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Aces wrap up home doubleheader against Butler

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Aces wrap up home doubleheader against Butler

UE falls in both Friday contests

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Morgan Adams recorded a home run and three RBI on Friday as the University of Evansville softball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Butler at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.

Game 1 – Butler 4, UE 3

Evansville got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.  Zoe Frossard was hit by a pitch while Taylor Howe followed with a single.  Next up was Brooke Voss who singled to centerfield to bring in Frossard for the first run of the game.

Jess Willsey followed up with another single while an error by the Bulldogs contributed to a pair of runs scoring.  UE completed the frame with four hits.  The Purple Aces had a chance to add more to the lead with two runners reaching in the second including Kynadee Warner, who led off with a single.  The Bulldogs were able to get out of the frame without allowing anymore runs to score.

It did not take long for Butler to take advantage, plating two runs in the top half of the third.  Looking to get back on track, Callie Meinel and Eliza Piggott each recorded hits in the bottom of the frame but would not score.  It remained 3-2 in favor of UE until the fifth when the Bulldogs scored the tying run before recording what would be the winning run in the 6th.

Gwen Baker was the winning pitcher for Butler as she tossed five innings with three runs scoring.  Sydney Weatherford suffered the loss with two runs scoring in two frames.  Kate Ridgway made the start, allowing two runs, one earned, in five frames.

Game 2 – Butler 12, UE 4

Scoring the final eight runs of the contest, Butler pulled away for a 12-4 victory in game two of the doubleheader.

After Butler plated the first two runs of the game, the Aces came through with two runs in the bottom of the second.  Morgan Adams got UE on the board with a 1-out solo home run while Taylor Howe’s sacrifice fly knotted the game at 2-2.

The Bulldogs retook the lead with a 2-run homer in the top of the third, but the Aces responded with a pair of runs to tie it back up.  It was Adams coming through once again, picking up a 2-run single.  The back-and-forth action continued as the Bulldogs retook the lead with two runs in the fourth and one in the sixth to take a 7-4 lead.

Looking to rally in the bottom of the sixth, UE loaded the bases with one out.  Niki Bode and Zoe Frossard both walked while Kynadee Warner added a single.  Unfortunately, a double play ended the threat and Butler scored five times in the 7th to seal the win.  Cassidy Gall took the loss for UE, allowing four runs in three innings of work.  Katie Petran was the winner for the Bulldogs, allowing four runs in 5 1/3 frames.

Adams was the top performer for UE, going 2-3 with a home run and three RBI.  The Aces look to get back on track with a home tournament next weekend that is set to run from Friday through Sunday.

Aces baseball drops Opening Day doubleheader at Little Rock

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Aces baseball drops Opening Day doubleheader at Little Rock
The Purple Aces combined for five runs and nine hits in 18 innings
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – In the first two contests of the 2025 season the University of Evansville baseball team wasn’t able to find an extra bit of offense for a win at Little Rock.
Starting the season off with a doubleheader the Purple Aces came close to a comeback win in the first game of the day. Up 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth the Little Rock Trojans found three runs to take game one 5-4. UE’s offense struggled to get going in the second game of the day, recording only three hits in the 5-1 loss.
“A tough way to start the season as we didn’t earn a win,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll following Friday’s doubleheader. “Too many mistakes at the end of both games hurt our chances. [Left-handed pitcher Kenton] Deverman gave us a chance with a great performance in the second game, but we couldn’t take advantage of it. We need to salvage the weekend on Sunday playing overall better baseball.”
GAME 1
Junior right-hander Max Hansmann (Elmhurst, Ill. / York HS) got the Opening Day start for his first start since April of 2023. But a leadoff walk for the Trojans turned into a scored run as it was followed by a hit and a line out. Hansmann ended the inning with his first strike of the day as Little Rock took a 1-0 lead into the second.
Neither team had much success on offense in the second inning. In the third junior third baseman Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) led off with a walk and moved to third on a ground out. Howard stole third during center fielder Ty Rumsey’s (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) second at-bat of the game. Rumsey connected for the Aces’ first hit of the day, scoring Howard to tie the game.
The game remained tied over the next three innings as a pitcher’s duel ensued. Hansmann ended his day after four innings with four hits, one run, three walks, and five strikeouts while facing 19 batters. Junior transfer Owen Byberg (Barrie, Ontario / Frontier CC) made his Division I debut in the fifth inning where he quickly struck out two batters.
UE added two hits in the fourth and the sixth innings from sophomore left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) and senior second baseman Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley). But it was Little Rock who found home plate next in the bottom of the seventh. The Trojans’ first two batters made it on base and scored on a double play as Evansville took the outs at second and first over going for home.
The Aces responded immediately in the top of the eighth with back-to-back singles from first baseman Kevin McCormick (Orland Park, Ill. / St. Laurence HS) and Rumsey. Freshman pinch runner Ryan Seddon (Joliet, Ill. / St. Laurence HS) scored on a sacrifice fly from senior right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) to tie the game while Rumsey made it to third.
Rumsey then quickly gave UE its only lead of the day when he scored on a passed ball during the next at-bat. Evansville’s next two batters were retired but not before taking advantage to grab a late-game lead. The Aces made two defensive changes in the bottom of the eighth as senior Ben Stuart (Mason, Ohio / William Mason HS) took over at first and senior right-hander Drew Fieger (Fort Mitchell, Ky. / Lincoln Trail CC) stepped onto the mound.
UE ended the inning with the one-run lead as Little Rock stranded a runner on third. Evansville added an insurance run in the top of the ninth as sophomore pinch runner Aaron Nehls (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) scored on an RBI single from Howard. But the insurance run wasn’t enough as the Trojans loaded the bases with one out.
After three walks to start the bottom of the ninth, Little Rock added a hit and a fielder’s choice against sophomore right-hander Kellen Roberts (Monroe, Mich. / Monroe HS) to tie the game. With two runners in scoring position a wild pitch from Roberts sent the walk-off Trojan run home in the 5-4 loss.
GAME 2
While the first game had a smattering of offense throughout, it was a pitcher’s duel almost from start to finish in the second game. 2024 MVC Freshman of the Year Kenton Deverman (Dardenne Prairie, Mo. / Fort Zumwalt West HS) began the game on the mound for the Aces and had all three putouts in the first inning. UE’s offense had a slightly better start as Rumsey began the game with a single.
But Evansville’s offense would grow cold not connecting on another hit until the final inning of the game. Deverman had a strong performance to keep the Aces in the game, not allowing a run in the first four innings with five strikeouts, three hits, and only one walk. The shutout was broken in the bottom of the fifth by Little Rock as their center fielder hit a two-run homer to right center.
Deverman pitched two more innings for UE, picking up two more strikeouts while retiring the Trojans in order both times. Evansville used two pitchers in the eighth inning as redshirt junior Parker MacCauley (Paducah, Ky. / Tennessee Tech) allowed two hits and a run. The Aces then put senior left-hander Jacob Jarvis (Farmington, Mo. / Jefferson College) in for the rest of the game. Little Rock added two more runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a commanding 5-0 lead.
UE would spoil the shutout in the top of the ninth as Taubert had Evansville’s only multi-base hit of the day. The right fielder launched a solo home run out of left field to score the Aces’ lone run of the second game. McGinnis followed up Taubert’s homer with a single to get on base and sophomore shortstop Brodie Peart (Markham, Ontario, Canada) walked. But a flyout followed by a double play ended the day for UE as they dropped the second game 5-1.
Rumsey led Evansville on Friday with three hits, a run, an RBI, and two stolen bases. McGinnis was the only other Ace with multiple hits as he connected on two in eight at-bats. Four other UE players had a hit each while Taubert had two RBIs in five at-bats. Evansville did steal four bases on Friday as Howard stole two along with Rumsey in six appearances at the plate.
Due to projected weather on Saturday in the Little Rock area, the Aces have the day off before returning to action. UE will try to bring a win back to Evansville on Sunday afternoon as first pitch from Gary Hogan Field is set for 1 p.m.
-www.gopurpleaces.com-

USI Baseball opens 2025 with 3-1 win

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball opened the 2025 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. USI is 1-0 to start the season, while Alabama State is 0-1 to begin its season.

USI grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top first when junior third baseman Patrick McLellan singled through the right side to score senior centerfielder Khi Holiday from third. Holiday had moved into scoring position after singling to lead off the game, stole second, and advanced to third on a ground out.

After Alabama State tied the score in the bottom of the second, USI senior leftfielder BJ Banyon put the Eagles back into the lead, 2-1, after stealing third and scoring on a throwing error in the top of the third. The Eagles added to lead in the sixth when freshman third baseman Kannon Coakley scored on a passed ball for the eventual 3-1 final.

On the mound, USI junior right-hander Blake Kimball picked up the win after going six innings. Kendall allowed one run on five hits, one hit, and one walk, while striking out one.

USI sophomore right-hander Aaron Rubio closed out the final three innings to earn his first save as an Eagle. Rubio threw three innings, setting down all nine hitters, striking out two.

Up Next for the Eagles:
USI continues the four-game series with Alabama State Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Eagles open the 2025 home schedule by hosting Western Kentucky University Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the first 200 fans get a USI red rally towel.

Webb’s career-high 24 points leads USI over Leathernecks Screaming Eagles secure OVC tournament berth

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MACOMB, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball secured its berth in the 2024-25 Ohio Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament Thursday evening after earning a hard-fought 76-70 win on the road at Western Illinois University.
 
Southern Indiana clinched its second consecutive berth into the OVC tournament and will continue to work toward defending its OVC championship from last season come early March. USI also locked up its second win in a row and moved back to 10 games over .500 on Thursday behind a career-high 24 points from graduate forward Madi Webb. The Screaming Eagles improved to 18-8 overall and 10-5 in the OVC, remaining in fifth place in the conference. Western Illinois dropped to 12-12 on the season with a 6-9 conference record.
 
In a tight contest out of the gates, Southern Indiana found early success inside through the play of graduate forward Meredith Raley and sophomore forward Chloe Gannon. Each scored a pair of field goals in the early minutes of the opening quarter. USI’s trap defense also had an early presence, forcing Western Illinois into five first-quarter turnovers. Despite some outside shooting woes with an 0-6 start from three, the Screaming Eagles continued to find offense in the paint. Webb matched Raley and Gannon with two conversions under the basket. Southern Indiana led 18-14 after the first 10 minutes.
 
USI continued attacking the post with Webb and Raley combining to score the Eagles’ first three buckets in the second period. At the 7:20 mark of the second, Southern Indiana increased its lead to eight, 27-19, after getting its first three-point make from junior guard Ali Saunders. Webb continued to have a strong first half, reaching double digits for the game and giving USI a 12-point, 33-21 advantage with four minutes left in the first half. Webb totaled 14 first-half points. Western Illinois ended the first half with a small run, cutting USI’s lead in half down to six, 38-32, at the break.
 
Western Illinois scored seven straight points out of halftime to take the lead before Southern Indiana scored its first second-half points on a basket from Gannon at the 6:32 mark of the third quarter. The Leathernecks tallied eight consecutive points after the Gannon basket to go ahead by seven, 47-40. Later in the period, Raley earned a three-point play and scored once more to hit double figures in the game and bring USI back within one possession with under three minutes left in the third. Webb resumed her solid performance with a pair of buckets late in the frame to help knot the game at 54 going into the fourth quarter.
 
The two sides went back and forth into the middle of the fourth quarter. Even when Western Illinois grabbed a four-point lead on a triple near the seven-minute mark of the fourth, Southern Indiana answered with a three-point of its own. Later, Webb tied the game at 66 and surpassed 20 points for the game at the midway point of the fourth quarter. After the Leathernecks went up by four, USI responded and went ahead 71-70 on a go-ahead trey from sophomore guard Triniti Ralston with two minutes remaining, as the Screaming Eagles sealed the win at the free-throw line.
 
Southern Indiana shot over 42 percent (29-68) from the floor and just above 23 percent (4-17) from three-point range. USI went for 70 percent (14-20) at the free-throw stripe. The Eagles had a strong game on the glass, outrebounding Western Illinois 47-40. USI also outscored the Leathernecks 46-20 in the paint. The Screaming Eagles did a good job taking care of the basketball, recording a season-low eight turnovers.
 
Webb led USI and tied a game-high 24 points on 10-19 shooting in setting her new career mark. Raley posted her seventh career double-double and first of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Vanessa Shafford tallied 14 points and pulled down nine boards.
 
Western Illinois was held to 39.4 percent (26-66) shooting overall but did connect for 37 percent (10-27) from three. The Leathernecks were 8-14 for 57 percent at the foul line. Sophomore guard Raegan McCowan led four Leathernecks in double figures, tying a game-high 24 points.
 
Next, the Screaming Eagles will make the trip to St. Charles, Missouri on Saturday for an 11 a.m. matchup against Lindenwood University. Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPNU and is the first nationally televised game for USI Women’s Basketball at the D-I level. The Spin 95.7 FM will have additional radio coverage.

 

UE baseball begins 2025 season at Little Rock

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — After a historic season the University of Evansville baseball team will look to run it back in 2025.

After a record season, Aces Baseball is back and hungry for more success in 2025. UE appeared in the program’s first Super Regional in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, forcing eventual 2024 Champions #1 Tennessee to an “as necessary” third game.  While Evansville has enjoyed its success from the 2024 NCAA Tournament the program turns the page on a new chapter this weekend. The Aces begin the 2025 season with their first visit to Little Rock in six years on Friday afternoon.

It will be a new-look team for UE in 2025 as six consistent 2024 starters graduated from the program. Evansville returns 39.7% of its at-bats from the prior season and only 38.1% of its hits. The Aces do welcome a large incoming class in 2025 with 11 freshmen and 4 transfer players. Most notably UE brings in graduate catcher Matt Flaherty who spent the prior season with ASUN Bellarmine.

Evansville will have several familiar faces on the mound in 2025. The Aces return 2024 MVC Freshman of the Year and 2025 D1Baseball Preseason Third Team All-American left-hander Kenton Deverman. UE will also rotate in redshirt junior right-hander Max Hansmann for his first full season as a starter and sophomore left-hander Kevin Reed. At the plate the Aces return a trio of seniors in second baseman Cal McGinnis, right fielder Harrison Taubert, and center fielder Ty Rumsey. Of the three McGinnis saw the most production in 2024 with a .348 average, 69 hits, 38 runs, two triples, and six home runs.

UE makes its return to face the Little Rock Trojans after six seasons away. The two teams have only ever met on the Trojans turf with Evansville holding the 7-4 advantage. In the two teams’ last meeting in 2019, the Aces picked up two of three wins including the team’s first double-figure win of the season in the final game at 10-5.

The Little Rock Trojans are replacing the majority of their everyday players in the lineup from 2024 to 2025. After capturing the Ohio Valley Conference regular season in 2024, the Trojans will have a much different look compared to last year’s roster, which finished 32-24 overall. However, Little Rock does return Jackson Wells, the 2023 OVC Pitcher of the Year, who will face off with UE right-hander Max Hansmann to start the series on Friday afternoon

USI falls to hot-shooting WIU, 87-62

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USI falls to hot-shooting WIU, 87-62

MACOMB, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball fell to a hot-shooting Western Illinois University, 87-62, Thursday evening at Western Hall. The Screaming Eagles are 9-16 overall and 4-11 in OVC action, while the Leathernecks go to 9-17, 3-12 OVC.

USI jumped out to a quick 4-0 start, but WIU swiftly bounced back with a 12-4 dash to get control. The Leathernecks would extend the lead to as many as 17 points, 39-22, before an Eagles’ offensive surge cut the margin to single digits, 39-31, in the first half.

WIU scored the final six points of the first half to lead 45-31 at the break. Junior guard Damoni Harrison led the way for USI during the first 20 minutes with 13 points, while junior guard Jayland Randall added nine first-half points.

In the second half, USI was unable to get any momentum going as WIU continued its hot-shooting game. The Leathernecks extended its halftime margin to as many as 28 points (87-59) by shooting 62.1 percent in the final 20 minutes (18-29) and 56.7 percent for the game (34-60).

USI was led in the 87-62 loss by Harrison, who posted his second double-double of the year with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He was followed by Randall, who had 17 points, while sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi closed out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.

After the loss, the Eagles are three games out of the OVC post-season race. USI trails the University of Tennessee at Martin and Lindenwood University, who are tied for seventh in the league standings.

Next Up For USI:
The Lions of Lindenwood are 12-14 overall and 7-8 in the OVC after upsetting Morehead State University, 73-60, at home tonight. Lindenwood is 3-2 in the last five games and .500 over the last 10 contests.

The Eagles lead the all-time series, 8-1, after taking the first meeting of the year in January, 80-73. Harrison led three Eagles in double-digits with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He was followed by Randall, who had 17 points, and graduate forward Jack Mielke, who had 10 points.

UE women’s basketball earns second MVC win over Bradley

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UE women’s basketball earns second MVC win over Bradley
The Purple Aces forced a season-high 27 turnovers from the Braves
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team led for almost 30 minutes in its 55-45 win over the Bradley Braves on Thursday night.
The Purple Aces earned their second win of Missouri Valley Conference play in a defensive battle against Bradley. After dropping their road contest in Peoria by only a basket, UE turned on the gas to pull away from the Braves in the fourth quarter. Three Evansville players ended the night in double figures while freshman guard Logan Leubbers Palmer (Union, Ky. / Randall K. Cooper HS) set a career-high in made field goals with six.
“I’m really thrilled with how our kids played tonight, especially in the second half,” said Head Coach Robyn Scherr. “I thought we did a really nice job of creating just enough separation in each quarter. And as we were going into the fourth quarter, I told these guys to play to win. No one was going to be timid. No one was going to hope that we didn’t make a mistake. We need to go out and take it. And I thought they did just that. I’m really really proud of the girls.”
The Aces got off to a hot start on Thursday night, shooting 50% from the floor in the first quarter. Senior guard Júlia Palomo (La Seu d’Urgell, Spain) began the scoring with a three in the first 40 seconds. It was only treys being scored for the first three minutes until Palmer had her first of five buckets in the paint. UE held the lead in the first until over halfway through when Bradley tied up the game with under four on the clock. Evansville held onto the lead until the final minute. The Braves took a brief lead at the end of the first, but the Aces regained the upper hand in the final seconds.
It was a slow second quarter for UE as it took over two minutes to make a basket. Both teams had a two-and-a-half-minute scoreless streak midway through the second. Evansville broke up the drought as Palmer cut to the basket. The Aces and Bradley traded shots until the final minute and a half of the half. The Braves put together a five-point run to pull ahead of UE by a point going into halftime.
 Bradley kept the momentum into the start of the second half as Evansville tied the game up three times in the first three minutes. The Aces began to pull ahead on an eight-point run as the Braves didn’t score for over five minutes. UE had a six-point lead with 2:16 left in the third quarter. But a three-point run for Bradley made it only a three-point Evansville lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.
The Aces had their highest-scoring quarter of the night in the final 10 minutes starting with a seven-point run for a double-digit lead. The Braves were able to respond with a brief four-point run. UE’s defense kicked it up a notch after the run, not letting Bradley score multiple baskets in a row the rest of the game. Evansville ended on a 12-5 run to pick up the team’s second Valley win of the season.
Freshman guard Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind. / Hamilton Heights HS) led the Aces on offense with 17 points and four assists thanks to 14 made free throws. Palmer almost hit her season high with 14 points while sophomore forward Maggie Hartwig (Sauk City, Wis. / Sauk Prairie HS) had her seventh double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Despite not scoring much over 33 minutes Palomo led UE with six assists to help distribute the offense across the floor.
Evansville will play its annual Play4Kay game to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer on Saturday afternoon. The Aces will wear pink accessories in their game against Illinois State on February 15. Tip-off against the Redbirds in Meeks Family Fieldhouse is set for 2 p.m.

ANALYSIS: Exploring The Evansville DORA: Will it be like Austin, TX or Shawneetown, IL?

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The Evansville DORA: Will it be like Austin, TX or Shawneetown, IL?
By Joe Wallace
FEBRUARY 14, 2925

The Evansville City Council’s unanimous decision to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) aims to invigorate the downtown area by permitting patrons to carry alcoholic beverages from participating establishments within a specified zone. As the city prepares to launch this initiative in April, with 22 restaurants and bars on board, it’s essential to consider the potential impacts on economic growth, crime rates, and livability, especially given the concerns of downtown’s predominantly older residents.

Economic Growth

Implementing a DORA can bolster the economic vitality of downtown areas. By allowing patrons to move freely with beverages, these zones can enhance the appeal of downtown districts, potentially increasing foot traffic and benefiting local businesses. For instance, a report from Ohio State University noted that DORAs could support the economic vitality of downtown areas, especially as they recover from the pandemic.

However, the success of a DORA in stimulating economic growth depends on various factors, including effective management, community engagement, and the unique characteristics of the area. It’s crucial to set realistic expectations and recognize that while a DORA can contribute to economic development, it is not a standalone solution. It will also create a need to hire more law enforcement officers to keep downtown Evansville from being a stomping ground for wandering drunks.

Crime and Safety

Concerns about increased crime, such as fistfights and robberies, in areas with relaxed open container laws are valid. However, evidence suggests that with proper planning and enforcement, DORAs do not necessarily lead to higher crime rates. For example, in Montgomery, Ohio, the police department conducts routine patrols and enforces responsible behavior within the DORA, ensuring that the boundaries are strictly maintained and that alcoholic beverages are not carried outside the designated area.

The key to maintaining safety is proactive management, including clear signage, designated patrols, and community involvement. By establishing and enforcing guidelines, Evansville can mitigate potential safety concerns associated with the DORA.

Livability and Community Impact

The introduction of a DORA can have mixed effects on livability, particularly in areas with a significant residential population. In Jasper, Indiana, discussions about implementing a DORA raised questions about its impact on downtown residents and future development.

For Evansville, where the downtown population is relatively small and has experienced slow growth, it’s essential to balance the interests of businesses and residents. Engaging with the community, particularly older residents, to address concerns such as noise, litter, and safety will be crucial. Implementing measures like restricted hours, designated consumption areas, and regular clean-up efforts can help maintain the quality of life for downtown inhabitants.

Conclusion

As Evansville moves forward with establishing its DORA, the city can look to the experiences of other communities to anticipate potential outcomes. While DORAs offer opportunities for economic enhancement and increased vibrancy, they also require careful planning and management to address concerns related to crime and livability. By proactively engaging with residents, enforcing regulations, and fostering collaboration between businesses and law enforcement, Evansville can work towards creating a DORA that benefits the downtown residential community.

FOOTNOTE:  This article was posted by the CCO without bias, opinion, or editing.