This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, June 30th, 2022.

Later in the program, we have an excerpt from the latest edition of Bring It On - Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community. More in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, today the Supreme Court voted to limit the EPA’s ability to regulate carbon emissions. This blow to climate change mitigation efforts could lead to more air pollution and a warmer climate. WFHB Correspondent Bode Hoover shares some findings from a recent air purification study that individuals might be interested in learning more about in light of today’s Supreme Court decision.

The Statehouse Roundup

Indiana lawmakers pushed back the special session to discuss taxpayer refunds and abortion from July 6th to July 25th.

This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade case — which now leaves the legality of abortion up to the states.

Erin Wittern, a spokesperson for the Indiana House Republicans, said in a statement, “In light of the historic Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, legislative leaders are anticipating a multi-week special session versus one or two days. Due to this extended session and to minimize logistical issues, leaders worked with the governor to push the start date to July 25th.”

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has previously stated that he is pro-life, and said the state will address the abortion issue in short order. He said in a statement, “we have an opportunity to make progress in protecting the sanctity of life, and that’s exactly what we will do.”

Right now, abortion is still legal in Indiana. For more information about Planned Parenthood in Bloomington, call 317-205-8088 or visit planned parenthood dot org.

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Over a dozen new laws passed by the Indiana Statehouse will go into effect on July 1st. Among these new policies — House Bill 1296 repealed the law requiring people to receive a license to carry a handgun in the state.

All in all, this means that people don’t need a license or permit from the state of Indiana in order to have a handgun.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter had previously come out against the law saying that it could make it hard for police to determine who is legally allowed to carry a gun.

People barred from owning a handgun under the old law are still barred from owning a handgun under the new law.

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Lastly, a new law that bans transgender females from competing in girls school sports will go into effect on July 1st.

House Bill 1041 was authored by Representative Michelle Davis, a Republican who represents District 58.

Late last month, the Indiana General Assembly overrode Governor Eric Holcomb’s veto effectively banning transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams.

Holcomb previously claimed the ban was unnecessary and expressed concern the policy would leave the state vulnerable to lawsuits.

However, the House overrode the governor’s veto with a 67-28 vote, while the Senate voted 32-15 to overturn the governor’s objection to the law.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, at least 18 states have introduced restrictions on transgender sports participation in recent years.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board

During public comment at the Richland Bean Blossom School Board meeting on June 20th, a concerned parent asked the board to rewrite the policy regarding attendance during finals week.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Irwin asked the board to approve changes to the 2022-2023 classified handbook. Irwin explained that it is a yearly renewal and that they work w...