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Mediator Kofi Annan said he has suspended talks between Kenya’s government and the opposition to end the country’s deadly postelection crisis.

Army chief outlines plans to reduce length of combat tours this summer

The Army’s top general said Tuesday he wants to reduce combat tours for soldiers in Iraq from 15 months to 12 months this summer – and hopes that sticks.

Sports fan censorship

Free speech is dead. This last weekend, I was in Indianapolis to watch my younger brother swim in the state swim meet. He won both events he entered even though he broke his foot in the middle of the meet — but that’s not really relevant to this column. The relevant part is that, to support my brother, a couple of friends and I decided to make signs to bring to the meet.

Digitalized revolution

If it scares you to know that in five minutes, an individual could print out all your known addresses, criminal records, bills paid and travel information, then you’ve got a lot to get used to. The good news is, you don’t have to tremble alone. Recently, Google has taken a bid to digitize medical information to make it more shareable (among individuals qualified to see it), and in the process, it has awakened the fear of many.

Casting Castro

The world is a-changin’. In the past week we have seen a dictator retire from office, a former war-torn region declare independence and Turkey enter Northern Iraq. But perhaps most striking, and most relevant to Americans, is the story of Fidel Castro, president of Cuba for about 50 years, stepping down.

Power politics

In Thursday, The New York Times ran a story about John McCain’s close ties to a female lobbyist who did business before the Senator’s committee. Conservative pundits like Sean Hannity, who had been giving McCain a lot of flak, rushed to his defense. It seems that even conservatives who are critical of McCain are more than eager to rush to battle against a common foe, a newspaper they consider such a bastion of liberalism, The New York Times.

Labels matter

There seems to be a movement among young college activists today, the origins of which I find peculiar. I refer to the tendency of many students affiliated with leftist causes to identify themselves as “progressives,” as opposed to “liberals.” While I certainly understand the arbitrary nature of political labels, the reason for this distressing shift needs to be examined because it is reflected among our national leaders, as well.

Repetitive 'Point'

The always likable Dennis Quaid headlines all the advertising for “Vantage Point,” but the movie has so many different and parallel story lines that he’s only the focus for about 20 minutes of the movie.

Don't fast forward

Like a true love letter, “Be Kind Rewind” makes you remember what you love about movies. It’s all about creating an idea that inspires an audience.

Our pick

WEEKEND's pick for the hottest event in Bloomington this week

Sidetracked

This week, Alex Cohen debuts his new column covering the week’s hottest tracks.

Going Godard

This week, The Criterion Collection released its own edition of “Pierrot le Fou (Pierrot the Fool),” a wonderful introduction to the world of French director Jean-Luc Godard.

WEEKEND highlights some of the most memorable movies and songs about religion

Blooming Burritos

Known for its burritos but idealized for its dedication to fresh and organic ingredients, Laughing Planet Café is often revered in Bloomington as the quintessential good-for-you restaurant.

Finding the fun in faith

lthough IU is a public school, students don’t abandon their religion when they come here, and some choose to join religious organizations on campus. WEEKEND has profiled some of those organizations, highlighting the social opportunities they provide.

A zombie to religion

IDS opinion columnist, Jacob Levin, reflects on his spiritual history.

What celebs say about religion

Even Hollywood has its fair share of opinions about religion. From views on kaballah to Unitarianism, we’ve compiled our favorite celebrity quotes on the subject.

Unitarian Universalism opens its doors to everyone

Unitarian Universalists are often misunderstood. "Usually, when someone asks me, 'What do UUs believe?' it is a gentle way of asking, 'So who is your God, anyway?'" said junior Nick Kieper, and a Unitarian since he was 14.

House approves bill to create vote centers

More voters could cast ballots at centralized polling sites instead of traditional neighborhood precincts or submit absentee ballots by mail without giving an excuse under a bill that cleared the Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday.

Nearby ranches offer reward for saddles stolen Monday night

Ranchers and horse-barn owners are hoping a $2,600 reward will help catch the thieves who have swiped saddles worth thousands of dollars from two southern Indiana ranches.