This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 22nd, 2021.

Later in the program, we revisit two stories from WFHB Correspondents Max Campbell and Robert Robinson on Bloomington annexation and a lawsuit filed against Indiana University over its vaccine mandate. More in the bottom half of our show.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we introduce a new segment - the WFHB Environmental News Brief - hosted by WFHB Correspondent Nathaniel Weinzapfel. More following today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Yesterday, the City of Bloomington launched their new Green Home Improvement Program. It will provide $1,000 rebates and low-interest loans for eligible homeowners undertaking solar, geothermal, or other energy efficiency projects. The program is a part of Mayor John Hamilton’s Recover Forward Initiative, which aims to bolster Bloomington’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and foster racial, economic, and climate justice. Interested Bloomington residents can fill out the intake form on the City of Bloomington’s website to determine their eligibility. There will be a registration-required webinar on Monday, July 26th, for homeowners and contractors with questions.

In a recent decision, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana upheld Indiana University’s vaccine mandate planned for the 2021 academic year. The opinion, written by judge Damon R. Leichty, refused an injunction against Indiana University’s policy. The injunction was requested as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by a group of IU students seeking to challenge the mandate, alleging it violates their Fourteenth Amendment rights to personal autonomy. Attorneys for the students have said they plan to appeal the ruling.

In other news, the FBI arrested a 28-year old man in Bloomington yesterday for his participation in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Monroe County Community Schools will have their first day of classes in two weeks, on Wednesday August 4th. The 2021 Bloomington Community survey results released this morning showed nine out of ten respondents favorably reviewing Bloomington as a place to live. The most frequent concerns reported were homelessness and the availability of affordable housing.

Bloomington City Council

At its first meeting back from recess, the Bloomington City Council discussed American Rescue Plan Act fund appropriation. At the July 21st meeting, members of city staff gave brief presentations about plans for the first round of ARPA funding. Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked why the ARPA general plan and the first appropriation ordinance both list each appropriate. Corporation Counsel Philippa Guthrie said there were few guidelines for how to appropriate ARPA funding. She said Bloomington worked with outside counsel and agreed that this was the best way to keep track of the funding.

Council member Matt Flaherty asked about proposed funding for residents with section 8 housing vouchers. He questioned Housing and Neighborhood Development Director John Zody about the decision not to have a more general appropriation for more homeless resources. Zody responded that the city prioritized voucher holders because they must be housed within a specific time frame.

Council member Ron Smith asked why funds were being appropriated for repairs to the Waldron Arts Center if the city was considering building a new arts center. Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley said that the Waldron Arts Center is an important step in helping the arts recover from the pandemic right now.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees 

The Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees discussed progress on the southwest branch. Architect Christine Matheu presented the latest details on the pro...