The team jumped out to an early 10-2 lead, and the Cardinals saw that lead grow to as many as 15 in the early action.

"It started with our defense," Head Coach Michael Lewis said. "I thought we had a defensive intensity and purpose to start the game that we haven't had in the last couple of games."

The Cardinals held the Warhawks to 38 percent from the field and only 11 percent from behind the arc.

The stellar defensive performance from the team came amidst a disadvantage at the free-throw line. The Cardinals shot 18 free throws compared to the Warhawks 36.

Lewis utilized a 1-3-1 zone for a handful of possessions, and the head coach saw that work perfectly for the Cardinals.

"I thought we did some really good things with that, [and] I'm not sure they scored against it," Lewis said. "We used it [for] seven or eight possessions, which is what it's there for."

The scoring load came from more than just junior guard Armoni Zeigler and sophomore guard Davion Hill. Although the two guards combined for 25 points, other Cardinals' players stepped up.

Sophomore forward Kayden Fish scored a team-high 17 points, and senior guard Elmore James IV added 13 points.

Lewis said the team is continually getting better. Despite the Cardinals having the injury bug for multiple games this season, the head coach is pleased with the way the group is coming together.

"I think some guys are starting to settle in and understand what the expectations are," Lewis said. "They keep showing up and they want to improve."

The win gave the Cardinals the edge in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) - Sun Belt Conference (SBC) challenge, and it also gave the Cardinals their second road win this season.

Lewis said that winning games is hard, and he said the only people who do not understand that are "the ones that have never done it."

With eight games to go on the season, the Cardinals are entering their most important stretch of games. The cut-off seed to make the MAC tournament in Cleveland is the eighth seed, and the Cardinals sit half-a-game back of that cut-off.

But even with a tough stretch of games looking forward, Lewis points back to the "good group of guys" he has on the team.

"These guys are fun to work with," Lewis said. "It's rewarding to watch these guys continue to work and continue to improve."

The Cardinals will look to ride off the victory, when they welcome Buffalo to Worthen Arena for a pivotal conference game. The Bulls sit half-a-game ahead of Ball State in the MAC standings.

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

Worthen Arena erupted as freshman guard Zhen Verburgt made a critical three-pointer to give Ball State a one-point lead with just under six seconds remaining.

"I'm not real sure how we pulled that out to be honest with you," Head Coach Brady Sallee said. "It just speaks to the heart that I get to coach everyday…I really, really have liked this team from the get-go".

Not everything was smooth sailing early on for the Cardinals as Troy came out playing hard-nosed, aggressive defense bringing the full court press and forcing 10 turnovers in the first half.

"We really talked more about rebounding than turnovers," Sallee said.

Through 24 games this season, this only marks the fifth time the Cardinals have been outrebounded.

"I wasn't overly concerned with it and in the second half we were a lot better", said Sallee.

Sallee added on saying, "We needed every one of those solid possessions because I think the reason why we won was still being able to shoot 47-48% and still get 21 assists."

Ball State amped up the pace in the second quarter, taking a 44-40 lead going into halftime while also making all nine free-throws in the first 20 minutes of play.

Tides were able to slightly turn back in Troy's favor as they were able to take back the lead 68-66 after the third quarter. With four-and-a-half minutes to go in the fourth, Troy saw their lead grow to 85-74.

The Cardinals proceeded to go on a 13-1 run, with junior guard Karsyn Norman making two pivotal drives to the basket to cut the Trojans lead to 86-84.

"We were down, we just needed points," stated Norman. "There was a lot going through my mind, I just saw the rim both times."

Senior center Tessa Towers played a vital part in the win, as she recorded 19 points with nine rebounds and had a critical block to give Ball State the ball back with just under 22 seconds remaining.

The fans at Worthen brought energy down the stretch, helping the Cardinals complete the hard-fought comeback win. Sallee said after the team's win over Northern Illinois (NIU) Feb 4. that this game was going to have a "March-like feel to it".

"We were fortunate to play this game at home and that showed up and they got behind us. In that moment, I think the crowd is what got us to the finish line," said Sallee. "It was everything you wanted a home crowd to be."

With Ball State compiling a 27-8 season last year while also going 16-2 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) competition, Sallee has seen it transition over into this year, bringing in people who can make a difference to the program right away.

"We went out to get high character people that their talent levels and skill sets fit the way our culture is built, and I feel like we did it," Sallee said. "We have some tremendous people in that locker room."

Ball State has seven Mid-American Conference (MAC) games left in the season.

Verburgt commented on what needs to continue, saying, "We have to keep our heads up and practice how we always do. We practice hard, we have a lot of focus, [and] win as [many] games as we can and keep the fight up."

Contact Bryce Pennell with questions via email at bryce.pennell@bsu.edu.

The "Vigil for the Victims" was coordinated and set up by President of Student Planning Jackie Dudek and Outreach Officer Jeffery Dreyer as a way for people to come together to mourn the people lost to community and institutional violence.

Dudek started the vigil with opening statements, thanking the people who could show up and speak on the loss of lives at the hands of ICE officers in 2026.

"We're here because we cannot ignore the pleas of our brothers and sisters in Minneapolis in Chicago across the country and the world, their cries echo in the wind," Dudek said. "Today, the threat of ICE approaches ever closer to civilization, but no matter what forces descend on our community, we are united in unconditional love and a stalwart resistance."

Following those statements was a moment of silence for every person who had been killed by an ICE agent or in the custody of ICE, naming up to 34 people, all the way from Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was shot Sept. 12 during a traffic stop in suburban Chicago, to Alex Pretti who was killed after filming and helping another protester up Jan. 24.

"To remember the lives lived and lost, the memories made, the warmth left over in their stead, we mourn both the names we name, and those whose names we will never know, " Dudek said. "They light our path and join us in the march to universal human dignity. Let us take a moment of silence for those we lost."

Every one bowed their heads, and for every single name said, no one spoke.

After the moment of silence had come to an end, Pastor Matt Gerdes from Indianapolis gave a speech on what his faith says to do in moments and times like these.

"I felt so much grief, frustration and pain, because I have … such strong feelings about violence from the state, both as [a] human and as a person of faith," Gerdes said.

Gerdes said people of Jewish and Christian faith are guided by their beliefs not only to uphold justice and mercy but also to love their neighbors.

"We are told our tradition, one of the greatest commandments, is to love your neighbor as yourself. I think we all are here because of that, in all of our hearts, of loving our neighbor," Gerdes said. "This is an example of how love shows up in grief. Love shows up in our anger and injustice and things done wrong to our neighbor, love shows up in actions of accountability, restraint and use of force."

After Gerdes finished his speech, several people recited poems they had written. Each one talked about the fear and possibility of losing the people you love.

One speech recited by Ball State University student Juno Velez told his story about growing up Hispanic and being viewed differently, as well as his own experience of losing a loved one to ICE violence.

"Today is my birthday, ironically enough, and I bring with me the last gift my father was able to give me before he was taken away from this country, before he would never make me dinner again, before I would always wonder if he was eating right, if he was sleeping enough, if he knew I loved him," Velez said.

Velez said the gift his father gave him was a carnelian necklace, which he said symbolizes bravery.

"All I can hope for my people right now is [that] they are brave [and] that they continue to step outside, even though the ice is freezing and cold, even though it has numbed our fingers and our toes and has taken away our hearts and our minds, even though they tell us to quiet down, to be calm, to be cohesive, so that we're understood, when all we want to do is scream," Velez said.

Velez said they especially feel for the children of ICE victim Renee Good, who was shot by ICE agent Johnathan Ross while driving by an operation, because he has also personally understood the pain of losing a parent.

"I know the pain all too well, and so many others of my people know it too. I grieve for them for the act of severing that tie, that connection. They did not just murder a mother or a father. They murdered a family," Velez said. "But right now, I need to be here. I need to work hard here for him, so that I might make a world he could return to, so that I might make a world where no other child loses someone that's supposed to be there from day one."

Anthony Reyes, Vice President of the Latin Student Union, spoke on the subject and told of his experience with ICE violence and having a family member taken away, as well.

"As the son of immigrant parents, to be here today as we honor the lives lost due to the injustice and violent crimes caused by the terrorists of this country, which is ICE. Families are being torn apart, leaving children to fend for themselves," Reyes said.

Reyes recounted his experience with ICE this past summer in June 2025.

"I remember I was getting ready for work when my mom came into my room telling me my aunt was under custody and had been taken by ICE … My head was pounding with constant thoughts and worries about what would happen to my family,' he said. "I found out later that my aunt was taken the night before. She was [leaving] her shed when ICE was waiting for her at the back of the building, knowing where she was coming from."

Reyes and his family were advised by their immigration lawyers to send letters to the Department of Homeland Security requesting his aunt's release, given the impact it would have on the family.

"In my letter, I had mentioned how the absence of my aunt would have drastically affected our lives, especially her son and my grandma. My aunt is a primary provider for her family, and before meeting my uncle, she was supporting my baby cousin, who has autism, and my grandma, who is growing older and becoming less able to take care of herself," he said.

After fighting for his aunt's release in any way he and his family could, she was eventually released from custody. Still, he acknowledged in his speech that this is not the reality for most families who go through that process.

After Reyes, co-Chair of YDSA, Uther Henderson, spoke on what he thought was America's biggest issue today.

"I see one chief problem, a problem which underlies and begets all other problems. It is not a problem [that] the news media will tell you about. It is not international relations. It is not this or that bill in Congress. It's not the newest culture war over the newest Disney or Marvel movie. No, I'm here to tell you that the chief problem of our age is apathy," he said.

Henderson said that for months, people have seen senseless violence against people of other races and against those who chose to fight back.

"We have witnessed over 30 people martyred in this presidential administration alone. In past years, this kind of thing would have sparked nationwide riots…We have become so numb to the violence rampant in the world today," he said. "We have watched a live genocide in Palestine [for] years, and we have witnessed no one in the halls of power, Democrat [or] Republican, do anything to stop it today. Violence is the rule, not the exception."

Henderson said violence will not stop until people decide it must stop and come together, and encouraged people to join an activist group to do so. Henderson followed up by encouraging people to sing along to the song, "We Shall Overcome."

Originating as a gospel song, "We Shall Overcome" was used as a protest song by a multiracial coalition of striking workers at a cigar factory in South Carolina in 1945, and in many other civil rights protests. The song served as a chant to demonstrate their belief in their cause and resolve not to back down.

The vigil ended with everyone coming together to sing along with Henderson, holding lights and signs for the victims. Through the cold and wind, people sang in memory of those who were taken away too early, shining a light on their memory.

Contact Landon Jones via email at landon.jones2@bsu.edu.

Ball State returned to Worthen Arena Feb. 6 after a 2-game road trip to take on their conference rival Queens in the first MIVA games for the Cardinals, and the team kept their win streak of seven going as they won 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-20) and finished their fifth straight sweep.

"It's always better to be in a position where you're winning and having to work on things," Head Coach Mike Iandolo said.

Even though the Cardinals aren't playing "perfect volleyball" right now, Iandolo said he is happy where the team is at. Iandolo said that the team was striving for that "perfect volleyball" after the George Mason game, but he knew it could always be worse.

"We're not a complete team, but I'll take it. I'll take wins and have to fix stuff for sure" Iandolo said.

He appreciates his team's fight even when they are challenged.

"I think that's something we've been really good at so far. I would love it if we didn't have to do it as much, if we started a little faster but that also is who we're playing too, and the pressure they put on us," Iandolo said

Iandolo said that is why the MIVA is great because of these matches.

"I think we've been doing it all season and we're going to keep getting challenged, so we got to keep doing it," he said.

Sophomore Ryan Louis has been one of the big contributors for the Cardinals this season. In the Cardinals' past three games, Louis has combined for 29 kills. Louis knows that his strength needs to shine through.

"My biggest contribution is going to be scoring points," Louis said.

Even going back to his freshman season, Louis thought he could help the team in that area right away and the work he is putting in with him at his best is showing.

"Just really making sure I'm putting the ball away where we need a score," Louis said.

The Cardinals had an early challenge from the Royals going down three points two separate times (4-1, 8-5) however, the Cardinals battled through that to win the set and take the commanding two set lead but Senior Patrick Rogers thought the team's mental toughness showed through the most.

"It's going to happen a lot this year and we're expecting that," Rogers said.

The only way a team gets prepared is through their practices. Rogers said that the Cardinals scrimmage for those scenarios so that the team shows no panic and can battle even the smallest adversity.

"In practice, down points when we're down points, we're kind of used to it and we need to expect it," Rogers said.

The depth on the team has shown at times. During the Cardinals' recent road trip, junior middle blocker Will Patterson stepped in for Jacob Surette and it never had the team wavering. Rogers knows that the guys on the bench are ready for anything.

"In our so-called second and third squads, they are just as good as the first squad, so it's really good to know we have that type of depth," Rogers said.

Especially in the MIVA, the Cardinals' know that these tough, gritty contests will always be counter punches no matter who it is.

Moving ahead for Ball State, the team will take on McKendree and Lindenwood back in Worthen Arena Feb. 12 and Feb. 13

Contact Zachary Kendall with questions via email at zacharykendall@bsu.edu or on X @ZacharyKendall_.

Muncie Central High School students held a walkout Feb. 6 to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A group of around 50 people marched to Muncie City Hall and back along N Walnut St. Students were outside for nearly two hours, chanting and waving to passing cars.

Muncie Central Senior Josiah Tramel was one of many students leading the group in chants, encouraging his peers. He said in the past month, he's seen upwards of 30 of his classmates move away or not come to class in fear of ICE.

It's because of this, and what he described as a lack of information amongst students his age, that he and his peers came out to protest.

"A lot of kids don't have any idea what's going on. We have TikTok, we have Instagram, but you [don't] understand how important it is until it's here with you," he said.

Muncie community member Ivory Myers came to support her niece, who was one of the students protesting. She and fellow community member Elizabeth Swartzkopf, who was there supporting her daughter, agreed that they were proud of the students.

Myers said she is disappointed that the world she grew up in is not the one that her niece is currently living in, but hopes that this protest can incite change in the community.

"We're 'the land of the free' for a reason … [students] should get to live in the world that we grew up in," Myers said.

The Human Rights Executive Director for the City of Muncie, Shekela Bester, was protesting among the students. She said the students knew "at birth" that they had rights and added that she was proud of them for exercising their right to protest.

While Muncie Central students led the protest, Bester said she hopes that the Muncie community takes inspiration from them and "stands up" in the future.

"Don't sit down. Don't stop. Speak up, and don't stay silent. Come on out here and join this fight," Bester said. "... This is just the beginning."

Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Muncie Central Administration were outside the building during the protest, but did not follow the group as they marched. Chief Communications Officer of MCS, Andy Klotz, provided the following statement to the Ball State Daily News after the protest:

"For the relatively small number of students who participated in the demonstration, we're glad they expressed themselves peacefully, and we're even happier everyone went home safely. Students who were not excused to leave school by their parents or guardian[s] will face appropriate consequences as outlined in our Student Handbook. These consequences will be specific to each student based on their personal school history."

Tramel said he wants the community to know that he and his peers are ready to continue standing up for one another, adding that they're "ready to fight against ICE."

"Students are afraid to come to school. Everyone is in fear [for] their lives and that's not right," he said. "America was built on immigration. America can't be America without stolen land, so who are we to say who can and who cannot be here?"

This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available. View the full gallery online using this linkandwatch NewsLink Indiana's full report using this link.

The BallState Daily News Associate VisualEditor, Jessica Bergfors, and NewsLink Indiana's Managing Editor, Cameron Noe, contributed to this article.

Contact Brooke Follrad and Trinity Rea for comments attrinity.rea@bsu.eduor brooke.follrad@bsu.edu.

Athletes from a plethora of different sports filed onto the hardwood during halftime to be recognized by the fans.

Sophomore guard Grace Kingery said that it's nice to be an influence on the young girls in the audience to play sports.

"It means a lot, obviously, you know all the girls who were able to watch us and see what we were able to do and inspire them," Kingery said.

When talking about who inspired her, Grace named a player whose name is renowned in the state of Indiana.

"In high school, I'd probably say Caitlin Clark, but yeah, that's kind of obvious," Kingery said.

The sophomore guard put on her best Caitlin Clark impression during Wednesday's game, making seven 3-pointers as she scored a team-high 23 points.

The Cardinals picked up their 10th conference win of the season, as they are currently one game behind the top-seeded Miami Redhawks. Ball State Head Coach ,Brady Sallee, knows his team is playing well right now, but thinks there is still another level they can reach.

"To see us playing this cleanly and this well is exciting, and I think we've got some more in us to be honest," said Sallee.

The team's next game will be in Muncie as they take on the Troy Trojans in the MAC-Sun Belt challenge, where Ball State will be looking for its fourth straight season win.

Contact Jalen McKissic with comments at jalen.mckissic@bsu.edu.

The guard decided to play high school basketball for Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx, near his hometown of Amityville, New York. Zeigler said he saw basketball as an opportunity when he "caught his first in-game dunk."

"[The dunk] was a poster, and after that, it was just up from there," Zeigler said.

Four years after Zeigler's first dunk in his freshman year of high school, the guard started receiving interest in playing division one basketball.

Saint Peter's, a small university located in New Jersey, offered Zeigler a scholarship, and he jumped at it. The guard played two years for the Peacocks, averaging 11.1 points a game, along with 6.1 rebounds.

Zeigler gauged a heavy amount of interest in the transfer portal following his breakout sophomore season, which landed him at Ball State.

"I liked his competitiveness, his toughness," Head Coach Michael Lewis said about the decision to bring Zeigler onto the team. "His ability to play downhill, which [we have] seen here as of late."

But Zeigler's competitiveness did not just happen when he started playing basketball, or any other sport, for that matter. It stems from growing up alongside his half-brother, Zakai Zeigler.

Zakai played division one basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he played for four years. The guard from Tennessee is now playing professional basketball in Paris.

Armoni said the two used to compete in everything growing up. He said Zakai was always bigger and taller than him, and that it affects how he approaches the game today.

"Sometimes in a game, I'll be like, 'Oh, I got to guard this guard today," Armoni said. "But I'll be alright. I used to guard my brother every day."

Armoni recalled one time when Zakai and him were younger and broke out in a fight over a backyard one-on-one basketball game he had won. He said the competition level was "always at level 10."

That backyard brotherly competition was shown in front of hundreds of thousands of fans on March 21, 2024, when Armoni's previous squad Saint Peter's faced off against Zakai's Tennessee Volunteers.

Armoni said he was younger then and did not understand it fully as he does now, but the guard appreciates the relationship his brother and he had growing up.

"The March Madness moment, it was an amazing moment, it was a great moment," Armoni said. "Growing up [with Zakai], it was just a great relationship."

Not only did the siblings bond over their competitiveness on the court, but they also bonded over watching basketball. Armoni said the two would always go to High School West games, which is a high school in New York.

Tobias Harris, a 15-year NBA veteran, played for the school, and Armoni said the two grew up watching him play together as kids.

Armoni could not put everything into words about how it was growing up with Zakai.

This season at Ball State, Armoni has been performing at his best in his collegiate career. The guard leads the Cardinals in every major statistic, averaging 13.2 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Armoni has provided many big moments for the Cardinals in conference play, highlighted by a season high of 30 points in a loss to Akron Jan. 13.

Lewis said it has been good to have him taking big shots down the stretch for the Cardinals, who have won three straight Mid-American Conference (MAC) games.

"I trust that he's more times than not going to make the right decision," Lewis said. "He's getting better and understanding where his advantages are."

Armoni sank a late three-pointer against Northern Illinois Jan. 24 to cap off the team's third straight victory at the time. Lewis said he has seen the guard grow exponentially as the season has gone on.

"His aggressiveness, his attack, his ability to play stronger off two feet and his ability to get to the free throw line [have] really changed since the beginning of the season," Lewis said.

Not only is Armoni leading the team statistically, but he has also grown into a vocal leader. When the guard was playing at Saint Peter's, he said his coaches would advise him to lean into leadership duties, but he did not because he felt like he did not have the type of pull that an older player would have.

But the guard has taken on a leadership role for Ball State this season, and he said he now understands what leadership really means.

"When I was telling people to do stuff, I wouldn't [also] do it before," Armoni said. "Now I see it [as], I have to do it, and then they do it, they follow my lead."

His growth throughout the season has been noticeable not only to Lewis but also to his teammates. Sophomore forward Kayden Fish said Lewis made it a point to push leadership within the team, telling players they need to talk and point out problems.

Fish said he has seen Armoni become a vocal leader for the team as a result. The forward said the team is not afraid to use strong language with one another, and he has seen Armoni roll with the punches as well as dish them out.

"The confidence we see [in] his numbers, we know what he does," Fish said. "But his leadership [has grown] on and off the court."

But the numbers everyone can read on Armoni's stat sheet do not faze him. The leading scorer for the Cardinals has continued to put his head down and work alongside his teammates, and he credits his success to that.

"It's the work we've been doing and putting in," he said. "We've been putting in too much work to just be playing bad[ly]."

The team still has 11 regular-season games remaining and is in position to make the MAC tournament in March. But even just midway through his junior season, Armoni has noticed a change in his game.

"I've grown a lot as a player at Ball State. I've gotten better since the first game to now," he said. "How I approach the game now [is different]."

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

Today: Moderate snow this morning will taper off in the afternoon. Expect the winds to increase as the day draws to a close. Clouds and occasional flurries will persist as well. Make sure to be prepared for slick spots on roads into tonight.

Tonight: Clouds and flurries will continue into the morning hours followed by clearing. Winds will blow rather strongly with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Expect very frigid temperatures once again. It is the perfect night to stay at home with a cup of coffee as the Winter Olympics begin.

Tomorrow: Temperature will continue to be frigid tomorrow. If going out in the morning, make sure to bundle up as wind chills will plummet into the negatives. The sun may come out in the morning but clouds will return.

Seven-Day Forecast: This cold and snow of this weekend will give way to milder temperatures into next week. A warm front will bring in warmer air which will bring some of the warmest air yet this year. However, it will moderate in the mid to upper thirties. Expect chances of rain and even mixed precipitation later in the week. A slight chance of mixed precipitation cannot be ruled out for Tuesday as well.

- Weather Forecaster Edward Hill

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

Valentine's mug-making workshop at the Fab Lab!

Come make a custom mug just in time for Valentine's Day. Use Adobe Express to create a unique design, then print and transfer it onto a ceramic mug for $5, making it a perfect gift for you or your Valentine.

The workshop is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Spots are limited, so register here now! Then visit the Fabrication Lab in the Applied Technology Building, AT 141, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. to print your mug.

Recognize your students during CHIRPS Week!

Many areas on campus have events, symposia or showcases during the spring semester to recognize and celebrate their students' academic achievements. The Office of Research would like to incorporate those into CHIRPS Week.

What's CHIRPS Week?
CHIRPS Week is a weeklong initiative to celebrate high-impact practices, research projects and scholarship across campus. This week includes events across campus such as the Student Symposium, Immersive Learning Showcase, Global Symposium, guest lecturers and more. The week will culminate with the CHIRPS Week Reception, an opportunity for units to present awards and recognitions to students related to their academic achievements.

How can departments participate?
Departments may host an event during CHIRPS Week and/or present awards at the CHIRPS Week Reception.

What assistance is available?
The Office of Research will coordinate promotional logistics for the week, including social media and website presence. The reception will be planned by the Office of Research. If an area is hosting an event during the week, it will also receive CHIRPS Week swag to distribute to attendees.

Questions or event details can be directed to Marie Thompson.

February programs at the Brown Planetarium

This month, enjoy programs at the Brown Planetarium, including a live program about the winter sky and the Rubin Observatory. All programs listed are free and include live components.

Accidental Astronauts - Kids' Program
Fridays: Feb. 6, 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Feb. 7, 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space. Perfect for families and groups with K-3 learners. All ages are welcome.

The Universe Overhead - Fully Live Experience
Fridays: Feb. 6, 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Feb. 7, 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of the night sky using free star charts provided during this live program and explore new images from the Rubin Observatory. Perfect for adults and ages 8 and older. All ages are welcome.

Big Astronomy - Great for Adults
Saturdays: Feb. 7, 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Journey to world-class observatories in Chile's Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert. Discover how these facilities operate and explore their research results. Suitable for adults and ages 10 and older. All ages are welcome.

For more information, including information on hearing assistance and closed-captioning options, head over to Plan Your Visit or email planetarium@bsu.edu.

For more information, go toBall State's Communication Center.

Tara Wooten, a local co-owner of Hempnotyx CBD and Smoke Shop and Get Baked Bakery in Muncie, said she is concerned about the future of both businesses as Indiana continues to impose restrictions on hemp products.

Hemp and cannabis both come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa L., but are not regulated the same way, according to the website Cannabinoid Hemp Consumers. Federal law defines hemp as cannabis that has no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to the website.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Dec. 18 to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, but he still discouraged recreational use, despite the president reflecting the drug's potential medical benefits. According to the National Library of Medicine, medical cannabis is used for pain associated with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, glaucoma and other diseases and disorders.

According to a Jan. 16 article from Indiana Capital Chronicle (ICC), Indiana lawmakers are aligning state law with a recently enacted ban on intoxicating and synthetic drugs, which has received opposition from the burgeoning delta-8 industry.

Senate Bill 250, authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-District 32), Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-District 36) and Sen. Blake Doriot (R-District 12), explained that a violation of the hemp-derived cannabinoid products chapter is a "deceptive act."

This bill also states that the "offense of aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of a product, including THC." Senate Bill 250 also allows the alcohol and tobacco commission to conduct random inspections of locations where products containing THC are sold.

Sen. Freeman said in a Jan. 15 committee meeting that he would rather "eliminate all these things from the planet, period," in reference to hemp products, explaining that his proposal "is what's possible," according to ICC.

Senate Bill 250 mimics Congress's closure of the "Farm Bill Loophole," which Sen. Freeman referred to as the 2018 legislation that defined legal hemp as any part of the plant containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to ICC, which allows products containing delta-8, THCA and other intoxicating cannabinoids to multiply, including in Indiana.

This will mean THC products will be capped to just 0.4 milligrams per container and will outright ban lab-made products, according to ICC.

Local businesses are already seeing this impact, as Wooten said the hemp restrictions have begun affecting both of her Muncie businesses.

Co-owner of both the smoke shop and the bakery, James Hughes, said their Get Baked Bakery specializes in in-house hemp products, including hemp-infused drinks, cookies, tomato soup and grilled cheese.

However, Wooten said that the Indiana State Excise Police, the law enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, seized approximately $17,000 of this product.

"It has hurt us pretty bad," she said.

She continued to explain that her businesses are now losing between $14,000 and $16,000 per week, which could force both businesses to close.

Hughes also shared similar sentiments with Whooten, explaining that if the bill is passed at the federal level, it will "pretty much shut us down." He said that there are forces beyond his control that will "definitely" shape the hemp industry in the United States.

"Our state seems to want to go above and beyond … to make any and all cannabis not welcome in [Indiana]," Hughes said.

Along with Hughes, Mike Halsema, the owner and grower processor of Halsema Hemp Farms, is also against the bill. He explained via email that, while he disagrees with the bill, he does think there should be strict regulations and licensing.

"No gas station sales. Only licensed companies making and backing and selling their own products," Halsema said via email.

Sen. Scott Alexander (R-District 26) claims the opposite.

He said businesses specializing in hemp-infused products will receive "clear and concise guidelines" to help them sell hemp legally under Senate Bill 250.

Alexander explained that Senate Bill 250 does not ban hemp entirely but instead imposes stricter restrictions. Sen. Alexander said that the "heart" of the bill would be updating Indiana's definitions of hemp in relation to the language that was passed down by Congress.

"That language closes the Farm Bill loophole that opened the door for unlimited Delta-8 and other types of THC across the country," Alexander said. "...It doesn't eliminate hemp, but it defines it a little better."

This will prohibit any product over 0.3 percent in total THC, not just delta-8, Alexander said, while also banning products that include more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package. He also explained that this bill would prohibit individuals from purchasing those products before age 21.

Second-year Ball State University student Carissa Berger explained that the stricter restrictions on hemp are not "going to do much." She said people will find other ways to get a hold of hemp.

"I think it's just going to cause more danger for those people who are trying to get it," Berger said. "I don't think it is going to solve or stop anything."

Wooten explained that many of her customers are frustrated and do not want to drive to neighbouring states to acquire hemp, such as Michigan. She explained that many of her customers use hemp-infused products for pain, as well as for anxiety.

Doctors would send their patients from the Indiana University Health Cancer Center at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie to receive pain relief at their locations, she said, explaining how the cancer center would provide handouts for clients undergoing chemotherapy to identify which products would work for them.

She said patients who have tried other pain relievers, such as morphine and Dilaudid, did not receive significant relief compared to the hemp products she and Hughes sell in stores.

"I thought that was cool, because that shows [doctors] trust us," Wooten said.

Senate Bill 250 was referred to the House Jan. 29, according to the Indiana General Assembly's website.

As the bill is still pending, Wooten said she is "not happy" with the legislation and called the government "dirty."

"I'm just hoping that we can all band together and come up with [an] agreement to where this [hemp] can be regulated," she said.

Contact Linnea Sundquist via email at linnea.sundquist@bsu.edu.

MUNCIE, Ind. - Happy Hideaway Sensory Gym is the first sensory gym within the Muncie community and is tailored to families with neurodivergent children. After owner Crystal Altic saw that there was nowhere in Muncie for parents to take their children to have fun and be themselves, she took the issue into her own hands.

Altic created the Happy Hideaway Gym after her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Autism. She had one goal in mind: making the gym a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for children of all ages. The gym had its grand opening on Dec. 20, and since then, Altic has been experiencing so much support from the community.

"The community has been fantastic," Altic said. " I have not had a negative comment at all. Everybody is so thankful. They're helpful, I mean-it is-it's blown way out of proportion, way more than I could have expected."

Altic and other parents have seen the positive impact the gym has made on their children's confidence, social skills and their ability to feel heard and understood.

"I think the interactions between these kids, whether you're diagnosed with autism or sensory disorders, they just get more real time to learn how to communicate and interact with the general public," Altic said.

Parents like Daynarra Houston, whose child goes to the gym to play, explain how the Happy Hideaway Sensory Gym is nice to have close to home, since the closest one to Muncie is in Indianapolis. Houston and many other parents have seen growth in their own children's development.

"This place is amazing," Houston said. "Just really seeing how other kids can come here and be comfortable, anyone is welcome, and they truly can, just like, regulate themselves and play and have fun, and you know, be a kid."

Altic doesn't view the gym as just her business, but also a memory of her daughter, Brooke. Brooke died just under a year ago, and it was her goal to work at the gym and help her mom out. To honor her, Altic has a plaque that rests on the countertop of the gym as a reminder that Brooke will always be a part of the gym.

"Brooke would absolutely love this," Altic said. "She could help, you know, run the counter or pick up the kids from school. I could totally see her coming in and opening it up. Oh yeah, she would definitely be so proud of this and be happy to work here."

Altic hopes to continue growing the Happy Hideaway Sensory Gym and wants to expand the gym to different locations around Muncie so that every child has a chance to play freely and to be themselves.

Contact Ava Lens with questions at ava.lens@bsu.edu.

MUNCIE, Ind. - During American heart health month communities across the country are being encouraged to focus on prevention. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. In Muncie, that prevention is happening through movement, measurement and meaningful connection.

Cardinal Wellness is a Ball State student led program that provides students with practical experience while empowering the community to lead healthier lives. Providing free fitness classes, nutrition education and childcare to the community. The goal is not just to get people moving, but make overall health improvements realistically available for everyone.

Delaware County is facing a critical crisis, currently ranked in the bottom ten statewide for life expectancy. With nearly 30% of adults in Delaware County reporting little to no physical activity, which is a major threat for heart disease.

Research base assessments set Cardinal Wellness apart. Participants are able to receive individual health feedback every three months, including blood pressure and hand strength measurements.

"Grip strength is just as important for longevity as blood pressure," said Dr. Shannon Powers, Director of Cardinal Wellness and Ball State kinesiology professor. "It gives us a clear picture of where someone is and how their health is changing."

These measurements lead to improvements. For example, a 86-year-old breast cancer survivor drives from Indianapolis twice a week to attend classes and has increased her hand grip strength by 10%. Another participant shared her improvement in grip strength as she's now able to carry everyday items like a gallon of milk.

Fighting on the frontlines against heart disease, Cody Hager, Strength and Resistance coordinator, views the program as a collaborative shield on communication and trust.

Coaching participants life saving cardiovascular changes, Deeleiloh Alioe (Dee), manager of Cardinal Wellness states, "Heart healthy programs can be hard to come by and expensive, which can be difficult. We are able to give this to the community for free, which is important."

As heart disease prevention month continues, Cardinal Wellness welcomes accessible programs for the community in hopes to make heart disease prevention possible for everyone.

Contact Rayanna Goble with comments at rayanna.goble@bsu.edu.

One of the two tickets is R.I.S.E, which is Representation, Innovation, Support and Engagement. Senator Quinn Davis, a third-year supply chain management and marketing dual-major, is running for president, and running for vice president, is senator Addy Morey, a second-year criminology major, concentrating in criminal justice.

The other ticket is WORK, which focuses on advocacy, student well-being, academic support, transparency and sustainability. Current Chief of Staff, Caleb Trinoskey, a second-year mathematical economics and applied mathematics dual major, is running for president, and for vice president is Senator Finley Gay, a second-year legal studies major.

The first question that was brought up was why both candidates on each ticket had decided to join the SGA.

Morey said she had no idea what she wanted to do when she first came to Ball State, and had no idea what SGA was, deciding to run for hall council instead.

"I wanted to be president, and we didn't hold elections, so I just kind of got thrown into the position, and once I got in it, I fell in love with it," Morey said "It was a really big community and a group that I didn't even know that I was going to like."

Morey went on to say that she enjoys being a leader, not just for committees and caucuses, but just being able to stand in front of a group and represent and be a voice for other people.

"It's a whole different story, and that's what I want to be for people," Morey said.

Davis said that after coming to Ball State University and joining the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he had gained two valuable mentors from SGA, former president Gossett Smith and then-former president Noah Poole.

"Those were two guys who really took me under their wing and gave me the gist of what student government is all about. They came to me thinking that I would just be something that I could really gain value from, and I thank them so much for that opportunity." Davis said.

Trinoskey said that he never did anything student government-related in high school or knew any former presidents or vice presidents of SGA, but instead had met an honors college professor, Doctor Roberts, who had told him about SGA and that he should give it a try.

"I was with all these other clubs, but SGA wasn't a club. It was a part of diversity governance. It was a way to advocate for the student body… SGA, I don't further what I said reforms is really what made me fall in love with the organization," Trinoskey said.

Gay said his experience was similar to Trinoskey's, saying he wasn't a part of a lot of groups and had just decided to join the SGA.

"It was sort of like an instant community that I gained, which was really great as an influencer, because college is super confusing and scary, and I was lucky enough to be placed in a wonderful committee where we instantly got hit the ground running with legislation that has been continuing, and being able to sort of see that amount of difference that I could substantively make throughout our campus really inspired me to sort of keep going with SGA," Gay said.

The next question was directed at R.I.S.E asking about their representation policy platform, where their only group listed is Greek life. The audience member asked if R.I.S.E believes that Greek life is underrepresented.

"That is just one little subsection of our all-encompassing rise campaign. We have over 25 different platform points, and we want to make sure that we hit every single possible community. We are going to be pushing out more of our platform points in the future." Davis said. "I believe we have club and Greek Life representation, just because Greek life is not a club we want to fit with them in."

Trinoskey rebuttaled Davis's answer, saying that even though they just wanted to represent other clubs, they had made Greek Life the priority.

"I think it was bizarre when I saw that in the year 2026, when we have Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on our campus, and we as an association have the power to give students information about how to stay safe, firstly, prioritizing Greek life, which literally isn't even on our campus." Trinoskey said.

Morey replied to Trinoskey's comment, saying that they do prioritize making students feel safe on campus under their support.

"ICE is a really big thing that is not just prevalent in our community here on campus, but also in like the general world, we want to make sure that every single place and every single opportunity that a student is given here on campus, they do feel safe, and that is something that is a great thing that we will be discussing further," Morey said.

Another audience member spoke up, asking both tickets on how each candidate has advocated for the student body during their time on the SGA.

Trinoskey said that he had been working on legislation with other senators to help the student body feel more represented.

"The legislation that we wrote last semester to get this reaction on campus or in the organizational caucus, making sure that we can effectively advocate, not only as an exec board, but through the Senate as well, making sure we're limiting those barriers to maximize what we do as an organization," Trinoskey said.

Gay said he has been busy writing legislation for the last year and a half in the SGA.

"I believe it started in the fall of 2024 with the government relations committee. We were advocating for getting election day off on campus so that all students can have the freedom so that they could have the freedom to go vote. Unfortunately, our original idea was deemed not possible." Gay said.

Morey said she had an opportunity to help raise the minimum and maximum wage on campus with Senator Jack Correa.

"We just got feedback from someone in higher-ups in the university that our legislation had no further comments, and that it is going to be pushed out into University Senate, which is a great, great thing for all people, especially our underrepresented students on campus," Morey said.

Davis said that when he first joined SGA, he was in his first semester of college he was a part of the safety committee.

"We did a lot of mental health awareness events, just reaching out to the most amount of students as possible about mental health awareness and the counseling centers that they can go to if they do need that support. And then, personally, being a community service chair for my fraternity. We worked a lot with community service [at] Ball State." Davis said.

The next question for both tickets from the audience was, "In the past, the rhetoric of the student government has been to separate campus politics from ongoing national and geopolitical issues. What would you say to students who feel it is impossible to separate [those] issues?"

Morey said that it is impossible to separate what is happening in the outside world from what happens on the Ball State University campus.

"It's just an issue that is brought into every single person's lives, whether it affects you directly or somebody in your life that you love, your friends, family, anything like that. We want to make sure that not only does the individual [who] is being affected here on campus have an opportunity to also be able to use resources that the university has and provides to support them," Morey said.

Trinoskey disagreed, arguing that there is no separation between national politics and campus politics.

"We're seeing protests on campus, people like literally going to jail before the Board of Trustees meeting and doing that before they go to SGA right…. And in that instance, we need to say, how do we solve this? We can both say that it's an issue. We're telling you that through Senate reforms, through petitioning, through public comments, make sure that Senators cannot, just like, go, leave the room and go back to the dorms, that these issues are going to the Senate, and we're actively going to solve them." Trinoskey said.

The two tickets were then asked how they are planning on expanding the SGA's social media presence.

Gay said that his ticket has been going around and talking to people, asking if they know what the SGA is and talking to people about what they do.

"One of those examples is requiring new senators to petition to join, so that they're actually out talking to students on campus and being like, 'Hey, I want to join SGA, will you sign up?'" Gay said.

Davis agreed with his competitors and said that it starts with the SGA senators going out and talking.

"As you see, unfortunately, not a lot of them were able to show up today. It really just starts with that onboarding buy-in from the senators and making sure that they're totally bought into what the student government is doing and advocating for the student government wherever they go." Davis said.

Another question for both candidates was how they would make the campus a safer place for all students and not just specific groups of them.

Trinoskey said that they will work through policy to protect communities of people.

"What I'm going to go through with our platform right now, one example of that would be AI is closure. When it comes to grading and science creation, we see consistently that AI platforms have an implicit bias against students." Trinoskey said.

Gay added that he had attended many of the round table Talks SGA held last semester to get an idea of what students worry about.

RELATED: Student Government Association holds its final Round Table Talk of the semester

Morey said safety is at the forefront of everybody's mind, day or night, no matter who you are.

"Whenever I'm walking around, like dark places, …I think there's, ] a lot of things to be said. [For example], , blue lights are a big thing that we are grateful to have around our campus." Morey said. "But there aren't a lot of maps. There isn't signage. There's absolutely nothing that will assist with that. I have been gratefully given the opportunity and Senate to write things that will help further that, but also to go on that we do not have any signage, or barely any, that say anything about AEDs."

The last question that was asked of both tickets was what qualifications each candidate has and if they ever taken a break from SGA.

Morey said she has been in SGA since her first year at Ball State University and has been in a leadership position in every single caucus she has been in.

"I've also been really involved, like outside of it, I've been in every single outside committee. So basically, just kind of furthering my in-depth, like appreciation for student government." Morey said.

Davis said he did take a break from the SGA to pick up another major and wanted to finish off his vice presidency in his fraternity.

"I wanted to put all my cards on the table for that. After finishing my role, I'm obviously super happy to be back at SGA, and then for my role as student body president would be just to help pass off legislation, help people out and be that connection between the school and the students." Davis said.

Gay said he worked as the secretary for the Delta Cap Fraternity from January 2025 to December 2025 and that it had taught him what it was like to work in a collaborative environment.

"Moving on to SGA, first semester freshman year, I was elected as the Government Relations Committee Secretary, exactly what it sounds like, responsible for taking meeting minutes, sending out all the emails, and sort of having that starting leadership role really taught me about responsibility within SGA, what it means to balance different projects," Gay said.

Trinoskey said that he was the chair of the Technical Affairs Committee as soon as he joined his freshman year.

"I learned how the Senate works, learned what student government is [and] learned how to function. There's a lot of great things there." Trinoskey said.

The debate ended with both tickets thanking the audience for showing up and asking questions for them to consider going on into the future of their campaign.

"There's a lot of things that have been thrown out today that we will, for sure, be incorporating because once again, we're here to serve the Ball State student body and hearing from every single person is the utmost importance integrating not only issues about the broader political aspects of bringing that into the student body, but as long as we serve in this position, we will continue to advocate for every single person, because representation is one of the utmost important things," Morey said.

Contact Landon Jones via email at landon.jones2@bsu.edu

Tonight: Conditions this evening will be similar to what we experienced this afternoon. Flurries will linger throughout the night with occasional heavier snow showers possible. Temperatures stay steady in the low-20s and actually rise slightly. Winds begin to pick up, but nothing crazy, coming from the southwest at 10 mph.

Tomorrow: Temperatures have a great chance to break the freezing point tomorrow for the first time since January 22. However, winter will not stay away. Another round of snow moves in tomorrow morning. This will impact the morning commute a bit with accumulations between 1-2 inches likely. Isolated areas of 2+ inches are also possible. The snow moves out by noon and clouds persist throughout the day. Winds will pick up with gusts up to 35 mph as a cold front moves through. This will knock temperatures back down to what we've been dealing with recently.

Seven-Day Forecast: The weekend starts off on the chilly side with temperatures in the teens and wind chills below zero once again. Sunshine does return Saturday, with clouds lingering at periods through the next few days. Highs reach above freezing by Monday with a great chance of breaking 40 degrees Tuesday. Rain enters the picture by mid-week with a wintry mix possible next Thursday as temperatures begin to slide. Stay safe on the roads and warm over the weekend!

- Chief Weather Forecaster Joseph Sawicki

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

SGA began its meeting with special orders of business with a senate application for at-large senate.

Kamp Miller, a second-year Finance and Risk Management major, was a part of the national honors society and class president in high school. If Miller were to be approved, he said he wants to give the Financial Wellness Center at Ball State University more funding.

"I was there three weeks ago, and they told me they can't afford a printer. So, that kind of stinks. They also have a position open for a financial year wellness advisor…[but] they told me they couldn't hire anybody because they don't have funding," Miller said.

Miller was approved with 33 yays and one abstention.

After Miller was approved, the SGA moved into executive reports, starting with President Chelsea Murdock reporting on an initiative with the Ball State University Crisis Line.

"What we're trying to do is see if we can get that helpline number, which is a 24/7 number that links to the counseling center, put on the back of all Ball State IDs as they're getting printed," Murdock said.

Murdock said the university senate had met the past week, letting the university know how the student body has been feeling.

"We made it known that students are feeling a lot of frustrated, scared, complicated, devastating emotions and concerns about how things are going at our university in the larger scale of our country and our world. We made that very apparent to them, as we have last semester and will continue to do, and [we] are being very explicit and transparent with university administration." Murdock said.

After SGA finished its executive reports, it moved into discussing new business with two senate resolutions, numbers four and five.

Senate Resolution four calls for professors to give assignment alternatives instead of class for students to participate in the Midterm Elections. Senate Resolution five does the same as resolution four but for the General Election.

The SGA will vote on these resolutions the upcoming week.

The SGA will be training on its Senate Retreat Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 3:15 pm in Cardinal Hall B. It will not be open to the public as it is for learning and training purposes only. Later in the night will be the Introduction of the Tickets Debate in the Teachers College room 120 at 5:30 p.m.

Contact Landon Jones via email landon.jones2@bsu.edu

One of the reasons for this undeniable success is the increase in the number of International players on the different teams.

"It has become a lot more popular. We have seven international students and sometimes other schools have full international teams." Esports Assistant Director, Brandon Kepner said.

This strategy is profitable for schools, as shown by the numerous trophies won by this team, but it is also a really great opportunity for the foreign athletes, as getting recruited by Ball State is a huge step up for most of them.

Often, they are scouted during local tournaments and get contacted to come play for the college where they can study and take advantage of the brand-new facilities.

"The resources are way better here in the US," Spanish freshman and Valorant player Manuel Fons Rodriguez said. "At this level, we wouldn't have anything similar in Europe."

The facilities and the chance to study in the United States are the main reasons why the players decide to commit to an American school, but they are not the only ones, as international coaches started to join the program.

"Professional European players are more dedicated, they practice all day, whereas here I have to manage players with academic duties," Seno De Saint Mars, a French League of Legend coach and former Vitality member said.

See everything you need to know about the Ball State Esports team on their website.

Contact Max Huillet with comments at max.huillet@bsu.edu

"The town hall will give constituents an opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions and engage directly with Errington on issues impacting their community," according to the release.

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

Today: Overcast day with clouds that will persist into the night. The temperature will get up to 23 degrees this afternoon while winds stay calm coming out of the south southwest.

Tonight: Those clouds staying overhead will trap some heat in the atmosphere and we see the temperature actually increasing over night up to 24 degrees. Winds still staying calm out of the southwest keep that temperature from falling.

Tomorrow: There is a 70% chance of early morning flurries tomorrow morning but luckily those temperatures will still get up above freezing later in the day. Wind will be of some concern tomorrow with average speeds getting up to 15 mph and the possibility of gusts getting up to 30 mph in the evening.

Seven-Day Forecast: Friday morning we'll see a chance of some early morning flurries that won't persist too late into the afternoon. Following that precipitation, Saturday will be quite cold only getting up to around 18 degrees, the coldest out of the week. Fortunately, our highs steadily increase throughout the start of the work week and we see Tuesday's high getting up to around 44 degrees, a heat wave compared to what we've seen the past week or two.

- Weather Forecaster Orion Lucas

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