly wears vibrant T-shirts, roller blades and a marching band hat in videos. As of Monday, Zucula has appeared in three of Snag’s posts reaching over 100,000 views, including delivering the first Snag order at IU. “The Snag people are very energetic and enthusiastic people,” Zucala said. "They’re very dedicated to their mission of providing convenience store goods quickly. I believe in doing things over the top and that's what helps promote businesses like Snag and get them off to a great start.” Snag’s Instagram account has reached over half a million views and garnered over 2,000 followers. With the business continuing to grow its daily orders, Abraham and Thompson said they want to continue giving the best customer service they can and stick as true as possible to their model. “We just hit the 100 orders in a day milestone, so we just want to keep moving forward from there,” Thompson said. “We love IU and we hope IU loves us.”
IUSG releases 26-person candidate list IUSG released candidates and voting details for its fall congressional election
By Avery Reis amreis@iu.edu
Indiana University Student Government released its official candidate list Tuesday, with 26 students running for seats in the Student Body Congress during the fall 2026 election. Voting took place from 10 a.m. Sept. 21 to 10 p.m. Sept. 23. Every student enrolled at IU Bloomington recieved an email from IUSG Election Director Leo Cavinder on the morning of Sept. 21 with a link to cast their ballot. IUSG’s Student Body Congress is the legislative branch of student government. Congress is responsible for setting IUSG policy, directing programs and initiatives and representing students from academic, residential and multicultural constituencies. The fall election is primarily focused on residential representatives, who advocate for students in various dorms and living districts on campus, with 20 residential Congress seats up for election. Students will also vote to fill five vacancies in academic congressional districts, which advocate for the different schools within the university. The official candidate list included three candidates for two central neighborhood seats, four candidates for two northwest neighborhood seats, four candidates for two southeast neighborhood seats, 12 candidates for 11 off-campus housing seats and one candidate for on-campus apartments. The central neighborhood candidates were Dalia Ferguson, Evan Rumschlag and Justin Hase. Northwest
candidates are Alexa Gagliano, Emerson Peterson, Kevin Burch and Taraksh Thaorey. Southeast candidates were Dominick Cognata, Ishneet Ghotra, Sophia Stock and Tyler Rose. Offcampus housing candidates were Aryan Chander, Darsh Khandelwal, Eduardo Vazquez, Eric Cannon, Evan Mehta, Henry Steele, Jake Cocalis, Josie Pfeiffer, Maddi Sponsel, Sam Lamba, Sawyer LaGrange and Siddhu McLeod. The on-campus apartments candidate was Isaac Chapman-Whitehead. Other districts have fewer candidates than available seats. Greek and community housing has one candidate, Yonathan Bar, for two seats, and healthcare schools also has one candidate, Zach Wood, for two seats. These seats remain open and students can apply to fill through a vacancy appointment. There are no candidates listed for the graduate and professional district, Jacobs School of Music or Advising and Major Exploration Services. The final candidate list is smaller than the 32 students Cavinder said he previously estimated would file to run. Before the list was released, Cavinder said the number could fluctuate because candidates still had to go through eligibility checks and could withdraw up until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14. Before the list was finalized, the Student Development Leadership Center reviewed candidates’ conduct, GPAs and residential or academic eligibility, according to Cavinder. Candidates must have a GPA above 2.5
on a 4.0 scale and must meet the district requirements for the seat they are seeking. Fall elections focus on residential representatives, while academic seats are generally elected during the spring. Cavinder said the fall election is typically less complicated than the spring election, which also includes the student body president and vice president. Congress appointed Cavinder as the interim election director this fall, because the previous election director, Jack Tyndall, graduated. Cavinder said a new election director will be selected to oversee the spring election. As election director, Cavinder oversees candidate declarations, eligibility, candidate meetings, election rules and election promotion. One challenge, he said, is explaining the many rules governing elections without overwhelming candidates. Candidates also had the option to submit a bio of up to 100 words to appear alongside their names on the ballot. Cavinder said students should read the bios to learn more about the candidates once the ballots come out, particularly because fall congressional races generally involve less campus-wide campaigning. With the candidate list out, they can review their official ballots through BeINvolved and have 48 hours to report any errors, Cavinder said. The ballot is then finalized ahead of voting. The candidate list and other election information are available through IUSG’s website under its “Elections” and “Run for Office” pages.
JACK FORREST | IDS
An Indiana University Student Government banner stands Sept. 30, 2024, inside the IUSG office at the Indiana Memorial Union in Bloomington. IUSG released its candidate list Tuesday for the upcoming Student Body Congress election.
After voting ends, students can submit election complaints until 10 p.m. Sept. 24. Preliminary results are scheduled to be announced Sept. 25, but those results are not finalized until certified by the Student Body Supreme Court, Cavinder said. Candidates also have to submit financial statements detailing campaign donations and expenditures by 10 p.m. Sept. 26. A failure to submit can be considered an election violation and can affect the final result, Cavinder said. Final certification is expected in late September, and elected representatives will be sworn in during IUSG’s Oct. 5 Organizing Day, which is the first official
meeting of the new 2026-27 Student Body Congress. Cavinder said the election office is working with IUSG’s communications and executive branches to promote the election through social media. He said part of that effort is helping students understand what Congress actually does and how representatives can advocate for issues affecting their districts. “It's important that we have a diverse view of members of Congress that represent different areas,” Cavinder said. Representatives can bring concerns from their districts to Congress and work with administration and student government advisors to advocate for changes,
he said. Student engagement has been a longstanding challenge for IUSG, Cavinder said. He hopes the election this fall reaches about 5% voter turnout, noting that spring elections have typically seen higher participation. Students who do not participate as candidates can also get involved later. If a congressional seat becomes vacant, students who live in that district can apply for a vacancy appointment through IUSG, Cavinder said. Editor’s note: Eric Cannon is currently on staff at the IDS. That writer was not involved in the writing or editing of this story.
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» BAT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Naming the Indiana bat as our state mammal would honor a species that bears our state’s name while highlighting the importance of conserving forests, caves, and natural habitats that define Indiana’s landscape,” Thomson wrote in her letter. Coy hopes the campaign will eventually shift from raising awareness to creating conservation efforts. The Indiana bat’s population has decreased to half its size since being named an endangered species in 1967, according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. The population continues to decline due to a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome, which was first reported in North America in 2006, causes bats to wake up during hibernation, leaving them without enough energy to survive winter. The Indiana
bat’s population has declined 19% since white-nose syndrome was introduced to the continent.
“By making it the official state mammal, we're not adding any new mandates or regulations. We're just opening a door for classrooms and families and communities to learn about our amazing local biodiversity.” Desiree Coy
Angela Sturdevant, a conservation project manager for the Nature Conservancy, said another threat facing Indiana’s bats is lack of habitat space. This is especially important for the Indiana bat, as 72% of the population hibernates in just four locations across Indiana,
ILLUSTRATION BY BRI SUCH
Illinois and Missouri. In the meantime, Coy continues to raise support through social media and hopes to
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“By making it the official state mammal, we're not adding any new mandates or regulations,” Coy said. “We're just
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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.
Behavioral/Mental
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Dr. Ryan Tschetter, DDS Dr. Lauren Hoye, DDS Dr. Elena Wiser, DDS 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. Mon. - Thu: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1124 S. College Mall Rd. 812-336-5525 jcdsmiles.com
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
Austin C. Starr, DDS Board Certified Oral Surgeon
Oral/Dental Care
HOOSIER ORAL SURGEON Floyd F. Robison, PhD, HSPP Beth A. Robison, MS, LMHC Thomas Harmes, MSN, PMHNP-BC LPS Behavioral Health is proud to announce our new TMS division, LPS Brain Wellness. TMSm (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a painless, non-invasive, drug-free, safe treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and attention disorders. Our Exo-TMS™ system also improves focus, mental clarity, self-control, sleep, and weight management. Treatment requires only six sessions over 1- 3 weeks for scientifically supported results. Interested? Call for more information or an appointment. 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!
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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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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
Indiana Daily Student
Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
PHOTO
Editors Trinity Mackenzie, Katherine Maners visuals@idsnews.com
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Eucharistic procession walks across IU campus
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3 2 5 4 PHOTOS BY JACK JERNIGAN | IDS
1. The Eucharistic procession walks Sept. 14, 2026, next to the Arboretum in Bloomington. The procession walked on Fee Lane toward St. Paul Catholic Center. 2. Candle bearers are seen through glass doors Sept. 14, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Bloomington. The candle bearers stood near the front of the line in the procession. 3. A priest prays during exposition inside the church at St. Charles on Sept. 14, 2026, in Bloomington. The exposition began the ceremony. 4. The procession walks Sept. 14, 2026, on Eagleson Ave. toward St. Paul. The procession walked next to the East Garage. 5. Members of the Knights of Columbus honor guard talk with another member of the church Sept. 14, 2026, at St. Charles in Bloomington. The men made conversation before the exposition started at 6:30 p.m. 6. Ben Keller walks on campus with the procession on Sept. 14, 2026 next to Spruce Hall in Bloomington. Keller carried the monstrance, an item shaped like a golden sunburst to display the consecrated eucharistic host during the precession. 7. The procession continues to walk towards St. Paul on Sept. 14, 2026. The crowd followed the priests through the procession.
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Indiana Daily Student
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OPINION
Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
Editors Eric Cannon, Emma Howard opinion@idsnews.com
We repainted our lives beige: The sellable emptiness of modern minimalism Aditi Phadke (she/her) is a master’s student studying data science.
Walk into any new cafe, nursery or condo lobby and you’ll see the same palette: white walls, wood tones and nothing loud. Ornament and color didn’t disappear because they were harmful. Restraint became a profitable look, one that photographs well and signals status. A blank white room costs a designer or a brand less to produce and photograph than one filled with pattern, texture and detail, and it reads as premium regardless. Stripping a space down became a way to sell simplicity as sophistication, at a lower production cost. Meanwhile, the anti-consumerist values the original minimalism movement was built on got left behind. Henry David Thoreau, a father of the movement, didn’t retreat to Walden Pond so someone could sell a $340 “capsule wardrobe” starter kit a century and a half later. The idea he and other 19th-century transcendentalists championed was about intention: own less so what remained matters. Somewhere between that idea and the all-white apartments flooding social media feeds today, something got lost. Look at what has happened to the front door. Carved wood framing, a visible brass handle, a porch worth sitting on used to say something about the people living behind it. Now, new builds favor push doors with invisible handles, no peepholes and cement slabs where porches used to be. There’s no proof that a flat door opens and closes better than a carved one. Builders simply learned that “clean” sells houses faster, and that’s a marketing decision dressed up as a design philosophy. Coffee shops tell the same story. Walking into an independent cafe once meant walking into someone’s specific, slightly chaotic vision: mismatched chairs, bold colors and a personality the space couldn’t hide. Now a “minimalist” cafe in Bloomington, Seoul or Melbourne can look nearly identical: white subway tile, blonde wood, a single monstera plant doing the
emotional labor the decor used to do. Now there’s a cottage industry built around decanting cereal, rice and snacks into matching acrylic bins, an aesthetic popularized by organizing services like The Home Edit that’s now standard on home organization Instagram accounts. It is worth saying plainly: transferring food from cardboard into clear plastic does not make a kitchen more organized. It makes it more photogenic. In 2023, McDonald’s launched CosMc’s, a standalone spinoff with its own yellow-and-blue branding, built around drinks. Craig Burston, a senior lecturer in graphic and media design at the London College of Communication, told Creative Bloq the palette “may have more in common with storage facilities than coffee shops.” McDonald’s shut CosMc’s down in 2025, folding its drinks into the main menu instead of keeping it as different brand. CosMc’s was a side project, but the instinct behind it shows up in the main brand too. Core McDonald’s restaurants have traded their trademark red and yellow for muted tones and flat geometry in newer designs, a shift that Creative Bloq reported left customers baffled. When a brand built on being loud and cheap starts speaking in whispers, that says less about taste and more about which visual language currently reads as premium. A fair question in the minimalism debate is whether color matters for child development. The honest answer is that the evidence is thinner than design blogs suggest. Vision experts such as Zsuzsa Kaldy, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has mentioned that a beige nursery likely won’t hinder a baby’s development, though some note the muted palette may be visually under stimulating. Between one shade of beige and another, she said, adults may see a difference. Babies won’t. What is well documented is the trend itself. Houzz, a home renovation and design platform, ran a survey in the United Kingdom with Airbnb that found white is now the most popular children’s
ILLUSTRATION BY EVELYN STRAUSS
bedroom color among parents surveyed, overtaking blue and gray. That’s a real, measurable shift, and it says more about what parents want their homes to communicate aesthetically than about what their children need. Ordinary people have absorbed the standard too, redoing kitchens, wardrobes and living rooms not because they personally crave emptiness, but because
clutter and color now read as a failure to keep up with trends. A living room full of mismatched furniture and inherited knickknacks used to look lived-in. Now it looks like you haven’t gotten around to fixing it. It’s not that minimalism has nothing to offer. Less clutter and less compulsive buying are real, worthwhile gains. But there’s a difference between owning less
and owning the right beige things, and that gap is where the movement lost its footing. Researchers at Columbia Business School have a term for it: “consumer minimalism,” the practice of buying items specifically for their minimalist look, clean lines and neutral colors without reducing overall consumption. That isn’t restraint. It’s consumerism in a quieter outfit. We didn’t get rid of
ornament, color and character because they failed us. We got rid of them because a culture focused on appearing effortless will choose the version of “less” that photographs best over the version that actually has sentimental value. The current minimalist trend, in that sense, isn’t minimal at all. It just looks that way. adphadke@iu.edu
HOWARD’S HEADLINE
Could we be listening to too much music? Emma Howard (she/her) is a junior studying journalism.
It is generally agreed that whoever said you can never have too much of a good thing was probably a liar. But dare I say it isn’t commonly thought that you can listen to too much music? Yet after the sudden realization that I cannot handle a single walk to class without it, I’d have to say that you can. More than ever before, we’ve become a culture of background noise. That noise comes in many forms, from the hum of an AC unit to the home renovation television show playing in your dentist’s lobby. But undoubtedly, the catchiest of all has been infinite hours of tuneage right at our fingertips via the smartphone. You’ve certainly seen it yourself. From the moment you pass Sample Gates, there’s a plethora of headphone-clad students in your path. You’re probably one of them. We’ve managed to add a soundtrack to tasks as simple as cleaning, walking or even eating. But why? I suppose we are in the digital age, after all, where multitasking sits atop a pedestal. Edison Research and SiriusXM Media’s 2025 report found Generation Z spent an average of about four hours and 10 minutes consuming audio each day. Roughly 42% of that time was devoted to streaming music. Those numbers have seemingly increased. Looking at data released by Spotify Advertising this year, Gen Z represents 35% of Spotify’s total audience, averaging two hours daily on the app. Now, this isn’t supposed to be the tirade of a peevish old man wagging his finger
at the latest gadget. We can still listen to music, but it should be done intentionally. Many moons ago I noted that home computers, anchored in one spot, gave us the freedom to enter and exit the web as we pleased. I think the same can apply to music. When our phones give us 24/7 access to tunes, the artistry of our favorite music can be diluted into mere noise that accompanies us throughout the day. Making the intentional decision to listen to an album all the way through might do the work more justice, as opposed to your playlist on a mad dash to Ballantine Hall for that 8 a.m. lecture. I personally don’t think I’m fully appreciating the mastery of Hozier’s lyricism in line at Aldi. So, what if we ditched the headphones for a moment? We could always “Enjoy the Silence.” As many of my columns tend to, this one comes from a place of self-reflection. It came from the drastic decision to finally unplug my earbuds so I could charge an almost-dead cellphone. More specifically, it came from realizing that it shouldn’t have been such a tough choice. What I was left with when I made that decision was silence, my own thoughts left undisturbed by The Last Dinner Party. Unbearable. But it isn’t just me. I think we’re all losing the art of the ponder. Instead of tackling our thoughts, we rely on audio and other forms of media content to ease our restless minds. In a New York Times guest essay, Georgetown University computer science professor Cal Newport argued that digital technologies
ILLUSTRATION BY BRI SUCH
are hindering our cognitive abilities to think deeply, now more than ever. “In an era when technologies relentlessly disrupt our lives, it can seem that this cognition crisis is a fait accompli – a side effect of innovations that cannot be stopped,” Newport wrote. “But do we really have to accept this steady loss of our thinking ability as inevitable?” So how do we curb this loss? Taking a break from music listening certainly
seems like a random conclusion, but a psychologically backed one to be sure. Experts say that quiet solitude is critical. By reducing distractions, it clears our minds to facilitate problem-solving, boost creativity and contribute to an overall sense of personal fulfillment. But taking the initiative to find that solitude is another matter. My evolution as a writer has brought with it a lot of realizations about the very emotional relationship we
have with tech media. When we have a beastly exam lurking around the corner, we have doomscrolling to distract the mind. When we have an empty seat at the table, we have social platforms to quench our thirst for connection. And when we have a quiet home after the loss of a loved one, we have the ambience of cable television to fill the void. So, it’s time that I asked myself what it is that constant music provides me. Or perhaps, what I’m using it to
distract myself from. What am I avoiding by refusing to be left with my thoughts? I don’t have all the answers right now, but simply asking those questions is a step in the right direction. Of course, disconnecting our headphones won’t come easily. Learning how to appreciate quiet in undoubtedly the loudest era of human history thus far is quite the task. But it could also bring us peace of mind. emhowa@iu.edu
Indiana Daily Student
ARTS ‘The Cook-Off’ takes the Musical Arts Center stage Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
Editors Lexi Bunting, Ursula Stickelmaier, Abby Whited arts@idsnews.com
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By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu
Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater opened its season Sept. 19 with “The Cook-Off” by Shawn E. Okpebholo and Mark Campbell. The opera follows contestants of a cooking show titled “America Loves Food” as they compete to win $100,000 with their macaroni and cheese recipes. The 55-minute food-centered performance drew a packed house to the Musical Arts Center. Attendees had the option to show up early to mingle and enjoy the mac and cheese offered by Upland Brewing Company from concessions. The performance was comedic from the beginning, with early moments of a charismatic show host to a drunken guest judge drawing laughter from the crowd. Okpebholo, from Kentucky, said he is a foodie, which was one of the inspirations for the story. Another reason he said he did a food-inspired story was to create something more lighthearted and fun. “I worked with the librettist Mark Campbell, and I pretty much wanted to do a lighthearted show,” Okpebholo said. “I had just written pieces that are pretty tough, like about slavery and police brutality, so I wanted to do something lighthearted.” Although the opera was more playful, the creators were still able to tie more serious subjects into the storyline. One of the main stories told throughout the show was of James Hemings — a chef enslaved by Thomas Jefferson who popularized mac and cheese in America. The show also gave a
KATHERINE MANERS | IDS
Singers in the opera “The Cook-Off” sing the final note on Sept. 17, 2026, at the Musical Arts Center in Bloomington. The opera was created by Shawn Okpebholo and Mark Campbell.
glimpse into the background of the three contestants, who all represented a different minority group. Throughout the performance, the audience learns of the hardships each have overcome and why they are motivated to win the competition. One contestant was a woman who came from poverty, another was a Hispanic man who moved away from his home country and the final was a Black woman who felt her history wasn’t being shared. “It was a great storyline,
BLISS
simple but fun,” Chris Carroll, a master’s student in philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis, said. “The backstory on all of the contestants was actually really interesting.” Carroll said he thought the cast and the musicians were great with the delivery of their songs and facial expressions helping show their characters’ personalities and struggles. Another aspect of the performance that added to its playful nature was the feel-
HARRY BLISS
ing the audience attending the opera was in the actual studio audience of a cooking show. The set included applause and laughing cues, and the cast frequently addressed the audience by giving them specific looks or gesturing to them. Frank Graves, another attendee of the performance, said that he wished the melodies of the songs would have been catchier as he felt they weren’t memorable and didn’t latch on, but he liked feeling like he was in the stu-
CROSSWORD
dio audience and enjoyed the performance. “The singing was beautiful, it was really well done and the instrumentation behind the singers I thought was very nicely done and balanced with the voices,” Graves said. Graves works with Jacobs and is a part of the school’s dean’s advisory council — a group that helps review school strategies and make improvements. He said that members of the council try to attend as many events as
they can, so whenever he is visiting from Boston, he typically tries to see something. “I hope everyone at IU knows the Jacobs School is a spectacularly important musical school, and the things that go on here are at a level that is extremely rare in a university,” Graves said. “The Cook-Off” continued Sept. 19 at the Musical Arts Center. The opera will later be performed Oct. 9 and 10 at Wheaton College in Illinois.
LA TIMES
Publish your comic on this page. The IDS is accepting applications for student comic strips for the fall 2026 semester. Email five samples and a brief description of your idea to adviser@iu.edu. Submissions will be reviewed and selections will be made by the editor-in-chief.
SUDOKU
THE MEPHAM GROUP
Difficulty level 3 out of 4
BREWSTER ROCKIT: SPACE GUY!
TIM RICKARD
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Sept. 24, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com
MOVIE STILLS DATABASE
Sutton Foster is pictured in musical "Anything Goes" in 2021. Foster was invited to speak at the IU Auditorium on Oct. 6, 2026.
Local crafters create handmade gift for actress Sutton Foster
By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu
The Indiana University Auditorium is collaborating with Ellettsville yarn and romance bookstore Knitting Romance on a crafting project to help welcome actress Sutton Foster for her Oct. 6 visit. For the collaboration, anyone is invited to contribute a 5-by-5-inch cream or crimson granny square that will help create a blanket. Anyone who creates a square is instructed to drop it off at Knitting Romance on 123 N. Sale St. in Ellettsville. Grace Meyer, assistant director for education and community engagement, said the auditorium frequently leaves gifts for visiting performers
and guests to thank them for their time. Once the quilt is made, Meyer said they plan to leave it in Foster’s dressing room. The auditorium originally decided to start the project after doing some research on Foster and finding out that she is an avid crafter. “She loves crocheting, wrote a book about it and hosts workshops and retreats around the country for people who just need a break,” Meyer said. “One of our marketing assistants had this idea, and she was like, ‘Well, I feel like we should crochet for her something.’” Foster’s book is called “Hooked” and is about how crafting has helped her navigate tough times with family, love and her career.
Other than just thanking Foster for coming to the auditorium, Meyer said that the project's other goal is centered around community building. Part of her job at the auditorium is to create events that help bring the community together, so when the auditorium’s marketing assistant, senior Katherine Stalmah, came up with the idea, it piqued Meyer’s interest. Stalmah said Foster’s book shines a light on the important role crafting can have in your life, which she relates to, as it has connected her to many of her family members and friends. “She told us in her book how much crafting means to her, so what better way to show her how much she
means to us than by joining all kinds of people together with crafting,” Stalmah said. Stalmah herself got into crocheting after her grandmother taught her when she was younger. She said it has given her an outlet as well as connected her with her grandmother and generations of her family who have done similar crafts. Stalmah said even at her job at the auditorium, some of her favorite memories have been creating kids' crafts with her co-workers. Lynn Bloch, owner of Knitting Romance, joined in on the project because of the community connection. She actually didn’t know who Foster was when Meyer told her the idea. “I just heard community
and teaching and making this special thing for this person as a welcome, and it just appealed to me,” Bloch said. “The crafting community is always so supportive, and I knew somehow we could get this done.” The yarn and bookstore hosts events from book clubs to knitting sessions or painting classes. On Oct. 26, the store is hosting a midnight release party for the new “A Court of Thorns and Roses” book. Bloch also said they have yarn nights from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday, where people can knit, crochet, embroider and hang out. To finalize the project and turn the granny squares into a blanket, Bloch will also be hosting people at her store to
help stitch it together. Meyer, who is working on this event with her, said she doesn’t know if it will be open to the community or just the auditorium staff yet, but the auditorium and Knitting Romance will post on their social media accounts when they have decided. Meyer said the auditorium included Knitting Romance because the staff knew they couldn’t do it on their own. She said most of the team at the auditorium weren’t knitting and crocheting experts, so they looked to the local community for help. “I think that it’s great to partner with groups to raise up other organizations in the area, as well, and put a little spotlight on them,” Meyer said.
PAY LIKE A CHAMPION! ILLUSTRATION BY STEVEN LEATHERWOOD
COLUMN: Reading for fun in college is hard. This is how I do it By Steven Leatherwood sjleathe@iu.edu
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From the headline, I'm sure you’re thinking, “Well, that’s easier said than done.” And you’re right. I’m about as busy as anyone else in college, and I spend a lot of my free time feeding my crippling phone addiction. So, picking up a book that isn’t required reading for class can feel almost impossible. But I’ve finally developed a strategy for reading for enjoyment, and I'm here to tell you that you don’t have to leave your love of reading behind. I was an avid reader in high school, sometimes tearing through books in one sitting. But when I entered college, that hunger for literature faded. I would maybe pick up the new “The Hunger Games” books or something else I was invested in, but other than that, I have read few books for fun the last few years. In the middle of my junior year, I dropped out and took a gap semester. I worked at Barnes & Noble during the holidays. Being surrounded by books for hours each day reignited my love for reading. I bought myself a collection of books, trying to continue my reading into my next semester of college, but yet again I failed. Super encouraging story, right? I’m sure a lot of readers in college have a similar story themselves. But here are a few
tips to get back into the habit of reading. Your first step is to pick a book or series that is actually worth reading for you. Think about books you loved reading in the past and try to find similar ones. I made the mistake of trying the “Romantasy” genre with books like “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” Not that the genre is necessarily bad — I know a lot of readers who enjoy them — but it’s just not for me. I then thought that I should probably read something I would enjoy instead of forcing myself to read a book I didn’t. So, I thought about what books I love reading: mainly sci-fi fantasy books with strong first-person narrative and quirky pop-culture references: books like “Ready Player One” and “How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying,” which I read in the past. So, my current obsession is the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series by Matt Dinniman. These books combine absurd storytelling with important themes of anti-capitalism and authoritarianism, all in the context of a roleplaying game style. All these aspects combine to keep me glued to the page. Plus, the books are quite lengthy, which keeps me invested. Find something you will enjoy; get specific with it. Unless you really have a passion for the topic you’re reading about, you may burn out
quickly. Once you’ve built up a habit of reading, maybe you can go on to tackle some of the classics. Step two, find time to read. This is the hard part, and I’m sure most of us struggle with it. My first tip is that you don’t need to read for hours like you may have done as a kid. Even if you only read for 30 minutes a day, that could still be 10,000 to 15,000 words. But if you find yourself with a free afternoon or weekend, a nice book binge is a great way to spend time. The next tip is to read during the transitional points in your day. I’ve found I do most of my reading while waiting at the bus stop, eating lunch or sitting and waiting for my next class. All these little moments in the day add up to quite a bit of downtime. And if I don’t have any work to do or stories to write, I find myself drawn to my book rather than my phone just because I’m invested in the story and have built up the habit over the past few weeks. Using these methods, I’ve already read four books this semester, just over 800,000 words. And it’s only the second week of September. So, grab a book you want to read, stick it in your backpack and take it out whenever there’s a lull in your day. Building on these habits will help you develop a love for reading again, even amid the constant busyness of college.
Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS
Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
Editors Conor Banks, Sean McAvoy, Kasey Watkins sports@idsnews.com
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FOOTBALL
KATIE NEWETT | IDS
Redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover throws the ball at the end of the first quarter against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The Hoosiers finished nonconference play 3-0.
Indiana goes undefeated in nonconference play By Nathan Shriberg
naashri@iu.edu | @nshriberg
Midway through the first half, seats at Memorial Stadium began to empty out. Indiana football’s defense was pitching a shutout for the second straight week, and the offense averaged nearly 14 points per quarter entering Week 3. The Cream and Crimson held the lead against Western Kentucky University, but that’s not newsworthy anymore for the No. 4 Hoosiers amid a 19-game winning streak. Dominance is no longer a reason for fans of the reigning national champions to stick around. At least, not in the three-game nonconference slate head coach Curt Cignetti dubbed an “exhibition season.” The Cream and Crimson rolled to a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky on Sept. 19 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. It was their
third straight victory to open the season, and each game has resulted in an Indiana win by at least 36 points. “Of course, we get criticized because we kind of play an exhibition season before we go into the Big Ten play,” Cignetti said postgame. “I can understand that. But those exhibition seasons have been real valuable for us. Last year we played 16 games. We were 16-0.” The Hilltoppers put up an impressive fight in the first half. They possessed the ball on the Hoosiers’ 2-yard line in the first quarter with a chance to take the lead. Any points on that drive would’ve represented Indiana’s first deficit of the season and Western Kentucky’s first lead. Instead, lockdown coverage and pressure on the redshirt junior quarterback Brock Glenn forced a turnover on downs. Western Kentucky hasn’t kept up with any of its oppo-
nents this season. In Week 1, the Hilltoppers surrendered over 300 yards on the ground in a 35-point loss to the University of Nevada. Nevada proceeded to lose to Football Championship Subdivision Montana State University in Week 2, while Western Kentucky fell by 50 points to the No. 2 University of Georgia. Despite their prior shortcomings, the Hilltoppers largely contained the Hoosiers for the first 30 minutes of action. Western Kentucky possessed the ball for 15:02 in the first two quarters, including 9:57 of the first 15 minutes. It was the first time Indiana went scoreless at home in the first quarter in nearly two years. At halftime, Indiana had just 55 rushing yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. On top of the struggles on the ground, redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover repeatedly missed targets early in the game.
In the first half, Hoover threw inaccurate passes intended for junior wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, as well as redshirt senior wide receiver Shazz Preston. The result was missed scoring opportunities and a turnover on downs deep in Hilltopper territory. “There’s a standard we’re trying to play to. That standard is perfection,” Hoover said postgame. “Today, there was a couple that I would love to have back.” With under two minutes to play in the second quarter, Indiana’s lead was just seven points. An errant throw from Glenn soared into the hands of redshirt senior linebacker Isaiah Jones, who returned it to the Hilltoppers’ 3-yard line. Jones’ interception enabled redshirt senior running back Lee Beebe Jr. to punch in the Hoosiers’ second score of the game and enter halftime up 14.
The two-score lead didn’t impress Cignetti. “I’ve said this before where we are maybe not where we quite want to be against a team that everybody believes we’re better than, which we are,” Cignetti said. “I just talked to them, like, ‘Hey, let’s play our game and relax and play like we can play.’” In the second half, Indiana forced four three-andouts and rushed for 178 yards. The Hoosiers tacked on 17 points in the third quarter before pulling their starters early in the fourth. Junior running back Turbo Richard averaged 9.9 yards per carry, gaining 99 yards more than Beebe in two fewer carries. Richard notched six of Indiana’s seven chunk plays on the ground. “We just gotta play every game like it is a conference game,” Richard said. “I don’t feel like anything should really change.”
Ideally, nothing would need to change. However, the Hoosiers will need to correct inconsistencies on the field to make another run to the Big Ten Championship game or beyond. Despite posting back-toback shutouts for the first time since 1993, doubts will remain until the Cream and Crimson face tougher opponents. The Big Ten opener against Northwestern is the first test. “We might take a small step, but it wasn’t a big one today,” Jones said. “I think next week has to be a large step if we want to get to where we’re going.” With wins against the University of North Texas, Howard University and Western Kentucky, it remains to be seen how the 2026 Hoosiers will fare in the Big Ten. Still, Cignetti remains confident in his track record. “30-2,” Cignetti said. “Not bad.”
what to see at the bct Lotus World Music & Arts Festival -
10/1-10/4
FEATURING THE EXCEPTIONAL TALENT OF PERFORMING ARTISTS & MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE PRESENTED BY LOTUS EDUCATION & ARTS FOUNDATION
ONE PERSON, NO VOTE: a lecture and q&a with carol anderson - 10/6
BESTSELLING AUTHOR’S LECTURE: ONE PERSON, NO VOTE: HOW VOTER SUPPRESSION IS DESTROYING OUR DEMOCRACY PRESENTED BY IU ARTS + HUMANITIES INSTITUTE
Paula Poundstone - 10/9
ICONIC COMEDIAN KNOWN FOR HER SMART, OBSERVATIONAL HUMOR AND SPONTANEOUS WIT PRESENTED BY BCT
Bloomington Boogies 2026 Concert 10/11
BLOOMINGTON BOOGIES’ 8TH CONCERT FEATURING WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS PLAYING BLUES PIANO, BOOGIE-WOOGIE, STRIDE, JAZZ, & ZYDECO ACCORDIAN PRESENTED BY BLOOMINGTON BOOGIES
Yonder Mountain String Band - 10/21
GRAMMY-NOMINATED BLUEGRASS GROUP, WITH SPECIAL GUEST LOW LANDERS PRESENTED BY BLOOMINGTON ROOTS + BCT
The Robert Cray Band - 10/23
BLUES ICON. SOUL MAN. ROCK AND ROLLER. ROBERT CRAY IS ALL THESE THINGS AND MORE. PRESENTED BY AMETHYST HOUSE + BCT
rocky horror picture show 2026- 10/24
ONE NIGHT, 2 SCREENINGS. PRE-SHOW COSTUME CONTEST & DEVIRGINIZATION PLUS $5 PROP BAGS! PRESENTED BY CONSTELLATION STAGE & SCREEN
one venue, endless experiences
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Tuesday, Oct. 6 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. IMU Alumni Hall
idsnews.com/housingfair
10
Sept. 24, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com
FOOTBALL
COLUMN: Indiana started slow against Western Kentucky. It didn’t matter By Elakai Anela
eanela@iu.edu | @elakai_anela
At the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard inside Memorial Stadium in Bloomington read the same score for Indiana and Western Kentucky University: zero. The Hoosiers had the ball inside their own 15, having tallied 54 yards of total offense compared to the Hilltoppers’ 77. The difference in time of possession was substantial as well, with Indiana having the ball for only five minutes and two seconds of the opening period. It was the first time Indiana had been shut out in the opening quarter at home since it played Maryland on Sept. 28, 2024, and a scoreless opening quarter wasn't part of Indiana's plan. Yet, it didn’t matter. Indiana ran away with the Sept. 19 contest in the final three quarters, securing a 38-0 victory over Western Kentucky. It marked the first time since 1993 that the Hoosiers held their opponent scoreless in back-to-back games. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said postgame that Western Kentucky played “well” early but he liked his team’s response in the second half. “I just talked to them and I was like, ‘Hey let’s play our game, let’s relax,” Cignetti said. “We still made some mistakes in the second half ... but you know we still made
progress.” But similar to Indiana’s first two games, there were flaws that stood out. Indiana redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover finished the day 18 for 24 with 273 yards and two touchdowns. He had time to work through his progressions, with the offensive line allowing zero quarterback hurries. On paper, Hoover appeared to have had an efficient day with a 75% completion percentage. But the Texas Christian University transfer had several inaccurate passes to receivers who were open, costing Indiana chances to capitalize further in the first half. With Indiana beginning conference play Sept. 25 against Northwestern, Hoover acknowledged his passing accuracy needs to get better. “There were a couple of throws I missed,” Hoover said. “For me, it’s a process of trying to be accurate. I know I'm an accurate guy. I know I’m going to make those adjustments on third down to prolong drives.” In the middle of the second quarter, the Hoosiers were driving with a 7-0 lead. Then, on a third and 5, Hoover threw an incomplete pass behind redshirt senior wide receiver Shazz Preston. Cignetti called a timeout before deciding to send the offense back on to the field on fourth down. Hoover had junior wide receiver Nick Marsh open, but his pass was
a little out of reach. “I would love to have that fourth down back,” Hoover said. “It was a vertical I threw off Nick’s fingertip. I thought I could have put it out a foot further and could’ve had a chance to score.” Moments later, the Hoosiers’ defense made up for Hoover’s missed opportunity. Redshirt senior linebacker Isaiah Jones jumped in front of the Western Kentucky wide receiver, intercepting Hilltoppers redshirt junior quarterback Brock Glenn. Jones returned the ball to the Western Kentucky 3-yard line. Two plays later, redshirt senior running back Lee Beebe Jr. made it 14-0 with a rushing touchdown. Even after recording his first interception of the season, Jones — the leader of the defense who wears the 'green dot' as the middle linebacker — wasn’t satisfied with the overall performance from his unit. “We didn’t play to our standard,” Jones said. “We didn’t get off the field on third down. That can give an offense going to an opposing place life and energy. We had a few missed assignments, but I love how the team responded.” But the biggest moment of the game? That happened in the first quarter. After a 54-yard missed field goal by redshirt senior kicker Paddy McAteer, the Hilltoppers got the ball back. They drove it inside the
KENNEDY HANNAH | IDS
Junior running back Turbo Richard celebrates in the endzone at the game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Richard scored the final touchdown of the game.
Hoosiers’ 10-yard line, then on fourth and goal, Western Kentucky opted to go for it. The decision was unsuccessful, with the Hoosiers forcing a pass breakup to end the drive. Indiana’s defense stood strong. It bent a lot, but it didn’t break. Jones said the defense “took it personal” when the Hilltoppers offense returned to the field on fourth down. “We didn’t want to let them get points on the board fast,” Jones said. “We just stood up and didn’t let them get in ... we don’t want anyone in our endzone.” In the first half, Indiana's rushing attack had 55 total
yards on 16 carries. The Hoosiers finished with 233 total rushing yards. Junior running back Turbo Richard paced Indiana with 15 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native said the Hoosiers “made adjustments” based on how Western Kentucky’s defense was playing them in the first half. “We showed that our team is going to play hard,” Richard said. “In the second half, we ran more play action before going to the run plays.” Junior wide receiver Charlie Becker — who reeled in a 79-yard touchdown in the third quarter — echoed
Richard’s statement, saying the Hoosiers must start faster. “We came out slow, slower than what we wanted to,” Becker said. “But we’ll watch the film and get better.” As we saw last year in their championship run, the Hoosiers had to face adversity. Indiana struggled at Iowa and Penn State, squeaking out hard-earned wins that formed it into a championship group. Although Western Kentucky isn’t on the same level as the Hawkeyes or Nittany Lions, the slow start for Indiana shouldn’t be worrisome. In fact, the response to the scoreless first quarter should be encouraging.
Connect with members of many diverse faiths at idsnews.com/religious Paid Advertising
Unity of Bloomington A Center for Spiritual Growth
Inter-Denominational
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Redeemer Community Church
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111 S. Kimble Dr. 812-269-8975 redeemerbloomington.org facebook.com/RedeemerBtown Instagram & Twitter: @RedeemerBtown
850 E. Winslow Rd. 812-339-3306 lhccbloomington.org facebook.com/lighthousecommunitychurchbloomingtonindiana instagram.com/lighthouse_community_ church
Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. Redeemer is a gospel-centered community on mission. Our vision is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ transform everything: our lives, our church, our city, and our world. We want to be instruments of gospel change in Bloomington and beyond. Chris Jones - Lead Pastor
111 S. Kimble Dr. 812-269-8975 redeemerbloomington.org Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. Redeemer is a gospel-centered community on mission. Our vision is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ transform everything: our lives, our church, our city, and our world. We want to be instruments of gospel change in Bloomington and beyond.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America St. Thomas Lutheran Church & Rose House LuMin 3800 E. Third St. 812-332-5252 Stlconline.org lcmiu.net Instagram: @hoosierlumin facebook.com/LCMIU facebook.com/StThomasBloomington Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. @ St. Thomas Lutheran Church 3800 E. Third St. Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Devotions @ Rose House LuMin 314 S. Rose Ave. Rose House LuMin and St. Thomas Lutheran Church invite you to experience life together with us. We are an inclusive Christian community who values the faith, gifts, and ministry of all God’s people. We seek justice, serve our neighbors, and love boldly. Rev. - Adrianne Meier Rev. Amanda Ghaffarian - Campus Pastor
Unity Worldwide Unity of Bloomington A Center for Spiritual Growth 4001 S. Rogers St. text/call: 812-333-2484 unityofbloomington.org IG: @unityofbloomington facebook@UnityofBloomington Sunday Celebration: 10:30 a.m. Discover a vibrant, welcoming community at Unity of Bloomington – “a positive path for spiritual living”. Our center offers a space for spiritual growth; embracing all with open arms. We proudly affirm and welcome the LGBTQ+ community, fostering love, acceptance, and inclusion. Join our loving congregation, where everyone is valued and encouraged to explore their spiritual journey. At Unity of Bloomington, all are welcome and together we thrive! Minnassa Gabon - Spiritual Leader Phyllis Wickliff - Music Director
United Methodist Jubilee 219 E. Fourth St. 812-332-6396 jubileebloomington.org Facebook: First United Methodist Church of Bloomington, IN Instagram: @jubileebloomington Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Classic Worship 11:45 a.m., Contemporary Worship Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., College & Young Adult Dinner Jubilee is a Christ-centered community open and affirming to all. We gather on Wednesdays at First United Methodist (219 E. 4th St.) for free food, honest discussion, worship, and hanging out. Small groups, service projects, social events (bonfires, game nights, book clubs, etc.), outreach retreats, and leadership opportunities all play a significant role in our rhythm of doing life together. Markus Dickinson - jubilee@fumcb.org
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church 100 N. State Rd. 46 812-332-5788 smumc.church facebook.com/BloomingtonStMarksUMC instagram: @stmarksbloomington Sunday: 10:30 a.m., Worhsip Mon. - Fri: Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana is an inclusive community, bringing Christ-like love, healing, and hope to all. We embrace the United Methodist ideal of open hearts, open minds, and open doors by welcoming those of all races, cultures, faith traditions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Rev. John Huff - Pastor Rev. Dr. Eve Mugambi - Pastor
Sunday: 9 a.m., Empowerment Classes (for all ages) 10:30 a.m., Service Wednesday: 7 p.m., Bible Study Lighthouse Community Church is mandated, by the Word of God, to fulfill the Great Commission by winning lost souls to Christ and empowering the believer to grow in Christ through prayer, study of the Holy Bible, and life application teaching. All are welcome! Transportation is available. Senior Pastor - Derek L. House Assistant Pastor - Clarence W. Boone
Presbyterian (Evangel) Trinity Reformed Church 2401 S. Endwright Rd. 812-825-2684 trinityreformed.org instagram.com/trinityreformed facebook.com/trinitychurchbloom Sunday: 9 a.m., Worship 10:45 a.m., Worship We are a Reformed Protestant church on the west side of Bloomington with two lively worship services on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., home groups, and a college age group called The Mix (a group of young adults who are both attending college and beyond). Jody Killingsworth - Lead Pastor Max Curell - Shepherding Pastor Stephen Baker - Discipleship Pastor
11
Sept. 24, 2026 | Indiana Daily Student | idsnews.com
BASEBALL
IDS FILE PHOTO
IU plays the University of Kentucky on May 8, 2018, at Bart Kaufman Field. Jacob Gomberg was removed from the team's roster.
Jacob Gomberg removed from baseball roster Gomberg was accused of sexual cyberharassment in Florida
By Sean McAvoy semcavoy@iu.edu
Editor’s Note: This story includes mention of sexual harassment and violence. Resources are available here. Indiana baseball pitcher Jacob Gomberg was removed from the team’s roster, per an Indiana Athletics
Check
spokesperson Monday morning. Gomberg was charged with stalking: sexual cyberharassment of another person in Alachua County, Florida. Gomberg allegedly shared nonconsensual videos of then-19-year-old University of Florida sophomore Maddie Kowalski being “sexually violated while
incapacitated,” according to a civil complaint Kowalski filed against him in federal court Aug. 26. Kowalski came forward in a Sept. 14 WIRED story, detailing harassment in person and online following a video released Nov. 3, 2025. The civil complaint alleges Gomberg “intentionally” published “one or more” of
the recordings through “one or more pseudonymous ‘burner’ accounts.” Per court documents, investigators served legal processes to X, which provided the email address linked to an X burner account, “MadDogTime.” The account allegedly posted a screenshot of a nonconsensual sexually explicit video of Kowalski.
Subsequently, legal processes compelled Google to provide the name, phone number and date of birth linked to the email address. The University of Florida Police Department then confirmed the phone number and date of birth were associated with Gomberg. According to WIRED, videos of Kowalski were viewed
more than 8.5 million times in the initial hours. Gomberg, a Coral Springs, Florida, native joined Indiana in July after one season at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The left-handed pitcher started his collegiate career at Florida, making four career appearances between the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
the IDS for your directory of local religious services, or go online anytime at idsnews.com/religious For membership in the Indiana Daily Student Religious Directory, please contact ads@idsnews.com.
Society of Friends (Quaker) Bloomington Friends Meeting 3820 E. Moores Pike bloomingtonfriendsmeeting.org Sunday (in person & by Zoom): 9:45 a.m., Hymn singing 10:30 a.m., Meeting for Worship Children’s program available We practice traditional Quaker worship, gathering in silence with occasional Spirit-led vocal ministry by fellow worshipers. We are an inclusive community with a rich variety of belief and no prescribed creed. We are actively involved in peace action, social justice causes, and environmental concerns. All are welcome. Rex Sprouse, Clerk rsprouse@iu.edu
Bahá'í Faith Bloomington Bahá'í Community and Bahá’í IU Association 424 S. College Mall Rd. 812-331-1863 bloomingtoninbahais.org facebook.com/Baháí-Community-ofBloomington-Indiana-146343332130574 Instagram: @bloomingtonbahai Sunday: 10:40 a.m., Regular Services, Devotional Meetings. Please call or contact through our website for other meetings/activities The Bahá'í Association of IU works to share the Teachings and Principles of the Founder, Bahá'u'lláh, that promote the "Oneness of Mankind" and the Peace and Harmony of the Planet through advancing the "security, prosperity, wealth and tranquility of all peoples." Karen Pollock Dan Enslow
Independent Baptist Lifeway Baptist Church 7821 W. State Road 46 812-876-6072 lifewaybaptistchurch.org facebook.com/lifewayellettsville Sunday: 9 a.m., Bible Study Classes 10 a.m., Morning Service 5 p.m., Evening Service *Free transportation provided. Please call if you need a ride to church. Student Ministry: Meeting for Bible study throughout the month. Contact Rosh Dhanawade at bluhenrosh@gmail.com for more information. Steven VonBokern - Senior Pastor Rosh Dhanawade - IU Coordinator 302-561-0108 bluhenrosh@gmail.com
United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches-USA
First United Church 2420 E. Third St. 812-332-4439 firstuc.org facebook.com/firstuc instagram.com/firstuc2420 youtube.com/@FirstUCBtown Sunday: 10:30 a.m., Worship Monday: 10 a.m. via Zoom, Bible Study We are an Open, Welcoming, and Affirming community of love and acceptance dedicated to welcoming the diversity of God’s beloved. We exist to empower, challenge, and encourage one another to live out Jesus’ ways (compassion, truth, and justice) authentically as human beings in community to create a better world. Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai Senior Minister Rev. Shelli Yoder, Associate Minister
Unitarian Universalist Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington 2120 N. Fee Ln. 812-332-3695 uubloomington.org facebook.com/uubloomington Sunday: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. via in person or livestream We’re a multi dynamic congregation actively working towards a more just and loving world. We draw inspiration from world religions and diverse spiritual traditions. Our vision is “Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World.” A LGBTQA+, Dementia Friendly, Welcoming Congregation to all ages and groups and a Certified Green Sanctuary.
Lutheran (LCMS) University Lutheran Church 607 E. Seventh St. 812-336-5387 indianalutheran.com Sundays: 10 a.m. University Lutheran Church (LCMS) serves students and the Bloomington community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament. We are located at 7th and Fess, across from Dunn Meadow. We have weekly Divine Services, meals, and other activities. The Student Center is open from 9 a.m. 9 p.m. during the school year. You can study, take a break, cook a meal, or do laundry. For more information, find us at indianalutheran.com, on Instagram (@uluindiana) and on Facebook (ULutheranIU). You have a place here! Timothy Winterstein - Pastor
Episcopal (Anglican)
Non-Denominational
Canterbury Mission
Christ Community Church
719 E. Seventh St. 812-822-1335 IUCanterbury.org facebook.com/ECMatIU Instagram: @ECMatIU Youtube: @canterburyhouseatiu9094
503 S. High St. 812-332-0502 cccbloomington.org/new facebook.com/christcommunitybtown Instagram: @christcommunitybtown
Sunday: 4 p.m. at Canterbury house Wed.: 12:10 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church Canterbury: Assertively open & affirming; unapologetically Christian, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by promoting justice, equality, peace, love and striving to be the change God wants to see in our world. Ed Bird - Chaplain/Priest
Baptist Emmanuel Church 1503 W. That Rd. 812-824-2768 Emmanuelbloom.com Instagram & Facebook: @EmmanuelBloomington Sunday: 9:15 a.m., Fellowship Sunday: 10 a.m., Worship Groups: Various times Emmanuel is a multigenerational church of all types of people. Whether you are questioning faith or have followed Jesus for years, we exist to help fuel a passion for following Jesus as we gather together, grow in community, and go make disciples. John Winders - Lead Pastor
Second Baptist Church 321 N. Rogers St. 812-336-5827 sbcbloomington.org facebook.com/2ndbaptistbloomington youtube.com/@secondbaptist churchbloomington Sunday: 10 a.m., Service (In house and on Facebook/YouTube) Sunday School: 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. Bible Study: Available In House and on Zoom Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, Noon Please come and worship with us. We are in training for reigning with Christ! Need a ride? Call our Church bus at 812-3271467 before 8 a.m. on Sunday Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Rose - Pastor David Swayze - Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. William Vance - Associate Pastor Tallie Schroeder - Secretary
Sunday: 9:15 a.m., Educational Hour 10:30 a.m., Worship Service We are a diverse community of Christ-followers, including many IU students, faculty and staff. Together we are committed to sharing the redeeming grace and transforming truth of Jesus Christ in this college town. Dan Waugh - Senior Pastor Adam deWeber - Worship Pastor Bob Whitaker - Associate Teaching Pastor
Church of Christ 825 W. Second St. 812-332-0501 facebook.com/w2coc Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Bible Study 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m., Worship We use no book, but the Bible. We have no creed but His Word within its sacred pages. God is love and as such we wish to share this joy with you. The comprehensive teaching of God’s Word can change you forever.
Buddhist Gaden KhachoeShing Buddhist Monastery 2150 E. Dolan Rd. 812-334-3456 ganden.org facebook.com/khachoeshing Sundays: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesdays: 6 p.m. Gaden KhachoeShing Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery dedicated to preserving authentic Buddhist teachings while fostering wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. Through meditation, Teachings, retreats, and community programs, we provide a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can explore timeless practices for personal growth and the benefit of society. Jam Yang Suzy Fukerson
Indiana Daily Student
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PHOTO
Sept. 24, 2026 idsnews.com
Editors Trinity Mackenzie, Katherine Maners visuals@idsnews.com
Indiana football rolls Western Kentucky 38-0
KATIE NEWETT | IDS
Taha Shibchandeler throws a cornhole bag during Indiana University Fall Family Weekend Sept. 19, 2026, at at the tailgating fields near Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Shibchandeler’s son, Isaac, invited him to his fraternity tailgate.
KENNEDY HANNAH | IDS
KENNEDY HANNAH | IDS
Seventh-year defensive back Preston Zachman takes down Ajay Allen in the game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Zachman had eight tackles throughout the game.
Sophomore tight end Andrew Barker (left) celebrates with sophomore wide receiver Davion Chandler during a game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The win improved Indiana’s record to 3-0.
KATIE NEWETT | IDS
An Indiana University Marching Hundred drummer throws up his arms as he enters Memorial Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Bloomington. The band performed an opening number before the game.
KENNEDY HANNAH | IDS
Junior wide receiver Nick Marsh reaches for the ball in the game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 19, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Marsh had two first-down catches.