Will the Super Bowl economic boost last?

The City of Indianapolis has invested millions of dollars in preparation for the Super Bowl, and city officials expect a sizable return. But as Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Sean Bueter  reports, figuring out whether that boost will last is difficult to do.

Bueter — Super Bowl Impact

Muslims in Muncie have a welcome home

With Ball State University actively increasing its number of international students, these students will leave their native countries to come to a small city in the middle of a region recognized for its homogeneous population.  But, as IPR’s Safarali Saydshoev reports, many who practice the Islamic faith are finding a surprisingly welcome home in Muncie.

Saydshoev — Muslims in Muncie

MPD officers wounded and suspect killed in shooting near Ball State campus

A mid-afternoon shooting near Ball State University’s campus has killed an unidentified man and wounded two Muncie Police Department officers.  While serving an arrest warrant, Officers Steve Baugh and Brent Brown suffered superficial wounds when the suspect began shooting at them.  Ball State Senior Britny Hinsberger lives on the corner of Dicks and University streets, with a view of the Village Pantry parking lot.

Hinsberger on Shooting

Delaware County Coroner Steve Hahn has confirmed that the suspect was killed when police returned fire.  According to the Star Press, he was believed to be involved in a recent robbery.  Ball State’s Public Safety Notice system sent a message to campus emails just before 3 PM. It gave basic details about the shooting and said, “At no time was there a threat to the university community.”

Where We Live: High School Gyms

Each Friday at 8:49AM during Morning Edition, IPR plays a short story brought to you by Indiana Landmarks.  Today’s story features the high school gymnasiums in New Castle and Anderson.  We thought you might like to hear it again.

Where We Live — HS Gyms

StateImpact Indiana: Reading Data

Indiana’s third graders are gearing up for the biggest exam of their young academic careers.  Students who can’t pass the state’s test of their reading abilities this March can’t move on to fourth grade.  With stakes that high, many educators have decided they need more data on how well students are doing in reading.  But it’s a practice that sounds, to some, like “teaching to the test.”  StateImpact Indiana’s Kyle Stokes visited a Monroe County elementary school using “data-driven instruction” to help everyone prepare for high-stakes tests.

Stokes — Reading Data

StateImpact Indiana is a collaboration between NPR and your Indiana Public Broadcasting stations.

Indianapolis uses social media to guide Super Bowl fans

Today, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Indianapolis, saying the city has exceeded the league’s high expectations as a first-time Super Bowl host with great hospitality.  One way the city is connecting with out-of-town visitors is by utilizing social media.  IPR’s Sarah Phinney explains how it can help Super Bowl fans.

Phinney — Super Bowl Social Media

This weekend, Sarah will volunteer at the Social Media Command Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Banned items at Sunday’s Super Bowl in Indianapolis

Are you attending Sunday’s Super Bowl in Indianapolis?  National security officials say screening at Lucas Oil Stadium will be significantly heightened for the game.  Fans should only bring a small bag or purse and are encouraged to arrive early to allow adequate time for security screening.

Here is a list of items that are banned from Lucas Oil Stadium for the big game:
–Weapons
–Fireworks
–Camcorders
–Umbrellas
–Strollers
–Beach balls
–Frisbees
–Poles or sticks
–Laser lights and pointers
–Containers of any type
–Backpacks
–Cans, hairspray
–Cases for cameras or binoculars
–Pepper spray
–Banners
–Noisemakers or horns

– The Associated Press