Good morning, Bloomington.

Indiana University reported its international student population dropped nearly 16% to 4,854 for fall (the third consecutive decline) following July 1 background checks and visa restrictions for select nations.

A national report by FIRE finds Indiana University remains among the lowest-ranked for free speech with an F grade and ranks as the fourth worst public college out of 261 schools, while Purdue ranks highest with a C+ rating.

Notre Dame and DePauw received mixed marks.

Three incoming IU Bloomington students shared their excitement about exploring a mix of academic and extracurricular programs on campus this fall.

They will study fields like global media, microbiology, and community health and enjoy local outdoor events (including sailing and calligraphy) while benefiting from in-state tuition.

Bloomington Utilities said residents may notice brown or yellow water as seasonal changes in Monroe Reservoir force the treatment plant to draw from a deeper level; officials are flushing hydrants and enhancing monitoring to clear discoloration and advise running cold water and changing filters until conditions normalize.

A ticket from Big Red Liquors in Bloomington picked all five CA$H 5 numbers on Friday, Sept.

4 to win over $1.4 million, & a ticket from Village Pantry in Indianapolis matched four numbers on Monday, Sept. 7 to win $50,000, according to the Hoosier Lottery.

Indiana football jumped to No. 5 with eight first-place votes after beating North Texas 52-16 on Sept.

5. The Hoosiers will play Howard University at noon Saturday at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington).

Coach Curt Cignetti transformed Indiana’s football program by targeting transfer portal signings after a three-win season, which produced an 11-1 record and playoff berth (a move that contrasts with Clemson’s traditional high school recruiting).

Bloomington South secured a 5-0 sweep over North in a tennis rivalry match on Tuesday, Sept.

8. Sophomore Alex Chong clinched his singles win with a comeback 7-6 while freshman Jonah Gray sealed the sweep despite a bloodied knee.

Indiana men's soccer defeated Denver 3–1 at Bill Armstrong Stadium on Sept.

7. The win improved the Hoosiers' record to 5–0–1 and featured Oliver Moller-Jensen scoring his fifth goal & redshirt sophomore Nolan Kinsella playing the full 90 minutes.

The Herald-Times has opened its Athlete of the Week poll, inviting local readers to vote for nominees from high schools until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept.

11 (last week's winner was Tye Voss from Owen Valley).

Bloomington South's secondary—scoring pick-sixes in three consecutive games—helped set a school record with a 77–0 win on Friday.

The defense intercepted six passes and recovered two fumbles and will face Muncie Central next.