One of Ball State University's neighbors got sick this week. It told everyone it has an "influenza-like illness."
Assuming the absolute worst, 113 students who were absent Tuesday out of the 562 students at Burris Laboratory School have swine flu. More than likely that's not the case but it wouldn't be an absurd bet to say a good portion of those students has swine flu.
Extending Fall Break for them is a good call, considering flu symptoms, whether of the swine or seasonal persuasion, are spread by contact.
High school students are in close proximity for longer than college students. A lot of us get breaks between classes and aren't cooped in the same building all day. If 20 percent are out sick, there's probably more who toughed through it or haven't shown symptoms yet and showed up. By the end of school Thursday it could have been more than that.
Closing Burris for a few extra days was a good call for students, faculty and staff at Ball State too. Since Burris neighbors Ball State's campus, the high school students are frequently at the nearby L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Since the food court recently reopened after renovations, with a Taco Bell (kids love that stuff), Burris students are regular customers. They can be seen sporadically throughout the rest of campus as well.
Proaction is better than reaction with decisions like these. Technically this was a reaction, but it was early and could cut off a potentially bigger problem.
This goes to show that we need to adhere to the advice that we've received from various health organizations. Whether it's actually swine flu or just boring seasonal flu, it's still going around.
So, once again, be cautious, wash your hands, cover your mouth, etc.
Read More
IPR: Arts funding stripped from numerous Indiana organizations
3 hours agoFederal funding that supports artists across Indiana has been terminated by the Trump Administration. The National Endowment for the Arts has pulled funding from art organizations across the country, including in Indiana. The NEA awarded $265,000 to 13 art organizations in the state for the 2025 fiscal year.
Start your summer with enjoying events in Muncie
By Ball State Daily / 21 hours agoLooking for summer fun in Muncie? The ECI events page features a variety of upcoming activities, from game nights and gardening to spaghetti dinners, model aircraft flying, and free yoga sessions, many events are free. Explore the events and discover something for everyone this season!
Capital Chronicle: ACLU sues governor’s office over change to IU board of trustees
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / YesterdayJust one day after Gov. Mike Braun signed the state’s next two-year budget into law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit to halt a provision slipped last-minute into the must-pass legislation last month.
