news

An increasing number of ticks occur throughout St. Joseph County

Local researchers discuss rising tick-borne illnesses in St. Joseph County

By Mayte D. Mendez · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

Lee Haines, associate research professor in the department of biological sciences, and Brett Davis, the former St. Joseph County Department of Health’s vector coordinator, discuss the increasing presence of ticks in St. Joseph County and advice for protecting against ticks.

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Indecent exposure incident at Saint Mary’s reported to students Friday evening

By Observer News Staff · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

In a Friday email titled, “Timely Warning Notification,” Saint Mary’s students were informed of an indecent exposure incident that occurred on the Avenue of Saint Mary’s campus Wednesday afternoon.

Tailgate flags shown and flown of alumni members

A look inside storied Notre Dame tailgates

By Mara Hall · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

On gameday, in the parking lot surrounding Legends of Notre Dame, alumni families are hosting tailgates, with many operations running for decades.

University President Fr. Robert Dowd presents signed football to former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discusses creating a culture of hope

By Matthew Morin · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, general Martin Dempsey, spoke with University President Fr. Robert Dowd at McKenna Hall on Friday evening as part of the Cultivating Hope 2025-26 forum series.

Notre Dame’s Speech and Debate Team reflects on program benefits, competitive season

By Eileen Doyle · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

Notre Dame’s Speech and Debate Team offers students the opportunity to compete in tournaments with formats such as IPDA and British Parliamentary. With a recent win at their first fall tournament, the program continues to grow in impact and community.

McDonald Center continues mental health grant initiatives with Fresh Check Day

By Zander Daigle · Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

The McDonald Center for Student Well-Being held a tabling event featuring mental health resources from a variety of campus organizations, part of a larger effort to expand Notre Dame mental health support enabled by the receipt of a $306,000 grant.

Study abroad applications continue as students discern competitive programs

By Sophia Magnano · Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

The University’s director of study abroad provides perspective on Notre Dame’s study abroad offerings.

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Exoneration justice experts speak on abolishing the death penalty

By Emma Betz · Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Champions of exoneration justice gathered at the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights Wednesday to discuss their motivations to eliminate the death penalty.

Government shutdown pauses processing of new federal research grants

By David Murphy · Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

While essential operations continue, the halt in funding has suspended the approval of new research grants and other “non-essential” services, affecting universities like Notre Dame.

College Republicans and College Democrats debate for first time since 2022

By Grace Sullivan · Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

College Democrats and College Republicans came together for a debate Wednesday evening, organized by BridgeND, Notre Dame’s non-partisan organization aimed at bridging the political gap through conversation.

Luke Combs to perform at Notre Dame Stadium April 18

By Observer News Staff · Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

Experience Notre Dame announced Thursday morning that country-singer Luke Combs will perform at Notre Dame Stadium in April.

Belles for Life hosts lecture on the “Abortion Business” of Planned Parenthood

By Sophie Lewandowski · Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

Activist Maddie Green gave a lecture on Planned Parenthood, discussing its role in providing abortions and giving information on alternative reproductive care options.

Student senate approves constitutional committee nominees

By David Murphy · Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

The Notre Dame student senate convened on Wednesday to approve seven new members to the Committee on the Constitution after a closed session discussion.

Authors discuss gender-based violence and barriers to asylum for Latin American women

By Lucy Loes · Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Michele Waslin and Carol Cleaveland discussed gender-based violence in Latin America, and how it relates to immigration and asylum-seeking in the United States.

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Institute for Latino Studies celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural events

By Maria Alice Souza Maia · Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

The Institute for Latino Studies is hosting cultural events and lectures to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

Trump administration proposes university compact

By Mara Hall · Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

The Trump Administration has put out a new set of guidelines for nine elite research universities to sign in order to receive preferential federal funding.

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SMC hosts annual Francis Fest at Sustainable Farm

By Samantha Gebert · Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Saint Mary's College hosted its annual Frances Fest at Sustainable Farm on Friday, paying tribute to the feast day of St.Frances of Assisi. Highlights from the festival include a hot pepper eating contest and a chicken photo booth.

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Ballroom dance club waltzes into new year of practice and competition

By Isabella Ponciroli · Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

The club meets regularly and instructs with variety, teaching beginners on Monday and rotating every three weeks which two dance styles are being taught.

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Duncan Hall hosts ‘Jorts for Joey’ fundraiser to honor former resident

By Maggie Powell · Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Duncan Hall held its third annual Jorts for Joey event on Oct. 3 in memory of 2023 graduate and Duncan resident Joey Harris. Students cut denim shorts, raised funds for Movember and highlighted mental health resources with support from the McDonald Center for Student Well-Being.

Sexual assault at Saint Mary’s residence hall reported Friday evening

By Observer News Staff · Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

An email was sent to Saint Mary’s students on Sunday morning regarding a sexual assault that occurred in a residence hall Friday evening.