This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 16th, 2025.

Later in the program, “What can Cuba teach us about healthcare delivery?” on Prescription for Healthcare – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and Medicare for All Indiana.

That’s Mike McAfee, director of Visit Bloomington, on the economic impact of IU’s best football season ever. Could Bloomington host a playoff bowl game next year?

The Statehouse Roundup

On Wednesday, Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order ridding the state government from any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Braun officially closed the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office that former Governor Eric Holcomb started back in 2020 after unrest in Indianapolis following the police killing of George Floyd.

The Indiana governor also signed an executive order mandating in-office work for state employees. This marks a shift away from remote work initiatives warranted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the executive order, state employees must return to work in-person by July 1st.

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U.S. Senator Todd Young who represents Indiana recently announced that he will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary in the incoming Trump administration.

Young said in a statement to Politico, “America has the best military in the world, and at this critical moment, the Department of Defense needs innovative thinking and a break from the status quo.”

On Tuesday, Hegseth had his confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Hegseth has been viewed as a controversial choice for defense secretary.

The Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host has faced questions about his experience for the role and multiple controversies about his past, including an allegation of sexual assault, according to reporting by Brittany Carloni in the IndyStar.

Senator Young said in the statement, “Pete Hegseth is a combat veteran who understands the need to restore deterrence, audit the Pentagon, reinstill confidence in DoD’s mission, and address the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. I appreciated our candid meeting last month and his testimony yesterday, and I will support his nomination when it comes to the floor.”

Sources: IndyStar, WTHR, Politico, Indiana Public Media

Feature Reports:

The Indiana University football team recently wrapped up a fairytale season under new coach Curt Cignetti. Was this year a fluke? And what’s the impact on Bloomington beyond Memorial Stadium? Explore these questions with IU sportscaster Nick Rodecap and Visit Bloomington director Mike McAfee in today’s feature report on IU’s best football season ever produced by WFHB Correspondent Quincy Bell.

Credits: