It is one of more than 160 bills that got past the finish line during the legislative session, with dozens of them taking effect in July.

Senate Enrolled Act 285makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use unauthorized public land for camping, sleeping or long-term shelter starting July 1.

Before violators are penalized, law enforcement officers must first determine if they can be held involuntarily. New language in SEA 285 allows an emergency detention for people without adequate shelter during dangerous weather and have refused transportation to an available shelter or mental health service provider.

Those who aren't eligible for a hold will then receive a warning and information on available services. If they remain within 300 feet of the initial warning spot 48 hours later, they'd be subject to a misdemeanor charge. There are a few exemptions from prosecution in the law, including if there are no available shelter or mental health facility beds within five miles.

Supporters, including bill authorSen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis,arguedthe law will connect people experiencing homelessness with services.

"It is not our role to judge the life choices people have made or the circumstances they have found themselves in, but we also cannot simply ignore a growing issue that impacts public safety, quality of life and the wellbeing of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in our communities," Carrasco said in February.

Opponents have criticized making the act of sleeping on public property a misdemeanor and emphasized a need for more services.

"The answer is helping these homeless people by providing the things that they need, like food, shelter and a job, not jail time," Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, said in February

Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, previously expressed concern over the bill while it was in committee. In a statement to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, she said she was concerned homeless veterans could "face additional hardship as a result of this new law."

"As our state wrestles with a shortage of affordable housing and a limited safety net for the most vulnerable, I am hopeful legislators will work towards more compassionate solutions next session," Hildebrand said. "Housing and supportive services end homelessness, and I urge our state to invest in both."

The bill narrowlypassedthe House and Senate and received Gov. Mike Braun's signature this year after similar legislation failed the year before.

Other laws going into effect include requirements for cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and changes to public records fulfillment and more.

'Bell-to-bell' ban for cellphones in schools

Starting July 1, public and charter schools will have to prohibit students from using their personal cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops and other devices during the school day.

These schools must forbid students from bringing these devices at all or create a storage policy for them to be powered off and inaccessible throughout the day.

Senate Enrolled Act 78provides some exceptions for personal device usage, including the management of medical conditions and during emergencies. It also allows for the use of some approved, monitored personal devices for educational purposes only until July 1, 2028. After that schools must supply devices for them to be used for instruction

This is the latest and strictest state legislation seeking to control phone usage in schools after a 2024 law banned themduring instructional time. SEA 78 received bipartisan support in the General Assembly and high praise from Braun.

"This is a practical step to restore focus on our schools and stop distractions and do what school is intended to do, teach and learn," Braun said when he ceremonially signed the billlast month.

Federal immigration cooperation

Local law enforcement will have new obligations to comply with federal immigration detainer requests under provisions ofSenate Enrolled Act 76taking effect July 1.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement typically makesdetainerrequests toward people believed to be "a public safety or national security threat" and subject to deportation. The requests ask law enforcement agencies to hold the individuals 48 hours beyond their planned release so federal agents can take them into custody.

Until now it was voluntary for a local unit to hold the person. But under SEA 76, Indiana officials will have to honor the request.

The law also prohibits employers from knowingly employing unauthorized workers, allowing the attorney general to take action against those who do. It facedoppositionfrom Democrats, a few Republicans and Hoosiers who testified and protested during its path through the Statehouse.

The legislation will"pull Indiana deeper into immigration enforcement, increase pressure on public institutions to cooperate with ICE, and treat detainers like mandatory holds, raising serious due process concerns,"wrotethe American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana after SEA 76 cleared the Statehouse.

Proponents framed it around upholding the rule of law.

"We need to enforce laws," Republican House Speaker Todd Huston said inFebruary. "We also have to create equality between the businesses and the type of labor that is used to create a competitive environment."

The legislation has already spurred legal objection. Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté challenged SEA 76 in federal court, arguing it'd be unconstitutional to hold people based purely on immigration detainer requests. A judge from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana denied a preliminary injunction this month, citing lack of jurisdiction over the suit.

Attorney General Todd Rokitalaudedthe judge's decision as a "victory for public safety, the rule of law, and the people of Indiana," adding SEA 76's"detainer mandate will help ensure that criminal illegal aliens will not be released back onto our streets just because a sheriff refuses to cooperate with federal authorities."

Public records

In response to a purportedincreasein suspected phishing attempts through local public records requests,House Enrolled Act 1360will allow public agencies to put up new guardrails.

The law permits, but does not require, a records request portal that uses CAPTCHA or other mechanisms to ensure a requestor is human, asks for physical address verification and flags requests suspected to be automated or part of a data scraping scheme.

Agencies can deny requests believed to be for phishing purposes or that would "jeopardize the security of the public agency's electronic systems or data."

They're able to charge an extra fee for requests from out of state, as well as give priority to Indiana residents and "requests submitted for civic, journalistic, academic, or personal use."

National Guard military police force

The Indiana National Guard's adjutant general can establish a military police force underHouse Enrolled Act 1343. Members of the force, when authorized, will be able to make arrests, conduct searches and seizures, carry a firearm and conduct other police powers.

It's up to the governor to authorize the force to operate either throughout the state or in a specific area, giving "reasonable notice to local law enforcement agencies."

Those appointed to the force must have security clearance and hold no felony convictions, as well as complete air or army military police training and Indiana law enforcement instruction.

While supporters of the lawframedit as a way to ensure preparedness in the case of emergencies, critics worried it could be abused.

WIPB is where Bob Ross filmed 30 of his 31 seasons, marking Muncie as the show's birthplace. The station has been a community fixture since 1971.

"Mountain Summit is Bob's painting returning home," said Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross Inc. "... Its proceeds will help ensure that the station he loved continues to serve the community that first believed in him."

This auction is the fourth in a series benefiting public television. The previous three raised just over $2 million combined, with each painting selling above its pre-sale estimate.

Bidding information will be available at bonhams.com closer to the auction date.

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

The announcement was made on June 24 from Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anand Marri in an email to staff.

Ferguson, a Ball State alumnus, earned his bachelor's degree in landscape architecture before returning to the university in the 1990s as a faculty member. During his career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including faculty member, department chair, senior administrator and dean.

Marri said Ferguson's tenure had been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, student success and engagement with communities and professional partners.

"As dean of the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, Dave has guided the college through significant growth and transformation," Marri wrote in the email. "Under his leadership, the college has expanded opportunities for students, strengthened academic programs, advanced disciplines within the built environment, doubled enrollment, and built meaningful partnerships across the professions, the community, the state, and the nation."

From 2000 to 2015, Ferguson served as associate vice president for emerging media and executive director of the Center for Media Design. During that time, the center received $40 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment.

Marri said the university plans to recognize Ferguson's contributions before his retirement next year. A national search for the next dean is expected to begin in the fall.

"Please join me in thanking Dave for his outstanding commitment to the college, our University, and the broader community," Marri said.

The center was built in partnership with the Delaware County Commissioners using a grant received from the state and federal COVID-era American Rescue Plan funds.

Indiana Treatment Centers Mishawaka Program Director Tara Paiano said the center was established in response to a growing need for substance use treatment in East Central Indiana. Until now, many people seeking residential care had to leave the county or even the state.

"We want people to come here, get better here and leave with the confidence and sobriety to be successful and stay within Delaware County," Paiano said.

The facility has space for 42 clients, 21 women and 21 men, and serves adults 18 and older. Most clients stay about 28 days, though treatment length is determined by individual medical needs. Patients requiring medical detox generally spend two to five days under the supervision of nurses on site, with a nurse practitioner and physician on staff. Those who are medically stable then transition to residential treatment.

Paiano said the center accepts commercial insurance, Indiana Medicaid and private pay.

Substance use disorders involving alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamines are among the most common drug of choice treated by ITC. Opioid substance use, in particular, remains a significant concern.

Clients participate in six group therapy sessions daily and receive individual counseling and support from nurses, technicians and recovery support specialists who staff the facility around the clock.

"We have staff 24-7, 365," Paiano said. "Our recovery support specialists are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they offer support in any kind of way that the clients need."

While clients range widely in age, Paiano said most are between 25 and 45 years old. The center also hopes to work with Ball State University in the future. Although there is limited data available among Ball State students, binge drinking remains a concern among college-aged students.

"We would absolutely be the first people at their door helping," she said.

Indiana Treatment Centers currently operates facilities in Columbus and Mishawaka, which opened in February. Paiano said the organization maintains alumni groups and continues supporting former clients after treatment.

Community response to the Muncie facility has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Paiano.

"Our number one priority is access to care," she said. "My personal goal is to have that access to care for people. My kids are in the same schools that these kids, whose parents are here. They drive on the same roads I drive on. I want them to be as successful as possible."

Paiano said the organization also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and recovery by reminding people they are not alone.

"There are solutions to problems," she said. "We want people to feel like they can ask for help without judgment."

Organizers announced a new "Year of Belonging" initiative during the event, aimed at expanding opportunities for inclusion and engagement beyond the annual prom.

Prior to the prom, more than 40 community leaders, sponsors, donors and advocates attended a pre-prom reception called "A Suite Experience - The Spotlight on Special Needs Prom." The event gave attendees an opportunity to learn more about the organization's impact and future goals.

Among those attending the reception were Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour, Muncie Community Schools Board Chair Jim Williams and Chris Capko, head coach of the Ball State men's basketball program.

Organizers shared stories from participants, volunteers and supporters during the reception and outlined plans to expand programming beyond the annual prom.

"This night is about so much more than a dance, it's about creating a place where every person is seen, celebrated and embraced exactly as they are," Lynne Fullhart Hatfield, co-founder of Delaware County Special Needs Prom, said. "Watching nearly 1,200 people come together in joy and acceptance is a reminder of what is possible when a community chooses belonging."

Hatfield said community support fuels the organization's growth and inspires efforts to provide more opportunities throughout the year.

"We are seeing incredible support from across Delaware County," Hatfield said. "The leaders, sponsors, volunteers and families who gathered for 'A Suite Experience' believe in building a stronger, more inclusive community. 'A Year of Belonging' is our commitment to ensuring these individuals and families continue to have meaningful opportunities for connection throughout the entire year."

As part of its expansion efforts, Delaware County Special Needs Prom announced it is seeking additional members for its board of directors. Organizers said four individuals attending the pre-prom reception volunteered to serve on the board.

The nonprofit said the annual prom and its future programming are made possible through support from local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, donors and sponsors.

Founded to create opportunities for acceptance, belonging and celebration for individuals with special needs and their families, Delaware County Special Needs Prom plans to continue expanding programs aimed at fostering inclusion throughout the year.

For more information about future events, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or board service, please contact Lynne Fullhart Hatfield (lynne.h@delcospecialneedsprom.org) or Mindy Kemper (mindy.k@delcospecialneedsprom.org) at Delaware County Special Needs Prom.

Contact Ball State Daily News Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Noe, ateditor@bsudailynews.com.

The Muncie Crisis Center will cease operations effective July 3, according to a social media post by the City of Muncie on June 23. City officials urged individuals who are currently receiving services through the center to contact Meridian Health Services "as soon as possible" to discuss continuity of care and available resources.

"We understand this news may be concerning for individuals and families who rely on these services," the city said in the statement on Facebook. "The City is working to gather additional information and will share updates as they become available."

The Muncie Crisis Center, located on South Madison Street, opened in 2023 as a partnership between Meridian Health Services, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, the City of Muncie and other community organizers.

In its announcement, the city did not provide a reason for the closure, but an announcement on April 15 by Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour said the city would transfer ownership of the building to Muncie Mission Ministries, which would operate a free community health clinic out of the space.

The facility was designed to provide an alternative to emergency rooms and jails for people experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

The center offers 24-hour walk-in services, crisis stabilization and connections to treatment and recovery resources. Community leaders previously described the facility as filling a major gap in Delaware County's behavioral health system.

Ridenour and local healthcare leaders celebrated the opening of the center, which was made possible in part through state funding and local partnerships. At the time, officials said the center would help reduce strain on emergency departments and law enforcement while providing immediate care to people in crisis.

Ridenour previously said the transition was set to begin in January 2027.

Related: Muncie Mission to start community health clinic in Muncie Crisis Center, eventually owning the facility

In a statement June 24, Muncie Mission Ministries said they are not taking over operations of the Crisis Center.

"We will be moving our existing free medical clinic, Muncie Mission Medical Clinic, to the facility currently occupied by Meridian's Crisis Center," according to the statement. "We are looking forward to being able to expand our capacity to serve our neighbors who are uninsured or under-insured with top-notch medical care."

The Mission said they will need time to transition from their current location to the Crisis Center location once the building is vacated.

"We will continue to offer our medical clinic services at Muncie Mission as we have for the last 4 years until we are set up and ready to provide services at the new location," according to the statement.

The Daily News asked for further details regarding the closure, but the City of Muncie has not responded.

Contact Ball State Daily News Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Noe, ateditor@bsudailynews.com.

In a press release June 18, Muncie's Acting Executive Jeff Howe said the city was informed earlier this year that the YMCA would no longer operate Tuhey Pool. After reviewing the facility, city officials discovered significant infrastructure and equipment issues, with the Parks Director's estimate placing repair costs at more than $1 million.

Despite those challenges, Howe said collaboration among several city departments made it possible to open the pool and provide recreational opportunities for families this summer.

"The determination, collaboration, and hard work of employees across multiple departments made it possible to open the pool and provide these important recreational opportunities for local families," Howe said in the release. "This outcome reflects a significant team effort and demonstrates the City's commitment to serving the community."

According to the release, the Muncie Sanitary District, Department of Public Works, the city's special projects coordinator and the city engineer worked to repair equipment and restore the systems needed for safe operations.

After officials determined the pool could open, Muncie's Human Resources Department recruited a manager and lifeguards, while the Muncie Police Department coordinated security measures for patrons and staff.

Howe said the pool continues to face operational challenges due to aging equipment. City departments are monitoring the facility and responding to issues as they arise, with additional repairs to pumps and valves expected.

Howe also recognized members of the Parks and Recreation Boards, Shannon Powers and Brad Marshall, as well as the city's legal counsel at Beasley & Gilkison, for assisting in the process.

City officials had previously indicated the pool was likely to remain closed this season because of the cost of repairs. Howe said continued maintenance efforts will be necessary to keep the facility operating while longer-term improvements are pursued.

Contact Ball State Daily News Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Noe, ateditor@bsudailynews.com.

The robots were first launched at Ball State in late 2022 and totaled 24 units, according to Indiana Public Radio.

The delivery program allowed students, faculty and staff to order food from campus dining locations and have it delivered directly across campus. At its peak, the service was a visible part of daily campus life, with small six-wheeled robots traveling sidewalks to complete deliveries.

According to a statement from University Dining on June 12, Starship Technologies notified the university that it is "immediately ceasing operations on college and university campuses" as the company shifts its focus to grocery delivery, primarily in the European market.

As a result, the company withdrew its robot fleet from Ball State.

Starship Technologies, based in Estonia, is removing its robots from all U.S. college campuses, not just Ball State, according to company information. Beyond Ball State, Purdue University began using the robots in 2019, and the University of Notre Dame added the service in 2023.

In a statement in June, the company said it is "shifting its strategic focus to retail grocery chains and hot food deliveries in cities across Europe and the United States."

The company said operating on college campuses gave it "real-world delivery data" from a controlled environment, but it's now ready to deliver in "open urban environments."

University officials said the decision was made by Starship Technologies and was not related to the program's performance on campus.

"The conclusion of their program was strictly due to a strategic corporate pivot by the vendor," University Dining said in a statement. "It was entirely unrelated to campus adoption, maintenance or operational costs associated with their robot fleet at Ball State University; in fact, the delivery service was highly successful and widely embraced by our campus community from its inception."

University Dining said it remains committed to exploring new delivery and food service technologies moving forward, though no replacement program has been announced.

The removal marks the end of a program that introduced autonomous food delivery to Ball State students three years ago and reflects a broader national shift as Starship Technologies repositions its operations away from college campuses.

Contact Ball State Daily News Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Noe, ateditor@bsudailynews.com.

"Many Hoosier communities were impacted by the severe weather that swept through our state this week. This emergency declaration ensures that every available state resource is mobilized quickly to support response efforts, help local governments address urgent needs, and help Hoosiers recover," Braun said in a press release.

The release said that the emergency was declared due to, "flooding, severe weather, tornadic activity, and a derecho."

This is effective for 30 days and impacted families canreport losses and apply for assistance using this link.

When buying clothes, it is not uncommon to first be drawn to the color of a garment above everything else. Upon checking the price tag, one may levy the opportunity cost of buying the garment before ultimately deciding to either hang it back on the rack or toss it in their cart.

This common product-consumer interaction inside retail stores suggests many American shoppers may not consider the broader costs of their clothing beyond its purchase price. However, research indicates that the environmental and health impacts of synthetic fabrics and dyes extend far beyond their financial cost.

In August 2023, research from Ocean Generation, a nonprofit organization that "aims to improve ocean literacy," according to its website, found that "synthetic fibers make up almost 60% of annual fiber consumption." Thus, according to the organization, "our clothes are around 60% plastic… Just washing them can pollute the ocean."

Those percentages are understood to be a byproduct of a practice known as "fast fashion," which has gained traction across the U.S. over the last quarter-century with the advent of online shopping in the mid-1990s, according to Ocean Generation.

Sophia Dentino, a third-year media production student at Ball State, defined fast fashion as "the mass production of cheaply made clothing and garments that are usually based on trends."

Dentino, a self-described "fashionista" since childhood, takes a special interest in fashion and textiles, which has translated into her work in the textiles department at Goodwill in Anderson, Indiana, since October 2025.

"It all goes back to the money," she said.

This article was written for Cardinal Media by a student in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication in a classroom environment with a faculty advisor. It was not produced by independent student media.

"The river serves as a power source, helps cool industrial equipment at factories, and was a way to dispose of industrial waste and sewage, which made the river ugly and smelly at times," said James J. Connolly, the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of History and director of the Center for Middletown Studies at Ball State University. When Connolly moved to Muncie in 1996, the river's condition was a vivid reality. "The river was dirty with visible pollution that was sometimes red, green or yellow. It was filled with trash - appliances, tires and paper. It was not a river you wanted to spend much time around."

As some enjoy the river today, others are walking along the bank, carrying trash bags in their gloved hands and continuing their efforts to care for the river. According to the Muncie Bureau of Water Quality, the White River is serving as a primary source of drinking water for over 70,000 residents in Muncie and its surrounding areas. This makes river cleanliness not only a gathering area for residents but also a matter of public health.

Since 2006, a cleanup effort led by Muncie-Delaware Clean & Beautiful and the Muncie Sanitary District has gathered over 5,000 volunteers and removed 150,000 pounds of trash and 1,000 tires from the water. The cleanup has become one of the largest volunteer efforts to cover the miles of riverbank. The volunteers collect everything from plastic bottles to metals.

According to a 2024 study by Silva published in the journal "Environmental Science and Pollution Research," urban waterways are highly vulnerable to pollution from human activities and require ongoing hands-on management to maintain their health.

In Muncie, the change began when residents were ready to care for their environment and see a visible change. In 2006, Toni Cecil organized the first White River Cleanup at Morrow's Meadow in Yorktown. What started as one location quickly expanded to the east side of Muncie to the West county line.

"My mom, Toni Cecil, started the White River Clean up in 2006," said Lacy Muellenberg, Cecil's daughter. "She organized the cleanup until 2020, where she organized her last before retiring, and shortly before her retirement, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness."

The residents' time cleaning up is more than just removing trash from the water; it also helps make new mindsets for many to continue to put in the effort for their community. According to a 2024 study by Wang published in the journal "BMC Public Health," collaboration among the environment, organizations and local communities is a key factor in solving ecological challenges. This journal shows that when citizens come together and are actively involved in their environment, they tend to have a much stronger impact on how it is maintained.

For many volunteers, the clean-up is something to look forward to each year. For volunteers like Callie Tuma, the group makes the cleanup enjoyable; some of the things she has found along the bank are very eye-opening. In her most recent cleanup, she found pillows and a blanket that were tucked away near the riverbank.

"This really made me feel upset because this showed that someone was sleeping near the water," Tuma said. "This was one of the first times I saw how bad the homeless population was in Muncie and how they use the river to drink and eat."

Although the community is impacted by many challenges, the sliver of hope that is given to many residents as they once remember what the river used to look like does not go unrecognized. For some like Tuma, she passes the river everyday on her way to work, and as she looks at the river, she has a sense of pride that she was able to help contribute to the progress.

Tuma also suggested keeping the river clean-up going to really engage the younger generation as they start to be able to help pick up along the banks. "I think making it a huge group activity or even a few of your close friends that get together would make it more enjoyable," Tuma said.

In Delaware County, the river is no longer a dumping ground for industrial factories and for everyday residents to dump objects like tires. Instead, it is now a place that many view as an area where they can gather and enjoy doing work where they know they are making a difference. As the annual White River cleanup continues, it will remain a place of hope for many and protect the legacy for the next generation of Delaware County Residents.

This article was written for Cardinal Media by a student in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication in a classroom environment with a faculty advisor. It was not produced by independent student media.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, pressed Arnold on the topic at a State Budget Committee meeting, saying the committee and the public needed to understand the effect of the program.

Committee chair Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, asked if the agency is just now approaching the "break-even point" for the deal because of upfront costs. The budget committee OK'dnearly $15.8 million last yearfor a number of infrastructure enhancements to the facility ahead of the immigration detention agreement.

Arnold said the facility, which deployed a previously unused wing of the prison for the detentions, would've incurred many of the expenses regardless of the immigrant detainees.

"I look at it, we're already in the black," Arnold said.

He later added he expects the number of immigration detainees, currently over 600, to continue to increase, also upping the IDOC's profits. The state receives about $291 from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement per bed per day.

The department has been receiving its monthly federal payments after about 100 days, Arnold said. The last payment the IDOC received was for February, and the March funds are expected early next month.

Debate over electrical grid analysis grant

Some legislators also knocked a federal grant that seeks to give utilities guidance on providing service to large load customers such as data centers.

The $4 million would fund a one-year study to assess how to "minimize electric grid infrastructure costs associated with adding high electric demand customers to our grid," said Luke Wilson, chief policy officer for the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

The study will analyze the electricity usage of transmission parts manufacturer Raybestos Powertrain, multiple data centers and "an unnamed hyperscaler," Wilson said, with the money itself going to the office's technical partners, including Duke Energy.

Some lawmakers voiced concern, however, arguing the grant would advance the interests of data centers and the utility rather than consumers.

Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, connected the grant to an influx of data center construction and utility rate increases, including theIURC's Wednesday approvalof a $71 million hike for AES Indiana customers.

"I am so over this whole thing of us subsidizing multi-trillion-dollar companies in the state of Indiana," Qaddoura said.

The budget committee approved the grant when it adopted its agenda.

After a long nearly three year wait, Olivia Rodrigo finally releases her third studio album. There was a lot different about this project compared to her previous: ditching the four-letter title gimmick and the color purple that is synonymous with her brand, instead going for a bright pink and sky blue look. The end result is you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, an ambitious, perfectly produced masterpiece of a record. This is a beautiful album that delves into the highs and lows of dating, and an album that's goal is to tell a cohesive beginning to end story with its tracks.

Girl so in Love to Seeming Pretty Sad

The album is split into two distinct halves: the "girl so in love" side and the "you seem pretty sad" side. Rodrigo wrote a love song for GUTS (Spilled) called "so american," an energetic love anthem to her then partner Louis Partridge. The album details the rise and fall of this relationship. "drop dead" opens the album on the wonderful feeling of yearning and fantasizing about someone you love. It is an amazing opening track. The song leaves you with so many warm feelings and a sense of joy and pure happiness. "stupid song" slows it down a touch but keeps the same idea of yearning, this time to a slightly more unhealthy degree. The next three songs detail the highs of the relationship and how doing anything with your partner makes life so much better. In "maggots for brains," Rodrigo details how she can't even live without him and "u + me = <3" is the dumb fun being with your partner is. But my favorite track in this section and in the whole record is by far "honeybee." The slow, beautiful piano compliments Rodrigo's vocal performance perfectly. The gentle lyrics are extremely powerful. The nickname "honeybee" is an extremely sweet name to title the track off of. Lines like, "God, I love the way you look at me," and, "but even when I'm quiet, I love you, baby, I promise," get me very emotional, especially as a chronic over-thinker. Olivia Rodrigo is one of the best writers in the music industry and her ballads have always been her best songs lyrically. "my way" is the most unique track off the album. The song details a girl who is trying to force herself into their relationship and create all this petty drama. The song is essentially an alternative take of Paramore's "Misery Business." Both are about "winning" their partner's love and the other girl lost out. It is by far the most different song on the record but it is fantastic.

"purple" is where we see a slight shift in the album. If I had to criticize the album for anything, the first minute of the track is just okay. Not even bad, but just okay. But once the first chorus starts and the tempo picks up, the track comes to life. It is also a clever shift between the two halves: with red for love and blue for sadness making purple. While being a love song and having sweet lines about her partner, there's lines in there that show the cracks in the foundation. "And we fight over who I'm hanging out with," and, "I had big dreams 'til I tied myself to you," reveal that the perfect relationship portrayed in the first half may not be all that perfect. The ending line of, "melt with you 'til I just feel sad," is a bleak way to transition to the "you seem pretty sad" section of the album.

"the cure" kicks off the second half. These first few tracks feature the rough, self-destructive, and dreadful parts of the relationship. "the cure" is about thinking love will solve all your issues when it sadly won't. Asking yourself, "why can't it ever be enough," when the issues are not ones that can be fixed simply by dating. "begged" talks about the dissatisfaction and pain that a relationship can cause when one person is constantly begging the other person to be better and do the bare minimum. From the "you seem pretty sad" side, "begged" is my favorite as it is the most powerful to me. "what's wrong with me" is the first time Olivia has featured another artist in her song, with Robert Smith of The Cure. Thankfully, unlike David Byrne's cover of "drivers license," Robert Smith sounds really good and fits in naturally. I love the realization that she feels this bad about herself because of her partner. It's simple, but it is effective. Rounding out the album, we have the post breakup songs. "less" is when the relationship is coming to an end. Despite being a weaker track, it is still a beautiful and heartbreaking song. "expectations" is one last fun energetic song before the album ends. She is free, she can go out and party, but this time she isn't falling for anyone with slightly good looks. She has bigger expectations and values herself more now. But when the party is over, "cigarette smoke" is the vibe that fills the room. Beers in the fridge, a second car not in the driveway, and someone missing from bed. It is hard. It is lonely. But as Rodrigo puts it, "it's better than begging for you to stand up for me." The line that shook me the most is the direct callout of "honeybee." It truly made this album a full story and a beautifully tragic one at that. And in the end, the memories go dark and the "honeybee" is nothing but a distant memory. It is tragic, but at the same time beautiful.

A Production to Fall in Love With

The songs and the lyrics on the album are fantastic. Olivia Rodrigo's music truly grew with her as this is the first album she has produced where she sounds adult and not like a teenager. What helps this grow up in lyrics is a growth in instrumentals. While it is a little sad that Rodrigo moved away from the rock sound that made SOUR and especially GUTS instant classics, her new soft rock and bubblegum pop approach sound fantastic. Seeing Rodrigo branch out of her normal genres of rock and ballads was an idea that worked perfectly in her favor. Even when the album does go back to her roots, they sound more full than ever before. "honeybee" has an intense choir of singers backing her up towards the end. "stupid song" builds and builds until she lets loose on the bridge. "my way" and "expectations" have a super funky techno sound to it. Olivia Rodrigo's producer Dan Nigro did an excellent job of making every track sound perfect while allowing each song to keep its own identity. It all sounds cohesive even when the album radically changes sound and tone.

You Seem Pretty Perfect

I can not praise you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love enough. The album will go down as a modern classic and as Olivia Rodrigo's best album to date. Whereas SOUR showcases the raw emotion of a heartbroken teenage girl and GUTS showcase Rodrigo's ability to be fun and a killer rockstar, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love showcases Rodrigo's best strengths: her storytelling and her musical skills. This album is one of the greatest works of art I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing and is an album you can and will fall in love with, whether or not you are seeming pretty sad going into it.

Photos: Spotify, LastFM

Contact Mason Mundy with comments at mason.mundy@bsu.edu or on Instagram @masonmundy1029.

The event, which will take place on the National Mall from June 25th to July 10th, is meant to evoke a modern-day world's fair-type celebration. It will showcase unique features and exhibits from states and territories across the country.

This week, the Indiana State Fair Commission unveiled what Indiana plans to display as part of the event.

Five mini-golf courses that highlight various aspects of Indiana culture will showcase the state to a national audience. The mini-golf courses display the Indy 500, the Indiana State Fair, the Pacers and the state's agricultural businesses.

Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, Ray Allison, says the idea was to bring a piece of Indiana's state fair tradition to the nation's capital.

"This mini golf course was inspired by the FFA golf course at the state fair, so we're tying in our state fair to what we're doing in DC," Allison said.

Indiana's state fair dates back to 1852 and is the sixth-oldest state fair in the country, according to Allison.

At least seven states have declined to participate in the event. Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have all decided not to participate for varying reasons.

Gov. Mike Braun said during Monday's event that he was proud that Indiana is participating and showing off the state's entrepreneurial spirit and strong economy.

"Our state is one we ought to be proud of, because it's actually, if you've been paying attention, got probably the best fiscal future it's ever had," Braun said.

The fair is being organized by Freedom 250, a public-private group working with the White House to organize the country's 250th celebration.

The celebration has drawn criticismover concerns that the event is no longer a "bi-partisan" celebration due to Trump's increased involvement.

This article is republished as part of a collaborative content-sharing agreement between Ball State Unified Media andIndiana Public Radio, established to expand access to high-quality journalism and to better inform and serve the public through trusted, in-depth reporting.

"Following an investigation into alleged health and safety violations, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, in conjunction with Ball State University, decided to suspend the chapter," a statement from the fraternity's national organization said. "This decision reflects our commitment to a collaborative relationship with university partners and the expectation that our members maintain the highest possible safety standard."

Senior Director of Communications of SAE's national organization, Holly Drzyzga, said the chapter will be eligible to return no earlier than August 1, 2030.

The national organization added that it is "committed to upholding the highest standard of accountability."

Ball State University confirmed June 17 that the national headquarters of SAE has closed the Indiana Zeta chapter.

"The national headquarters of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity has closed the operation of the Indiana Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Ball State University," said Associate Vice President of University Communications and Digital Strategy Greg Fallon.

Fallon said the national organization notified members of the chapter's status and that the university has shared resources with students who had signed leases to live in the SAE house during the upcoming academic year.

Boards were covering multiple first-floor doors and windows at the SAE house as of June 18. It is unclear whether the boarding is connected to the chapter's closure by the national fraternity or Ball State's withdrawal of recognition.

Ball State policy requires fraternities and sororities to maintain recognition and good standing with their national organizations.

Fallon said the university withdrew recognition of the chapter effective June 16.

The closure of SAE marks one of the most significant fraternity disciplinary actions at Ball State in recent years and involves one of the university's oldest fraternity chapters.

In 2017, all fraternities on campus suspended social events through January 2018 after university officials cited ongoing concerns involving alcohol misuse, hazing, bystander intervention and sexual assault prevention, according to WRTV. The pause was accompanied by mandatory educational programming and was described by university leaders as an effort to address cultural issues within Greek life.

Related: Students speak out after IFC fraternities are put on 'pause'

The university also saw an individual fraternity lose its campus presence in 2018 when Theta Chi's national organization revoked the chapter's charter and shut down operations. At the time, university and fraternity officials provided limited details regarding the decision. The chapter was removed from campus and has not been active since 2018.

Related: Theta Chi fraternity chapter shut down at Ball State

According to SAE's website, they have 209 chapters across the United States.

At Ball State University, the fraternity's Indiana Zeta chapter was established on Oct. 28, 1967, becoming part of the university's Greek community.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Contact Ball State Daily News Editor-in-Chief, Cameron Noe, ateditor@bsudailynews.com.

NewsLink Indiana weather forecasters have been tracking the system throughout the day, warning that residents should be prepared as storms intensify across the state.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed western and central Indiana under a Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) for severe weather, while Delaware County and much of the rest of the state remain under an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5), indicating the potential for widespread severe storms.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for Muncie and surrounding areas until 4 a.m. Thursday, June 18, with forecasters warning that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, creeks and roadways. The NWS said some areas could receive between 1 and 2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible in stronger storms.

At the same time, Delaware County is under a Tornado Watch until 1 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. ATornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. While a watch does not mean a tornado has been spotted, it signals that residents should be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.

Strong wind gusts of up to 45 mph had already been reported across Indiana Wednesday afternoon ahead of the storm system, with forecasters warning that even stronger winds are possible as the storms move east.

Delaware County emergency officials have previously said outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert people who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of emergency information.

The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency took to social media Wednesday to remind residents to prepare for the overnight storms by:

• Ensuring Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on their phones
• Keeping phones charged and nearby
• Having a NOAA Weather Radio with fresh batteries
• Knowing where to take shelter if a warning is issued

The NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook also warned of the potential for damaging wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, frequent lightning and isolated tornadoes through the evening.

Forecasters said storms are expected to move through Muncie overnight before conditions improve Thursday morning.

The alerts come less than a week after severe weather caused widespread damage and power outages across East Central Indiana, leaving thousands without electricity and prompting storm surveys by the National Weather Service.

NewsLink Indiana is a proud Ambassador for the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation program. For more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program, please click HERE

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the western and central parts of Indiana in a Moderate risk (threat level 4/5), while Delaware County and much of the rest of the state are under an Enhanced risk (threat level 3/5).

Strong wind gusts up to 45 mph have already been blowing through the state as these storms move in, and stronger winds are yet to come. Make sure you have a way to receive warnings and follow the NLI Weather Facebook page for more information.

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. For more information about the Weather-Ready Nation program, please click HERE

This week, meet Tavoris Chapman, a junior media production major from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Chapman's interest in video editing grew out of work on his YouTube channel and was further developed in high school.

"I really fell in love with video editing because of the hundreds of meme sound clips that I have to go along with my commentary," Chapman said. "I also happened to take a couple of media classes back in high school. I remember making a couple of short films with a group, as well as doing videography projects for local companies when I was attending AMP Lab at Electric Works my senior year."

His high school, South Side, also shaped how he thinks about where he came from.

"South Side shaped me into believing that where you come from does not define you because we have a deep history and many successful alumni that walked those halls before me," Chapman said. "And having that mindset was one of the biggest reasons I chose Ball State because there is a huge history, community, and our alumni, especially in the media industry, run deep."

At Ball State, Chapman has had opportunities to build his portfolio, including a recent recognition from the Indiana Broadcasters Association.

"My favorite opportunity was very recently, actually, getting rewarded and honored by the Indiana Broadcasters Association as one of ten students who are receiving the $5,000 scholarship for the 2026-2027 School Year," Chapman said. "It was a surreal feeling driving down to Indy to the Colts Practice Facility to be celebrated by the department of media, my friends, peers, and family, as well as veterans who had been working in the industry for a long time."

Chapman says the chance to work on live sports coverage has been a highlight of his major.

"The coolest part of my major is getting to work on the games," Chapman said. "Whether I'm doing a videography project or doing live ESPN+ broadcasts with ChirpVision, it is always a fun experience every single time."

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.

When Senator Todd Young recently sat down with our members at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building, he laid out two possible futures for the country. In one, the rise of artificial intelligence leaves us disoriented and struggling to keep up, culturally, socially, economically, and militarily. In the other, we meet the moment and open the door to a second American century. What stuck with me wasn't the caution, but rather that he treated the outcome as a decision for the country and for communities like ours in Delaware County to make.

If the outcome is ours to decide, the place to start is knowing where our strength actually lives. Big wins matter, but as we've seen in Delaware County, what sets us apart is the one- and two-person shops that grow into something larger and choose to stay. Their owners live here, hire here, and reinvest here - and when the economy struggles, they're the ones who stay and figure it out, because Delaware County is home.

Those roots are what carry a community like ours through change, whether that change is AI or a challenge we haven't yet identified. The danger isn't the change itself, but rather the assumption that we'll adapt later, once the bigger places have sorted it out.

Waiting for later is exactly how communities get left behind. The places that thrive in the next decade will be the ones that chose early to lean in, train, and build, while everyone else was still deciding what to believe.

That is why, in Delaware County, we should stop treating the future as a storm that will pass and start treating it as a plan we write. For our part, the Chamber will keep bringing the people and conversations that matter to the members who need them, and building the connections that keep a good business growing. We'll push for the workforce development and training that lets a small Delaware County company compete with anyone, and we'll keep backing the people willing to start something here and stay. We're asking our members to lean in now, to experiment, to ask hard questions, and to claim their seat at the table.

Young said he didn't believe America could lose this century unless we played our hand badly, and the same is true for Delaware County. We hold a far better hand than we tend to give ourselves credit. I'm reminded each day of what we're working with: a tradition of building, a well-trained workforce that knows how to do difficult things, and a business community that keeps showing up for the betterment of our community.

Let's play it like we intend to win.