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Beyond Bloomington 151 results

Tracks Through Time: The Trains of 1970s Bloomington

In the 1970s, a budding photographer in Bloomington captured images of trains as they passed through the area. Today, Richard Koenig, a professor of art at Kalamazoo College, shares his photographs with Limestone Post, showing how a once essential industry was threaded into the very fabric of town life. Click here to read the full story and to see Koenig's photos.

Democratic Reforms Needed for Your Vote to Count

Former Bloomington Mayor Tomi Allison and Indiana University Professor Emeritus Jim Allison say our democracy is in urgent need of reform to give voices back to the majority of Americans. They suggest starting with three key efforts: instating the popular vote, eliminating gerrymandering, and creating a rank-choice voting system. Click here to read the full story.

Standing Rock Protestors: ‘Water Is Life’

Protestors at Standing Rock in North Dakota have a simple message: “Mni Wiconi” — Water is life. Or as Laura Martinez, a Bloomington resident and citizen of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, writes, "Life cannot exist without water. We can survive without oil by investing in renewable energy, but we cannot sustain life without clean water." Click here to read the full story.

More HOPE for Youth in School-to-Prison Pipeline

HOPE, a program started by IU professor Theresa Ochoa, is designed to help youths in juvenile-detention facilities across Indiana. Anne Georgescu follows up her first article on HOPE, showing how the only mentorship program of its kind in the country continues to help break the school-to-prison pipeline for juvenile offenders. Click here to read the full story.

‘Places, Things, People’ 4×5 Photo Gallery: Part 1, Places

In this three-part photography series titled “Places, Things, People,” Adam Reynolds roams the southern Indiana countryside with his new 4x5 “large format” camera — a style that was popular until 35mm film began to hold sway in the mid-1900s. Making pictures with this camera, Reynolds says in his artist's statement, “is a slow, almost meditative, affair.” The results can be striking. Click here to read Reynolds' artist's statement and to see a gallery of his 4x5 photography.

‘Dear S—’: A Letter from Women’s Marcher to 11-Year-Old Girl

On Saturday, January 21, Ruthie Cohen and two busloads of people arrived in Washington, D.C., after an all-night trip from Bloomington, to participate in the Women’s March on Washington. Afterward, in Bloomington, Ruthie penned a response to a friend’s 11-year old daughter, “S—,” who is skeptical about the march making any difference in the world. Here is her letter.

For Some, Winter Means Outdoor Adventures

Wintertime gives outdoor enthusiasts an experience that fair-weather campers often only pretend to enjoy — seclusion in the great outdoors. In frigid and even subfreezing temperatures, when most people are staying warm inside, campers usually have the forests to themselves. And with the right equipment and preparation, winter camping can offer the best of the outdoors. Click here to read the full story.

Downey Hill, a Brown County Gem in Peak Season — by Air [video]

The Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill, a Sycamore Land Trust property, is quintessential Brown County — a mature hardwood forest on rolling hills. During peak season, hiking its trail is a prime way to view the autumn colors. But drone company Aerial 812 and Sycamore’s Abby Perfetti give us another view — from above. Click here to watch the video.

B-town ‘Champion’ Brings Somali Soccer Film to Bus-Chum

The film Men in the Arena, showing in Bloomington at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on October 26, documents two young Somalis who play on the national soccer team of their war-torn country. To escape terrorism, they emigrate to the United States. For several reasons, Bloomington’s Tyler Ferguson has championed the film. Click here to read the full story.

The Best Southern Indiana Waterways for Paddling Fun

Almost year-round, people canoe and kayak on southern Indiana’s rivers. From family trips to technical paddles, day trips to weekend excursions, lazy rivers to party trips, there’s an option for nearly everyone. Adventure-travel writer Michael Waterford reveals his favorite paddling trips for a variety of styles and skill levels. Click here to read the full story.

8 Must-See Columbus Artworks — Besides the Famed Architecture

The architecture of Columbus, Indiana, is widely hailed for its quality and innovation. Lesser known, though, are the peculiar artworks throughout the city. Writer Chris Sims and photographer Adam Reynolds explored the town to see what draws not just architectural scholars but also art lovers from across the nation. Click here to read the full story.

Friday Night Auction at Dinky’s Is Down-Home Hoosier Fun [video]

Nearly every week, people drive from miles away to Dinky’s Auction Center in Daviess County (about 60 miles southwest of Bloomington) to hunt for treasures, mingle with others, or just take it all in. Videographer TJ Jaeger recently visited Dinky’s on a late-summer evening to capture an Amish tradition — the Friday night auction. Click here to watch the video and read the full story.