This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 15th, 2021

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of Civic Conversations - a monthly podcast collaboration between WFHB and the League of Women Voters. Our guest today is Jennifer Haan, lead volunteer for the Indiana Chapter of Moms Demand Action. More coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up, earlier this afternoon, members of Cosecha Indiana marched through the streets of Bloomington with demands to reform identification and driver’s license laws. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

COVID-19 cases are increasing in Indiana. The state reported 612 new cases yesterday, which is the highest number seen since May 27th. The seven-day positivity rate has gone from mid-June levels of 2.1% to 4.1% as of last week. State health officials held a COVID briefing for the first time in months where they noted the state’s slight increase in hospitalizations. Many experts are blaming the delta variant of COVID-19 for these spikes in numbers. The delta variant was first seen in India but has since spread to the U.S. and was seen in 273 samples this past week. According to health officials, the majority of cases seen recently have been from unvaccinated individuals. 53.4% of 18 and older Hoosiers are fully vaccinated currently. The overall average for states within that age range is 58.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indiana has identified 10 species of sick and dying birds in 69 Indiana counties recently from a mysterious illness, resources say. The Illness has been found primarily in blue jays, robins, cardinals, and starling; however more have been added to the list over time by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Although the only birds on the watch list right now are wild birds, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health encourages poultry owners to protect their birds as well. Pets are also suggested to keep away from areas where sick or dead birds have been found. Reports of the birds began in late May. by the beginning of July, cases were found in more than eight other states. The cause of the birds dying is still unknown but the DNR has ruled out avian influenza, West Nile virus, Salmonella, Chlamydia, Newcastle disease virus, herpesviruses and poxviruses, and Trichomonas parasites. Symptoms from the birds have been eye discharge, tremors and disorientation, swollen heads, and an inability to fly. The DNR asks that if someone spots a sick or dead bird they report it online and if dead, double bag it without touching the bird and dispose of it in household trash. Since birds have plenty of food right now, the DNR is also requesting residents to remove bird feeders with seed or nectar, as it may be a possible cause of illness and death.

Crumbl Cookies, spelled C-R-U-M-B-L, opened this Friday on the east side at 115 S. College Mall Road. The store sells specialty cookie flavors that rotate each week, as well as regular milk chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Crumbl has more than 120 flavors. The local franchise started in Utah and now has more than 200 bakeries in 32 states. There is no indoor seating but outdoors seating will likely become available, says owner and operator of the Bloomington store, Kevin Jones. The shop has options of in-store pickup, curbside delivery and catering. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to Midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Cosecha Indiana Marches through the Streets of Bloomington

On Thursday, members of Cosecha Indiana marched through the streets of Bloomington with demands to reform identification and driver’s license laws.

According to a spokesperson for the organization, Cosecha Indiana is part of a national movement working ...