Illinois State University's annual Homecoming Parade showcased the community coming together to celebrate the university. Festivities began on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Many different groups from both the town of Normal and the university participated in the parade by interacting with the crowd and handing out treats to celebrate ISU’s Homecoming. Sophomore psychology major Donovan Pope said the sense of community was evident. “I found the display of comrades around the community was very heart-warming,” Pope said. “The display of community involvement was very touching to view, as it showcased the vast array of groups in the community.” The audience enjoyed watching the parade and cheering among others. Sophomore professional accountancy major Hannah Sargent shared how much she enjoyed the parade. “I thought the parade was really good. I went last year, and it felt like it was shorter than this year, but I may be wrong,” Sargent said. “The people in the parade seemed less interactive with the viewers. Overall, I had a fun time going with friends. Everyone who was in it did a very good job.” Sophomore biology major Wilbert Julian Manzo believes the parade was a positive display of school spirit and community. “People are showing school spirit … and it’s just good to see people and the community being together … I see all the high school bands play, and they’re doing great,” Manzo said. Sophomore nursing major Madison Cagle emphasized how fun walking in the parade was. “It was pretty fun to walk in the parade with the McLean County Democrats. It was nice to meet all of them,” Cagle said. Following the parade, Illinois State’s Football team played against Youngstown State at Hancock Stadium, with some fans tailgating before the game. Isabella Cervantes, a sophomore marketing and double sequence data analytics and integrated marketing communications major,said events such as the tailgate and parade bring the community closer together. “It’s so fun to go with friends. All my friends last year watched me. And this year, I went with a couple friends, and it really brings people together,” Cervantes said. “It allows for more people to go, especially for Homecoming weekend, because it encourages more people to get involved.” Sophomore elementary education major Kate Wohlfeil feels the event was a great way for people to reconnect and enjoy time together. “It’s such a good way for people to come back. I’ve seen students, alumni and families have fun,” Wohfeil said.

The community banded together on the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) lawn to protest against the Trump administration from noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 18 as a part of the national “No Kings Day.” Millions of activists and organizations around the U.S. took part in the second round of “No Kings” protests, which organizers say aim to fight against tyranny and abuse of power. The protest at BCPA was one of thousands that happened the same day. Protesters filled the streets of Downtown Bloomington holding signs and reciting chants. Protesters’ signs read, “No Kings!”, “Vote to love your neighbor,” “Love Melts Ice,” “Release the Epstein files” and more. Protester Lisa Wilson held a sign reading, “You sucked in Home Alone 2.” She explained what inspired her to take part in this protest. “I’m amazed and sad that this is where we’re at with our country, and I feel like this is the least I can do to get out and let people be aware that this is wrong,” Wilson said. “We have to stand up for what we believe in, and I believe that Donald Trump is a terrible person.” Another protester, Jeffrey Robinson, explained how everyone can take part in the fight against tyranny. “All of us have to do anything we can. Some of us can protest. Some of us can donate. Some of us can help get people in positions of power. So, we each have to do our part,” Robinson said. The organizations that arranged the protest at BCPA included Bloomington-Normal 50501, Voices of Reason, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), League of Women Voters, Latinos United for Change and Immigrant Rights (LUCIR), Punks Against Trump, Illinois Single Payer Coalition, Amnesty, Prairie Pride Coalition and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal. Bloomington-Normal 50501 is a grassroots, nonpartisan group dedicated to preserving democracy. Co-organizer of Bloomington-Normal 50501 Brad Bell explained the importance of protesting against Trump and his administration. “People think it’s just about coming to wave a sign, and if nothing happens immediately as a result of that, then nothing happens,” Bell said. “But, we see the administration visibly reacting to these protests, and they don’t like it.” “It’s extremely important that we’re visible and they know that we don’t want tariffs, we don’t want immigrant communities terrorized [and] we don’t want trans people assaulted. We don’t want any of this,” Bell continued. At 12:15 p.m., organizers and organization founders spoke to the crowd of protesters. Speakers included Bell, Sonny Garcia of LUCIR, Lily Linden of the Central Illinois chapter of ACLU, Jodie Slothower of Voices of Reason, Michael Gizzi of Bloomington-Normal 50501 and Juergen Schroeer of Amnesty. Highlights from the speakers included Garcia’s “Armageddon” poem, where he criticized discrimination and police brutality against minorities, and Linden’s speech about why we love our country. This was followed by the crowd chanting, "Sí, se puede," in unison, a motto originally used by the United Farm Workers and since has been taken up by many other activist groups to mean, “Yes, we can.” At 12:35 p.m., protest singer David Hirst and his group took a moment to sing renditions of anthems for peace. Songs included “This Land Is Your Land,” “We Shall Overcome,” “Let’s Get Together,” “Singing for Our Lives” and “There’s a Bright Side Somewhere.” Amy Clouse and her mother, Karen Harmer, were among the protesters at BCPA. They discussed what they hope comes to fruition with these “No Kings” protests. “I hope that more people start to recognize that the majority of America is not happy with what is happening, and that we stand with those minorities who might feel scared right now,” Clouse said. Harmer spoke on what results she hopes to see from the protests. “I hope Congress recognizes [these protests],” Harmer said. “I’m from Illinois, and I hope our Illinois representatives know how I feel and vote accordingly instead of just rubber-stamping everything that Trump says.” Bloomington-Normal 50501 will be hosting another protest against the Trump administration. This will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Nov. 1 on the BCPA lawn.

Illinois State University’s updated tailgating policy has drawn mixed reactions from students, with some praising the effort to increase game attendance and others missing the longer pregame experience of years past. The new policy, introduced for the 2025 football season, requires tailgating to end before kickoff and asks students to help clean up their areas. In previous years, tailgates often continued well into the start of games, giving students more flexibility. Senior history education major Christopher Kim understands the university’s effort to maintain order and school pride. “I think the new policy helps the university, and I think that at the end of the day everybody’s just gonna follow what the university wants for guidelines,” Kim said. “It’s going good right now, and if you’re not helping clean up, it doesn’t make you look like a good student.” Sophomore biology major Rushi Patel believes the new rules have noticeably changed the tailgating experience. “This new policy most definitely changes my experience,” Patel said. “Last year, I remember we could tailgate for almost however long we wanted to. Compared to this year, which now has us cleaning up and ending the tailgate right before the game starts … I mean, I get why ISU’s trying to get more people to attend their football game, but we’re just trying to have fun out here.” “I’ve been here for two years now, and the tailgates have been fun,” Patel continued. “It’s the best part of the football game in my opinion.” Sophomore elementary education major Kate Wohlfeil sees both sides of the policy change. “For this year, I think it’s super nice that Illinois State wants more students and people to go to the games,” Wohlfeil said. “I just think it was maybe halfway during the game that the tailgates could end because, especially for these 12 o’clock games, the tailgates have to end super early.” Isabella Cervantes, a sophomore marketing major with double sequencing in data analytics and integrated marketing communications, said the change hasn’t had much of an impact on her. “I personally don’t see a big difference in it. We’re still getting the same amount of time; it’s just that we can’t start later,” Cervantes said. “To me personally it doesn’t make that big of a difference, but I understand where some people might be coming from, like that there’s a little irritation.” While the reactions differ, many students agree that the community atmosphere of tailgating remains an essential part of ISU’s football culture.

Graduate student and teaching assistant Derek Lopez was dismissed from his position today following his arrest on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. On Oct. 17, Lopez allegedly disrupted two informational tabling events hosted by Illinois State University’s Turning Point USA chapter. “While Illinois State University does not comment specifically on personnel matters, we can confirm Derek Lopez has been relieved of his duties as a graduate teaching assistant pending further investigation,” ISU Director of Media Relations Chris Coplan said. The Illinois State Police Department was contacted by the registered student organization following the escalation. This led to an investigation, identification and arrest, according to an ISUPD Facebook post. “We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights as well as [the] safety of everyone in our campus community,” ISUPD Chief of Police Aaron Woodruff said. “We encourage all members of our community to learn more about free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including constructive ways to respond when encountering speech they may disagree with,” Woodruff continued. Frontlines TPUSA uploaded the video of Lopez on their “X” platform, which has since accumulated over 1.5 million views.

Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 17 saw the introduction of Trustee Kriss Lutt and the approval of the operating and capital budget requests for 2027. Lutt is the president of sustainable materials and strategic initiatives at Archer Daniels Midland. “It’s a great honor and pleasure for me to join the Board of Trustees. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study for an MBA here at [ISU] and graduated in 2006,” Lutt said. “That really was the beginning of a long and fantastic relationship that I’ve been able to have with the university, both as an alumnus and as a member of the board of advisors for the College of Business,” Lutt continued. The trustees also discussed the new budget model and approved funding for consulting services to implement the budget. The 2027 operating budget request totals $102.2 million, representing a 24.3% increase from the 2026 budget. The increases will cover state-mandated tuition waivers, student financial aid for need-based students and support for the engineering and nursing programs. The capital appropriation request was $445 million. It is aimed at addressing various projects, including new buildings for the Mennonite College of Nursing and rehabilitation projects for Milner Library, Williams Hall and DeGarmo Hall. ISU President Aondover Tarhule highlighted the difficulties in making budget cuts. “The actions we took were difficult, even painful, including forgoing a campus wage program,” Tarhule said. “Due to the tough decisions and sacrifices, the FY2025 budget is projected to balance after nearly $12 million in cost savings were implemented over the last year.” Chairperson Kathryn Bohn also clarified the role of the new budget. “While we may have a new budget in place, it’s important to remember that this alone won’t make our financial challenges vanish,” Bohn said. “The budget model is a tool for informed decision-making, not a source of new funds. Its value lies in offering fresh insights into how existing resources can be allocated, not in increasing those resources themselves,” Bohn continued. The trustees also approved allocating $375,000 towards consulting services. “The initial consulting engagement is nearing completion, and the university is moving into the next phase of deploying a new budget model and supporting process,” Tarhule said. “Additional professional services are required during this phase to assist the university in assuring the successful implementation of the strategic budget practices and financial management processes,” Tarhule continued. The trustees also approved the purchase of a financial planning and analysis system, which will cost up to $1.75 million. Tarhule explained that current university budgets are stored across multiple platforms and that an integrated system will be more effective for their new budget model. The board also authorized an $850,000 remodel of the Linkins Dining Center dish room. According to Tarhule, the current equipment faces “significant deterioration.” The softball field at Marian Kneer Stadium will be named Melinda Fischer Field to honor the former softball head coach. Fischer won 1,159 games in her 37 seasons as head coach, which is the most by any head coach in Missouri Valley Conference history. “I think of her as a true Redbird and someone we should all aspire to be as Redbirds. She’s given so much to ISU, and she continues to be involved at ISU,” Bohn said. Hancock Stadium will be receiving a $2 million video board, replacing the current board, which was installed in 2013. “Technological advancements in display, resolution, audio and control systems have made the current system outdated in comparison to peer institutions,” Tarhule said. “Upgrading the video board is essential to enhance the in-game experience for fans, student-athletes and broadcast partners while maintaining the university’s ability to host high-profile events,” Tarhule continued. Jason Stefanich, an ISU food service worker and executive board member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110, expressed his frustration during public comment about contract negotiations. “Our first bargaining session was held on April 3. We have completed 23 sessions, and we are far from reaching an agreement … most of our wages are not a living wage,” Stefanich said. The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place Nov. 6-7 at ISU.

Illinois State University’s Homecoming week continued as Event Management, Dining and Hospitality hosted “Hats Off to Homecoming” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center on Thursday. The event featured a mini golf station, an inflatable football game, photo booths, free food and more. A trucker hat station was also available for students to customize an ISU hat. Students were able to buy ISU football and volleyball tickets. They also could pick up gameday buttons, cups and koozies. Freshman elementary education major OnaRae Larson shared her excitement for her first Homecoming week at ISU. “I love Homecoming and want to do and be involved in whatever I can to show school spirit,” Larson said. Senior public relations major Addie Heinisch discussed her Homecoming experience so far. “This year, a lot more people have been excited for Homecoming, and everyone has really broken into their ISU spirit and pride,” Heinisch said. Senior dance performance major Sarah Akbari said Homecoming week is one of her favorite weeks of the year. “Homecoming is a time to really celebrate school spirit and our love for ISU,” Akbari said. “This event was a wonderful addition, as it allowed students to celebrate with each other in a new way,” Akbari continued. “I would love to see more events like this throughout the year.” Homecoming events conclude on Sunday.