Longform

Texas BP refinery explosion kills 15

TEXAS CITY, Texas -- The lone worker unaccounted for after an explosion at a BP oil refinery was found dead in the rubble, bringing the death toll to 15 in a blast that also injured more than 100 people, officials said Thursday.

Collisions commonplace in city, around university

With its one-way streets, bustling public transportation system and thousands of out-of-town motorists, driving around Bloomington can be a chore for even the most experienced drivers, and the site of damaged vehicles pulled off to the side of the road is a common one.

Bloomington Playwrights Project forms an 'Ensemble of Artists'

They range from undergraduates to middle-aged, and in clothing from professional to jeans and a sweatshirt, but they have one goal: theater collaboration.

Turkish films attract art lovers

The first Turkish Film Festival for Bloomington was the idea of Abbas Karakaya, a doctoral student at IU. Karakaya said he wanted to focus on sharing a mutual interest in cinema and working together to produce free public entertainment as a way to promote art on the campus.

Palestine requests U.S. help in West Bank

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Senior Palestinian officials on Thursday asked two U.S. envoys to help block the expansion of the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank, saying it endangers peace prospects and isolates east Jerusalem -- their intended capital.

Atlanta courthouse shooting hero receives $70,000 in reward money

ATLANTA -- The woman who led authorities to suspected courthouse gunman Brian Nichols was presented with $70,000 in reward money Thursday.

Peacekeeper sexual abuse concerns U.N.

UNITED NATIONS -- A U.N. report on peacekeeper sex abuse released Thursday describes the U.N. military arm as deeply flawed and recommends withholding salaries of the guilty and requiring nations to pursue legal action against perpetrators.

Kyrgyz president hands over control

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan -- President Askar Akayev reportedly fled on Thursday after protesters stormed his headquarters, seized control of state television and rampaged through government offices, throwing computers and air conditioners out of windows.

New local living wage: approved

Because the federal minimum wage of $5.15 does not provide a living wage for full-time workers, Bloomington has legislated to pay the difference for working Hoosiers living within the community.

'Cinderella's' magic reborn

Sergei Prokofiev's "Cinderella" has been reborn into a full masterpiece production by the minds of choreographer Jacques Cesbron, set and costume designer C. David Higgins and conductor Imre Pallo.

Student fees fund special services

After a student attempted suicide on campus last year by jumping from Ballantine Hall, the University asked the Health Center to hire a second psychiatrist.

Award 'showered' on Miller-Showers Park

The land located just north of 17th Street between College Avenue and Walnut Street has a storied history. Purchased for $1 by the city in 1921, it eventually became Miller-Showers Park.

Putting the AM back into 'ham'

Upon hearing the name, some might assume the K9IU Amateur Radio Club features the on-air broadcasting of rookie students pursuing a major in communications.

Helping hands on campus

Throughout a student's college experience, he or she inevitably will run into problems. Maybe there is a dispute about grades with a teacher, or the person has experienced racial or sexual discrimination, or maybe the student just gets depressed.

The dress of a classical musician

Composers compromise to survive

The classical music industry is facing more problems than ever, and the talk of new music is usually greeted by musicians' confused and reluctant responses rather than a sense of excitement.

Senior's fashion design project inspired by Brazil

Crystals, corsets and color are three words that perfectly describe the theme of fashion design student Ana Carol Coelho's senior collection. Coelho will present her collection, titled "Birds in Paradise," at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Fountain Square Ballroom. The show is open to the general public.

Around The Arts

Women's History Month will be honored this weekend with a dance from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St.

'The ScArlet Letter'

When a director puts up a casting call about forbidden love and religion gone too far, theater students come running.

Bloomington 24/7

During the day, Bloomington buzzes with activity. Cars zip along the roads, people run errands and students slog to classes. In the evening, people slow down and return home, eat dinner and go to bed. The buzz quiets down to a hum. But that hum is pretty significant.