Washington- USPresidentDonald Trumpsaid thatIsraelandLebanonhave agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire starting on Thursday at2100 GMT.

He said the agreement came after he "just had excellent conversations" with Lebanese PresidentJoseph Aounand Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu.

"These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at5 P.M. EST,"the US president posted on his Truth Social platform.

He said he has directedVice President JD Vance, Secretary of StateMarco Rubioand "Chairman of theJoint Chiefs of Staff,Dan Razin' Caine, to work withIsraelandLebanonto achieve a Lasting PEACE."

It comes after the ambassadors ofIsraelandLebanonmet with Rubio inWashingtonon Tuesday, in what marked the first direct talks between the countries in decades.

Fighting betweenIsraeland theIran-backedHezbollahmilitia escalated again in the wake of theIranwar. The Lebanese government is not an active party to the war and is seeking de-escalation.Hezbollahhas so far rejected talks between the government andIsrael.

©2026 dpa GmbH. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC.

Jacob and Mackenzie Sutton

Jacob Sutton knew he wanted to "serve people in some way" with his career. This desire led him to teaching, where he taught middle and high school math for two and a half years before he decided to switch career paths. Jacob felt that firefighting would allow him to "serve others in a higher capacity." His grandfather was a firefighter, but retired before Jacob was born, so he went into the fire service with little expectation.

Growing up and throughout college, Jacob was always part of a sports team. The fire service gave him a similar sense of "brotherhood" to that of being on a sports team. His shifts are 24 hours for three consecutive days, and the firefighters treat the station "like home" and each other "like family."

Jacob has been a firefighter for four years and currently works for the South Madison Fire Territory. The station covers in-town, rural and interstate fire suppression, emergency medical services, car accidents, hazmat incidents and more.

"Our training at South Madison is incredibly important to us, so we highly prioritize that," Jacob said. "We know that when we're called, we're certainly needed."

Jacob knows that what he completes while on shifts dictates when or if he can go home to his wife, Mackenzie, and daughter, Georgia. Fatherhood has impacted Jacob at work and motivates him to always do his job well.

"I've been the first one inside of a burning building multiple times and I think about 'What if that was my daughter in there?' Jacob said.

Mackenzie Sutton works as a dental hygienist in Pendleton, Indiana. The couple met on social media in 2020, when Jacob was still teaching and living in Kentucky. When he told Mackenzie he wanted to be a firefighter, she was at first "reluctant" about the idea.

"Looking back, now that we're all used to it, I couldn't see him doing anything else," Mackenzie said. "He's perfectly fit for this."

One of the biggest challenges for them was navigating their schedules, especially when it came to raising their 17-month-old daughter. They explored child care options, and Mackenzie reduced her work schedule to three days a week at her office. Mackenzie's parents are also "there to step in and help out whenever needed."

She said that everyone in their circle "adapted well" and the adjustments went "a lot more smoothly than anticipated." Jacob commends Mackenzie for "stepping up" for them when raising Georgia, and has watched her grow as a person.

"Not to say it's not hard at times. There [are] days where I'm like, 'Man, I just can't wait for him to walk through the door in 30 minutes," Mackenzie said.

Over the years, the two have learned how to navigate their relationship and understand one another better, especially as Mackenzie was "getting to know him better through this new stage of life."

For Jacob, it can be hard to "flip the switch" between work and family at times. He internalizes some experiences on the job and sometimes doesn't want to talk about certain things he's seen or done, nor does he want Mackenzie to know about them. Mackenzie has learned to extend grace, as she is someone who wants to talk things out. If Jacob says he had a bad shift, she understands immediately that he does not want to talk in detail about his day.

Licensed mental health counselor Brooke Aker works with first responders to provide mental health care to those in the field. She helps first responders navigate different ways to communicate with their spouses and families, as Aker said it's very popular for those in this profession to keep everything to themselves and not share things with their families.

"A lot of the time, first responders need to decompress … and they need some time alone to transition," Aker said. "It can cause a lot of conflict in marriages, so trying to educate both sides about that and give the first responder what they need so that they can re-engage [with their family]."

Aker teaches clients coping strategies, as most first responders struggle with coming out of a "fight or flight" state of mind. For example, Aker may focus on an individual therapy session in which the first responder debriefs on a particular critical incident they responded to.

Jacob relies on talking with his colleagues and on mediation and prayer, to cope with the mental toll of the job. For both him and Mackenzie, their faith in God helps guide them, as they believe that "the Lord has a reason for everything."

When Jacob gets a call, he usually has enough time to let Mackenzie know he's responding to a fire. Even if Jacob is on a shift, the family still finds ways to be connected. Mackenzie and Georgia will Facetime Jacob and occasionally visit the station so he can spend more time with their daughter.

Rob and Krista Swoboda

Married for almost 27 years, Rob and Krista Swoboda are both first responders in the medical field.

The two met at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, when Krista was working in the hospital's triage area, a designated zone in the Emergency Department for quickly assessing patients by severity.

Rob had brought a patient to the hospital, and as he and his partner were finishing, he saw Krista and was "blown away."

Rob, an advanced emergency medical technician (EMT) and lieutenant with Delaware County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), has been in the field for nearly 34 years. He started in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at a volunteer department in Albany, Indiana at 15-years-old, after his family had moved to the town from Detroit, Michigan. He was riding his bike past the ambulance station when he saw a sign saying they were accepting applications for a cadet program. After learning about what the job includes, he knew he wanted to "make a difference."

At 16 years old, Rob became a trained first responder and knew he wanted to work with Delaware County EMS.

His job has always been about "being there for people in their time of need," and "making a difference", explaining that [the job] doesn't stop when he's off duty. For example, if he's driving down the road and someone has a flat tire or their car is broken down, he pulls over to check if they are okay.

"We care about the community. We care about the people. We're there for them during their time of need," Rob said.

Rob and Krista's drive to help people continues to motivate them both in their careers and family life.

After starting at Ball Memorial as a registration clerk in the Emergency Department, just two years out of high school, Krista decided she "wanted more out of her career" as she watched the nurses and EMS work.

"I always admired all the nurses," Krista said. "Watching them help people, watching them jump into action … I was just so intrigued by it."

She decided to enroll in nursing school to become a registered nurse (RN). Krista works in the Ball Memorial Emergency Room (ER), working three 12-hour shifts a week.

With Rob and Krista both working in the medical field, they can support each other in times of need and celebration. They understand one another's schedules, knowing that sometimes one of them may have to work on a birthday or their anniversary. Rob and Krista frequently interact at the hospital together, and value the importance of teamwork both in their profession and at home.

"[Krista] is really good with taking care of the bills and finances, so that's one role she takes … and I like to cook," Rob said. "Teamwork has definitely helped us in our relationship."

When the two get home for the day, they usually "leave work at work." Rob shuts off radios and scanners while still staying alert [for calls], and when at home, Krista's time is spent enjoying her family and winding down.

The two have a 19-year-old son, Kamden, who is currently studying psychology at Ivy Tech Community College, so that "he can do his part [in] helping people," like his parents.

When their son was younger, if either parent were at work on Christmas, they would "send a letter to Santa," asking if Santa could come early since his parents had to work.

The parents said Kamden took pride in the fact that "Santa comes to my house before he comes to somebody else's." Kamden grew up knowing what his parents' jobs entailed, and that sometimes holidays would have to be sacrificed or celebrated on a different day.

Rob and Krista's shifts can be flexible, as Krista is self-scheduled and Rob can take certain days off. When they were first raising their son, they would schedule opposite shifts so that one parent could be home and present with him. They have always made Kamden's birthday a priority, and Krista said they make that day special.

Rob, Krista and Kamden always try to do activities that they all want to do. If Rob and Krista are together and going out to eat, they will intentionally choose a place Kamden doesn't like. As Kamden has grown up, the two have always told him that after retirement, "wherever he ends up, is where we're going to move to."

"It's always the three of us, no matter what," Krista said. "We always try to spend time together. Everything we do, we do together."

Brodrick and McKenna Hendrickson

Being there for people who can not be there for themselves is what motivates first responders Brodrick and McKenna Hendrickson.

Brodrick Hendrickson is a fifth-generation firefighter and began working in the fire service in 2017, starting as a volunteer firefighter. He began working at the Muncie Fire Department three years ago, and two months ago, became a paramedic. Being a firefighter is all Brodrick ever wanted in life, and he said he is living his younger self's dream.

His wife, McKenna, became an EMT firefighter three years ago and worked for two years with pediatric patients at Riley Children's Hospital, but she is no longer working full-time.

The two have been married for almost three years, and they met when McKenna was in her first year of college. When Brodrick told her he was a firefighter, she replied, "You're joking." When she saw him for the first time after he returned from a fire call, she stood in shock at the sight of Brodrick coughing, covered in soot.

To Brodrick and the other firefighters, it was normal, but it was "terrifying" to McKenna. As the years went on and McKenna learned more about the fire service, it's now "not as scary watching him leave," and she knows he is with people who will fight to protect him. However, they still "take it day by day."

"When he texts me that he's on his way home, it's a breath of fresh air," McKenna said.

McKenna recalled one day that Brodrick came home with a minor burn on his ear, and seeing the physical injury made "every fear" and "what if" flood her mind. She thought about every conversation she had with their son, Rhett, about the potential of his father not coming home. McKenna explained to Rhett that Brodrick "puts his life in danger to help other people." When Rhett was younger, and Brodrick would come home from work, he'd ask, "Did you save somebody today?"

"To [Rhett], his daddy is his hero," McKenna said.

Being in the same field, the two understand each other, especially when it comes to how they deal with the emotional toll of the job. McKenna said that sometimes she closes her eyes and flashes back to things she's witnessed while in service. They have learned to understand what the other needs after a difficult day.

"We have looked at each other and said, 'Listen, I know it was an awful day, but you are not okay, and you need to talk, whether it is now or later today, you need to get it off your chest,'" McKenna said.

Andy and Heather Payne

In college, Andy Payne was a member of a fraternity at Ball State University. After dropping his photojournalism major and moving to England for two years to play rugby, Andy returned to Ball State when he was almost 21. Not wanting to hang out with 18 and 19-year-olds, he would stand by the police officer stationed at the back door of fraternity parties, conversing with him and asking questions. One day, he offered for Andy to come on a ride-along.

His response was, "I don't want to be a cop."

The first night he was in the police car, he witnessed a foot chase and the officer fought someone. Andy recalled thinking it was exciting and interesting, ultimately leading him to become a road officer for 16 years.

"I didn't think when I got into this job that I would see the best part of people, as well as the worst part," Andy said.

When he was a road officer, he worked the midnight shifts, which were eight hours long. He described the most rewarding calls as those in which he got to help someone.

Today, Andy has transitioned to the office side of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and is a lieutenant and the director of their training division, as he has always enjoyed the training aspect of the police force. He still responds to calls at times, but his day-to-day "wouldn't look that much different than an office job."

Originally on the path to becoming a history professor, Andy had no idea he wanted to be in the police force until he "saw the value in the community of facilitating and supporting the law."

Similar to his wife, Heather, he has a goal of "driving the community forward."

Heather has been working in the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State as the associate director and program manager for Building Better Neighborhoods, Ball State's effort to engage and support Muncie neighborhoods.

Despite both studying history and playing rugby at Ball State, Andy and Heather never crossed paths during college. In 2021, Andy had just finished helping Delaware County's statewide SWAT challenge, where SWAT teams from around the country gather for a week-long training and competition, and went to Guardian Brewery in Muncie to grab dinner and go home. Heather's best friend grew up with Andy, and the two were at the brewery together that night. Andy and Heather sat next to each other, and "just clicked."

Andy credits meeting Heather and her kids, and becoming a stepdad, for helping him "find more beauty in life."

However, Andy and Heather's family extends beyond them and their three children. Heather describes the Sheriff's Department as a "second support system."

The Sheriff's Office used to be a middle school, and in December, Andy and Heather organized a night where they invited the officers and their families to watch Christmas movies together in the old auditorium.

"It sounds cliché, but we're just people too," Andy said. "The vast majority of the guys I work with are good-hearted, kind, caring people that just want to make the community a better place."

Cory Kissick

Growing up, Cory Kissick's grandfather was the fire department's chief. Kissick would always listen to the scanner that his grandfather would leave on, even after he retired. Being fifth-generation in the fire service, Kissick was always drawn to the first-responder field and had a desire to serve the public.

He began his career at the Albany Fire Department in Indiana as a volunteer firefighter, and in 2014, decided he also wanted to be a police officer. Until 2020, he worked as a volunteer fireman, a reserve officer and full-time for Delaware County's 911 service, and at 21, he was promoted to a supervisor at 911.

Being on both sides of law enforcement and the fire service, Kissick was able to apply his fire service knowledge to the 911 side and, vice versa, his law enforcement knowledge to the fire service, thereby better understanding his jobs. He understood what was happening on the other side of the call and provided service to the best of his abilities.

"The 911 dispatcher, they hear the horrible things and are witnessing it in the third person, but they don't always know the outcome," Kissick said.

Kissick said there is a lot of negativity [within the services], but you have to find the 10% that is good, and "chase that feeling."

Over the years, Kissick developed defenses and coping mechanisms to handle the mental toll the jobs can take. He explained the job as a "jacket." When first responders walk into work, they are wearing a "personal life jacket," and they have to "take that jacket off, and hang it outside."

"Once you clock into your job, you put on your work jacket.' That 'work jacket' makes you a tool for the general public, you're there to serve and help people," Kissick said. "When you're done at the end of the day, you take that jacket off, hang it up outside the closet, and put your personal life jacket on."

Kissick has always lived by the ideal that "you don't take work issues back home with you," which helps him cope with the high stress of his jobs.

However, Kissick did struggle with burnout over the years, specifically within law enforcement and 911. He began looking for fire department jobs during COVID-19, and found that Delaware County's emergency management position was open, a job Kissick had always wanted to pursue. He decided to resign from the police department in 2020, after getting married and having a child.

Kissick met his wife while working in the 911 service and they shared a common interest in public service.

"We've been able to lean off of each other and manage those stressors [of the job]," Kissick said. "We just support each other."

The two have a 4-year-old son, and he knows that his mom and dad "work to help people." Kissick makes sure that every chance he has to be home, he's spending time with his son. He understands that when he is at home, he is still "on duty," but he is also spending time with his family. He and his wife make time for each other, sometimes going on dates or just staying in together. The family also has family days at least once a month, where the three of them do an activity together.

Kissick currently serves as Delaware County's Emergency Management Deputy Director and the Assistant Fire Chief.

His job consists of disaster response, recovery and mitigation, as well as emergency and disaster planning and pre-planning. Kissck is also a supervisor at Delaware County's hazardous materials team, a district hazmat team that provides aid for 13 counties.

"In reality, we are people too," Kissick said. "We signed up to do this and we serve, but we [first responders] have issues too."

Jena Ashby

Jena Ashby began working at Nye's Wrecker Service, a 24 hour, seven days a week, towing and recovery service when she was 16-years-old. Her grandfather began the business in the 70s, and it has continued since.

Ashby spent a majority of her time with her grandparents, and grew up around them working in the towing and recovery service. She was the only grandchild for eight years and recalled reading books with the workers at Nye's, and they would "always entertain it."

When she was a teenager, her grandfather said she was not allowed to work for him unless she had prior work experience, so she worked at McDonalds, eventually transferring to Nye's.

Ashby worked with dispatching and bookkeeping. They had a map of the state of Indiana that she would analog and create strategies for possible routes.

Jena's husband, Shannon, worked at Nye's for 20 years. When Shannon would take calls, Jena would check Life360, tracking if Shannon was still moving on the road. Concern for safety would cross her mind if he was on call, no matter the day.

Shannon now works as a commercial driving instructor.

Their kids have always said "dad is going to run to danger." Her children knew that their father may have to leave during holidays or birthdays.

"It's sleepless nights and leaving in the middle of family gatherings, but also being there to help in people's hardest moments," Jena said.

These stories represent just a few of the many families and lives in Delaware County that are impacted daily by the duties and responsibilities of being a first responder.
Contact Jessica Bergfors with questions at jessica.bergfors@bsu.edu.

It was a warm, humid summer night. Fireflies zipped past my head, and I could see the moon's reflection glimmering on the water. The kitchen light from inside lit the dark backyard through a window. Giggles erupted from Vanessa and me as my dad chased us around the pool.

"She's a Sox fan!" we would take turns yelling, my dad switching who he'd chase after.

My dad was a massive Cubs fan. In my home sits a framed photo of my brother and me wearing Cubs jerseys in our backyard, with my tiny hands holding a baseball. Vanessa and her family are White Sox fans. Living near Chicago, the historical Cubs vs. White Sox rivalry was major and something I knew about from a young age.

The sound of our tiny feet hitting the ground and screams echoed throughout the neighborhood, as we attempted not to get caught by my dad. The pool reflected the image of my dad catching me as he swung my small body around, and I couldn't help a toothy smile from stretching across my face.

The word 'wave' has many definitions. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it can mean "a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid." It can also mean "a surge of sensation or emotion."

When the idea of the Waves Edition was originally pitched, my mind went in several different directions. I thought about physical waves in water, but also conceptual waves. I thought about emotional waves, specifically the range of emotions an individual can feel. The wave of falling in love with someone and the way it feels like a wave suddenly crashing onto a shore, the moment you realize it. The wave of dealing with grief and how it sometimes feels like ripples, and other times it's a tsunami. The wave of your own life, continuously changing patterns as you change with them.

I wanted the spring edition of the magazine to have more conceptual story ideas, and the Waves Edition gave us that opportunity. This issue holds all kinds of stories. Alongside articles about scuba diving and the Indiana Dunes are features that discuss grief, recovery and addiction. Wherever you may be reading this magazine, whoever you may be reading it with, I hope these stories resonate with you in some way or that you learn something new. The Ball Bearings team has put immense work into these stories, and they have never failed to amaze me.

I am constantly inspired by those whom I have worked with in student media.

I have worked with Ball Bearings since my first year at Ball State, and it's been a privilege I don't take for granted. From working past midnight in the Unified Media Lab (UML) on a design to editing articles until my eyes blurred, Ball Bearings has been one of the best parts of my college experience.

I'm not sure how to say goodbye to waking up early on a Saturday and driving to Starbucks with Brenden, Ball Bearings Artistic Director, before heading into the office for print night. Or how to say goodbye to adding songs in a Spotify queue with Trinity, Ball Bearings Executive Director, and blaring music in the Unified Media Lab from their speaker.

What I do know is that my experiences with Ball Bearings have shaped me into who I am today. A better writer, a better designer, a better leader, and most importantly, a better person. Meeting people who change your perspective will always be one of the greatest gifts of life, and I'm lucky to have experienced that gift during my time at Ball State. At times, I felt the same way I did when my dad chased me around the pool.

In Phoebe Bridgers' song "I Know The End," the chorus reads, "But you had to go, I know, I know, I know. Like a wave that crashed and melted on the shore."

Similar to what waves do, this chapter of my life is drawing back and making space for what's next. This chaotic, beautiful wave has melted on the shore.

This article is a part of Ball Bearings Spring 2026 magazine: Waves. Read more stories online at Cardinalmediabsu.com.

April 15, Ridenour attended an event co-hosted by Ball State University's Economics Club, College Democrats and College Republicans at the Whitinger Business Building.

Charles Mandziara, president of the university's College Republicans Club, opened the evening by introducing the mayor and encouraging the many students, faculty and community members present to engage with the mayor to learn more about the city and its current initiatives.

Ridenour was elected in 2019 and is currently serving his second term as Muncie city mayor.

During the event, he mentioned that one of his main goals during his initial campaign was to focus on restabilizing Muncie after a long run of poor city management.

"I wanted to stabilize things. I went in not with any grand plans other than to just get the reputation of Muncie more on a positive track. Everywhere you turned, it seemed like somebody was complaining about corruption and so forth, and they weren't incorrect," Ridenour said.

Before Ridenour came into office, former mayors were subject to seven different indictments.

After his election, Ridenour was faced with several budgetary issues, including $50-60 million of debt and $2.2 million in claims against former actions of the police department taking place in 2015-17.

The former banker and now well-established civil servant has since eliminated $16 million of the city's debt and has also overseen a population growth of around 1,200 after 50 years of a population decline.

A large contributor to the increase in people relocating to the Muncie area is due to a program called Make My Move, which encourages people to relocate to certain areas by offering them special amenities, the mayor said.

Ridenour's use of this program comes after the passing of State Senate Bill 1, which drastically reduces the amount of property tax collected - money that many cities, such as Muncie, rely on to improve both infrastructure and upkeep of current projects and initiatives within the city, Ridenour claimed.

Ball State has contributed to the city's use of Make My Move by offering free memberships to university athletic events, free tickets to events at Emens and others.

"We've had over 208 people move here with that program," Ridenour said.

The Make My Move program and other efforts to increase Muncie's population growth allow for an influx of income tax, which can help alleviate any pressure the city may face as the property tax slowly decreases in the city budget.

Despite upcoming financial difficulties the administration and city may face, Ridenour is currently helping with the repaving of several Muncie roads as a part of a 10-year plan to revitalize the city's roadways.

"Roads last about 15 years, and no neighborhood streets had been done because the contractors, the big contractors, wanted big roads. They wanted to do the big streets, but they didn't want to go into the middle neighborhoods, so we used our own equipment to do the neighborhood streets," Ridenour said.

The city's engineer spearheaded an initiative to allow the city to own its own road paving equipment, thus allowing for the smaller neighborhood roads to be included in the massive repaving across the city.

Mayor Ridenour has had many successes in his political career so far, not just limited to the increase in people alongside the decrease in potholes, but when asked by a Ball State student what his biggest accomplishment was, the mayor talked about his contributions to the community.

"I'm still probably happiest about opening that first splash pad," Ridenour said, referring to the amenities that were added to Muncie parks in an effort to upgrade those areas for the surrounding community.

"The kids were so happy; their parents were so happy. It was a neighborhood that felt like nobody cared about them," he said, emphasizing the importance of improving areas of the city that are often overlooked.

Mandziara closed the event by opening a discussion surrounding the many community members' concerns over the drinking water.

"Some students that I know were very curious about that [the water], what's going on with that and what's causing that," he said.

Ultimately, the mayor said that the water is not controlled by the city, but rather is overseen and controlled by Indiana American Water, a private utilities company.

"The water company says it's safe, and that's their job," Ridenour said. "They said it was 100% safe."

He mentioned that some community members may see some slight murkiness in their drinking water, but that is the result of increased water levels in the river, causing dirt and sediment to enter the water flow.

All drinking water is still going through the same treatment process and has been certified safe by Indiana American Water, Ridenour said.

Students and community members alike were invited to take a picture with the mayor at the end of the event and Ridenour encouraged everyone to get involved in local city government and consider internship opportunities with the City of Muncie.

Contact Kyler Effner via email at kyler.effner@bsu.edu.

These healthcare services will be located at a no-cost community clinic at 809 W. 8th Street. The Muncie Mission will be responsible for staffing the clinic and delivering the expected services.

This partnership is a long-term plan, expected to begin in 2027 when the Muncie Mission assumes ownership of the facility. The Muncie Mission will also be transferring ownership of another building to the city for the benefit of the community.

The City of Muncie also addressed the work that Meridian Health Services has done for Muncie and how their services will continue to help aid the work the Muncie Mission hopes to do.

"This partnership is a win for the entire Muncie community," said Mayor Dan Ridenour. "By working together with the Muncie Mission, we are expanding access to critical healthcare services for those who need it most while making thoughtful use of City resources. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that helps move Muncie forward."

Contact NewsLink Indiana staff with comments at newslink@bsu.edu.

After a massive success with the first film, Illumination and Nintendo have come back together to make a second Super Mario film. Getting to see the film in theaters, here is each member of Byte's review of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Chris Dawson

I think it was a fun watch, and it is definitely a children's movie. That being said, the movie went absolutely nowhere, and in fact, some characters LOST pre-established development.

Favorite moment: When they were in the jungle with the T-Rex.

Story: 2

Visuals: 9

Performances: 7

Ian Fraser

I felt like it did about as much as the previous Mario movie. No more, no less. There's the same level of character development-which is to say, not that much-and the pacing was about as rushed as the first one. I don't think that's to its detriment, though. I went into it for fun references to the games, not any big plot developments. I think these movies are like fast food. They're fun while you see them, and then you move on, and I don't think that's a bad thing.

Favorite moment: Literally any time they played the 'Gusty Garden Galaxy' theme.

Story: 8

Visuals: 10

Performances: 8

Mason Mundy

I can't believe it got worse on a second viewing. Nothing happened the whole movie. The animation and the score were great, but nothing happened. What I remember happening was either wasted potential or really stupid.

The whole movie can be summed up as: "Y'all got a good story?" "We got references."

Favorite moment: The needle drop of "Hypnotize" when Yoshi first came on screen

Story: 1

Visuals: 9

Performances: 6

Sam Jasionowski

This film had no solid plot. At all. Throughout the entire film, it feels as though the group is running from something while simultaneously chasing something, yet I had no idea what the conflict was besides finding Rosalina. No rise, fall, or climax felt compelling enough for me to care about the plot; it was just a world tour of references from other games. The only plus about this film is that it made me feel nostalgic enough to dust off my old Mario games and play for a bit.

The humor of the film and the inclusion of Yoshi were its only saving graces. Illuminations as a film studio has mastered the art of making children's movies funny for both the kids and the parents tagging along, so it comes as no shock that the film is generally funny. Yoshi was also a great addition. He has a charm that fits right in with the crew, and I'm glad they spent the time characterizing Yoshi, as other characters didn't get that luxury this time around.

Favorite moment: anytime Yoshi was on screen

Story: 2

Visuals: 9

Performances: 5

Willow Emig

Despite being a silly movie, the plot was extremely lacking. It really felt like nothing happened the whole movie. The animation style was really good, though, and it was visually interesting. Half the time, the dialogue was somewhat funny, but the other half of the time, the lines were pretty vague and typical. It was an enjoyable watch, but I definitely would not go back to it a second time.

Favorite moment: I loved the lumas, they were so cute and so silly!

Story: 2

Visuals: 7

Performances: 5

State pharmacy regulators on Monday rejected a proposed settlement with Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital over a yearslong drug diversion scheme - saying the penalties fell short for misconduct that went undetected for years - but still renewed the hospital's pharmacy license, allowing it to keep operating.

The Indiana Board of Pharmacy voted to deny the agreement, which would have fined the Muncie hospital $44,000 and placed its pharmacy license on probation, and instead set the case for a full hearing later this summer.

At the same Monday meeting, however, the board unanimously renewed the hospital's pharmacy license and directed the Indiana Attorney General's Office to proceed with a formal complaint - allowing the facility to continue operating in the meantime while the disciplinary case moves forward.

The decision came amid growing unease among regulators about how long the diversion went undetected and whether the proposed penalties matched the scope of the drug diversions by former hospital pharmacist Christopher Knoth.

Hospital data provided on Monday showed Knoth allegedly stole nearly 317,000 milligrams of hydromorphone, a powerful prescription opioid painkiller; 41,390 milligrams of methadone, another highly regulated opiate; and 290 milligrams of morphine.

Members of the board previously called the case "one of the largest diversions" to ever come before the licensing body.

Knoth has been criminally charged in the case, but those proceedings are still pending - and he continues to hold an active, unrestricted Indiana pharmacist license.

"This is $27 per life," board president Matt Balla said Monday during deliberations, referencing overdose data in Delaware County and surrounding communities. "I think if this was going to be a settlement that we wanted to approve, it should have involved something that involved the community - and not the minimum."

Board calls proposed settlement 'not enough'

The proposed agreement followed an investigation by the state attorney general's office into diversion at the hospital between November 2020 and July 2024, when Knoth - then the pharmacy manager - used his position overseeing controlled substances to take drugs from a secure vault without detection.

Hospital officials disclosed Monday that the total value of the drugs diverted was $121,893, including large quantities of hydromorphone, methadone and morphine.

That included thousands of doses - more than 2,300 hydromorphone vials and nearly 3,900 methadone tablets - taken over roughly 44 months, according to records presented to the board.

Under the deal negotiated with the attorney general's office, the hospital would have faced 44 counts - one for each month the diversion went undetected - with a $1,000 fine per count, the maximum allowed under state law.

But multiple board members said the penalty failed to reflect the scale and duration of the conduct.

"I don't think it goes far enough," said board member Jason Jablonski. "I don't think the fine is enough."

Deputy Attorney General Autumn Murphy told the board the fine was constrained by statute and tied directly to the number of counts charged.

"The statutory maximum in Indiana at this current time per count is $1,000, so the settlement fine amount is $44,000," Murphy said. She added that the counts were calculated monthly - reflecting what the state viewed as "the minimum sufficient level of checks" that should have detected the diversion.

Board counsel Leif Johnson advised members they were effectively "maxed out" on the fine based on how the case was charged, though they retained discretion to impose stricter probation terms if they accepted the agreement.

"If you think more needs to happen as a result of the probation, that's a different story," Johnson told the board, noting members had "a pretty wide berth" to add conditions even if the fine could not increase.

Instead, the board voted to reject the settlement entirely and move toward a full administrative hearing, likely in July.

Hospital points to pharmacy fixes

Hospital officials argued Monday that the agreement appropriately addressed the violations, and hospital attorney Barclay Wong emphasized that the diversion was carried out by a single employee who concealed his actions.

"There have been no allegations against the pharmacy as far as the greater community impact. and there's also been no evidence presented or alleged that the diversion - that was carried out by someone who's not sitting at the table here today - was sold or on the streets," Wong told the board. "Those are things that are not before the board. Those are assumptions."

The hospital's pharmacy director Kimberly Kuznik testified that Knoth showed "no behavior changes at all" and was a trusted manager responsible for internal audits.

She said his "main job duty was doing our internal pharmacy audits for controlled substances" and that his role allowed him to exploit gaps in oversight.

Kuznik said the diversion was ultimately uncovered not through routine inventory controls, but during a financial review in July 2024 when staff noticed unusual spending on methadone.

"We were doing a financial review … I just noticed that the methadone multi-dose vial was higher than I would have expected," she told the board. "And so I asked where and who was using that and asked for a report."

Other hospital representatives said Monday that the diversion overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing shortages and shifting protocols strained pharmacy operations and may have impacted routine monitoring.

Since then, the Ball Memorial has implemented additional safeguards, including new reporting systems, daily reconciliation checks and expanded auditing procedures, top officials said on Monday. They noted that those changes have also been reviewed by federal regulators and accreditation bodies without further issue.

Wong also pointed to those changes, telling the board the hospital had "long been corrected" the structural issues that allowed the diversion to occur.

Broader questions linger about oversight

Although they rejected the settlement, board members made clear they were unwilling to take action that could jeopardize patient care in East Central Indiana.

"The leaders didn't know what was going on in their own shop. Basically, the fox was in the hen house, and he had the keys to the narc vault, and nobody was watching them,"Jablonski said. "But … I don't think that we're in a position to deny the license."

Hospital leaders warned, too, that failing to renew the pharmacy license would effectively shut down the facility, which serves as the primary hospital for Muncie and surrounding counties.

"You just can't run a hospital without having a pharmacy," said Dr. Ryan Johnson, the hospital's chief medical officer. Losing the license would be "catastrophic," he said.

Board member Steve Anderson agreed.

"I don't think it's the intention of this board to close down the pharmacy at the hospital," Anderson said. "I think we all realize what a catastrophe that will be."

The board ultimately voted Monday to renew the license while formally advancing the case for further discipline. The move is designed to preserve operations while keeping enforcement options open, board members said.

Still, multiple regulators expressed lingering concerns about how the diversion went undetected for nearly four years - and that it was discovered through financial data rather than inventory controls.

"This was found on a financial review … as opposed to an audit review of inventory," Anderson said. "That's a little disappointing."

Board members also questioned whether hospital leadership - not just pharmacy staff - should face additional training requirements tied to drug diversion prevention.

The rejected settlement would have required pharmacy leadership to complete specialized training and undergo external audits, but some members said those measures should go further.

"I don't think it goes far enough. You know, two million (morphine milligram equivalents) were diverted, probably at least a million dollars in street value was out there being sold and pedaled on the streets," Jablonski said.

"It was a good effort to require the pharmacy staff to do the diversion training, but it's more important that the registrant … understands the responsibilities of the hospital," he continued, suggesting additional training should extend beyond pharmacy staff to leadership. "(Hospital leadership) should also take that training so they understand what needs to be in place to prevent this moving forward."

Criminal case still pending

The administrative case against the hospital is separate from the ongoing criminal prosecution of Knoth in Delaware County.

Knoth was arrested in July 2024, although formal charges were not filed until August 2025. His case remains pending, with the next status hearing scheduled for May 6.

Despite the allegations, Knoth still holds an active, unrestricted Indiana pharmacist license.

Monday's board action does not affect his license, which would require separate disciplinary proceedings.

Knoth's pharmacy license is currently set to automatically renew in June, unless action is taken before then.

The event will honor graduates who have completed certificate and associate degree programs in healthcare and medical fields. Family, friends and guests are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, according to the release.

"Graduation is one of the most meaningful days in a student's journey, and we are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of every graduate," Whitney Schmidt, vice president of student affairs & experience at Ross Education said in the release. "These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment, and we look forward to watching them go on to build rewarding careers in healthcare."

The graduation ceremony will include the conferral of diplomas and degrees, remarks from faculty and administration, and the traditional processional. Graduates are encouraged to confirm their attendance and reserve seating for guests in advance, according to the release.

Contact the Daily News via email at editor@bsudailynews.com

Tonight: Severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 11 p.m. leaving us with cloudy conditions for the overnight hours. This doesn't cooldown the temperatures though you can expect a low of 67 degrees and winds from the south-southwest at 10 mph but gusting up to 25 mph.

Tomorrow: April showers bring may flowers and that is what tomorrows conditions have in store for us. Scattered showers throughout tomorrow but those temperatures starting off in the high-60s and getting up to near 80 by the end of the day meaning this would be the 24th day of 70 degrees or warmer since the start of this year. Southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph but gusts as high as 30 mph.

Seven-Day Forecast: Seems like summer now but not for long. You will need that rain coat as we have multiple days with scattered showers and even possible thunderstorms. The rest of the week expect temperatures to be in the 80s and 70s but then a quick cooldown moves in after rain pushes through Saturday decreasing temperatures by 19 degrees. Leaving us with a cool opening to early next week.

- Assistant Chief Weather Forecaster Elizabeth Myers

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @NLIWeather for breaking weather updates.

NewsLink Indiana is a proud Ambassador for the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation program.

Click here for more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program

For more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program

Experience what it is like to work on the wild side with a glimpse into the life of the newest Cardinal Spotlight. Meet Bailey Lammers, a senior wildlife and conservation biology major from Grand Forks, North Dakota.

As an avid outdoorsman, he found his passion for wildlife and conservation from his time spent outdoors, hiking and camping, throughout his life.

One notable experience that helped shaped him, came while he was a middle schooler at summer camp. While at the camp, he was able to explore the outdoors and observe different wildlife.

In addition to his experiences, Lammers credits Steve Irwin for his passion for conservation.

"A big part of why I chose wildlife biology as a career is that I was inspired by Steve Irwin," Lammers said. "Since I was young, I learned how important conservation was through him."

While at Ball State, he has been able to go on various field trips to locations like Goose Pond and the Cincinnati Zoo, something he cites as one of the best aspects of his major.

Along with the field trips, Lammers was able to spend his spring break in Puerto Rico with one of his ecology classes.

"Going to Puerto Rico for spring break was amazing," Lammers said. "I went for tropical ecology and met so many awesome people and experienced many unique ecosystems, such as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque."

As he works to complete his final semester as a Cardinal, Lammers reflected on his aspirations, noting his dreams to travel, getting to experience ecosystems and work on conservation efforts globally.

After graduation, the passion and knowledge that Lammers has for conservation and wildlife will serve him well as he soars toward a career in wildlife and conservation biology.

At Cardinal Media, we believe everyone at Ball State has a story worth telling. Cardinal Spotlight is our way of getting to know students beyond the surface - what they're up to, what matters to them, and what makes them who they are. Ordinary college life is more interesting than it gets credit for, and we want to hear about it.

"I quickly realized that there was no place in town that had hygiene supplies," Campbell said. "There are a couple food pantries that will get like bits and pieces of the puzzle, but no one has the complete set."

Every Tuesday at the Common Market, Campbell and her former professor, Kimberly Hennessee, set up and give free hygiene products to those who stop by. The Common Market is a local convenience store that hosts different nonprofits during the week.

"In Delaware County, we have one of the lowest per capita incomes; we have a very large population of homeless, whether folks realize it or not," Hennessee said.

Hennessee calls it the "Ball State Bubble," where students and those closest to campus don't see what the rest of Muncie and Delaware County is like. They only see the good and not what kind of difference they can make.

While the pair is further than they thought they would be in just a few months, they are ready to expand what they do. Looking for new volunteers, putting together exhibitions with other local nonprofits, and getting new stickers they're excited about, they are hopeful to begin promoting hygiene health. According to Hennessee, this can improve people's dignity as they go outside and help them with job opportunities.

The resources available to the community come straight from their pocket. The Hygiene Ladies are proud of how far they have come in such a short amount of time, and the connections they have made have made it all worth it.

To learn more about the nonprofit organization and what resources are available, check their website hygieneladies.org.

Contact Arlene Thompson with comments at arlene.thompson@bsu.edu

- Weather Forecaster Rachel Fulton

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @NLIWeather for breaking weather updates.

NewsLink Indiana is a proud Ambassador for the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation program.

Click here for more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program

For more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program

It was Oct. 20, 2025, when he stood in Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home in Loveland, Ohio. As he watched the number of people who made their way through the doors, something was cemented in his mind.

His mom, Heather, was loved.​

"You live, and you go to a couple of funerals. It's just something that happens," Neiger said. " I have never seen a turnout at a funeral like the one that I saw at hers. That was a total testament to her."

Heather passed away Oct. 16 after a year-long diagnosis with breast cancer. A 15-year teacher at Walnut Hills High School, a travel-team soccer head coach and a former soccer player herself at Ohio State University, Sam said his mom found "what she loved" in her life.

At that time, Sam's interest in music was growing. Though he is a senior broadcasting major and a SportsLink play-by-play announcer, the thought of continuing his talents with his guitar is more prevalent than ever.

He currently posts covers and some originals on social media, and he said it makes him feel something deeper. Something that keeps Heather's memory with him.

"She's the reason I still do it," he said.

'The door is open'

​It all started when Sam was a child.

​Living in Cincinnati, Ohio, his aunt and uncle - Laurie and Kirby - lived five minutes down the road. He was at their house nonstop, and Sunday dinners became a regular occurrence. While eating and enjoying each other's company, some kind of music played in the background.

It did not matter the genre. Whether it was country, rock or something else, music was always there.​

"I connected with it in terms that it was very comforting," Neiger said. "I almost associated it with Sunday dinner itself. Growing up, that stuck with me."​

Laurie said that Kirby, Sam and she will find concerts to attend when he is back home. No matter the location or who's playing, any kind of interest turns into a night full of music for them.​

"That's one of our favorite hobbies or passions that we love," she said. "We've always loved music."​

Though he loved music from a young age, he also enjoyed the thing he is majoring in at Ball State: broadcasting. Sam was the Sportslink's play-by-play announcer for Ball State women's basketball, and he covered the Cardinals for his entire time in Muncie.​

Before eventually calling the last four years of the program - including the 2025 Mid-American Conference championship team - he received his first opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. His former soccer coach asked him to announce matches for Facebook livestreams due to limited attendance.​

Up to that point, Neiger's only experience was sitting on the soccer bench and calling games when he was not on the pitch himself.

But after covering more and more games and other sports, he said he was hooked and decided to continue in college. Even when this was going on, Sam was still "addicted" to music. Both of his grandmothers gifted him guitars when he was in high school, and at first, he was not sure what to do with them.

That changed when he brought the two instruments to Muncie.

"I just kind of realized how much I liked [music], and then I was driving my roommates crazy," Neiger said.

His mindset around songwriting began to change as well. It started as Sam began to write about different things in and around his own life. He said it also helped that he enjoyed reading about writers of the past and how they honed their craft.

​Throw in the moment he picks up one of his guitars, and the "freedom" he said he gets from the activity is heightened.

"It feels like a vessel that I can say something, that maybe otherwise I wouldn't say," he said. "I don't necessarily think there's one emotion attached to it over another, but it's like the door is open to be able to say and feel whatever I feel like.​

'A piece of me'

Though Sam joked and said his sister, Claire, was not interested in his playing sessions, Heather was. She would sit down with her son and answer any questions he had about his musical ideas.

He said this is who she was, and it was her number one goal to make sure her children were loved and heard.

"She was unbelievably supportive in everything [my sister and I] ever did," he said. "To a fault almost, everything she did was for us. I think the reason why I still do music for her is that when I first started, she was the only one who cared to listen."

​When her cancer diagnosis happened in December 2024, nothing changed. Her love for her children and others never wavered. That included her son's musical interests, and he played for her every time he was home.

Heather would stop at whatever she was doing and listen - just as long as he played her favorite song first: John Denver's "Country Roads, Take Me Home." It was the first song Sam learned to play.​

"I would play it every time, and then she didn't care what I played after that," Sam said. "Even though my music foundation doesn't necessarily come from her, some of my fondest memories with music come from hopefully bringing her a little bit of joy in what ended up being the last few months of her life."

Though the turnout at her funeral inspired Sam, grief came with the inspiration.

Because of that, he said there was a time when he questioned things, including his faith. While he said he never doubted the existence of a higher power, he wrestled with what it really meant.

However, music acted as a crutch for him. When Sam first decided to post some of his jam sessions on social media, the first video was one explaining his background with music. Once again, he used music to relay his feelings.

His first post on his music page via Instagram came Oct. 23, just three days after his mother's funeral. It was a cover of "Wanna Be Loved", a song written and recorded by The Red Clay Strays. The lyrics of the main chorus are as follows:

"I just wanna be loved.

I just wanna be loved.

Can you tell me I'm worthy or important?

Am I working hard enough?

Oh, I just wanna be loved.

I just wanna be loved."

Neiger said this song helped him find peace, and it validated his love for music while keeping his faith intact.

​"If you read the lyrics, it's a gospel song. The narrator wants to cement his worth in the eyes of God," Neiger said. "This is a really sad way of putting it, but I wanted to feel whole again. I felt like there was a piece of me that was now missing, and that song is a cry out to God.

"I just felt like it helped contextualize where I was coming from in my life at that time. Like I wanted to feel loved. I wanted to feel whole again. Though the song doesn't come to an end in a way that provides answers, it doesn't mean that I can't find therapy in it. That was what appealed to me about it."​

'It will give back to you'

It is very common for Sam to be in his room for hours with his guitar.

"Sometimes I feel like a hermit," he said.

His roommates will listen to his music, and he said sometimes it is voluntary, while at other times it is not. But they enjoy it all the same. If someone who has never been over to the house pays a visit, they will ask Sam to provide the entertainment nine times out of 10.

He laughs, but he said he enjoys it.

​"They'll try and embarrass me," he said. "They'll tell me to go grab the guitar and play X, Y and Z songs … Then I'll go grab it and play the said songs."

He said the largest crowd he has played for is six to eight people, and he hopes to change that sometime by taking the stage in front of a bigger audience. With his songwriting abilities improving, Sam said he hopes to debut some originals as well.

However, he said he wants to tap into his deeper self with some of his own music. This includes Heather's passing.

​"I've tried to keep it authentic. But I think one of the things as a songwriter where I've fallen flat so far is trying to write about my mom," he said. "I think I've done it in an okay way for where I'm at. But it's hard to tell a 21-year-old to contextualize what losing your mom means."

Though the interest in doing music after graduation was not something he necessarily considered at the beginning of college, Sam said it continues to grow as his writing gets more in-depth.​

Yet, there is one defining factor. While he has not made a decision just yet concerning his future, following Heather's footsteps and living a life he is proud of is at the forefront.

​"For the chance to get to a stage like an Al Michaels or a Mike Tirico and to be able to truly contextualize sports how I want to, I've had to wrestle with myself," Sam said. "Do I think it's worth it to live the life of meaning that I saw my mom live?

"She wasn't doing anything famous, but she found what she loved in being an inner-city science teacher for seventh grade students."

​Whatever that decision is, the days ahead do not change anything in the way music has aided Sam. That includes the way it has been there for him throughout the last few years, and it has continued to hold him up while navigating the uncertain path that death leaves behind.

Combine that with the way Heather lived her life, and it has made Sam the man he is today.

"Relationships are super important, and when you lose somebody like your mom, who is one of the big-pillar relationships, having those other relationships is really important too," he said. "When it comes to finding the thing that actually helps you deal with grief, pour into it, because it will give back to you."

​​​Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or via X @ZachCarter85.

Throughout the weekend, the Cardinals played the Zips at Shebek Stadium and won the series after winning the first two games. On Friday, they won with a score of 13-8 and on Saturday they won 3-2.

In the finale, the Cardinals led 2-0 after the first two innings, but the Zips quickly struck back after netting three runs in the third inning. From there the Cardinals scored back two more runs and the Zips scored one more run. Despite the Cardinals coming back to tie the game, Akron ultimately came away with the series finale win with a score of 7-6.

Sophomore designated hitter (DH) Brayden Huebner said he was satisfied with his effort against Akron, as he went 3-5 at the plate with two doubles and an RBI.

Senior shortstop Brett Griffiths said he has always enjoyed playing Akron, even though it is his last year playing a series against them. Another thing to mention was that they played the Zips in Akron, Ohio the following year while this year they played them in Muncie, Indiana.

"I think they always put up a good fight. It's always good games, close games," Griffiths said.

Head Coach Rich Maloney explained a couple reasons why he had to cycle in a slew of pitchers in Sunday's matchup against Akron. The Cardinals had to use five pitchers on the day.

"We're just trying to find someone to step up, and we need to get a couple more guys to do that. I think they're capable, but we just gotta get them to do it," Maloney mentions.

The following game for the Ball State Cardinals is going to take place at Butler University at 3 p.m. April 14.

Contact ethan.kelso@bsu.edu with any questions.

Late Nite Carnival

Get ready for one of Ball State's most exciting traditions! The Late Nite Carnival is back and better than ever with a night full of thrilling rides, game booths, live entertainment, carnival food, and so much more. It's the perfect way to celebrate the end of the semester with your friends!

• Price: Free for students
• Location: C1 Parking Lot
• Date and Time: Friday, April 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Students who pre-register can enter at 5:00 p.m.!)

The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

An electric group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

• Price: General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door, Faculty/Staff/Students: $15 in advance, $17 at the door
• Location: Oakwood Building, Room 101
• Date and Time: April 16-18, 21-25, at 7:30 p.m., April 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Fashion Night

Do you want to know how to make your clothes feel like you? Come learn how to style outfits that affirm your gender with some queens. Clothes will be on hand to put your new knowledge into practice. There will be sewing kits and people who know how to use them to help you navigate amending clothes yourself.

• Price:Free
• Location:Lavender Closet, Community of Hope, Door 1
• Date and Time:Monday,April13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Third Thursdays with the Muncie Makers Market

Join the local Growers & Makers of the Muncie Makers Market for a really fun "night market" vibe every month for Third Thursdays at MadJax Maker Force, all indoors! While you enjoy shopping for homemade,and goods, you can also have a great time throwing axes and nerf football bowling with a beer at Max Axe Muncie, have a delicious dinner and brews at The Guardian Brewery Co., and explore the HUGE MadJax Maker Force facility!

• Price: Free entry
• Location: MadJax Maker Force
• Date and Time: Thursday, April 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The map below acts as a visualization of a guided meditation piece, showcasing how sound waves move throughout Ball State's campus. As you listen, follow along on the map: Can you guess the locations from which the sounds are stemming?

The Cardinals would go 0-3 on the weekend as their losing streak extends to eight. They now sit at an overall record of 15-23 and a conference record of 3-12.

Although the Cardinals have run into some struggles so far this season, the Ball State faithful have still shown up and continued to support the team at home, including the weekend series against Western Michigan.

"Our home crowd has actually been remarkable. I mean, even in years past, this is something I've never seen before. This past weekend, against Western Michigan, I looked into the crowd, and I saw countless parents; I saw so many alumni. Which was so heartwarming, girls that I used to play with, and getting to talk to them after the games was just like a giant hug. [It] was so awesome," redshirt sophomore catcher Allee Noble said.

Ball State is now around halfway through their conference schedule, and if there was a time for a fan base to show their pride, it would be now.

"Our crowd has been awesome, and the support that we've received even through the ups and downs of our season. It's been awesome. Our home crowd, I couldn't ask for better. Every single seat is packed," Noble said.

While the team has many passionate fans supporting them through their season, they're now focused on ending the season on a high note and sending the seniors off in the best way possible.

"The team's goal right now is just to compete until the very end, you know, playing for our seniors. Just honestly having a good time out there, having fun because once again, this is just a game that we are all blessed with an opportunity to play. My personal goal is to be the best teammate I can be and continue to show up and pour into my teammates. I don't care about my stats and what shows up in the box score. I truly just want to be the best teammate out there," sophomore infielder Addison Zimpleman said.

As Ball State stays home to take on Indiana State on April 15, the team has a few days to rest and find their groove heading into the single-game matchup.

"Knowing that Monday is our off day, I think that would be a great day for everyone to reflect and see what they are going to bring into that midweek matchup. Then get it going on Tuesday and just [practice] clean and pay attention to our details. So I think that's a big thing, making sure we're detail-oriented moving forward," Zimpleman said.

Contact Rylan Crum with any questions at rylan.crum@bsu.edu or on X @RylanCrum.

The term "thrifting" refers to a specific form of shopping in which all of the products are pre-owned or secondhand. These products can be just about anything: clothing, furniture, shoes, stationery, jewelry and knickknacks. Usually, thrifted items are waiting for their future owners in thrift stores, vintage stores or consignment shops.

While thrifting has always existed, recently it feels like it has been everywhere.

When complimenting people on their outfits, you may frequently hear, "Thanks, it is thrifted." Friends and couples will go on "thrifting dates" looking for new items in filled shops, and people brag in public about the deals they got on their newest furniture, telling everyone who will listen how little they spent on something so incredible.

Yet, it was not always so popular.

There has been a lot of debate about the growing popularity of secondhand shopping and whether we should be shopping secondhand at all. Seemingly, many fall on one side of the spectrum or the other - either adoring thrifting and advocating for it or rejecting it entirely.

Newsweek's February 2025 article highlights many beats of the debate, telling a story in which a plethora of online influencers referred to thrifting as "gross" or "poor," and the ensuing argument. Digital creator Medina Colaku instigated the full conversation, defending thrifting against those who saw it negatively.

The ongoing online debate proves the controversial nature of thrifting.

For many, thrifting is solely about wearing used goods, making them "dirty" simply by being previously owned, regardless of their condition, ability to be cleaned or restored, or who their previous owner was. Others see secondhand belongings as "less than" because they are cheaper or lower in quality than brand-new items, even if that is not actually the case.

I have been thrifting for most of my life and will always defend thrift shopping. I spent so many weekends throughout my childhood hitting every thrift store in town with my mom. Even when I return to my home state and town during college breaks, thrifting is one of the first activities I do with my friends and family.

There are many advantages to vintage shopping, which makes the explosion in thrifting popularity easily explainable.

Savers Value Village explains in their 2024 Thrift Industry Report that nearly 90 percent of consumers have shopped or donated at a thrift store, and nearly one in three have thrifted in the past year. Over 40 percent of Generation Z are regular thrifters, the report says, with the U.S. secondhand market reaching an estimated $61 billion by 2026, driven by value and sustainability.

Many new enjoyers see thrifting primarily as a political movement.

In a world where overconsumption and fast fashion have become major issues, the ability to give goods that are already created and waiting for a new owner a second life is especially enticing.

Goodwill's blog applauds this intentional decision that many thrifters are making when shopping secondhand, especially noting Gen Z as a community largely advocating secondhand shopping for environmental and consumer benefits over fast fashion.

"With a keen awareness of what's wrong with fast fashion, this generation is not just looking for unique pieces but also considering the ethical implications of its purchases," the blog says. "By choosing secondhand, people in Gen Z are making conscious decisions that align with their values, including fostering a culture that prioritizes community and sustainability over disposable trends."

Additionally, the unique qualities of vintage items make the thrifting hunt much less predictable than standard shopping trips. In shops filled with donated items, there is no guessing what someone might find when stepping through the door.

I have personally left vintage stores with prom dresses, pricey vintage denim, vintage movie posters, lamps, sweaters, suits and humorous T-shirts - none of which I entered the shops looking for.

The unexpected nature of thrifting can make it especially exciting, adding the thrill of a hunt for something interesting to a shopping trip.

There is also a significant financial benefit to visiting thrift stores for new items because previously owned items are often, by nature, less expensive.

Compared to entering a department store and purchasing a pair of name-brand jeans for over a hundred dollars, a thrift store could provide several pairs of used jeans, as well as other items, for not even half the price of a new pair.

There is also an inherent privilege to being able to dislike thrifting when, for many who thrift often, it is the only choice because of the lower price tag.

For me, thrifting was an easy way to get new outfits for cheap while my body developed. I also grew up partaking in dance and theater, making secondhand shopping an easy way to put together new performance costumes that tend to run expensive when purchased new. I have always been style-oriented and have placed importance on looking my best, and thrifting has been a great tool for finding unique pieces that fit my style.

Thrifting will always have a special place in my heart because of the culture and community. As a child, being able to pick out and try new looks was crucial in finding my own personality and style.

I have always been able to connect with others through my fashion, and thrifting has always created a unique avenue for conversing with others who find the advantages of secondhand shopping equally valuable. My favorite outfit conversations are usually the ones that begin with me explaining what thrift store a specific piece came from, and then someone else telling me about their own favorite thrifted finds.

Now, as I begin to enter adulthood, thrifting has remained a conscious decision to save my wallet, be environmentally conscious and continue to enjoy my community.

My biggest advice for those hoping to begin thrifting is to simply show up and see what you find. There is no controlling what might be in a store on a given day, but rolling up your sleeves and getting in the room is the right first step to finding something special.

Digging through racks of used clothes or trinkets without any idea what will be found can seem intimidating, but beginning the search is the fun part. Pack hand sanitizer, bring a friend or two and begin the hunt!

Planet Aid also urges readers to join the culture of thrifting, no matter what they are looking for. They close their story with a strong sentiment: "Thrifting culture is more than a trend - it's a lifestyle shift toward sustainability, creativity, and community."

Contact Charlotte Jons via email charlotte.jons@bsu.edu.

Almost five months later, and the Cardinals are regular season Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) champions in Iandolo's first season, after they swept Loyola Chicago 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-16) in the regular season finale.

The stakes could not have been higher for the game.

Entering the game, both teams carried a 12-3 record in the MIVA, and a win would clinch the MIVA regular season title. Not only would the winner take home that title but also would host the entirety of the MIVA tournament.

The stands in Worthen Arena were as full as they have been all season, and senior libero Victor Scherer said he felt that environment from the first serve.

"It felt amazing," Scherer said. "We were really focused, and I'm glad we came out with the win today."

The win gave Ball State its first MIVA regular season title since 2024.

A disappointing loss to Lewis April 9 set up a must-win game for the Cardinals against the Ramblers. Head Coach Mike Iandolo said after the loss to Lewis, the team talked about it and came into this game with the mindset of being better than they were on Thursday.

"I think we did a really good job focusing on that," Iandolo said.

The Cardinals outperformed the Ramblers on all fronts, as they had more kills, a higher hit percentage and more blocks in the match.

Despite the complete performance, the Cardinals had a slow start, as they fell behind 8-5 early. But after recapturing the lead after a four-point run, Ball State led the rest of the way through all three sets.

Iandolo said the team just needed to make a "couple of plays", and once they did that, they figured out what was working.

Senior outside hitter Patrick Rogers recorded 16 kills and rounded out the best season of his career with a win. Not only was the outside hitter able to have a performance like that in his last regular season game, but he was able to do it with three other seniors on Ball State's senior day.

"There's no better way to end a senior night," Rogers said. "[I] love all these guys."

Scherer came to Ball State for the last season of his career, and he said it has been "amazing" to be able to end his career in Muncie.

"It's amazing to be part of such a big program like this, the sport here that we have," Scherer said.

The team's mindset immediately shifts to the MIVA tournament, which begins April 18 and will be hosted at Worthen Arena. Scherer said the team has 24 hours to celebrate, and then it will be time to focus on the playoffs.

Iandolo said preparation for the tournament will be the "same as it has been", but the head coach said the "fun part" is beginning now.

"The hard part is grinding through the season and getting to this point," Iandolo said. "The reward is getting to play the tournament, and that's the fun part."

The Cardinals will be back in action April 18 at Worthen Arena and will find out their opponent for the MIVA tournament quarterfinals in the coming days.

Contact Kyle Stout with questions via email at kyle.stout@bsu.edu or on X @kylestoutdailyn.