Volunteers across Bloomington, Indiana are temporarily trying to keep the homeless away from downtown so that they remain safe and unharmed, but according to officials this act is considered illegal. Sydney Franklin and Gretchen Frazee talked to a volunteer as well as the Mayor about what is going to happen next.
Legalization of Midwifery in Indiana
After 20 years of struggle and strife, midwives across Indiana are cheering as the bill to legalize the profession is passed and now needs Governor Mike Pence’s signature to make it official.
IU Police Chief Keith Cash Dies
Indiana Public Media’s Sara Wittmeyer keeps Bloomington, Indiana updated throughout the day after Police Chief Keith Cash dies unexpectedly of a heart condition Wednesday, March 20th. WFIU/WTIU reporter Sydney Franklin went to the IU Police Department located on 17th Street to talk with his partner Laury Flint.
(videographer: Bill Shaw)
Pre-K Voucher Bill Passed Through Senate
Pre-k Voucher Bill
Early education is on the rise for Indiana as the voucher bill was passed yesterday and is now awaiting the vote of the House which will take place next week. The voucher bill gives qualified low income families a chance to send their children to preschools working on the advancement of early academic life. Director Ted Maple (MAY-pel) at United Way of Central Indiana says one reason they support the bill is that the scholarship is only effective for high quality child care programs, schools, or other environments that meet the standards for early education.
“United Way along with many other education advocates believe strongly that if we invest early in young children, give them a high quality education, that they’ll be more prepared for school, more successful in school, and will be less likely to have to deal with other costly issues down the road such as remediation or problems students face if they are not adequately prepared.”
Although the ISTA is on board for early childhood funding by the state, spokesman Mark Shoup (Sh-oop) claims they have a few issues about the bill.
“The data support that Indiana has outstanding public schools. The traditional public schools in the state continue to perform, students and educators, continue to perform much better than other states in the area and across the United States. Our vision is that the state constitution is very clear that the state has to establish and fund a consistent common school program across the state and pulling money away from public schools and transferring it to private, 98% of which are religious schools is counter to the state constitution.”
According to the bill, 1,000 students will benefit from this scholarship each receiving a value based on their income level that will add up to a state cost of $7 million dollars in funding.
(photo credit to Elle Moxley of State Impact @ stateimpact.npr.org)
Does the Cosmetology Profession Need a License?
A bill that would initially allow those interested in the cosmetic industry such as hair and nail stylists to get a job without a license is currently going through the process of determination. Professionals in this industry are starting to get worried because they fear that anyone off the street could be a hair dresser or nail stylist.
Brown County Schools Won’t Layoff Staff Despite Budget Restraints
Brown County is facing a deficit in their budget for education. However, when we spoke with them, they assured us laying off teachers and other employees would not be the solution to this problem. The Superintendent talks about other ways Brown County is going to deal with this situation.
IU Talks Michigan Game at Hoops Presser
One of the most anticipated games of the season is coming up as #3 IU takes on #1 Michigan. The hype is so high that ESPN’s College Game Day is broadcasting the event on national television. Coach Tom Crean talks about how the team will prepare at the IU Hoops Presser hosted Friday, February 1st. The game will be Saturday, February 2nd at 9 p.m.
Sydney's 411 