Field crews from IU's School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) launched a survey earlier in the summer to measure the ecological conditions of 50 lakes throughout the state.

Professor Bill Jones leads the study, which is an effort to assess the condition of Hoosier waters, investigate pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of protection and restoration efforts.

Indiana’s lakes are in trouble, according to Deborah Marr, an IU South Bend professor of ecology and evolution.

She said many fail to meet the water quality standards for recreation because of potential waste contaminants.

“A problem throughout Indiana is that we have an aging sewer system, so you get sewer overflows anytime there’s a rain event because the sewer pipes cannot handle the volume,” Marr said.

Thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims will discuss security, service, society and the future of Islam in America and abroad at the 44th annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention later this month in Rosemont, Ill. It is a time for engagement, reflection and action.

I can't wait.

My family and I make it a priority to contribute in whatever way we can to the convention. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Muslims found themselves in the forefront of American public life. Nobody knows the exact figures, but some estimates say that roughly 3 to 9 million Muslims live in America.

We are a minority. The public wants to know more about us. They should, too.