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(04/25/08 11:51am)
IU once again will play host to the political dogfight for the Democratic nomination for president. \nFollowing visits by her daughter, husband and opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., will make her first IU stop of the campaign Friday, speaking at 12:30 p.m. at Assembly Hall. The speech, “Solutions for the American Economy,” is open and free to the public. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.\n“This is an amazing opportunity to hear a passionate speech from a possible presidential candidate,” said AnnElyse Gibbons, the president of IU Hoosiers for Hillary. “As students, we should take every educational opportunity you have, and this is a great opportunity to hear from a senator and a primary candidate.” \nThe visit comes just days after Clinton secured about a 10-point victory in Pennsylvania’s primary that has given her campaign justification to fight on for the Democratic nomination. Now, the focus of both campaigns is on Indiana and its 72 pledged delegates up for stake in the May 6 primary. \n“With that win I think her chances got a lot better,” Gibbons said. “I think that shows people in Indiana that she can win and that there’s no chance she’s quitting now. I think people will see her as the contender I know her to be.”\nWith the state of the economy expected to be the focus of the speech, Gibbons said students should be especially interested in the topic as many struggle with student loans, debt and searching for jobs. \n“I think many students will agree with Hillary’s platform,” she said, “and they will see that things like the economy and the war have a large effect on them.”\nThough she is undecided if she’ll attend the speech, sophomore Samantha Israel said she believes the chance to directly hear from the candidates is very valuable. \n“I’m more interested in hearing the candidates speak rather than just reading about it in the newspaper,” she said. “Seeing them speak will help people better understand what their views are and make them want to vote.”\nClinton will be the first candidate to deliver public remarks on campus, but most students interviewed said they don’t believe Clinton’s stop will come anywhere close to the excitement level that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., received when he toured the track at the women’s Little 500 and Nick’s English Hut. \n“I don’t think she’ll see any of the following that Obama got,” said sophomore Andrew Barber. “I think college students relate with him and see him as cooler and younger, and they like his message that you can change the world.”\nBut Gibbons disagreed by saying she thinks the campus will be just as excited, and she hopes Assembly Hall will be packed for the New York senator’s visit. \n“I think she has just as big a following as Obama,” Gibbons said. “I think people will leave her speech with a great sense of rejuvenation and will open their minds to the passion that she has.”
(03/19/08 6:28am)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. – Staring out in the crowd of about 375 supporters, former President Bill Clinton saw a sign that he said sums up his wife’s presidential campaign. That sign read “Change you can count on.”\n“Do you want the feeling of change?” Clinton asked the crowd. “Or do you want someone who is a change-maker?”\nThe former president spent Tuesday stumping through Indiana, making stops in Lawrenceburg, Richmond and Fort Wayne to drum up support for his wife’s potentially decisive state primary matchup against Sen. Barack Obama.\nIndiana is predicted to be a tough battleground state as Sens. Hillary Clinton and Obama vie for the state’s 72 unpledged delegates at stake in its May 6 primary. The state could prove to have a large impact on the primary election for the first time in years. Supporters at the rally hope the candidate’s increased interest in the state could translate to a Democratic victory in November’s general election. \n“I do think the Democrats could win Indiana,” said Clinton supporter Cherl Corman of Greendale, Ind., who attended the rally. “I used to be a Republican and I don’t care too much for who is running for them this year, so I think we might be able to pull this off.”\nIn Lawrenceburg, his first stop of the day and the first Indiana visit of the primary season by the Clinton campaign, Clinton made the economy the focus of his speech. He said that as president, Hillary Clinton can solve the mortgage foreclosure crisis, stop America’s dependency on foreign oil and balance the budget. \n“There is one area that Hillary is more conservative than President Bush, and that is the budget,” he said. “It was a terrible mistake in adding to the national debt. We need financial responsibility.”\nHe said two other reasons that his wife should win the party’s nomination are her experience with national security issues and her ability to defeat Sen. John McCain in the general election, because of her capability to weather attacks. \n“She has been beat up the last 16 years, but she just keeps getting stronger and stronger,” he said. \nClinton also said his wife is the only candidate who has a real plan to reform health care in America. When Clinton asked the crowd if they know anyone without health care, virtually everyone in the crowd raised their hand. Clinton said this is unacceptable, and his wife’s plan to provide all Americans health care coverage is not only morally right, but will also save people money across the board. \n“With her plan, everyone can receive the same plan that covers members of congress and their families,” he said, prompting loud applause from the crowd.\nCalling himself the campaign’s “rural hitman,” Clinton said he cherishes stumping in small towns such as Lawrenceburg, which he said are essential to winning elections.\n“It is places like this that will propel her to the nomination and then to the presidency of the United States,” he said. \nHeeding criticisms that he has been too bold on the campaign trail, Clinton strayed away from directly attacking Obama and instead mentioned several times that the party has two very good and exciting candidates to choose from.\nLawrenceburg citizen Everett Beatty Sr., who attended the rally, said he believes it is benefiting the Democratic party to have this ongoing debate over what he believes are two very qualified people.\n“It gets everyone involved in the system and studying and learning about all this,” he said, adding he is strongly leaning towards voting for Hillary Clinton. “We need something to change, and we just can’t continue with what we’ve had with President Bush.”
(02/25/08 6:11pm)
IU officials admitted over the weekend that the decision to buy out former IU coach Kelvin Sampson’s contract was a difficult move to make, but was ultimately in the best interest of the University. \n“I have accepted the resignation of Kelvin Sampson in order to put this matter behind us and allow our basketball season to move forward without these distractions,” said IU President Michael McRobbie in a statement released Friday. \nAvoiding a possible lawsuit, such as the one brought on by former Ohio State basketball coach Jim O’Brien, likely played a role in IU’s decision not to fire Sampson, said University Chancellor Ken Gros Louis. O’Brien received a $2.4 million settlement after he was terminated following allegations that he committed recruiting violations. \nGros Louis said dealing with the situation swiftly helps in efforts to restore IU’s reputation and appease distressed donors. \n“Because of the fact that this is now over, I don’t think we will see a drop in donations by our alumni,” he said. “Had this situation been dragged out, it might have hurt some of our supporters.”\nIU student trustee A.D. King defended the University’s handling of the investigation, pointing out it was IU in the first place that found and disclosed the original allegations that led to Sampson’s eventual resignation. He added that the buyout was the best option to erase uncertainty and threats of litigation to the program. \n“I think the University acted as judicially and expeditiously as possible,” he said. “Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation that no university or team should have to go through.” \nIU Student Association President W.T. Wright said he approved of the University’s decision to part ways with the coach by buying out Sampson’s contract, but added he would have liked to see the situation resolved quicker. \n“Like I said a week ago, no matter the price, Sampson had to go,” he said. “I think the situation was handled well, but in retrospect I don’t think there needed to be a seven-day inquiry by the University. It seemed a pretty black-and-white issue to me.”\nWright said last week he met with IU Athletics Committee faculty representative Bruce Jaffee to convey concerns he has heard from students and alumni that honoring the University’s reputation should be the most important factor in any decision made regarding Sampson’s fate. \n“I told him where I stood at the time – that Sampson should be suspended,” Wright said, “but we agreed to disagree as the Athletic Department felt it was best to resolve the matter most peacefully and to protect the University from any lawsuits.”\nIn the coming weeks and months, IU officials said they will begin a nationwide search for who will lead the Hoosiers next season. Both King and Gros Louis said looking for a candidate with a high standard of integrity would be especially important in wake of the recent situation. \n“I would like to see someone who has had success where they are at now and who has run a clean program,” Gros Louis said. “Obviously, hiring someone with any sanctions would not be good.” \nUniversity officials said the most important thing the campus and other Hoosier fans can now do is to rally behind the student-athletes who have gone through this turmoil. \n“Everyone at IU is now looking for the team to overcome this and become one of the greatest success stories in basketball,” King said. “This team has a lot of potential, and we’ll all be looking for them to move forward.”
(02/25/08 4:51am)
INDIANAPOLIS – John McCain, the Republican nominee for president, made his case to Hoosier voters in a campaign visit Friday in Indianapolis.\nMore than 100 of his supporters and members of the public turned out at the Emmis Communication building for the town hall-style meeting led by the Arizona senator.\n“This is the very essence of democracy,” McCain said, speaking of the importance of the town hall meeting. “This is not only a way for you to listen to me, but for me to listen to you.”\nMcCain stressed his views on a number of issues, ranging from foreign policy to taxes. But McCain devoted a significant amount of his time defending his support of the troop surge in Iraq and his commitment to victory in the war.\n“It is long, hard and difficult,” he said. “But what I will not do as president is set a public date for withdrawal, because that would be a date for surrender.”\nTouting his foreign policy credentials, he also made statements regarding Thursday’s riots in Serbia over Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence and the difficulties in dealing with post-Castro Cuba. He said he favored enforcing the trade embargo against Cuba until human rights violations are addressed and free and fair elections are held. \nMcCain’s stop was the first Indiana visit by any of the competitive candidates in the 2008 race for the White House. In a state that has voted Republican in every presidential race for decades and with the GOP nomination all but sewed up, many saw the senator’s visit to Indiana as a push to gain more funding than to pick up votes. McCain followed the town hall meeting with a stop at an invitation-only fundraiser at the Conrad Hotel. \nMcCain said he respected fellow GOP candidate Mike Huckabee’s decision to stay in the race and said as long as there was a competitor, he would still campaign in the primaries. Indiana doesn’t hold its primary until May 6. \nWith political activism on the rise on college campuses, McCain argued that he would be able energize the youth vote, despite the significant amount of support the Democratic candidates are already seeing. \n“I understand that I will have to use venues such as MTV to reach them,” he said, “but I am confident we will compete very hard for the American youth vote.”\nGov. Mitch Daniels, who has already endorsed the senator, and McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, also addressed the crowd.\n“I hope you find the qualities that I have found in him,” Cindy McCain said. “And more importantly, the qualities you want in a president.”\nWith his wife at his side, McCain said he would not make any further comments regarding last week’s controversial New York Times article that suggested McCain had a romantic relationship with a female lobbyist.
(02/24/08 12:15am)
INDIANAPOLIS - John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, made his case to Hoosier voters in a campaign visit Friday in Indianapolis. \nMore than 100 of his supporters and interested members of the public turned out at the Emmis Communication building for the town-hall style meeting led by the Arizona senator.\n“This is the very essence of democracy,” McCain said, speaking of the importance of the town-hall meeting. “This is not only a way for you to listen to me, but for me to listen to you.”\nMcCain stressed his views on a number of issues, ranging from foreign policy to taxes. But McCain devoted a significant amount of his time to the war in Iraq.\n“It is long, hard and difficult,” he said. “But what I will not do as president is set a public date for withdrawl, because that would be a date for surrender.”\nTouting his foreign policy credentials, he also made statements regarding Thursday’s riots in Serbia over Yugoslavia’s recent declaration of independence and the difficulties in dealing with post-Castro Cuba. \nHe also commented on his campaign, saying that he respects fellow GOP candidate Mike Huckabee’s decision to stay in the race and that he believes the Republican party would be able to attract the youth vote in the national election. \n“I understand that I will have to use venues, such as MTV to reach them,” he said, “but I am confident we will compete very hard for the American youth vote.”\nGov. Mitch Daniels and McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, also addressed the crowd.\n“I hope you find the qualities that I have found in him,” Cindy McCain said. “And more importantly the qualties you want in a president.”\nMcCain followed the campaign event with a stop at a private invitation-only fundraiser at the Conrad hotel.\n- Check Monday’s Indiana Daily Student for more on McCain’s Indiana visit.
(02/19/08 5:57am)
The distant call of a red-shouldered hawk pierced the crisp morning air Saturday at the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. Hearing the screech, Nancy Martin clutched her binoculars to her face, scanning the barren tree line before finally spotting the elusive raptor darting from tree to tree. \nMartin, a local middle school teacher, and several members of Bloomington’s sizeable bird-watching community braved the cold Saturday, counting and identifying birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual event during which thousands across the U.S. and Canada gather data about their local bird populations. \nThe four-day event, along with the eighth annual Eagle Watch Weekend held Feb. 8-10 at Lake Monroe, are two of many occasions during which local die-hard bird enthusiasts join with amateur nature lovers to enjoy the ample and diverse bird species that make Bloomington their home.\nThe birders Saturday morning were not only out to enjoy a morning of leisurely bird watching, but also to help compile a nationwide database of how many birds there are the U.S. and Canada and where they live. \nHeld Friday through Monday, the Great Backyard Bird Count encouraged anyone to participate in tallying the number of bird species found in their area. After they’re recorded, the number and species of birds are sent to scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to be analyzed. A total of 80,000 reports, documenting 11 million birds and 616 species, were submitted online during last year’s event, according to the organization’s Web site.\nSaturday’s local bird count netted 21 identified species this year. \n“Counting all these birds provides a huge amount of valuable information,” said Sycamore Land Trust stewardship coordinator John Lawrence, the leader of Saturday’s local bird count. “Also, it just gives people a good excuse to get out and experience \nnature.”
(01/16/08 5:53am)
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mitch Daniels wants to create an opportunity out of a state crisis – and he wants it done in six weeks.\nThe governor challenged the state legislature to pass sweeping and long-lasting property tax reforms by Feb. 26 during his annual State of the State address Tuesday night.\n“Indiana’s property tax dilemma presents us with a \nglistening opportunity not merely to alleviate a problem,” Daniels said, “but to create yet another positive advantage for our state.”\nDaniels outlined of the relief package that he has floated over the past months and hoped to sell to the public and legislature on Tuesday. That plan includes making the state’s property taxes among the lowest in America, raising the sales tax by 1 percent and amending the state construction to make a 1 percent tax cap on a property values.\nLaying out the potential largest tax cut in the state’s history, he said the plan only could be accomplished if spending is cut as well. One of the ways he planned to accomplish this is to require public referendums on major capital projects.\n“I do not share the fear of some that Hoosiers cannot be trusted to weigh the pros and cons of big investments for which they will pay the costs,” he said. “I say, trust the people; give them the facts, and let them vote.”\nDaniels said passing the historic legislature would not be easy and must be met with bipartisan support, two points also made by Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, after the speech. Bauer said some parts of the state might see cutbacks as a result of the plan, and those concerns should be listened to.\n“The governor is going to need to sell a plan,” Bauer said. “This is his fourth year (as governor) that he has seen this crisis, but it is not too long to come to the table.”\nThe challenge to pass the legislature could also be seen in protestors in and around the Indiana State Capitol Building, many of whom held signs calling for an all-out elimination of property taxes. This concern is one in which Bauer said is simply impossible.\nDaniels also used a portion of his speech to highlight achievements of the state, including low unemployment and recently passed telecommunication legislation.\nBut in the end, the speech came back to the topic on everyone’s mind – property taxes. Showing his commitment to getting a deal done within months, Daniels alluded to calling a special session if a bill is not passed by spring, saying legislators shouldn’t “make spring break reservations without a refundable ticket, because we’re all staying as long as it takes.”
(01/15/08 10:03pm)
This year’s State of the State address will differ from the traditional speech delivered by the governor, said one local legislator. \nState Sen. Vi Simpson said Gov. Mitch Daniels is expected to focus almost exclusively on his proposal to solve Indiana’s property tax crisis during today’s address. This topic contrasts the typical outlining of a broad range of initiatives for the year. \nLast October, Daniels initially laid out his plan to increase the state’s sales tax by 1 percent, while slashing property taxes. According to The Associated Press, the plan calls to cap tax bills at 1 percent of a home’s assessed value, with a 2 percent cap on rental property and a 3 percent limit on business property.\nDaniels is expected to sell his plan to the public during today’s speech, which will be aired at 7 p.m on local news networks and online at www.in.gov/gov. Simpson said she expects Daniels to refine his policy after he received feedback from state lawmakers during the past few months. \n“The governor put out his proposal a couple of months ago and it wasn’t received particularly kindly in a lot of quarters,” she said. “He might be softening his position now, and it is important to get that discussion going.”\nSimpson said she hopes the governor saves some time to discuss other issues relevant to the state’s economic condition, not just the property tax plan.\n“The economy in some Indiana communities are in very sorry circumstances, and the development is very unequal,” she said. “I’m hoping that we will hear that he will do something to incentivize the economy to continue to grow.” \nSeveral students interviewed said they will not likely view the address. The students said the sole focus on property taxes and a lack of general interest in the speech will cause them to tune out. \n“I will occasionally watch something like the State of the Union, but it’s not likely I’ll watch (the State of the State address),” said sophomore Steve Salinas. “It’s just something I’m not particularly interested in.”\nSimpson said it is unlikely that funding for IU and the state’s other public universities will be discussed because the budget process has already been detailed. However, she said she hopes the governor will mention the state’s commitment to higher education. \nIn many ways, today’s address also marks an important stage in the reelection campaign for the governor, but Simpson, a Democrat, said this speech should not be used as a political tool. \n“This is not a time for political grandstanding or any of that foolishness,” she said. “This is time for the governor and legislature to roll their sleeves up and get something accomplished.”
(12/13/07 6:31pm)
A “significant” fire at Evermann Apartments, 2001 East Lingelbach Lane, gutted one room Wednesday afternoon but resulted in no injuries or further damages.\nIU Police Department officers were dispatched to the four-story limestone building at about 1:15 p.m after a fire alarm was triggered. Officers and members of the fire department discovered thick clouds of black smoke in the hallways when they arrived at the scene, IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said.\nWhile the smoke reached other parts of the complex, the fire was contained to room No. 330, which was unoccupied at the time, Minger said. He said the room was “gutted” by the blaze, apparently caused by a window fan that caught on fire. Minger added the fire probably did not spread because of the room’s cinder-block walls. \nThe fire was promptly extinguished and officers went door-to-door evacuating many of the rooms.
(12/12/07 9:00pm)
A “transformative” $69 million gift will benefit the Jacobs School of Music and the IU School of Law for decades to come, University officials announced today. \nThe gift from the Lilly Endowment aims to help both schools secure world-class faculty and facilities – with $44 million going to the Jacobs School to build a North Studio Building and $25 million going to the law school to attract some of the nation’s top legal experts. Both gifts are the largest in the history for the respective schools. \nMcRobbie credited the Lilly Endowment not only for their latest gift, but their long history of helping the University. He said during recent decades, Lilly has given the University about $400 million. \n“One of the great strengths of American education is the remarkable role played by philanthropy,” McRobbie said. \nQuoting John F. Kennedy, McRobbie called for “a new world of law” and to establish the IU School of Law as one of the top public institution’s in the country. \nLauren Robel, dean of the IU School of Law, said the school already features many top-flight faculty, but the gift will allow the school to retain those already on staff while securing more talent from around the nation and world. Robel said the entire University will benefit by strengthening the law school.\n“A world-class research University demands a great law school,” she said. \nJacobs School of Music dean, Gwyn Richards, said as technology is changing the way music is consumed and produced, the gift is essential in preparing the University for those adjustments. With many of the faculty and students using the more than 40-year-old Music Annex, also known as “the round building,” a new state-of-art facility is needed to accommodate the changes in technology, Richards said. \nThe North Studio Building, expected to be built and ready for use near 2010, “will provide studio space with excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art wiring and technology, more and larger practice and rehearsal rooms, and advanced temperature and humidity controls, which are essential to preserving millions of dollars worth of musical instruments,” according to an IU media release.\nRichards said the endowment is important because it allows the school to maintain its status as a nationally acclaimed institution, while allowing the school to look toward the future. \n“It is a stirring moment to have the opportunity to consider what is just off the horizon,” Richards said. “What once seemed so far in the future, is now in reach thanks to the endowment.”
(12/10/07 3:26am)
This is the 75th, and last paper, of the semester for my staff.\nThey call putting out a newspaper day after day, “the daily miracle.” There are many days when I believe this statement, but the truth of the matter is that it is not simple. Calling it a miracle ignores the dozens of hours and scores of people put into making this paper each and every day.\nFrom the reporter who writes the article, to the supervisor who edits it, to the photographer who snaps the photos and to the designers who finally place the stories and photos on the page, putting together the IDS is a complex and unbelievable process. Outside of newsroom staff, there are also students hard at work on the marketing and advertising sides, ensuring we are financially able to stay free and independent. \nIt is rare to find such a dedicated group of people working together to put something truly inspiring together.\nWith the staff of IU Student Media being literally in the hundreds, it would be impossible for me to thank everyone by name that is involved with making this paper. But that is not because they don’t deserve it, there is just not enough space in the newspaper to do so. \nI would be remised to mention another group of people with which all of this work would not be possible. And that is you, our readers. \nAll of our hard work would be meaningless if we didn’t have engaged readers to pick up our paper. \nWhether you read the paper for entertainment, a break from classes or a general desire to learn more about the issues surrounding the campus and community, without the interest of our readers, we would be nowhere.\nSo I would like to thank all of you have picked up our paper this semester. I would even like to thank all of you who have wrote letters to us, called me at work or even came into our office to tell us you disagreed with something that we printed. Hearing from our readers that you don’t agree with something we printed, or didn’t print, isn’t always the most enjoyable experience on our end, but it is necessary for us to do the best possible job we can do.\nLeading the IDS and working with such a talented and dedicated group of students has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and one that I surely will never forgot. So for one last time, thank you all.
(10/12/07 4:21am)
If you have ever read one of our articles and wanted to respond immediately to something you liked or disliked, now you have the chance. \nThis week we launched our new reader comment system on idsnews.com. Readers can now post comments or questions for any article on our site. Taking traditional print journalism and creating an interactive conversation with readers is exciting and can produce interesting debate and discussion. However, this can only be accomplished if this new system is not abused.\nAs a journalist, I respect freedom of speech and expression as much as anyone. But at the same time I acknowledge that free speech does not offer a blanket protection to say whatever you want.\nEspecially on the Internet, it is easy to hide under the shroud of anonymity, and post words and comments that would never be spoken face to face. So I ask that when posting comments you extend respect and courtesy even when views are expressed that are contrary to your own. By commenting on the site you agree not to transmit unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, profane or indecent information. Using the site to violate or infringe upon the rights of others, including privacy, copyright or trademark rights will also not be allowed. The IDS reserves the right to remove comments that violate these terms. \nWhile many will abide by these principles, it is without doubt that some will not. Because of this we included a flagging system where you, the readers, can self-police offensive comments by clicking the “flag” icon. Once flagged, IDS editors will determine if that post does violate our policies, and if so we will remove it.\nAs other news sites that have installed similar reader comment systems have shown, the disruption and abuse by a few can spoil this new opportunity for everyone. However, if the rules are followed this new dialogue that we share with readers can open new ideas and exchanges that were not possible before.
(09/26/07 1:41am)
Like everyone, we here at the Indiana Daily Student make mistakes from time to time. Unfortunately, because we relied on assumptions, the one we made in Tuesday’s paper caused unneeded concern from a number of our readers.\nIn the page one story Tuesday, “Student catches disease that fewer than 5 contract per year,” we reported that an IU junior contracted diphtheria – a very rare and potentially dangerous respiratory illness. While many sources were reached for the story, including a representative from Bloomington Hospital where the patient was treated, we relied on the assumption that the hospital had confirmed the diagnosis. It did not. \nAfter the reporter talked to the officials at the hospital Monday, no one clearly denied the diagnosis. That combined with information from one source not from the hospital, who said he believed it to be a case of diphtheria, led us to believe it was a confirmed diagnosis.\nWhile the story itself did not contain any false information, the headline included a claim that was not 100-percent verified. The information we had at the time led us to believe that it was a confirmed case of diphtheria, but we should have made absolutely certain from more sources that this was true, and we should have clearly asked a specific question: Could the hospital confirm or deny the diagnosis? In hindsight, it would have been best to hold the story until more sources were contacted. \nBecause of the seriousness of the topic, the prominent placement of the story and the concerned responses we received from readers, we immediately decided to write a follow-up article for today’s paper to set the record straight. Normally if we report false information, we will print a correction in the paper. However, with this case we decided the best way to make the information clear was to give prominent placement to today’s follow-up. \nThe blame for this mistake does not fall entirely on the reporter, who did a great job getting the information for the story, or the editors who coached the writer through the process. With thousands and thousands of words and dozens of articles in every edition of the paper, it is inevitable that mistakes will happen. That is not to say errors are excusable. We erred and I apologize.\nInstead of assigning blame, what is most important is that everything is done to correct those mistakes. We will use the experience to avoid such situations in the future. In today’s edition we hope to correct any misinformation from the past issue, and in the future we will not just rush stories through. I cannot promise that we won’t make a mistake again, but I do promise that in the end we will strive to give you the most accurate information possible.
(09/12/07 2:58pm)
For the media, one of the few things more difficult than covering a national tragedy is covering that date’s anniversary. Six years removed from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, we were tasked with creating a new, thought-provoking way to remember that fateful day without telling the same story over again. \nSo we made a conscious decision to not just rehash the same coverage we did last year when we wrote several articles talking to students who were directly affected or were in New York or Washington at the time of \nthe attacks. \nInstead, we decided to prominently feature a cover of a panel discussion from Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, a group that questions the validity behind what we know about the attacks. By putting the article high on our front page, we knew such a controversial topic would evoke \nvarious responses. \nDuring our daily budget meeting Monday, where editors convene to plan the placement of page one stories, we discussed and debated whether this story should run that high. I decided that, because of the relevance of the day and the large number of people attending the local event, the article should run at the top of page one. Also I believe bringing opinions – even unpopular ones – into the public light allows readers to come to their own conclusions and strengthen their views on the topic. \nTuesday when the story ran, I fielded several calls and e-mails from readers who were unhappy that we played the story so notably. Most of these readers recognized, and even appreciated, seeing viewpoints that counter their own in the paper. However, most said they would have liked to see another story giving more tribute to the day. \nWhile I admit this scenario might have been ideal, we planned to cover the memorial vigil held Tuesday on campus to run in today’s paper instead of doing another memorial story in \nTuesday’s paper. \nAs is common in daily newspapers, we were presented with a problem where some readers could reach the conclusion that we are not balanced when they saw Tuesday’s paper. However, looking at our coverage from both days, it is my hope that perception is no longer present. \nStill, I thank everyone who responded with positive and negative comments about our coverage. Letting us know your concerns can only help our coverage in the future. And if you still would like to comment, I encourage you to call the newsroom at 855-0760 or send an e-mail to me at editor@idsnews.com.
(08/22/07 10:25pm)
With many freshmen holding a copy of the Indiana Daily Student for the very first time, I would first like to thank you all for picking up our newspaper and welcome you to stay with us for the rest of your career here at IU.\nThis is a very exciting time to be entering the University. We have a new president, a football team looking to regroup after losing a popular head coach and a basketball team that has the talent to go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Through the expected and unexpected, we hope you’ll look to us for coverage about anything and everything IU. \nThe editorial content in the IDS is composed, edited and controlled entirely by students. Because of this we are able to offer a product that is specifically designed for you. This is your news. It is our goal to focus our coverage on what is most important to the students and the rest of the University community. \nBut for this to happen, we need your help.\nNewspapers are no longer a one-way street, and you can contribute by letting us hear about news tips, concerns or problems by writing a letter to the editor at letters@idsnews.com or you can call the newsroom and talk to an editor at 855-0760.\nAnd while I hope you’ll check out the paper every morning, you can get the latest breaking news at idsnews.com. As one of my main goals this year, our staff will be working continuously to update the Web as events unfold. We also have established a very capable New Media staff that is producing Web-only content like videos, audio and photo slideshows. Finally, you can join the discussion by reading and contributing to several of our blogs. You can currently view the Basketblog at idsnews.com/basketblog for insight on the Hoosiers, or you can learn more about the inner workings of the newsroom in Deadline at idsnews.com/blogs/deadline. We are also in the process of setting up blogs for the IU football team, our opinion section and our special coverage of New York’s Fashion Week.\nAnother thing to look forward to is our renewed focus on investigative and in-depth reporting. For the first time in several years, we created a Special Projects editor position to focus on long-term stories that examine serious and pressing issues.\nSo as you get settled in and begin to get familiar with your new home, we hope you’ll continue to look to the IDS for the news that matters most to you. And we will do our best to meet that expectation.
(02/05/07 10:04pm)
Today it is likely that a sizable portion of the IU population will be sporting Indianapolis Colts jerseys as they celebrate a well-deserved win. \nI, on the other hand, will be one of the very few who will show up to class wearing my Bears jersey.\nJust as many in the media predicted, Rex Grossman didn't show up to play. Instead his evil twin, Bad Rex, showed up in Miami.\nThe Bears played horrible and unmotivated -- like a team that was playing to not blow it, instead of playing for the win. Pretty much Sunday, the Bears were who Dennis Green thought they were. \nThe game even started well. Devin Hester's 92-yard touchdown in the opening seconds of the game, seemed to be the perfect omen that this was the Bears game to win. However, those opening 14 seconds were the high-mark in a game that was dominated in the second half by the Colts. \nDespite the Bears' sub-par display, there remain some optimism and hope that is keeping me from hitting rock bottom.\nRegardless of what some critics might say, Chicago's season still should be seen as a success. Despite some rough moments during their 15-4 overall mark throughout the year, the team was dominant, exciting and, most importantly, driven. In games such as the opening shutout win against the Packers, or the 41-10 shellacking of the 49ers in October, the Bears seemed to be an unstoppable force. When all healthy, facing their defense was a nightmare for any opposing quarterback. \nThis is all in addition to the fact that, despite the loss, the Bears made it to Super Bowl XLI. It was a feat very few expected going in to the season. \nEven more encouraging, the Bears are in a strong position to return to the big game next year. Grossman, undoubtedly, will be able to use this season to learn and grow, especially considering this was his first full year in as a starter. The Bears still have the solid duo of Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson at running back. Nearly all the starters on defense are under contract to return, save for Lance Briggs, who might test the free-agency waters. And the team will benefit from the return of standouts Mike Brown and Tommy Harris (both missed substantial time due to injuries).\nIt is because of this potential and for the pride I have in what the Bears have done that I will don my navy blue, orange and white No. 30 jersey, despite the puzzled looks or taunting I am likely to receive from victorious Colts fans.\nAs a lifelong Bears and Cubs fan, I am well-accustomed to the awful stench of defeat -- especially when the prospect of drinking from the cup of victory is so near.\nBut there is a popular phrase spoken annually on the North Side of Chicago -- one that will help me grieve through this defeat and provide the comeback to any mocking I might receive, one that shows the resolve, the hope and the passion of the Chicago fan:\nJust wait till next year.
(08/29/06 3:38am)
Firefighters and police blocked access to much of the center of campus late Sunday night and early Monday after IU employees reported a hydrogen chloride gas leak in the Chemistry Building.\nPolice evacuated multiple buildings and would not let passers-by within 330 feet of the site as hazardous materials crews entered the building and removed a leaking gas cylinder between 11:15 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday.\nBloomington Township Lt. Scott Fleck said there were no injuries or safety risks to anyone inside or around the building because of the small quantity of the gas released and the low level of exposure. \nHe said the department was taking precautions as it followed standard protocol when dealing with a gas that might be potentially dangerous. \nHydrogen chloride can be irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's Web site. Low amounts can be tolerable while exposure to high concentrations can cause laryngitis, bronchitis and pulmonary edema.\nFleck said it is probable the leak was present for a long period of time, possibly days. He said IU personnel contacted authorities late Sunday night when they smelled what they believed to be hydrogen chloride.\nGraduate student Rahul Rahul said he was in the room with the leak when workers became aware of the problem in his lab on the third floor of the Chemistry Building. He said his boss told him to evacuate the premises because of a probable hydrogen chloride leak. \nAfter being notified of the situation, Fleck said the department worked with the University and Bloomington and IU Police Department representatives to deal with the situation. \n"We set up our plan, and I think it was executed flawlessly," Fleck said. \nFleck said the department removed the leaking cylinder and cleaned the lab to a harmless state. IU will finish the remainder of the clean-up, he said.
(08/28/06 8:09pm)
Firefighters and police blocked access to much of the center of campus late Sunday night and early Monday after IU employees reported a hydrogen chloride gas leak in the Chemistry Building.\nPolice evacuated multiple buildings and would not let passers by within 330 feet of the site as hazardous materials crews entered the building and removed a leaking gas cylinder between 11:15 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. today.\nBloomington Township Lt. Scott Fleck said there were no injuries or safety risks to anyone inside or around the building because of the small quantity of the gas released and the low level of exposure. \nHe said the department was taking precautions as they followed standard protocol when dealing with a gas which may be potentially dangerous. \nHydrogen chloride can be irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's Web site said. Low amounts can be tolerable while exposure to high concentrations can cause laryngitis, bronchitis and pulmonary edema.\nFleck said it is probable the leak was present for a long period of time, possibly days. He said authorities were contacted late Sunday night by IU personnel when they smelled what they believed to be hydrogen chloride.\nGraduate student Rahul Rahul said he was in the room with the leak when workers became aware of problem in his lab on the third floor of the Chemistry Building. He said his boss told him to evacuate the premises because of a probable hydrogen chloride leak. \nAfter being notified of the situation Fleck said the department worked with the University and Bloomington and IU Police Department representatives to deal with the situation. \n"We set up our plan, and I think it was executed flawlessly," Fleck said. \nFleck said the department removed the leaking cylinder and cleaned the lab to a harmless state. IU will finish the remainder of the clean-up, he said.
(08/07/06 12:15am)
The number of universities competing with IU in its presidential search increased Friday as President Martin C. Jischke of Purdue University announced his retirement and said emphatically he will not consider being a candidate for the IU position. Purdue will now add to the growing number of institutions around the country searching for a new university president and may compete directly with IU in attracting potential candidates for the position.\nJischke, whose leadership greatly expanded Purdue's fund-raising and research capacities, said he will step down effective June 30, 2007. \n"I feel very good right now," Jischke said. "I have absolutely loved every minute of my time at Purdue. I feel very good about what we've been able to accomplish and I'm excited for things we still have to do." \nJischke said after he finishes out his last year in his position, he will be taking a year off before he decides what he will do next. However, he said he does not wish to take on another role as president of a university and will not seek IU President Adam Herbert's position when his contract expires in 2008. \n"That part of my life has come to a close," he said Friday. \nIU trustee President Stephen Ferguson said the University has been aware that this was probably going to be Jischke's decision and he said this will only add to the mix of major universities looking for presidents.\n"This increases the competition (for us) of the people who are available," Ferguson said. "Along with Iowa and Ohio Sate, which I understand will be doing presidential searches as well, there are several going on right now. From what I understand in the next few years every university in the Big Ten will see (leadership) turnovers." \nTrustee Sue Talbot, who is serving as the presidential search chairwoman, said the fact that two major research universities in the same state are going to be looking for a president at the same time is interesting, but she said she doesn't think it will affect IU's search all that much.\n"IU and Purdue have much different profiles," Talbot said. "So they will probably be looking for a president who won't fit with us. I don't see this as a conflict at all."\nDuring his six-year tenure at Purdue, Jischke was praised for his leadership skills as he raised the university's profile by carrying out his strategic plan to dramatically increase the number of faculty positions and strengthen the infrastructure and capabilities of the university. In doing so, he created the largest fund-raising effort ever by an Indiana university, with a goal of obtaining $1.5 billion. \nThe announcement is not unexpected as Jischke, who turns 65 Monday, previously agreed to Purdue's standing rule that no one in an executive role can serve past 65. Ferguson said IU shares the maximum age requirement for those serving as president, but said they can still stay on with the University past that age, just not in the executive role. He added there are exceptions to this, as the board of trustees can waive the age requirement.\n"Historically both in business and universities, there has been the feeling 65 is sort of a magic number," Ferguson said. "It doesn't apply to everyone, some are still very active at 65. The board reviewed (the age maximum) a few years ago and we decided to leave it as is."\nFerguson said age factors cannot be considered in the upcoming presidential search, but he said this was an issue of discussion when Herbert was selected. \nTalbot said when they will be looking at candidates, age will not be as large as a factor as is academic leadership and experience.\n"We still look into the factor of age," she said. "We tend to try to find someone who is not necessarily at the end of their academic career, but overall we just want the very best."\nWhile Jischke came into his position at a relatively late age in his academic career, he still quickly became a favorite by many with his ambitious goals and by meeting with state business and government leaders constantly to figure out better ways to enhance Purdue's relationship with Indiana. \n"Martin Jischke's presidency has been an unqualified success," Tim McGinley, chairman of Purdue's board of trustees, said in a statement. "Purdue is a much better university today than it was when he accepted the job, and it is positioned for continued improvement. Martin is a gifted leader who has spent long hours every day working to achieve our goals. He has taken Purdue to new levels of excellence and has raised the university's profile nationally and internationally, as well as in Indiana. The trustees are deeply grateful to him and his wife, Patty, for their contributions."\nLeaving Purdue, Jischke said he does not have any regrets during his stay as president but he still hopes Purdue finds ways to improve after he leaves. \n"Part of the magic of a great university is that it is never completed," he said. "It is a process of change and growth, so you never really come to the end of age of a great university. For Purdue there will always be more ways to improve and more to do. I leave having accomplished a great deal, but always there remains a great deal to accomplish"
(08/05/06 2:23am)
IU's search for for its next president got more crowded Friday as Purdue University President Martin C. Jischke announced his retirement and said emphatically he will not consider being a candidate for the IU position. Jischke, whose leadership greatly expanded Purdue's fund raising and research capacities, said he will step down effective June 30, 2007. \n"I feel very good right now," Jischke said. "I have absolutely loved every minute of my time at Purdue. I feel very good about what we've been able to accomplish and I'm excited for things we still have to do." \nJichke said after he finishes out his last year in his position, he will be taking a year off before he decides what he will do next. However, he said he does not wish to take on another role as president of a university and will not seek IU President Adam Herbert's position when his contract expires in 2008. \n"That part of my life has come to a close," he said Friday. \nIU trustee president Stephen Ferguson said the University has been aware that this was probably going to be Jischke's decision and he said this will only add to the mix of major universities looking for presidents.\n"This increases the competition (for us) of the people who are available," Ferugson said. "Along with Iowa and Ohio Sate, which I understand will be doing presidential searches as well, there are several going on right now. From what I understand in the next few years every university in the Big Ten will see (leadership) turnovers." Trustee Sue Talbot, who is serving as the presidential search chairwoman, said the fact that two major research universities in the same state are going to be looking for a president at the same time is interesting, but she said she doesn't think it will affect IU's search all that much.\n"IU and Purdue have much different profiles," Talbot said. "So they will probably looking for a president who won't fit with us. I don't see this as a conflict at all."\nDuring his six-year tenure at Purdue, Jischke's was praised for his leadership skills as he raised the university's profile by carrying out his strategic plan to dramatically increase the number of faculty positions and strengthen the infrastructure and capabilities of the university. In doing so he created the largest fund raising effort ever by an Indiana university, with a goal of obtaining $1.5 billion. \n"This has been an enormously positive experience for me," he said. "The thing I feel best about is our goal with the strategic plan to take Purdue to the next level. I think we've done that and have developed and executed those plans." \nThe announcement is not unexpected as Jischke, who turns 65 Monday, previously agreed to Purdue's standing rule that no one in an executive role can serve past 65. Ferguson said IU shares the maximum age requirement for those serving as president, but said they can still stay on with the University past that age, just not in the executive role. He added there are exceptions to this, as the board of trustees can waive the age requirement.\n"Historically both in business and universities, there has been the feeling 65 is sort of a magic number," Ferguson said. "It doesn't apply to everyone, some are still very active at 65. The board reviewed (the age maximum) a few years ago and we decided to leave it as is."\nFerguson said age factors cannot be considered a factor in the upcoming presidential search, but he said this was an issue of discussion when Herbert was selected. \nTalbot said when they will be looking at candidates, age will not be as large as a factor as is academic leadership and experience.\n"We still look into the factor of age," she said. "We tend to try to find someone who is not necessarily at the end of their academic career, but overall we just want the very best."\nWhile Jischke came into his position at a relatively late age in his academic career, he still quickly became a favorite by many with his ambitious goals and by meeting with state business and government leaders constantly to figure out better ways to enhance Purdue's relationship with Indiana. \n"Martin Jischke's presidency has been an unqualified success," said Tim McGinley, chairman of Purdue's board of trustees, in a statement. "Purdue is a much better university today than it was when he accepted the job, and it is positioned for continued improvement. Martin is a gifted leader who has spent long hours every day working to achieve our goals. He has taken Purdue to new levels of excellence and has raised the university's profile nationally and internationally, as well as in Indiana. The trustees are deeply grateful to him and his wife, Patty, for their contributions."\nLeaving Purdue, Jischke said he does not have any regrets during his stay as president but he still hopes Purdue finds ways to improve after he leaves. \n"Part of the magic of a great university is that it is never completed," he said. "It is a process of change and growth, so you never really come to the end of age of a great university. For Purdue there will always be more ways to improve and more to do. I leave having accomplished a great deal, but always there remains a great deal to accomplish"
