July 6, 2023

Editor’s Note: This story includes mention of suicide. If you are struggling with suicide or your mental health, you are not alone.

From the moment she gave birth to her daughter 13 years ago, the mother had held onto one promise: she was going to protect her child. It should have been easy — her kid is just like ev ery other young student in Bloomington. The mother — like any parent — had expect ed to shield her child from common threats, such as in secure bullies on the elemen tary school playground or the disappointment of getting cut from a team. Until the 2023 legislative session, however, she hadn’t expected to have to protect her daughter from the Indiana government.

Indiana Gov. Eric Hol comb signed Senate Enrolled 480, — which bans gender affirming care for minors — into law in April. The law, which banned puberty block ers, hormone replacement therapy and certain surgical procedures for minors, was originally supposed to take effect July 1. However, U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon issued a pre liminary injunction in June blocking the legislation from taking effect.

While the ban has not yet taken effect at the time of publication, members of the transgender community and parents of transgender chil dren have said the proposed legislation has disrupted their lives and fear the pre liminary injunction will be overturned.

The mother, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, was filled with an overwhelming devastation upon hearing about the bill. Her daughter, who is trans gender, has been on puberty blockers which are used to delay the changes of puberty in transgender and genderdiverse youth who have started puberty, for a year. She planned to start estrogen hormone therapy when she turned 14 years old.

The mother said puberty blockers have been life saving for her child, who has grappled with gender dysphoria for years. Gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress that a person may experience when their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics, according to the Mayo Clinic. Suddenly, in the span of a few months, the mother began trying to answer one question: “How am I going to save my baby’s life?”.

“There has never been a single moment — not a sleeping moment, not an awake moment, not a working moment, not a parenting moment — in my life since learning about this that has not been filled with anything but terror,” she said.

* * *

The mother first learned about Senate Enrolled Act 480 when the legislation was advanced by the Indiana Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services in February. Sen. Tyler Johnson, RDistrict 14, authored SEA 480 and said during his testimony the legislation would protect kids from “life altering decisions until they are adults.”

“This bill is common sense public policy to protect Hoosier children from irreversible, unproven and life

Former Indiana basketball stars sign in NBA free agency

Families grapple with ban on gender-affirming care for minors

'HOW AM I GOING TO SAVE MY BABY’S LIFE?'

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz

altering procedures,” Johnson said in his committee testimony. According to the U.S. Office of Population Affairs, most gender-affirming care treatments are reversible. Gender-affirming care such as social affirmation and puberty blockers are completely reversible and hormone therapy is partially reversible.

Gender-affirming surgery — which a person does not have to undergo to be transgender — is not always reversible. However, transgender and non-binary youth do not receive gender-affirming genital surgeries until they are adults, according to the Human Rights Campaign. While there have been limited exceptions for 16 or 17-year-olds, these patients have taken gender-affirming hormones and received approval from their parents and doctors prior to undergoing surgery.

In the committee hearing, Troy Castor, a representative from Riley Hospital for Children and senior vice president of governmental affairs at IU Health, opposed the legislation, stating it interferes with parents’ right to choose quality and potentially lifesaving care for their children. Castor also said Riley Hospital for Children does not perform gender transition surgeries on anyone under 18 years old, refuting claims from bill proponents that youth are regularly receiving this form of gender affirming care.

Following the preliminary injunction, Riley Hospital for Children’s Gender Health

in the world. That there were people out there that would allow or even want something like this to happen.”

After hearing about the passed legislation, her daughter started crying and became angry, asking her mother “what are we going to do?” and “how could you raise me in Indiana?” The mother said their family’s decision to allow their daughter to transition and start receiving gender-affirming care was not made lightly.

“When a child is put on hormone blockers, that is not something that a parent, a child or a doctor are able to just decide,” she said. “It takes so much time and so much energy and resource searching and therapy and so many doctors' appointments to get to a point where that’s a decision that the doctor and parent and child come to.”

Now, the mother said her family’s right to make medical decisions for her child — ones that have saved her daughter’s life — is being stripped away. She feels the recent legislation is “ensuring the death of my child.” Fearful that the lack of genderaffirming care may drive her daughter to commit suicide, she said her family may move out of the state if the legislation is enacted. She also worries her daughter will be forced to experience a painful, distressing transition when she is an adult without access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

Q&A with ‘Into the Woods’ director, choreographer DJ Gray

By Haripriya Jalluri hjalluri@iu.edu

IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance will present “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. July 7-29 and at 10 a.m. July 27 at the Wells-Metz Theatre. Tickets are available online through the IU Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance website.

The summer musical production of “Into the Woods” is directed and choreographed by Broadway’s DJ Gray, a professor of practice for the BFA program in musical theater and the incoming head of the program. Gray teaches multiple classes at IU, including advanced tap, musical theater styles (dance) and a pilates certification course.

The Indiana Daily Student spoke to Gray about her work on “Into the Woods” on July 3.

»IDS: What first brought you to IU from Broadway?

specifically want it to be a summer production or was it just best for scheduling?

»GRAY: Both. We are always choosing material that will be interesting for the public as well. This is different from the school year — this is a professional job. These actors all get paid and not every actor is a student at the university either. We have two graduate students who have graduated and two other people who are in the catheter from the community.

»IDS: Having directed it before and being one of your favorite pieces, are there any production changes that you have made from the original Broadway version?

Clinic will continue to provide gender-affirming care to patients under 18-years-old with their family’s consent and in accordance with the injunction, Riley Hospital for Children Public Relations Manager Lisa Tellus said in an email.

The American Medical Association passed a resolution supporting access to genderaffirming care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals in June, saying that gender-affirming health care is evidence-based and that decisions should be made by patients, their relatives and health care providers. More than 30 medical associations have also issued statements supporting gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

* * *

Knowing she needed a plan to secure medication that she describes as “lifesaving” for her child, the mother quickly set up an appointment with her doctor. While her family had until June 30 to receive estrogen hormones, she did not know how she would be able to get puberty blockers for her child.

Afraid of how her child would react to this news, the mother waited until the day before the appointment to share the progress of the bill with the 13-year-old.

“It’s my job to protect my child and the fear that I feel, I cannot even imagine the fear that my child would feel,” she said. “I didn’t even want my child to know that such horrible things are happening

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“If your child is so brave and so strong and makes it through this, somehow, they’re going to be damaged beyond repair and you’re going to have to hold their hand as they are a young adult — when they should just be going to college and figuring out what kind of career they would like to have — while their face bones are broken and put back together and their faces burned with a laser,” the mother said.

* * *

Meghan, a transgender woman, did not start transitioning until she was 33 years old. Meghan asked to be identified only by her first name for this story. Meghan said receiving gender-affirming care — such as puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy — in her youth would have “changed my life immeasurably for the better.” Meghan has spent thousands of dollars to receive medical treatment to transition as an adult.

“The fact that a handful of injections when I was younger and starting HRT at the right time could have prevented that,” Meghan said.

Meghan said she felt ashamed and horrified at the changes she experienced while going through male puberty. While she did not know “transgender” was a term to describe her experience during her youth, Meghan said she always knew she was a girl.

“I remember the moment I realized that facial hair came back every day as particularly devastating — that shaving wouldn’t last more than 12 hours, the body odor, the way that my face was changing. I had a suicide attempt when I was 14 years old and there was nothing I could put my finger on. The idea of gender transition was never introduced to me.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

»GRAY: I always wanted to teach at a university. I had been teaching as an adjunct at several different colleges and I really wanted to settle down, create a real sense of my work and give the work I have been gathering from my experiences to a group of people. I really wanted people that were focused on musical theater as a career. IU appealed to me the most because of the solid program that it is.

»IDS: What drew you to direct and choreograph “Into the Woods”?

»GRAY: It is one of my favorite Sondheim pieces. I brought the idea to the head of our department, Linda, because I wanted to do a few different things with it. I had directed it before and I wanted to dive back into it again.

»IDS: When you were pitching the idea for this production, did you

»GRAY: That’s hard to compare because I haven’t seen the Broadway version in a really long time. I think the major thing is that Milky White — the cow — is a person, not a puppet or a large mobile unit. That’s the biggest difference but I don’t know the other differences because I have not seen it or the revivals either. I have seen one revival that was done with less characters and the actors also played the music, which was incredible — but that’s not our version.

»IDS: You mentioned previously working with James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, the creators of “Into the Woods.” What was your experience working with Lapine?

»GRAY: The first time I worked with James Lapine was on “Spelling Bee” as an associate choreographer. Most of his interaction with the dance creators was that he wanted the movement to not look like dance steps. He wanted us to make sure it looked like the children were creating steps, a very character-driven movement.

SEE Q&A, PAGE 7

PHOTO COURTESY IU BLOOMINGTON

The cover for the IU Summer Theatre production of "Into the Woods" is pictured. IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance will present “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. from July 7-29, 2023 at Wells-Metz Theatre.

Indiana Supreme Court approves near-total abortion ban

By Miranda Miller mm163@iu.edu | @mirandamil10

The Indiana Supreme Court authorized a near-total abortion ban in a decision June 30. In a 4-1 decision, the court ruled that Senate Bill 1 does not violate Indiana’s Constitution. Planned Parenthood and Whole Women’s Health sued the state in August 2022, arguing that the ban results in unlawful discrimination.

Senate Bill 1 terminates the licensure of abortion clinics and allows a person to receive an abortion only if the pregnancy is a threat or risk to the person’s life. The legislation also permits an abortion if there is a lethal fetal anomaly up to 20 weeks post-fertilization and in cases of rape or incest. In a case of rape or incest, the abortion can only be performed up to 10 weeks post-fertilization.

Otherwise, all abortions are prohibited from the moment of conception.

Justice Derek Molter wrote the court’s final opinion.

“It is undisputed that protecting prenatal life falls within the State’s broad authority under Article 1, Section 1 to protect the public’s health, welfare and safety,” Molter wrote in the opinion.

Following the ruling, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office released a statement celebrating the decision.

“The Indiana Supreme Court has just upheld the abortion laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly. We celebrate this day — one long in coming, but morally justified,” the statement said. “Thank you to all the warriors who have fought for this day that upholds life.”

Mayor of In-

Hogsett,

Joe

dianapolis, released a statement on Twitter opposing the ruling.

“This ruling is a bad decision that upholds terrible policy, and Indiana women will be less safe as a result,” Hogsett said. “Full access to reproductive healthcare should be a fundamental right and Hoosier women deserve the autonomy to make these personal decisions with their doctors.”

According to a 2023 quarterly report from the Indiana Department of Health, the number of pregnancy terminations that have been performed between January and March has dropped by 15% compared to the same period in 2022. Between January and March of 2022, 2,286 pregnancies had been terminated, while in 2023, there were only 1,927. The ban will take effect as soon as July 31.

Monroe County Democratic Party selects Sydney Zulich to fill District 6 ballot vacancy

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz

Former IU student Syd-

ney Zulich won the Democratic nomination for the Bloomington City Council District 6 race. Zulich is the youngest candidate to be nominated for a city council seat during this election cycle, according to Indiana Public Media.

Five Monroe County Democratic Party precinct chairs unanimously elected Zulich as the new nominee at a vacancy caucus Friday. The chairs voted and announced Zulich — who was uncontested — would be the party’s nominee to fill

the vacancy in just 15 minutes. Zulich received her undergraduate degree from IU this past spring and, if elected, will represent a studentdense area of Bloomington.

Zulich plans to encourage student involvement in local democracy and share young voices in Bloomington, according to her campaign team’s press release. The press release also states Zulich wants to increase public access to government officials and processes and raise awareness of personal safety initiatives.

Zulich will fill the ballot vacancy left by David Wolfe Bender, the former

Democratic nominee for the District 6 seat. In May, the Monroe County Election board investigated Bender’s residency after the publication of an IDS story that found the IU student did not live at the District 6 address he was registered at. Bender withdrew from the race after the board referred his case to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant.

Prior to receiving the democratic nomination, Zulich filed paperwork to run as an independent candidate for the District 6 vacancy. While she had collected the required number of sig-

Supreme Court votes against affirmative action in admissions

By Cailin O’Malley caiomall@iu.edu | @bycomalley

The Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in the admission processes of colleges and universities June 29, alleging it is unconstitutional for public and private institutions to consider race as a factor when accepting applicants.

The decision is a rare ruling against affirmative action since it was first upheld in 1978 with the landmark case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. Before Thursday’s ruling, the Court had consistently ruled in favor of the practice to address inequality and diversity issues on college campuses.

In cases against the University of North Carolina and Harvard University, the Court alleged the schools’ admissions policies favoring affirmative action violate the 14th amendment’s equal protection clause.

The Court voted 6-3 against UNC and 6-2 against Harvard, with Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissenting. Jackson withheld from voting in the Harvard case, having attended the university’s undergraduate and law programs, later serving on its board of overseers.

“By ending race-conscious college admissions, this Court closes the door of opportunity that the Court’s precedents helped open to young students of every race,” Sotomayor said in her dissent.

Although the Court ruled against the outright use of affirmative action in admissions, Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized in his ruling that the decision does not prohibit applicants from discussing their own experiences with race in personal essays and applications.

“Nothing in this opinion should be construed as pro-

hibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise,” Roberts wrote.

In response to the decision, Indiana University President Pamela Whitten issued a joint statement in collaboration with other university leaders, stressing values of promoting diversity on campus.

“In the weeks to come, we will work to understand this ruling and what may be required to ensure that IU follows the law, while also continuing to pursue the principles and values that have shaped the learning environment we seek across IU,” leaders said in the statement.

Thursday’s ruling comes just over a year after the landmark decision against Roe v. Wade, another case of previously upheld precedents reversed by the Court’s conservative majority.

natures, she did not officially declare her candidacy as an independent candidate. Zulich must file her campaign finance forms by July 3 to appear on the November ballot.

Currently, there is no Republican nominee for the District 6 seat, however, the party has until July 3 to fill a ballot vacancy.

City of Bloomington releases annual drinking water quality report

By Andrew Miller ami3@iu.edu | @andrew_mmiler

The City of Bloomington Utilities released its annual drinking water quality report June 28, detecting 13 contaminants during the year at levels within the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards. 70 contaminants were not detected throughout Bloomington’s drinking water.

The 13 contaminants detected were coliform bacteria, organic carbon, turbidity, beta/photon emitters, gross alpha (excluding radium and uranium), combined radium, barium, copper, chloramines, lead, trilomethanes, haloacetic acids and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

The report shows most contaminants detected in Bloomington’s drinking water came from natural sources, erosion of natural deposits, corrosion

of household plumbing systems and by-products of water disinfection processes.

Lead, a toxic metal in drinking water that can cause negative health effects including developmental delays in children, was detected at a maximum of 3.3 parts per billion, below the EPA’s limit of 15 parts per billion. Additionally, the report says 90% of samples collected had lower values than this measurement.

Total organic carbon, a measurement that was not reported to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management due to a shipping issue, had a 44.5% removal average, complying with the EPA’s minimum 35%.

The City of Bloomington Utilities reports further information on Bloomington’s water supply on its open data portal, includ-

IDS FILE PHOTO

A worker sprays water into the basins of the Monroe Water Treatment Plant to break up sediment that collects at the top. The City of Bloomington Utilities released its annual drinking water quality report June 28, detecting 13 contaminants during the year at levels within the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.

ing more detailed reports on contaminants like lead, copper and organic matter.

Jury finds Eric Montgomery guilty of three crimes in connection to death of Avery McMillan

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz

A jury convicted Eric Montgomery, a Bloomington resident, of three crimes in connection to the rape and death of Avery McMillan on June 30. McMillan, a 20-yearold IU senior, died of a fentanyl overdose at Montgomery’s home in August 2022.

According to MyCase,

Montgomery was convicted of rape when a victim was mentally disabled or deficient. He was also charged with attempted obstruction of justice and furnishing alcohol to a minor. The jury deliberated for five hours Friday, according to Indiana Public Media.

A judge will sentence Montgomery Aug. 4. He faces up to 39 years in prison. In August 2022, the Mon-

roe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Montgomery on charges related to McMillan’s death, the Indiana Daily Student reported. Deputies had responded to a call – which came from Montgomery — at Montgomery’s home and found McMillan unresponsive on Aug. 17, 2022. First responders administered three doses of Narcan but were unable to revive McMillan.

McMillan and her roommate were returning from a house party earlier on the night of Aug. 17, when McMillan exited the car without her keys or phones. Surveillance footage near McMillan’s apartment complex show McMillan – who was highly intoxicated – standing in a parking garage near her apartment around 2:19 a.m. and 4:02 a.m. McMillan was

unable to enter her apartment without keys, according to the Indiana Daily Student. Court documents state Montgomery drove into the parking garage around 5 a.m., driving away nine minutes later.

Monroe County Sheriff

Brad Swain said Montgomery informed detectives he had sex with McMillan in the parking garage and in his room at his parents’ house. He also

told detectives he provided McMillan alcohol and marijuana. When investigators determined McMillan was not in the state of mind to give consent, they charged Montgomery with rape.

According to Indiana Public Media, the Ellettsville Police Department investigated Montgomery in January in connection to an August 2021 sexual assault case.

protestors gather in front of the

NATALIE FITZGIBBONS IU students Tim Dwyer (left) and Emmett Nolan (right) table at the Sample Gates on behalf of the College Democrats at IU for Election Day. Former IU student Sydney Zulich won the Democratic nomination for the Bloomington City Council District 6 race.

Jared Quigg (he/him) is a senior studying journalism and political science.

We set out for Terre Haute early in the morning. I had been up deep into the night writing, but I wasn’t tired — I was eager to visit the old comrade’s house. We stopped for a milkshake breakfast — I’ve been prescribed an ice cream diet after getting my wisdomteeth removed — and then began the long drive south from Portage.

The morning had been dispiriting to say the least. Waking up to learn the Supreme Court said it was cool for Christians to discriminate against queer people but not cool for the president to relieve crumbs of student debt, while not shocking, somewhat hampered my enthusiasm for the day trip.

I wanted to visit Eugene Debs’ house because of my socialist politics; my mother came along because she teaches fourth grade and wanted to learn some more Indiana history for her students (and because she’s a good mom, I suppose).

Before Bernie Sanders revived the socialist movement in this country, Debs was America’s most famous socialist. He founded the American Railway Union in 1893, cofounded the American Socialist Party in 1900 and ran for president five times. He received nearly a million votes — a little over 3% of the popular vote — from his prison cell in Atlanta in 1920.

Debs was imprisoned in 1918 for violation of the Espionage Act — he was critical of

A day with Eugene Debs

the U.S. government and the imperialist war it was fighting in Europe. For his courage in speaking against a predatory capitalist war on behalf of the working poor who fought in it, he was jailed. His 10-year sentence was eventually com muted by President Harding in 1921.

Today his house in Terre Haute is a museum. The fairly large, Victorian-style home he shared with his wife was built in 1890 and has a long history — before it became a historic landmark, it housed a fraterni ty from 1948-1961 at Indiana State University. I was thank ful the frat boys hadn’t burned the house down.

Debs was criticized in his day for the house by his oppo nents and some who would otherwise have been allies. It was apparently a little bourgeois for someone who purported to speak on behalf of American workers. But as Deng said, poverty is not socialism. Debs lived in a nice house, but that’s not a fault, nor a contradiction of the socialist worldview — we believe everyone to an extent should have the opportunity to enjoy the finer things.

My mother and I were lucky to have a tour of the house. Our guide, a lovely comrade warm and knowledgeable, informed us that most of the city was without power because of storms the night before and wasn’t sure the museum would be open when the day started. Others would join us later, but for half of the tour we were

COLUMN

one-on-one with the guide who made Debs feel alive and relevant, mixing his story with spirited political conversation about capital

Debs has lost none of his vitality in a world rife with inequality, brutal prisons and imperialist wars. He writes in his memoir, “Walls and Bars,”

AI could be detrimental to human relationships

Isabella Vesperini (she/her)

is a sophomore majoring in journalism and minoring in Italian.

In a primarily technologydriven world, I sometimes wonder: what will come in the way of face-to-face interaction next? TV was one of the first things that began the trend. Yes, TV can help educate and inform an audience, but it can also distract people from interacting with those around them. It pulls people away from authentic interactions and into alternate universes with unrealistic expectations and occurrences.

Cell phones are another example. From texting to scrolling through social media, touchscreen phones began to pull people away from the outside world and into digital territory. We’ve been trained by these devices to rely on social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat to fulfill our communication requirements. No need to talk to someone in person about their vacation— you saw their post on social media.

We’ve created new timeconsuming ways to capture our attention and take us away from what really matters: face-to-face human interaction. Phones and social media have made significant contributions to this evolving trend. I’m constantly observing people walking on the street with their heads cast down, eyes trained on their phones. Screen time averages rise as we fall deeper and deeper into the phone-verse.

It’s possible that AI is next in the line of succession, making its way to the forefront of our lives. I will admit, AI has its perks. ChatGPT, one of OpenAI’s most recent inventions, has the ability to interact with its users in a conversational manner. It can solve math problems, produce computer code and take a prompt and write its own unique response.

While this may promote efficiency and inspire new teaching methods, it also poses a risk to human interaction. If a student constantly relies on ChatGPT for clarifications and school help, it potentially reduces the need and desire to communicate with teachers face-to-face.

ChatGPT is not the only form of AI that presents such a risk; digital humans are also among the demographic.

Digital humans are similar to a chatbot – they mimic real-life human behavior and

appear as real humans on a computer screen. They are capable of providing customer service as well as tutoring services. You can personalize your digital human to look and sound however you like.

Students may tend to lean on these AI renditions to get quick and easy solutions when they need it and not wait until the next day to get a full explanation from their teacher. Having a digital human available 24/7 to answer questions is admittedly more convenient for a student and may inadvertently encourage them to avoid asking questions in the classroom.

Moreover, Emotion AI is a type of AI that can be incorporated into digital humans’ programming to help the bot recognize and mimic human emotions. This component poses an even greater risk to human interaction: you have an AI chatbot that looks just like a human and acts just like a human but does not judge. I think people will naturally be even more inclined to interact with something that is always available to listen to them while also not eliciting any negative feedback to make them feel bad about themselves.

It’s possible that people may not want to interact with their peers for fear that they will react in a harsh way or disagree with them. It can be more stressful for humans to confess something to someone face-to-face; they could worry about potentially burdening someone or being embarrassed. Yet if they have a digital human who will sit, listen and calmly talk with them, it tells the human that they can continue to trust this AI.

This pattern has already been observed with Alexa, an Amazon smart speaker. Alexa has been programmed to sound and react like humans. These smart speakers have also unintentionally stepped in as therapists: they are conversational, and like digital

humans, do not judge. They tend to take a more objective stance and simply comfort the person they’re “talking” to without any additional, potentially harmful comments.

In her article “Alexa, Should We Trust You?,” Judith Shulevitz says that AI machines like Alexa “give us a way to reveal shameful feelings without feeling shame.” In this case, you know that the AI has no ulterior intentions when they talk to you about your feelings because they’re just a machine. You don’t have to try to read their expression or face because they don’t have one.

Researchers are in a constant pursuit to perfect AI machines so they evoke the right amount of emotion and emit a certain tone, sculpting them to be more humanlike. While their intentions may not go beyond providing a convenient, easy outlet for people to use, there are other inevitable consequences.

If society continues to lean more and more on AI technology as a potential companion, human interaction may become more meaningless over the years. Why interact with a subjective, somewhat judgmental human when you can just have an easy, less stressful conversation with an AI chatbot? At some point, people may not want to go through the effort and stress to get help from real humans when AI is more reachable and foolproof.

Ultimately, I believe it’s important that we avoid falling into the AI abyss. While TV and cellphones have already made their mark on society, it’s not too late to combat AI. Yes, we’re allowed to reap the benefits and services AI provides us with. But we must be aware of the risk they pose to human relationships and make an effort to recognize the value of and preserve human interaction. isvesp@iu.edu

That table speaks volumes about Debs’ philosophy — even the lowest prisoners, the “wretched of the earth,” have something valuable to offer to society. Debs hated prisons because they degraded humankind. The table, beautiful and still standing, is a testament to human resistance.

I won’t go over everything that happened that day, like my awestruck face when I saw Debs’ personal copy of “Capital” which led to his conversion to socialism during his first stint in prison, or our time in Debs’ guest room where people like Upton Sinclair once stayed. You should go there for yourself and see, especially if you’re a leftist. Being at the Debs house filled me with hope and inspiration. Debs is defined by his courage. Marx long ago called on us socialists to “openly, in the face of the whole world,” publish our views, aims and tendencies. In red-scared America it would be easy to hide that we’re socialists; it might even be individually beneficial. Espousing socialism invites controversy from every corner, but Debs was never afraid to speak out and did so at great personal cost.

While I was at the

Debs house I thought about Republican Senator and Voldemort lookalike Rick Scott, who recently said socialists and communists were not welcome in the state of Florida. At first, I just laughed, thinking about telling my brother I couldn’t attend his wedding in October because I’d been barred from entering the state.

Thinking more about it, I realize how lucky I am because of Debs. He is an example to all socialists. We shouldn’t be afraid of reactionaries like Scott — we must boldly oppose them, we must stand by our convictions, we must never lose our faith in the people.

Faith in the people is crucial. Debs said he wasn’t a Moses-figure who could lead the people to socialism — if someone could lead the people to the promised land, someone else could lead them out. It is ultimately the workers themselves who will bring about radical change. What we should take from Debs, each and every worker, is his courage, his willingness to struggle. Like Moses never saw the promised land, Debs never saw socialism — may he forgive me for the comparison. But I know we will get there eventually. A world without exploitation, without prisons, without war. Eventually we’ll get there.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Eugene V. Debs is pictured in Chicago in an undated photo. Debs was imprisoned in 1918 for violation of the Espionage Act — he was critical of the U.S. government

The art of being alone

For the last three weeks, I have been solo traveling around Europe. I have done small-scale solo travel through the U.S. in previous summers, like camping or road trips. However, this involved much higher stakes.

Three countries, five cities and not a single other person I know for 17 whole days.

After spending almost every waking second of Prague with friends the previous month, suddenly being alone was a shock to the system.

My first hostel in Strasbourg, France, was not very social. In fact, I don’t think I saw anyone my age for the first two days that I stayed there. My room was supposed to have five other guests, but only one other bed was filled my whole stay.

For the three days I spent in this city, I was incredibly lonely. I spent a lot of time in parks, wandering aimlessly and not talking to anyone. I tried not to let it get to me, but after a while, I started to feel like I had made the wrong choice in choosing to solo travel.

I was terrified that I was going to spend the next three weeks lonely and miserable. I suddenly didn’t believe in myself to make friends and socialize.

On my final day in Strasbourg, I sat on a pier near the river, and I cried. I didn’t know how else to convey all the emotions I was feeling. I journaled for a while and listened to music. For the first time since being alone, I didn’t attempt to shove all of these emotions down and pretend they weren’t there.

After an hour or so, I told myself I had to give it one last attempt. I made a goal to speak to at least one person. It didn’t matter if it sparked a conversation or if I simply complimented them and then never spoke to them again. As long as I made an attempt, I would feel accomplished.

As it turns out, my hostel was hosting a drag show that night for Pride month.

People from all over the city came to see it and I ended up talking to people all night long.

Suddenly, the next few weeks didn’t seem so bleak. I had hope.

My next three locations were some of the best experiences of my life. I met dozens of new people and got to listen to each of their stories from life and how they ended up in Nice, France. We all shared a passion for traveling and adventure.

I met girls I would go cliff jumping with the next morning. I met a guy who had been solo traveling for nine months and we celebrated his last night in a hostel before heading home. I met three people who happened to be traveling to the same city as me on the same day and staying in the same hostel.

Everyone I met impacted my life and changed my view of the world. I was able to take moments alone as well. I wasn’t lonely if I had to go explore by myself for the day. In fact, I enjoyed the time to myself. I could take a minute to breathe and appreciate what was around me in full.

I learned that being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely. I

learned to find solitude in the quiet and to value the experiences I shared with only myself. Those moments didn’t need to be shared because I was there. I experienced it. I used to feel this need to call my mom or send a video to my friends whenever I was in a cool place alone. I would be so excited that I would want to share it with somebody. I still love sharing those memories with people, but I have learned to treasure my own company and be enough for myself. I found pieces of myself in the last three weeks that I never knew I was missing. I found a way out of darkness on my own, 3,000 miles away from my loved ones. I solved problems without the help of anyone but myself. Independence is terrifying, but it is also incredibly freeing.

The art of being alone is not one that comes easily. It takes practice, time and patience, but it is the greatest gift you can ever give yourself. The greatest skill you’ll ever acquire.

gekeener@iu.edu

and the imperialist war it was fighting in Europe.

GENTRY JUDGES

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIETTE ALBERT

PHOTO BY GENTRY KEENER | IDS

Gentry Keener is pictured at the top viewpoint in Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 18, 2023. The viewpoint is next to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

When Meghan was a child, she recalls saving up money to purchase women’s clothing on her own, which she would hide from her parents. When her parents were asleep or out of the house, she would wear these gender-affirming clothing items.

“As I was going through puberty and as my body was changing shape, one night, my favorite green dress ripped,” Meghan said. “That was the impetus for the very next day I attempted suicide.”

To cope with her feelings of shame, loneliness and fear, Meghan tried to turn to her religion. She would read gospel stories that focused on themes of regeneration and renewal, hoping these messages would repress her gender dysphoria. She even went to seminary school with the intention of becoming a pastor.

“I never felt like a boy,” Meghan said. “I never felt connected to the culture of American manhood. It was foreign to me even as I was trying my best to live it. Even as I was trying my best to become a good Christian man, a good Christian husband.”

Meghan said anti-trans

legislation and rhetoric has made her fear for her own life, and the lives of other trans children and adults across the country. She said social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter — which had previously allowed members of the trans community to share resources and experiences — have been disrupted by anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech. In their annual Social Media Safety Index report, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said Twitter was “the most dangerous platform for LGBTQ people.”

“It doesn’t feel safe, being out in the world,” Meghan said. “It feels unsafe for me to attach my name to this article because any trans person who steps out, whose name gets put out there, becomes a target or potentially becomes a target.”

Meghan said one of her own children may need gender-affirming care in the future. She said her family is trying to move out of Indiana by the end of 2024 — ahead of next year’s legislative session.

“It’s a terrifying prospect for us to be on the cusp of losing the healthcare we rely on to live a normal life,” Meghan said. “To see our identity de-

bated on a day to day, moment to moment basis. To see our place in society debated in committee by people who are risking nothing themselves, who have no stake in this fight and just want to stoke rage, that is incredibly demoralizing.”

* * *

IU senior Stefanie Sharp publicly came out as a trans woman at 15-years-old. The following year, she started receiving hormone replacement therapy. For Sharp, who was born and raised in Indiana, receiving gender-affirming care in her youth allowed her to begin her adult life in college as her “true self.”

“It was like ‘okay, now life can be getting started,’” Sharp said. “It was nice to be able to start as myself in life and I just really came into my own.”

Sharp testified against SEA 480 in a House of Representatives hearing in March. In her testimony, she told House representatives gender-affirming care was not only lifesaving for her, but “lifegiving.”

“I feel like we lived in a completely different world in December,” Sharp said. “The

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amount of legislation that was introduced is insane. There were only a couple of weekdays where there weren’t hearings and videos of people’s testimony popping up online. It was a constant bombardment.”

According to the Human Rights Commission, state legislatures across the country introduced 220 bills specifically targeting transgender and non-binary people this past legislative session. Sharp said SEA 480 is an indicator of more restrictive legislation to come. In May, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed SB 458 into law, which defines “sex” strictly as “male” or “female.” Some experts believe this limited definition could exclude LGBTQ+ people from protections against discrimination based on sex.

Like Meghan, Sharp said she has made an “escape plan” in case she must leave the state. While she plans to graduate from IU before the next legislative session, she has spoken with university advisors about how to fulfill her degree requirements outof-state if she needs to flee Bloomington. She described the increase in legislation targeting members of the LG-

BTQ+ community as “genocidal” and said it should be taken very seriously.

“There’s a lot of discourse about using that word ‘genocide,” because when do you say that something is ‘genocide’?” Sharp said. “Is it a genocide after the camps are built? Do you say it whenever they start building the camps? Do you say it whenever they start thinking about building the camps? I don’t know if it will materialize in terms of camps in the United States, but it’ll be something similar.”

* * *

Bruce Smails, director of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center and special assistant to the Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, said many IU students are unsure what the legislation may mean for their futures.

“When you look at all of the bills that are happening, not only in Indiana but across the U.S., it’s really impacting a lot of individual rights that are there and just the existence for people who are part of the LGBTQ community,” Smails said. “When you look historically, there’s been a struggle for acceptance over all these

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years and there’s been a lot of progress in our humanity and to see that shift go back where it’s almost to the point of we’re not equal citizens.”

Smails said that, as of now, the legislation will not impact the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, which receives outside financial support. He said the culture center offers resources for students who may be struggling with this legislation.

For instance, the culture center developed an LGBTQ mentorship program to support incoming IU students. The culture center also partners with the IU Counseling and Psychological Services to provide drop-in and embedded counseling for students. Students can also access a gender-affirming closet, which offers free gender-affirming clothing to students regardless of gender identity or expression, LGBTQ status, IU affiliation or financial need.

Smail also said the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is planning to launch an LGBTQ faculty council in the fall, which will aim to support and amplify the voices of LGBTQ students at IU Bloomington.

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Former Indiana stars on the move in NBA free agency

By Matt Press mtpress@iu.edu mtpress@iu.edu

The 2023 NBA free agency period opened June 30 and four former Indiana men’s basketball standouts have inked new deals since:

Eric Gordon, Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller and Thomas Bryant.

Among the group with arguably the most professional success is Gordon, who agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania. The Suns mark the 34-year-old’s fourth organization in his 15-year career.

Gordon garnered Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2016-17, where he averaged 16.2 points on 40.6% shooting from the field with the Houston Rockets. The guard from Indianapolis was drafted No. 7 overall to the Clippers after his 2007-08 freshman campaign, a season that saw Gordon lead the Big Ten in scoring and pick up First Team All-Big Ten recognition, as well as First Team-All American by CBS Sports.

This past season, Gordon averaged 11 points with the Los Angeles Clippers, who acquired the guard midseason from the Rockets. In Phoenix, Gordon looks to bolster depth and add more 3-point shooting to a team that has its eyes set on title contention.

Oladipo was the only Hoosier of the four to be traded since the June 30 free agency period. The Miami Heat dealt the 6-foot-4-inch guard to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft compensation and absorption of his $9.45 million contract, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Oladipo — who was sidelined for the bulk of Miami’s playoff run with a torn patellar tendon — is expected to miss at least a portion of next season while he continues rehabilitation. Since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Orlando Magic

in 2013, Oladipo has made two All-Star appearances and played for five different teams.

Despite Indiana’s eventual Sweet Sixteen loss in the 2013 NCAA Tournament, Oladipo was a key cog on perhaps the Hoosiers’ most successful regular season squad in recent memory. A

First Team All-Big Ten, First Team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year selection, Oladipo

SWIM AND DIVE

Former

50-meter

King, Matheny qualify for World Championships

By Tyler Martin tycmarti@iu.edu | @tylercmart

Former Indiana University swimmer Lilly King and current junior swimmer Josh Matheny highlighted this past weekend for the Indiana Swim Club, which consists of past and present IU swimmers, at the Phillips 66 National Championships hosted at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis. King placed first in all three of her breaststroke events.

The pair qualified for the Fukuoka 2023 World Championships to represent the U.S. in multiple events. They'll join IU junior Anna Peplowski and IU divers Andrew Capobianco, Jessica Parratto and Maxwell Weinrich, who already qualified for the national team. Peplowski earned a spot on the team in the 200-meter freestyle relay after seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky conceded her spot.

King won the national championship in the 50-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke events. King was just behind her 100-meter 1:04.13 world record – set at the 2017 World Championships – by six tenths of a second on June 30. Follow-

ing the breaststroke sweep, King has now qualified for four straight world championships.

Matheny finished second in the 100-meter breaststroke finals with a new personal-best time of 59.20, beating his former personal record from a year ago by .22 seconds in the event. Matheny also qualified for the world championships in the 200-meter event.

Aside from the performances from King and Matheny, the Indiana Swim Club had four other swimmers finish top-15 in 100-meter breaststroke, reinforcing the nickname “Breaststroke U” for the Hoosiers. Cody Miller finished fourth with a time of 59.85, while IU Juniors Maxwell Reich and Jassen Yep placed 10th and 13th, respectively, to round out the men’s event. King’s training partner at Indiana’s Swim Club, Annie Lazor, finished sixth in the women’s event.

The 2023 Fukuoka World Championships take place from July 14 to 30 in Fukuoka, Japan. The Indiana swimming and diving program starts its 2023 season later this season with the Cream and Crimson exhibition meet on Sept. 29.

helped guide Indiana to a No. 1 ranking in the country for 10 weeks as well as a Big Ten regular season title.

Oladipo’s teammate that season, the 6-foot-11-inch center Zeller, inked a oneyear, $3.1 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, Wojnarowski reported July 2. Most recently, Zeller averaged 6.5 points per game on this year’s runner-up champion Miami Heat. Zeller was taken No. 4

overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, who later became the Hornets. Zeller, who is from Washington, Indiana, was a steady presence for the Hornets for eight seasons and figures to provide the Pelicans a depth piece at the center spot. A former Indiana Mr. Basketball, Zeller broke out in his sophomore 2012-13 season. Zeller finished second in the Big Ten in re-

bounding with 8.1 boards per game and fourth in the conference in scoring at 16.5 points per game. Like Oladipo, Zeller was named a First Team-All Big Ten selection.

Bryant signed a twoyear, $5.4 million deal with the Miami Heat, per Wojnarowski. Bryant was selected as the 42nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and most recently was a backup on the 2023 champion Den-

BASEBALL

ver Nuggets.

Bryant, who is from Rochester, New York, twice was named Third Team-All Big Ten in his two seasons in Bloomington and led the team in blocks during his 2016-17 sophomore campaign. In the NBA, Bryant has averaged double-digit points in three of his seven seasons and figures to slide behind All-Star center Bam Adebayo as the backup in Miami next season.

Pitcher Craig Yoho transfers to Arkansas

By Nick Rodecap nrodecap@iu.edu | @nickrodecap

Indiana baseball lost its second relief pitcher to the transfer portal this offseason, as redshirt senior right-hander Craig Yoho announced June 28 that he has committed to play for the University of Arkansas next season. Yoho’s announcement follows sophomore right-hander Luke Hayden’s announcement on June 17, stating his intention to transfer to Indiana State University.

Yoho, who was a true freshman in 2019, received a medical redshirt after playing eight games as a position player at the University of Houston. Following the COVID-19 pandemic shortening the 2020 season, Yoho transferred to Indiana and missed both his 2021 and 2022 seasons due to elbow and knee injuries, meaning 2023 was his first complete

State

and struck out 46 percent of the batters he faced. His 63 punchouts were second on the team behind sophomore right-hander Luke Sinnard’s record-breaking 114.

Matthew Ellis transfers to Georgia Tech

By Matthew Byrne matbyrne@iu.edu | @MatthewByrne1

Former Indiana baseball redshirt senior Matthew Ellis announced June 30 that he is transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology to conclude his collegiate career, per the catcher's Instagram post.

Ellis is the third Hoosier to transfer away from Bloomington this offseason. Ellis redshirted his first college season at the University of Tennessee in 2019, then transferred out of the Division I level to Walters State Community College for two seasons. Ellis played in 65 games that second season and slashed .348/.487/.676 with 17 home runs.

In his return to the Power 5 at Indiana, Ellis started

all 59 games in the 2022 season and hit 18 home runs — tied for No. 7 on the program’s single-season home run charts with current Major Leaguer Kyle Schwarber and Alex Smith. In 2023, the left-handed power-hitter made 36 starts at catcher, 23 as the designated hitter and later received All-Big Ten Third Team honors.

Though Ellis homered in Indiana’s first contest of the 2023 season at eventual NCAA Tournament host Auburn University, the catcher’s home run pace slowed, hitting four in 25 games. Ellis ceased playing in the first week of April, missing the rest of the season due to his wrist injury. Ellis will have one final year of remaining eligibility next season at Georgia Tech.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo (4) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the second quarter of an NBA game at Miami-Dade Arena in Downtown Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY IU ATHLETICS

Indiana University swimmer Lilly King, part of the Indiana Swim Club, is awarded a medal for winning the women’s

breaststroke event at the Phillips 66 National Championships in Indianapolis on June 29.

By Marg Barnett margbarn@iu.edu

Anyone can make a podcast. This explains how the podcast world is made up of millions of different shows, covering most topics that anyone could think of. No matter what the interest, there is likely a show about it, making a nearly endless space for learning. Podcasts can be a good break from music, and they are certainly a simple way to delve into new concepts and —at the most basic level— be entertained in a different way.

“The Mel Robbins Podcast”

Mel Robbins approaches motivation in a straightforward yet nurturing way in her podcast. Mel’s show discusses various life obstacles and provides science-backed tactics to overcome them. The conversations are both intimate and relatable, and Mel is unlike any other motivational podcast host because her episodes truly feel like a heart-to-heart with a good friend. New shows are released every Monday and Thursday.

“Rolling Stone Music Now”

Hosted by Brain Hiatt, this show gives a look into the music industry through

interviews and discussions with musicians and other Rolling Stone staff. Hiatt interviews artists like Sheryl Crow, Phoebe Bridgers and Keith Richards in a charismatic, relaxed setting for listeners to enjoy. The conversations with the artists are intimate, giving a uniquely personal glimpse into their work. It’s a good mix of exploring music from the past and delving into modern music of today.

“The Daily”

This podcast by The New York Times presents weekday news stories in digestible, short segments. It is

a good way to look deeper into topics that are covered in the news briefly. Whether listeners are looking to expose themselves to more news gradually or working with a limited amount of time, “The Daily” is an informative show for all.

"anything goes with emma chamberlain"

Starting as a popular YouTuber in 2017, Emma Chamberlian has found success in her early twenties, including starting a coffee company and hosting her own podcast. In this podcast, Emma discusses anything and everything, as insinuated by the title of her show. Hearing a young,

self-made entrepreneur speak candidly is a captivating set-up for a podcast, especially for other young listeners.

“Sea Moss Girlies”

For those interested in health and wellness, “Sea Moss Girlies” is the perfect match for the Gen-Z audience. Hosts Kate Glavan and Emma Roepke talk to listeners about relevant health topics circulating online, their own wellness rituals and other topics relevant to the young wellness audience. Their podcast interestingly started as a niche health meme page, and it has continued to

grow into a community for young people interested in learning about things like supplements, gut health and industrial seed oils.

“Daily Boost Motivation and Coaching” Scott Smith delivers feel-good advice in his 10-minute, semi-daily podcast episodes. Smith tackles topics like handling burnout, building connections and finding purpose within these bite-size shows. His show is perfect for any busy person wanting to improve aspects of their life. Listen to his podcast on your daily commute for a little boost in your morning routine.

ILLUSTRATION BY JACK DONNELLY

COLUMN: ‘Asteroid City’ is Wes Anderson’s cosmic masterpiece

By Chloe Fulk cdfulk@iu.edu

As a Wes Anderson loyalist who is tired of seeing his style corrupted by AI programs like ChatGPT and Midjourney, I was more than excited to see his eleventh feature film, “Asteroid City,” on the big screen. Not only is “Asteroid City” Anderson’s most soulful liveaction film since “The Darjeeling Limited,” but it also exists as a reminder that artificial intelligence will never be able to capture the intricacies of what makes his style so special.

“Asteroid City” tells a story within a story. When the film begins, we aren’t immediately welcomed into the bright fictional desert town of Asteroid City. Instead, the image is in black and white and features an old school 1.37:1 aspect ratio. A television host (Bryan Cranston) speaks directly to the audience, informing us that what we’re about to watch is a televised version of the play “Asteroid City.”

Interspersed between the play’s three acts are moments that depict the creative process behind the play’s creation. We follow the playwright (Edward Norton) as he recruits actors and deals with writer’s block as well as the director (Adrien Brody) who is going through a divorce and lives in the play’s set.

Most of the film’s runtime is spent depicting the televised play. In it, we follow a cast of eccentric characters who have gathered for Asteroid City’s Junior Stargazer and Space Cadet Convention. Although the film features

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a massive ensemble cast, Jason Schwartzman plays the central character: Augie Steenback, a war photographer who’s struggling to make sense of the world in the wake of his wife’s death.

Other standouts include Scarlett Johansson as Midge Campbell, an actress who’s always rehearsing; Tom Hanks as Augie’s father-inlaw; Maya Hawke as June, a teacher who struggles to corral her students; and Margot Robbie who is simply credited as The Actress. “Asteroid City” is, without a doubt, Anderson’s most alienating film. The unique color grading and story structure may isolate audiences unfamiliar with his style, but the film’s pathos offers a unifying perspective on themes like grief and existentialism.

Some have called the film self-serving, but I believe the introspection in “Asteroid City” reveals a vulnerability that hasn’t been explored in

Anderson’s previous works. Anderson is almost giving us a glimpse into his own psyche, as he asks questions about the validity of art as a means of coping with grief and expresses frustration about pursuing art in a nihilistic society.

But “Asteroid City” isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it’s far from it. The film has a delightful sense of humor, the type that only Anderson’s league of regular actors could translate for the screen. Anderson has never been very fond of realism when it comes to the look of his films, but “Asteroid City” adopts a new whimsical style.

Ray-guns, animated roadrunners and a stop-motion alien played by Jeff Goldblum are just a few of the fantastical elements sprinkled throughout. But, as with any Wes Anderson film, the story remains emotionally grounded.

There’s a scene in “Asteroid City’s” third act that keeps playing on a loop in my head because it feels so desperate and deeply human. The actor who portrays Augie in the play abruptly stops the scene to confront the play’s director. The actor doesn’t understand why Augie made a certain character choice, but the director doesn’t offer him closure. Instead, he tells him to “just keep telling the story.”

This line encapsulates everything that Anderson is trying to say, and it’s why this may be his most hopeful film yet: the world doesn’t owe us answers about our existence, or anything for that matter, but we can try to find comfort in the unknown. We just have to keep telling the story.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today is a 7 — Work with a partner to navigate unforeseen circumstances. Collaborate to find solutions and implement them. Avoid automatic reactions. Discuss opportunities, discoveries and possibilities.

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Publish your comic on this page.

The IDS is accepting applications for student comic strips for the summer 2023 semester. Email five samples and a brief description of your idea to adviser@iu.edu . Submissions will be reviewed and selections will be made by the editor-in-chief.

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Today is an 8 — Relax or abandon strict agendas. Avoid trouble or unnecessary quarrels. Distractions, obstacles or breakdowns could disrupt the fun. Stay flexible. Enjoy activities you love.

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Today is a 7 — Home draws you in. Avoid travel or extra spending. Adjust to unexpected domestic conditions. Clean messes. Flowers freshen and brighten a room. Share something delicious.

»IDS: What was your experience working with Sondheim?

»GRAY: I didn’t work with Sondheim directly, but he was around on all of the projects I worked on with Lapine. I watched some coachings that he did with the actors on a production called “Sondheim on Sondheim.” He took the actors aside and basically told them to not sing so hard, not sing so much — to rely on the words to tell the story, lean into the rhymes and the annoyingness about the rhymes.

»IDS: When you are directing do you advise the actors to “to rely on the words to tell the story,” like Sondheim did?

»GRAY: Absolutely. I pass on the words from the great. The way to master a Sondheim piece is to trust the words. You don’t have to make more of them, you have to be fully invested in the storytelling and in the words that you are using. If you know the words, you can really use them and lean into the articulation.

»IDS: What does a typical day directing and choreographing “Into the Woods” look like for you?

»GRAY: Well, it changes day–to–day. The first threequarters of the production is creating the piece and the last quarter — where we are now — is technical rehearsal. This is where all of the elements come together: costumes, mics, lights, sound and orchestra. We have to set all of it queue to queue, which is a tedious and long

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today is an 8 — Apply intellectual consideration to a puzzle. Don’t push if the timing isn’t right. In the face of a conflict, you’re exceptionally quick and charming.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Today is a 7 — Watch your step. Mistakes could get expensive. Plug any financial leaks. Monitor and mind the gap. Lucrative opportunities beckon. Make a valuable connection.

process that is absolutely beautiful at the end.

»IDS: What has been most interesting about the production process?

»GRAY: The process for me has been interesting because of two reasons. For one, every single person is a leading character. Also, this is a thrust stage and there are three sides of an audience bank — this means we have to be very aware of the blocking. It needs to be open to each side and the picture has to completely turn sometime during the scene so that every side can see the show. It’s been very interesting for me to set blocking like that as nobody can stand right next to each other or the view would be blocked. So, everyone has to be a little bit separated.

»IDS: What do you hope the actors get out of this experience?

»GRAY: I don’t think of that when I’m directing. Everyone gets out something different and it’s very personal. It’s based on camaraderie and the work on stage — staying close to the intention of the work is going to be the challenge. As we know, live performances can shift a bit during the duration of a show. I’m hoping they hold on to the original idea of direction so that it doesn’t become embellished. They need to trust the material and not play into the audience. Yes, we want the audience to love us — and they will — but pushing the material in their faces will downgrade the material.

»IDS: In your role as director,

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Today is an 8 — Anticipate resistance with a personal matter. Listen beyond your inner monologue. You can pull through. Talk with trusted advisors. Discover hidden opportunities in conversation.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today is a 6 — Take extra time for yourself. Don’t launch a personal initiative until you’re ready. A puzzle presents multiple options. Look at things from another angle.

is there also a mentorship component with the students on cast?

»GRAY: Yes and no. Because it is a professional production, we are no longer an educational experience. Even though we are under the umbrella of IU, I don’t want to take them aside and make them feel like they are students. I treat them as if they are professionals. I do that anyway in a school situation, if there is something that I feel needs to be addressed then I’ll have an office hour and we will talk. Here, they are all adults and need to take care of their own mental health and wellness.

»IDS: Why should IU students attend the show?

»GRAY: To support their friends and to support art! I think they will really love the show and there are a lot of interesting messages within the show. I have found a lot of insight in the show that can apply directly to my life, it’s almost like therapy.

»IDS: Why should Bloomington townies attend the show?

»GRAY: Sondheim lovers should absolutely attend the show. This is an extraordinarily talented cast that has something very special and unique to share. Our performance is beautiful and clever, the humor is clever — I think that’s my trademark. The costumes and lighting design in this are also extraordinary, very well thought out and unique. I hope people come for that reason too because a lot went into this production.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today is a 7 — Help support a group project around a challenge. Appearances can deceive. Things may not go according to plan. Avoid expensive pitfalls. Contribution satisfies.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today is a 7 — Professional obstacles or surprises could require adaptation. Aim for and grow into the position of your dreams. Slow and focus to finish faster.

©2023 Nancy Black. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.

Crossword L.A. Times Daily Crossword

Edited

to previous puzzle

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Answer to previous puzzle

MOVIE STILLS DATABASE

Maya Hawke is pictured as June in Wes Anderson’s new film “Asteroid City.” The film boasts one of Anderson’s best box office performances of his career.

BREWSTER ROCKIT: SPACE GUY!

BLISS

HARRY BLISS

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Rose House LuMin- Lutheran Campus Ministry at IU

314 S. Rose Ave. 812-333-2474 lcmiu.net

Instagram: @hoosierlumin

facebook.com/LCMIU

Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. @ St.

Thomas Lutheran Church 3800 E. 3rd St.

Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Devotions @ Rose House LuMin 314 S. Rose Ave. Rose House is an inclusive Christian community that offers a safe space for students to gather, explore faith questions, show love to our neighbors through service and work towards a more just world. Rose House walks with students to help them discern where God is calling them in life.

Rev. Amanda Ghaffarian, Campus Pastor

St. Thomas Lutheran Church 3800 E. Third St. 812-332-5252 stlconline.org

facebook.com/StThomasBloomington

Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

We are the worshiping home of Rose House Lutheran Campus Ministries. As disciples of Christ who value the faith, gifts and ministry of all God's people and seek justice and reconciliation, we welcome all God's children* to an inclusive and accessible community. *No strings attached or expectations that you'll change.

Rev. Adrianne Meier Rev. Lecia Beck

Independent Baptist

Lifeway Baptist Church 7821 W. State Road 46 812-876-6072 lifewaybaptistchurch.org facebook.com/lifewayellettsville

Sunday: 9 a.m., Bible Study Classes 10 a.m., Morning Service 5 p.m., Evening Service Barnabas College Ministry: Meeting for Bible study throughout the month. Contact Rosh Dhanawade at bluhenrosh@gmail.com for more information.

Steven VonBokern, Senior Pastor Rosh Dhanawade, IU Coordinator 302-561-0108 bluhenrosh@gmail.com

*Free transportation provided. Please call if you need a ride to church.

Episcopal (Anglican)

Canterbury Mission

719 E. Seventh St. 812-822-1335

IUCanterbury.org

facebook.com/ECMatIU

Instagram & Twitter: @ECMatIU

Sun.: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Mon., Wed., Thu.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tue.: Noon - 8 p.m.

Fri., Sat.: By Appointment

Canterbury: Assertively open & affirming; unapologetically Christian, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by promoting justice, equality, peace, love and striving to be the change God wants to see in our world

Ed Bird, Chaplain/Priest

Jacob Oliver & Lily Dolliff, student workers

Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington

2120 N. Fee Ln. 812-332-3695 uubloomington.org facebook.com/uubloomington

Sunday: 10:15 a.m.

We are a dynamic congregation working for a more just world through social justice. We draw inspiration from world religions and diverse spiritual traditions. Our vision is "Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World." A LGBTQA+ Welcoming Congregation and a certified Green Sanctuary.

Rev. Connie Grant, Interim Minister

Rev. Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Story and Ritual

Church of God (Anderson Affiliated)

Stoneybrook Community Church of God

3701 N. Stoneybrook Blvd. stoneybrookccog.org

facebook.com/StoneyBrookCCOG

Sunday: 10:30 a.m.

10 a.m. Coffee & Treats Stoneybrook Community Church of God is a gathering of imperfect people learning to follow Jesus. We invite you to join us on the journey.

Pastor

Mitch Ripley, Interim

Christian Science

Need accurate news or help with research? Visit csmonitor.com

Evangel Presbytery

Trinity Reformed Church

2401 S. Endwright Rd. 812-825-2684 trinityreformed.org

facebook.com/trinitychurchbloom

Email us at office@trinityreformed.org

Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

College Bible Study: Contact us for more info.

"Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.'" Proclaiming freedom from slavery since 1996. Only sinners welcome.

Jody Killingsworth, Senior Pastor Lucas Weeks, College Pastor

Bahá'í Faith

Bahá'í Association of IU 424 S. College Mall Rd. 812-331-1863

bloomingtoninbahais.org

facebook.com/BaháíCommunity-of-BloomingtonIndiana-146343332130574

Instagram: @bloomingtonbahai

Regular Services/Devotional Meetings:

Sunday: 10:40 a.m. @ Bloomington Bahá'í Center

Please call or contact through our website for other meetings/activities

The Bahá'í Association of IU works to share the Teachings and Principles of the Founder, Bahá'u'lláh, that promote the "Oneness of Mankind" and the Peace and Harmony of the Planet through advancing the "security, prosperity, wealth and tranquility of all peoples."

Karen Pollock & Dan Enslow

Non-Denominational

Calvary Chapel of Bloomington 3625 W State Road 46 812-369-8459 calvarychapelbloomington.org

facebook.com/calvarychapelbloomington

YouTube: Calvary Chapel Bloomington IN

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Tuesday: 7 p.m., Prayer

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.

Hungry for God's word and fellowship with other believers? Come as you are and worship with us as we grow in the knowledge of His love, mercy, and grace through the study of the scriptures, and serving those in need. May the Lord richly bless you!

Frank Peacock, Pastor Alissa Peacock, Children's Ministry

Christ Community Church 503 S. High St. 812-332-0502 cccbloomington.org

facebook.com/christcommunitybtown

Instagram: @christcommunitybtown

Sunday: 9:15 a.m., Educational Hour

10:30 a.m., Worship Service

We are a diverse community of Christ-followers, including many IU students, faculty and staff. Together we are committed to sharing the redeeming grace and transforming truth of Jesus Christ in this college town.

Bob Whitaker, Senior Pastor

Adam deWeber, Worship Pastor Dan Waugh, Adult Ministry Pastor

Church of Christ 825 W. Second St. 812-332-0501 facebook.com/w2coc

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Bible Study

10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m., Worship

Wednesday: 7 p.m., Bible Study

We use no book, but the Bible.

We have no creed but His Word within its sacred pages. God is love and as such we wish to share this joy with you.

The comprehensive teaching of God's Word can change you forever.

Preacher

John Myers,

City Church For All Nations 1200 N. Russell Rd. 812-336-5958 citychurchbloomington.org facebook.com/citychurchbtown

Instagram: @citychurchbtown

Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

*Always check website for possible changes to service times.

City Church is a non-denominational multicultural, multigenerational church on Bloomington's east side. 1Life, our college ministry meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

David Norris, Pastor Sumer Norris, Pastor

Check

Jubilee

Jubilee is a Christ-centered community open and affirming to all people. We gather on Wednesdays at First Methodist (219 E. Fourth St.) for a free meal, discussion, worship and hanging out. Small groups, service projects, events (scavenger hunts, bonfires, etc.), mission trips and opportunities for student leadership are all a significant part of our rhythm of doing life together. Markus Dickinson, Campus Director 219 E. Fourth St. 812-332-6396

jubileebloomington.org

jubilee@fumcb.org

facebook.com/jubileebloomington

Instagram: @jubileebloomington

Society of Friends (Quaker)

Bloomington Friends Meeting 3820 E. Moores Pike 812-336-4581

bloomingtonfriendsmeeting.org

Facebook: Bloomington Friends Meeting

Sunday (in person and by Zoom):

9:45 a.m., Hymn singing

10:30 a.m., Meeting for Worship

10:45 a.m., Sunday School (Children join in worship from 10:30-10:45)

11:30 a.m., Light Refreshments and

Fellowship

12:45 p.m., Often there is a second hour activity (see website)

Wednesday (by Zoom only):

9 a.m., Midweek Meeting for worship

9:30 a.m., Fellowship

We practice traditional Quaker worship, gathering in silence with occasional Spirit-led vocal ministry by fellow worshipers. We are an inclusive community with a rich variety of belief and no prescribed creed. We are actively involved in peace action, social justice causes, and environmental concerns.

Peter Burkholder, Clerk burkhold@indiana.edu

United Methodist

Jubilee 219 E. Fourth St. 812-332-6396 jubileebloomington.org jubilee@fumcb.org

facebook.com/jubileebloomington

Instagram: @jubileebloomington

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Classic Worship & 11:45 a.m., Contemporary Worship

Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., College & Young Adult Dinner

Jubilee is a Christ-centered community open and affirming to all people. We gather on Wednesdays at First Methodist (219 E. Fourth St.) for a free meal, discussion, worship and hanging out. Small groups, service projects, events (scavenger hunts, bonfires, etc.), mission trips and opportunities for student leadership are all a significant part of our rhythm of doing life together.

Markus Dickinson, Campus Director

Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod

University Lutheran Church and Student Center 607 E. Seventh St 812-336-5387 indianalutheran.com facebook.com/ULutheranIU instagram.com/uluindiana

Sunday: 9:15 a.m.; Sunday Bible Class 10:30 a.m.; Sunday Worship

Wednesday: 7 p.m.: Wednesday Evening Service 7:45 p.m.: College Bible Study Student Center open daily, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

We are the home of the LCMS campus ministry at Indiana. Our mission is to serve all college students with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Located on Campus, we offer Christ-centered worship, Bible study and a community of friends gathered around God’s gifts of life, salvation and the forgiveness of sins through our Senior Jesus Christ.

Woelmer, Pastor

Richard

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Classic Worship & 11:45 a.m., Contemporary Worship

Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., College & Young Adult Dinner

Inter-Denominational

Redeemer Community Church

111 S. Kimble Dr. 812-269-8975 redeemerbloomington.org

facebook.com/RedeemerBtown

Instagram & Twitter: @RedeemerBtown

Sunday: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Redeemer is a gospel-centered community on mission. Our vision is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ transform everything: our lives, our church, our city, and our world. We want to be instruments of gospel change in Bloomington and beyond.

Chris Jones, Lead Pastor

Baptist

University Baptist Church 3740 E. Third St. 812-339-1404

ubcbloomington.org

facebook.com/ubc.bloomington

YouTube: UBC Bloomington IN

Sunday: 10:45 a.m., Worship in person & live streamed on YouTube

A welcoming and affirming congregation excited to be a church home to students in Bloomington. Trans and other LGBTQ+ friends and allies most especially welcome!

Annette Hill Briggs, Pastor Rob Drummond, Worship & Music Minister

Mennonite

Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington

2420 E. Third St. 812-646-2441 bloomingtonmenno.org

facebook.com/Mennonite-

Fellowship-ofBloomington-131518650277524

Sunday: 5 p.m.

A welcoming, inclusive congregation providing a place of healing and hope as we journey together in the Spirit of Christ. Gathering for worship Sundays 5 p.m. in the Roger Williams room, First United Church. As people of God's peace, we seek to embody the Kingdom of God.

John Sauder mfbjohn@gmail.com

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

205 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-4459 fccbloomington.org

Sunday: 10 a.m.

We are an inclusive community of people who are diverse in thought and unified in spirit. We are an LGBTQIA+ welcoming and affirming congregation known for our excellent music and commitment to justice. Our worship services will not only lift your spirit, but also engage your mind. You are welcome!

Pastor Kyrmen Rea, Senior Pastor Pastor Sarah Lynne Gershon, Student Associate Pastor Jan Harrington, Director of Music