Despite growing evidence that voucher students fall behind academically when they switch from public to private schools, Indiana legislators have increased the cost of the state’s voucher program to $439 million. Education writer Steve Hinnefeld looks at the latest voucher report from the Indiana Department of Education, and asks, should Hoosier taxpayers pay for schools that discriminate? Read Hinnefeld’s column here.
Preparing to have a child is similar in many ways for queer couples as for heterosexual couples, write Lynae Sowinski and Josie Leimbach, who got married in Bloomington in 2017 and now live in Georgia. But in a variety of ways, their parenthood experience has been different — and emotionally, physically, and financially more difficult. Read about their journey to queer parenthood.
A 25-foot-tall sasquatch at Patoka Lake has become a sensation, drawing tourists from across the state and beyond. The shaggy beast — named Otis and made from poplar, white pine, and other materials by the Bear Hollow carving team — adds another attraction to Orange County’s tourism, which is “a major driver” in its economy. By Carol Johnson of the Southern Indiana Business Report.
Bloomington and neighboring communities are preparing a rush of activity for the solar eclipse on April 8. And it wouldn’t be a Bloomington celebration, writes Dason Anderson, if art wasn’t involved. One artist and his stone-carver cousin have made it even more local, with limestone sculptures to recognize, celebrate, and remember the event for eons. See what’s happening for the eclipse.
One out of ten Bloomington residents struggles with food insecurity — having limited or uncertain access to food. A patchwork system of food banks, community kitchens, food-assistance programs, and other initiatives helps people get healthful food, but experts say it doesn’t address the root of the problem: poverty. Read part 2 of our Deep Dive into food insecurity.
“School Matters” is a new Limestone Post column by journalist Steve Hinnefeld that will cover local and regional education, as well as statewide legislation that could affect schools in our community. In this first article, Hinnefeld looks at Indiana’s low national ranking for policies that address rural schools and rural students. Click here for School Matters.
Parents working multiple jobs, college students struggling financially, elderly veterans with health conditions. These are just some of the folks who experience food insecurity in our community. People working to fight hunger in Monroe County say they can’t keep up with the demand. This first article in a two-part series will look at the problem. Click here for a Deep Dive into food insecurity.
Parents, educators, and advocates say the Indiana General Assembly passed harmful and unnecessary laws that are taking effect this school year. Laws that prioritize private over public schools, underfund mandates, intimidate vulnerable students, and even create a “chilling effect” on librarians, they say, amount to a “slate of hate.” | Click here for an education deep dive by Steve Hinnefeld.
“Travel with Laurie” is a new Limestone Post series by Laurie D. Borman about the sundry and fascinating travel destinations in southern Indiana. In her first article, Laurie explores some of the historic treasures in and around the highly rated resort towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs. Click here to hop aboard!
While public schools in Indiana are facing key policy and budgetary challenges, the Orange County public school districts in southern Indiana are working to overcome the challenges children face, via unique initiatives and innovative health-care partnerships, writes Keri Jean Miksza, an advocate with the Indiana Coalition for Public Education–Monroe County. Click here to read Keri’s article.
Anthropologist Elizabeth Keating was close with her parents. Yet after they passed away, she had many questions she wished she had asked. Keating has used her scholarly training to write a guide for how to question family members about their past. You could use Keating’s tips during the holidays for getting to know your family members even better. | Click here for Keating’s tips!
Limestone Post columnist Ruthie Cohen says Crystal Orly’s Ekah Yoga studio, pre-pandemic, was a community destination, with live music events, pot luck gatherings, a community garden, family nights, and kids’ activities. “Post-lockdown has been less rosy,” says Ruthie. But Ekah is hosting a Halloween-themed event to bring the community back. Click here to read Ruthie’s article.
