Cheat Sheet: Sunday's most popular stories
1. Indiana is facing a worsening teacher shortage.
The number of newly licensed teachers is down 18 percent, which is leaving many school districts scrambling to find qualified educators. The problem is especially bad when it comes to finding math, science and special ed teachers. As a result, some districts are starting the year with substitute teachers in full-time roles — or they have to lower their standards for candidates.
The reasons are both complex and simple: reputation and money. Relative to other professions, teachers start at a low rate of pay, about $32,000. And as the persistent "those who can't do, teach" idea persists, many choose to enter less-maligned professions.
Our Matthew Tully penned a heartfelt thank you to our teacher warriors.
2. How little Goshen became an LGBT rights battleground.
With just 32,000 residents, this northern Indiana town is suddenly being thrust into the spotlight as outside advocates stage a miniature battle that will soon surely play out at the state level. LGBT rights activists and conservative Christian groups are duking it out over whether LGBT Hoosiers should be protected from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The city is politically "purple," a mix of conservatism and liberalism. And that, experts say, could make it the perfect test ground before this fight reaches the General Assembly.
How will the RFRA flap affect the Indy convention business in years to come?
3. Some in-state students are being squeezed out of Purdue by tuition freezes.
It sounds counterintuitive. If tuition is staying stable, shouldn't more Hoosiers be able to attend one of its best public universities? But as years of in-state tuition freezes rack up, out-of-state students are paying more and more for the privilege to attend. That means there's less room for Hoosiers who pay lower rates — almost a third less than international students or those from other states.
52 percent of Purdue students now come from outside Indiana.
4. Welcome to Colts training camp!
The boys in blue are back to work. Many excitedly tweeted about the experience, including pictures of their Anderson University dorm rooms. Here are some stories to watch during this week:
- Vick Ballard is staging a comeback, and he's well-worth rooting for.
- Don't expect to see Robert Mathis on the field this week. They're going slow with his rehab.
- Chuck Pagano has built a monster team. Will it devour him whole?
5. See pictures of geeks on parade.
These pictures of the Gen Con costume contest must be seen to be believed.