Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • New York Lottery Win 4 and Take 5 Winning Numbers for Sunday, August 30

    The New York Lottery offers several draw games, including New York Lotto, Millionaire for Life, Numbers, Win 4, Take 5 and Pick 10.

    Millionaire for Life is a multistate lottery game available in 30 states and Washington, D.C. The top prize is $1 million a year for life or a one-time lump sum of $18 million. Winning numbers are drawn daily at 11:15 p.m. EST.

    New York Win 4, Take 5 and Numbers drawings are held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. New York Lotto drawings take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    Sunday, Aug. 30 New York Lottery winning numbers

    New York Win 4

    Midday: 8-2-3-9
    Evening: 2-2-4-5

    Check New York Win 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

    New York Take 5

    Midday: 15-19-22-29-35
    Evening: 04-12-20-27-35

    Check New York Take 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

    New York Numbers

    Midday: 1-4-7
    Evening: 0-9-6

    Check New York Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

    Millionaire for Life

    Winning numbers: 09-27-36-54-56
    Bonus: 03

    Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

    Pick 10

    Winning numbers: 01-06-10-14-18-19-23-26-27-31-33-41-43-50-62-68-70-73-76-79

    Check Pick 10 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Millionaire for Life drawing and ticket information

    When is the next Millionaire for Life drawing?

    Millionaire for Life is drawn daily.

    How late can you buy a Millionaire for Life ticket in New York?

    In New York, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:58 p.m. daily. A Millionaire for Life ticket costs $5.

    Where is Millionaire for Life available?

    Millionaire for Life is available in these 30 U.S. jurisdictions:

    • New York
    • New Jersey
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Georgia
    • Idaho
    • Iowa
    • Indiana
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Massachusetts
    • Maine
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • Montana
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Nebraska
    • New Hampshire
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Pennsylvania
    • Rhode Island
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • Vermont
    • Washington, D.C.
    • West Virginia

    What are the Millionaire for Life prizes?

    Match Win Odds
    5 numbers + Millionaire Ball $1,000,000/year for life 1 in 22,910,580
    5 numbers $100,000/year for life 1 in 5,727,645
    4 numbers + Millionaire Ball $7,500 1 in 86,455
    4 numbers $500 1 in 21,614
    3 numbers + Millionaire Ball $250 1 in 1,663
    3 numbers $50 1 in 416
    2 numbers + Millionaire Ball $25 1 in 98
    2 numbers $8 1 in 24
    1 number + Millionaire Ball $8 1 in 16

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a NY Audience Editor. You can send feedback using this form.

    Source: www.lohud.com

  • Pamela Anderson ‘Lucky’ to Beat Hepatitis C Battle

    Pamela Anderson revealed the profound personal toll of her hepatitis C diagnosis during an emotional acceptance speech at the amfAR Gala in Venice on September 6. The The Last Showgirl star received the foundation’s Award of Courage, using the platform to detail a decades-long battle with the virus, the stigma surrounding it, and her path to healing through art.

    A Diagnosis That ‘Turned My Life Inside Out’

    Anderson was diagnosed in the late 1990s, a time when no cure existed. She publicly disclosed her status in 2002, stating she contracted the virus by sharing a needle with her then-husband, rock drummer Tommy Lee, though Lee has denied this claim. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection that primarily attacks the liver and often remains asymptomatic for 10 to 20 years before causing serious complications. According to Dr. William Carey, a senior hepatologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, sharing needles or syringes is the most common cause of new infections. Globally, the virus affects an estimated 50 million people, many of whom remain unaware of their status.

    Reflecting on the initial prognosis, Anderson shared the psychological weight she carried as a young mother.

    “Back in the late ’90s, when I was diagnosed with hepatitis C, there was no cure,” Anderson said. “I’m sure that colored and corrupted my decisions. It was not fear of death but fear of what might happen to my young children. It turned my life inside out.”

    The Cost of a Cure

    Roughly a decade after her diagnosis, antiviral treatments became available. Anderson accessed early-stage therapy, but the financial and emotional costs were steep. She underwent a yearlong regimen involving interferon injections—a treatment she previously likened to a mild form of chemotherapy during an interview with Larry King on CNN, noting side effects including hair loss and flu-like symptoms.

    “10 blurry years later, there was a cure. I was lucky,” she said, as she held the amfAR Award of Courage. “I was offered it in its early stages, and it took everything I had in my bank to pay for it. It wasn’t covered by insurance yet, and I felt tremendous guilt that others weren’t granted the same access.”

    Anderson announced she was hepatitis C-free in 2015, yet the psychological scars persisted.

    “I’m grateful to say now that I am hep C free,” Anderson said, as the audience applauded. “But my experience of shame and guilt was also still an unconscious journey. It stays with me. It haunts me.”

    Confronting Stigma and Past Trauma

    Despite becoming an advocate for testing and awareness—working with organizations to reduce stigma—Anderson described a disconnect between her public advocacy and private turmoil. She drew a parallel between the shame of her diagnosis and the childhood sexual abuse she has previously disclosed.

    “My words did not match my feelings,” Anderson said. “I was angry. I was scared. I went into sabotage mode and just like the sexual abuse I endured as a child, it felt like it was carved into my forehead: Damaged goods. And I presented myself as such. I don’t think I’ve ever fully recovered from that news.”

    Healing Through Creative Work

    In recent years, Anderson has experienced a career resurgence, starring in the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun alongside Liam Neeson and earning best actress nominations at the SAG Awards and Golden Globes for her performance in The Last Showgirl. She most recently appeared in the satirical dark comedy Rosebush Pruning with Callum Turner, Riley Keough, and Elle Fanning.

    She credited her creative output with providing a pathway to recovery.

    “My truth has come through my work, finding ways to express myself and heal through the arts,” Anderson said in the speech. “It gave me the ammunition I needed. A fertile life to use and play in.”

  • South Carolina Mega Millions, Pick 3 Winning Numbers for Sept. 4, 2026

    South Carolina Lottery Results for September 4, 2026

    The South Carolina Education Lottery conducted drawings for multiple games on September 4, 2026. Below are the winning numbers for each draw game, along with essential information for claiming prizes and upcoming drawing schedules.

    Mega Millions

    Winning Numbers: 06-26-34-59-61, Mega Ball: 24

    Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings

    Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL

    Midday Drawing: 9-7-8, FB: 1
    Evening Drawing: 1-5-7, FB: 7

    Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings

    Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL

    Midday Drawing: 0-5-8-7, FB: 1
    Evening Drawing: 5-9-9-0, FB: 7

    Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings

    Cash Pop

    Midday Drawing: 08
    Evening Drawing: 01

    Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings

    Palmetto Cash 5

    Winning Numbers: 05-08-22-28-36

    Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings

    How to Claim Your South Carolina Lottery Prize

    The South Carolina Education Lottery offers multiple claim methods based on the prize amount:

    Prizes Up to $500

    Redeem winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Present your signed winning ticket for immediate payout.

    Prizes $501 to $100,000

    Mail your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to:

    SC Education Lottery
    P.O. Box 11039
    Columbia, SC 29211-1039

    For security, keep copies of all documents and use registered mail to ensure safe delivery.

    Prizes Above $100,000

    Claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. Bring the following:

    • Signed winning ticket
    • Completed claim form
    • Government-issued photo ID
    • Social Security card for identity verification

    Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for direct deposit of winnings.

    Columbia Claims Center
    1303 Assembly Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    Claim Deadline

    All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games. For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

    South Carolina Lottery Drawing Schedule

    Game Drawing Days & Times (ET)
    Powerball Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
    Mega Millions Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m.
    Pick 3 Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening)
    Pick 4 Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening)
    Cash Pop Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening)
    Palmetto Cash 5 Daily at 6:59 p.m.

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. Send feedback using this form.

  • Trump’s $5,000 Midterm Dividend Checks: What You Need to Know

    President Donald Trump is reviving direct-payment promises ahead of the November midterm elections, pledging a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress and announcing $500 refunds for certain Affordable Care Act enrollees. The proposals, unveiled during the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas, have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, some Republicans, and policy experts who question their legality, funding, and economic impact.

    Trump’s $5,000 ‘Trump Dividend’ Pledge

    Speaking at the rally on Sept. 9, Trump tied the payment directly to electoral outcomes:

    “If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000. It will be called the ‘Trump dividend.’”

    The president said the dividend would be funded by the “tremendous strength and success” of the American economy and must be spent within the United States. He did not specify a funding mechanism or total cost during the speech.

    A White House press release the following day attributed the potential payout to “unleashed trillions in new private investment” and reductions in government waste. However, independent estimates place the price tag at roughly $1.2 trillion, requiring congressional approval.

    Legislative Prospects and Political Reaction

    Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, posted on X that he would prepare legislation for the dividend. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Fox News on Thursday that whether enough votes exist for passage is a “good question,” adding, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

    Democrats denounced the proposal as election interference. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called it a “political bribe,” while Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., labeled the pledge “corrupt and blatantly illegal.”

    Republican criticism also emerged. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned the plan could “lead to more debt and inflation.” Former Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., described the checks as a “socialist vote-buying scheme,” according to The Hill.

    Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told CentralMaine.com: “From the few details we have, it seems that the proposed $5,000 dividend would not have an income cap and would be extraordinarily costly. Tax and spending decisions should be made based on the needs of the American people and the state of the economy; they should not appear to be tied to election results.”

    $500 Obamacare Refund Checks Detailed

    A day after the Dallas rally, the White House released a video and fact sheet outlining $500 payments to roughly 1 million people in 30 states who purchased coverage through Healthcare.gov without receiving premium assistance under the Affordable Care Act. The administration says the refunds stem from excess user fees collected from insurers that were passed on to consumers through higher premiums.

    Trump stated the excessive fees total $500 million: “Our Administration is doing the right thing and giving the money back to the people who were wrongly ripped off.” Checks are expected to be distributed in October.

    Critics Call Refunds ‘Disingenuous’

    Advocates note that Senate Republicans in December 2025 rejected a plan to extend COVID-era Obamacare subsidies that lowered costs for 22 million Americans. Brad Woodhouse, president of the left-leaning advocacy group Protect Our Care, said in a statement: “What an absolute joke. Five hundred dollars is a drop in the bucket compared to what Americans are paying because Trump and Republicans gutted health care to bankroll massive tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.”

    Previous Trump Payment Initiatives: Mixed Results

    Americans have reason for skepticism based on past promises. In December 2025, all military personnel received a $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” bonus. Although Trump said the funds would come from tariff revenue, the money was ultimately sourced from military housing appropriations in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” law.

    More recently, “Trump Accounts” launched with $1,000 deposits for children born between 2025 and 2028. As of July 6, Trump said 6 million children had accounts, designed as investment starters similar to IRAs for minors.

    However, two other proposed dividends — one from Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proceeds and another from tariff revenues — never materialized.

    Economists Warn of Inflation and Feasibility Risks

    Regarding the latest $5,000 proposal, economists caution about macroeconomic side effects. Garrett Watson, vice president of federal tax policy at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, told USA TODAY: “Given such side effects, the $5,000 dividend checks don’t make sense. The president is promising something that almost certainly can’t be done, from a policy and political perspective.”

    Watson and other analysts warn that injecting $1.2 trillion into the economy without offsetting revenue could exacerbate inflation and push interest rates higher.

    Contributing: Ken Alltucker, Zac Anderson, Aysha Bagchi, Christopher Cann, Daniel de Visé, Joey Garrison, Julia Gomez, Bart Jansen, Melina Khan and Jeanine Santucci

    Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider @mikegsnider.bsky.social @mikesnider [email protected].

  • Aryna Sabalenka Match Today: Start Time, TV Channel and Streaming Details

    Aryna Sabalenka begins her 2026 US Open title defense Monday against Camila Osorio in a first-round women’s singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. ET.

    The world No. 1 enters the tournament as a two-time defending US Open champion and is pursuing a third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows. Here’s how to watch Sabalenka’s opening match, along with the start time, TV channel, streaming options, opponent details and betting odds.

    What time does Aryna Sabalenka play today?

    Sabalenka is scheduled to face Osorio at 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 31, in the first round of the 2026 US Open.

    Who is Aryna Sabalenka playing at the US Open?

    Sabalenka opens her US Open title defense against Camila Osorio in a first-round women’s singles match.

    How to watch Aryna Sabalenka vs. Camila Osorio

    Sabalenka’s first-round match against Osorio will air as part of ESPN and ABC’s US Open coverage. Fans can also stream the match on ESPN+ and Fubo.

    Watch the 2026 US Open on Fubo.

    Can Aryna Sabalenka win a third straight US Open title?

    Sabalenka is seeking her third consecutive US Open championship after winning the tournament’s two previous editions.

    Aryna Sabalenka vs. Camila Osorio prediction

    Sabalenka enters Monday’s first-round match as the overwhelming favorite. BetMGM lists Sabalenka at -2000 on the moneyline, compared with +825 for Osorio, indicating that oddsmakers expect the two-time defending champion to advance comfortably.

    2026 US Open schedule

    The 2026 US Open began Aug. 30 and runs through Sept. 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. The full 2026 US Open schedule is available on the official US Open website.

    Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Reach her at [email protected].

    Source: www.northjersey.com

  • ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 35 Hosts and Judges Revealed

    Updated Sept. 1, 2026, 9:30 a.m. ET

    Dancing with the Stars has confirmed its Season 35 hosts and judges ahead of the upcoming cast announcement.

    Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as hosts of the longtime ABC competition series. Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are also set to resume their roles on the judges’ panel.

    The announcement was made during a Sept. 1 segment on Good Morning America, one day before the full cast of celebrity contestants and their professional partners is scheduled to be revealed.

    “You can expect what you know and love about ‘Dancing with the Stars’ but also an energized show. We have so much momentum. The cast is incredible,” Derek Hough said during the “GMA” segment. “It’s gonna be an incredible season. I truly cannot wait.”

    Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will premiere with back-to-back episodes Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16.

    Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

    Who is returning to Dancing with the Stars?

    Ribeiro, who won the Mirrorball Trophy with professional dancer Witney Carson in Season 19, has co-hosted Dancing with the Stars with Julianne Hough since Season 32.

    Julianne Hough, who starred in Safe Haven, competed as a professional dancer during the show’s early seasons and won consecutive championships in Seasons 4 and 5. After stepping away from the competition, she returned as a judge for Seasons 19 through 24, except Season 22, before becoming the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum’s co-host in 2023.

    Her brother, former professional dancer Derek Hough, competed on the show for nearly 10 years and won the Mirrorball Trophy six times. He became a judge in 2020, joining Inaba and Tonioli, who have served on the panel since the series debuted.

    Dancing with the Stars Season 35 cast

    Four celebrities and one professional pairing have been announced so far for the new season: Summer House star Ciara Miller, Love Island favorite Maura Higgins, Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson and Jimmy Kimmel Live regular Guillermo Rodriguez.

    Rodriguez will compete with Carson, the show’s reigning champion after winning Season 34 with Robert Irwin. The pair are an unofficial trio, as Carson recently revealed that she is pregnant with her third child.

    Sharna Burgess is also returning as a professional dancer after a five-year break from the series. Her hiatus began the year after she won her first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 with celebrity partner Bobby Bones.

    Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. New episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

  • Detroit Red Wings Name Shawn Horcoff Interim GM While Search Continues

    The Detroit Red Wings have appointed Shawn Horcoff as interim general manager, effective Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, as the franchise continues its search for a permanent successor to Steve Yzerman. The announcement arrives just two days before the team is scheduled to open training camp at Little Caesars Arena.

    Horcoff Steps Into Leadership Role

    Horcoff, 47, brings deep institutional knowledge to the position. He has spent the past six seasons as the organization’s director of player development and three seasons as assistant director of player personnel. Since Yzerman vacated the general manager role in mid-July, Horcoff has been managing daily hockey operations duties.

    Red Wings governor and CEO Chris Ilitch emphasized the stability Horcoff provides during the transition.

    “As our process continues to find the best possible leader for Red Wings hockey operations, I’m appreciative of Shawn for stepping up to serve in this capacity,” Red Wings governor and CEO Chris Ilitch said in a statement. “His knowledge of our organization and range of experience allows us to operate with a clear decision-maker in place for the season ahead, while maintaining our commitment to carry out a thorough, methodical search process on our own timeline. Shawn has my complete support, and the authority to make decisions in the best interests of our organization.”

    Immediate Priority: Simon Edvinsson Contract

    Horcoff’s most pressing task is finalizing a new contract for restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson. A deal completed by end of day on Sept. 15 could still be structured for eight years; after that date, NHL rules limit teams to a maximum of seven years when re-signing their own players.

    Yzerman Transitions to Advisory Role

    The team also confirmed that Yzerman will officially move into a senior advisor position reporting to Ilitch. This transition comes as Detroit aims to end a playoff drought that reached an active NHL-record 10 consecutive seasons last spring.

    Search for Permanent GM Remains Active

    Ilitch indicated the search for a permanent head of hockey operations has drawn substantial interest from around the league.

    “Our search has attracted significant interest in the head of hockey operations position from respected leaders across the industry, and several of those candidates, including Shawn, remain under consideration for the permanent role,” Ilitch said. “Identifying and hiring the right leader is essential to our franchise’s future, and we remain committed to being deliberate and thorough in this process. We’re grateful for our players, staff, and fans for their support as we work toward this pivotal hire.”

    Contact Helene St. James at [email protected]. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.

  • How to Watch Memphis vs. UNLV Today on TV and Streaming

    Memphis football opens the 2026 season in Week 0 with a road game against UNLV on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Las Vegas.

    The Tigers begin the Charles Huff era with significant changes but familiar expectations in the American. Memphis enters the matchup with a 0-0 record.

    UNLV is also 0-0 and starts the second season of the Dan Mullen era. The Rebels have added more than 30 transfers, including Auburn transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, who is expected to start.

    What channel is Memphis football vs. UNLV on today?

    TV channel: FOX
    Livestream: Fubo (free trial) | FOX One

    Memphis football vs. UNLV will air nationally on FOX during Week 0 of the 2026 college football season. Tim Brando and Devin Gardner will call the game from the booth at Allegiant Stadium, while Josh Sims reports from the sidelines.

    Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

    Memphis football vs. UNLV start time

    Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
    Start time: 9 p.m. Central

    The Memphis football vs. UNLV game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Central at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

    Memphis football vs. UNLV predictions, picks and odds

    Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Aug. 28.

    Prediction: UNLV 38, Memphis 35

    “Expect a shootout. Although there’s uncertainty at the quarterback position on both sides, these teams are positioned to score lots of points in 2026. The Rebels ultimately eke out a win with a late field goal.”

    Pick by Commercial Appeal beat reporter Jonah Dylan.

    Spread: UNLV by 4
    Over/under: 56.5 points
    Moneyline: Memphis (+160) | UNLV (-190)

    Source: www.commercialappeal.com

  • Snoop Dogg Is Hiring an Ice Cream Taster for $10,000

    Love ice cream? Snoop Dogg may have the perfect job for you.

    The rapper, entrepreneur and Dr. Bombay co-founder is searching worldwide for an international ice cream taster. The sweet position pays $10,000 a month and is open to applicants around the globe.

    Snoop Dogg is hiring an international ice cream taster

    Snoop announced the job opening Aug. 27, saying Dr. Bombay is looking beyond the United States for new flavor inspiration as the brand expands. The company, launched with his son Cordell Broadus in 2023, has partnered with hiring platform Deel to find someone who can sample frozen treats, identify emerging trends and help shape future products.

    According to Dr. Bombay, the company’s story also traces back to Snoop’s father, Vernell Varnado, who was raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi.

    “Today, we are going global, baby. And we need you to help us find new flavors,” Varnado said in a promotional video.

    How to apply for Dr. Bombay’s ice cream taster job

    Dr. Bombay is seeking the coldest candidate for its international ice cream taster role. Applicants can apply through Deel’s website and will be asked to provide personal information, social media handles and details about their ice cream experience.

    The application also asks candidates about their passion for frozen treats. One question asks, “How much ice cream do you eat per week?” Another challenges applicants to create a social media post about a food or flavor combination they are currently obsessed with.

    Snoop Dogg launched Snoopsicles for summer

    In June, Snoop Dogg released his first popsicle. Called Snoopsicles, the frozen treat comes in a combination flavor described as “razzed out,” featuring raspberry, cherry and lime sherbet.

    The packaging says the popsicles are made with real fruit juice and contain no artificial colors. They are available at select Costco locations, with a 24-pack priced at $14.99.

    Contributing: Drew Pittock, USA TODAY

    Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].

  • IU Football Score Today: Live Updates, Charlie Becker Throws 3 TDs

    No. 5 Indiana Dominates Howard 34-0 at Halftime Behind Hoover-Becker Connection

    BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Fifth-ranked Indiana built a commanding 34-0 halftime lead over Howard on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, showcasing offensive efficiency and defensive intensity that erased concerns from the season opener.

    Hoover and Becker Rewrite Record Book in First Half

    Quarterback Josh Hoover was surgical in the opening half, completing 3 of 5 passes — all for touchdowns — totaling 79 yards. His primary target, Charlie Becker, caught three touchdown passes for 81 yards, giving him four scores on the young season.

    The duo connected first on a 34-yard strike to cap Indiana’s opening drive at the 12:56 mark of the first quarter. Becker added a 41-yard catch-and-run touchdown at 6:07 of the second quarter, showcasing what beat writer Zach Osterman described as “easy acceleration, as he held his defender long enough to open his stride and just ran away.”

    Shazz Preston joined the party with a 39-yard touchdown reception at 1:34 remaining in the first quarter, wide open after two Howard defensive backs appeared to be “arguing about which of them was at fault for the blown coverage before Preston even reached the end zone,” according to Osterman.

    Special Teams and Defense Set the Tone

    Indiana’s special teams unit continued its strong start to the season. The first scoring drive began at the IU 44-yard line following an impressive kickoff return, and Osterman noted “another Josh Hoover-led drive, another touchdown for Indiana. Once again notable: That drive started at the IU 44, because of another impressive kickoff return. Special teams continues to deliver favorable field position for Indiana’s offense.”

    The defense got on the scoreboard when Rolijah Hardy grabbed a floater and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown with 4:39 left in the second quarter, making it 34-0.

    Indiana’s defensive performance answered coach Curt Cignetti’s pointed criticism after the North Texas opener. “I think probably the entire defense was sick at the end of the game,” Cignetti said earlier in the week. “I was sick. I’m sure (defensive coordinator Bryant) Haines was sick, too.” Cignetti pondered whether preseason hype — what he termed “rat poison” — had affected his unit’s focus.

    Personnel Notes and Injury Updates

    Cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jamari Sharpe remained out with injuries suffered against North Texas. Kicker Nico Radicic was also unavailable, with Paddy McAteer handling placekicking duties. McAteer missed his second extra-point attempt of the game, hooking it wide left after Becker’s second touchdown.

    Michigan State transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh was in uniform but had not played a snap through the first half. “Bear in mind, if there is any kind of injury concern, this is exactly the sort of game you would sit a player,” Osterman observed. “We’ll ask Curt Cignetti postgame if Marsh doesn’t see the field.”

    Running back Khobie Martin (arm) is expected to miss several weeks, while Harris and Sharpe are considered day-to-day.

    Hoover Earns Locker Room Respect

    All-American offensive lineman Carter Smith offered insight into Hoover’s leadership after the quarterback played through a bloody facial injury in the opener. “It looked like he got hit in the face with a baseball bat,” Smith said. “He definitely earned the respect of his co-workers that day.”

    Pre-Game Expectations Met

    The result aligned with pre-game projections. IndyStar columnist Zach Osterman predicted a 65-7 Indiana victory, writing: “Week 2 has always shown a marked improvement under Curt Cignetti, and I’d expect the same here. Plenty of run game, plenty of line-of-scrimmage dominance. It’s hard to look at the last two years and expect anything other than a one-sided performance.”

    Indiana entered the game with more than 100 team rushing yards by the end of the first quarter, dominating the line of scrimmage as forecast.

    Game Details and Broadcast Information

    Kickoff was scheduled for noon ET on BTN, with streaming available via Fubo. Conditions at Memorial Stadium featured cloudy skies, a 40% chance of rain, and temperatures in the mid-70s.

    The Hoosiers improved to 2-0 on the season following a 52-16 season-opening win over North Texas on Sept. 5. Indiana’s 2026 schedule continues with Western Kentucky (Sept. 19, Peacock), Northwestern (Sept. 25, Fox), and a Big Ten slate featuring Ohio State (Oct. 17), Michigan (Oct. 24), and USC (Nov. 14).

    Tradition Grows at Memorial Stadium

    Saturday’s game continued Indiana’s new game-day towel tradition, which began last season with a 15,000-towel order for the student section and expanded to a full-stadium giveaway. The collectible towels, featuring player images, have become sought-after memorabilia fueled by NIL opportunities.

    Indiana captured its first football national championship in program history last January, completing a 16-0 season with a 27-21 victory over Miami on Jan. 19, 2026.