Longform

IUSA works to help pass bill for tax-free school supplies

The IU Student Association is working with the Indiana Senate to pass a bill that would make Indiana the 19th state to enact a “tax-free holiday weekend,” giving all Indiana residents a cheaper way to make purchases for back-to-school necessities. PODCAST: Hoosier Headlines

19 apply for student trustee position

Not every student can say he or she is on the same level as a member of the board of trustees, but 19 students are one step closer.

Monroe County v. texting

Since the dawn of cell phones, staying connected has become easier than ever. This is possible due in part to the fact that cell phones provide so many possible ways to communicate – any place, any time. And the text message has been perhaps the most influential improvement.However, as those in positions of authority have picked up on the text messaging trend and the social problems that result from the habit, they are beginning to punish those who let text messaging interfere with public safety. Most recently, Monroe County commissioners approved a ban, which went into effect Jan. 1, on texting while driving. The ban excludes the city of Bloomington.

A witness to IU history

Green foam, soapy suds, Jell-O, live carp and bikini tops have all made their way into the history of one of IU’s most beloved landmarks.

Limited release

I always get excited for the Oscars. It’s one of those events that seems to happily sneak up. And putting together a friendly pool with your bet for winners is as much a part of the tradition as March Madness.

IU College Democrats to pick executives

The IU College Democrats is voting on its executive board for the 2009-2010 school year at 8 p.m. today in the Oak Room in the Indiana Memorial Union.

Kappa Gamma Delta looking for ‘social, dedicated’ women

While many might think of sorority recruitment as a stream of preference rounds and screaming, the members of Kappa Gamma Delta go for something more low-key. Last week was spring rush week for Kappa Gamma Delta, IU’s Asian-interest sorority. The week included open events for potential new members to meet members of the sorority in a relaxed setting.

Students travel to L.A. in hopes of landing internships

Most IU students spent their second week of school getting back into a routine and organized for classes. But more than a dozen spent it networking with high-end Hollywood profilers.  The third annual Hollywood Hoosiers trip took place Jan. 19 to 23 and consisted of informational meetings between 15 students and executive contacts from studios, agencies, networks and production companies. Students from the Blooming Artists Agency and the Business Careers in Entertainment Club participated.

City to sponsor Wii Sports tournament

Those who want to exercise despite the winter weather can get “Wii’nter active” this weekend. Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will play host to a Wii Sports tournament from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Bloomington Banneker Community Center. The tournament, called “Get Wii’nter Active,” will give people a chance to test their ability against other players in bowling, boxing, tennis and baseball.

Law could help keep track of Ind. elderly

Indiana’s children aren’t the only Hoosiers who go missing. The Indiana State General Assembly is debating whether or not to implement Silver Alerts, said Bill Brumbach, a fiscal analyst of the Office of Fiscal and Management Analysis – Indiana Legislative Services Agency.

State officials team up to raise childhood obesity awareness

Gov. Mitch Daniels and 19 other state officials were just finishing their last steps in an awareness-building competition of physical activity to fight childhood obesity when IU students headed back to school from winter break. The sponsor, Virgin Health Miles, asked governors and state officials nationwide to participate in the Capitol Steps Challenge and track the number of steps they took during a two-week period using GoZone pedometers. The 14 participating state teams had to log their steps, and the state with the most steps will win $50,000 toward childhood obesity prevention programs.

Insurgents seize seat of Somalian parliament

A hardline Islamic group seized the seat of the Somali parliament and said Tuesday that it will establish Shariah law in the city.

Yearly Mexican remittances drop for 1st time

The money sent home by Mexican migrants fell in 2008 for the first time on record, Mexico’s central bank said Tuesday – part of a global trend that could worsen as emigrants from developing countries lose jobs in the global financial crisis.

Missing hedge fund manager turns self in

A Florida hedge fund manager who disappeared this month just as he was due to pay investors $50 million turned himself in to authorities Tuesday to face federal securities and wire fraud charges.

Police: LA man kills wife, 5 children, himself

A father, apparently distraught over job problems, shot and killed his wife and five young children and then committed suicide at their home Tuesday, police said. The victims included two sets of twins.

Open Mic at BuffaLouie’s offers place for student expression

Open Mic Nights. They are here. From poets to musicians, talented students of all sorts come to Open Mic Nights at BuffaLouie’s to perform on two new stages which were built this summer to accommodate the event’s growing popularity.  

Do the arts – on the cheap

With the current economic recession, students’ wallets are getting lighter while everything seems to be getting more expensive. How can students be expected to find affordable entertainment when they’re not banking like Bill Gates? We’re here to help.

PRIDE festival starts Thursday

Two of the many films to see at the upcoming PRIDE Film Festival from Jan. 29 to 31 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre put whimsical and homosexual twists on both a popular high school play and a French documentary, which explore the present-day lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture. Films like the “High School Musical”-esque “Were the World Mine” by director Thomas Gustafson and the documentary “Gay ... So What?” by director Jean Baptiste Erreca will be the two most interesting films to IU students, said Maarten Bout, marketing director for the Buskirk-Chumley.

Despite its production and changing release dates that garnered severe controversy, “Valkyrie” ends up yawn-worthy rather than breathtaking.