This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 18th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger recently spoke with policy experts at Indiana University and a student with family in Ukraine about the Russia-Ukraine War. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Commissioners Call Out State-Local Government Disconnect, Flu Still High in Indiana as COVID-like Emergency Visits Decline

At their meeting on March 13, the Monroe County Commissioners highlighted the significant disconnect between state and local governments.

Following a request from Monroe County Treasurer Cathy Smith for funding to buy a scanner and scanning software for her office, Commissioner Jody Madeira emphasized how the state government overlooks the small, cumulative costs local governments face.

Commissioner Julie Thomas added that these small costs accumulate quickly, placing an unforeseen weight on taxpayers.

Measles is a virus, meaning antibiotics aren’t effective for treating it, and there is no specific medication used to treat the virus. The best way to protect against measles is to get the vaccination.

Kelley said that the public health clinic offers measles vaccinations.

The commissioners also approved an agreement with Republic Services for dumpster services at several government buildings. They proposed possibly changing the dumper service approach once the new justice center is complete.

Area 10 and Rural Transit Administrator Chris Myers updated the commissioners on ridership for the rural transit program, highlighting an increase in demand. Commissioner Lee Jones said she hopes the rising ridership will help make rural transit more accessible.

The commissioners also approved a speed limit change from 30 mph to 25 mph for Duxbury Drive, Thames Drive, Wexford Court and Kylie Court, and putting in stop signs on Kylie Court.

The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be March 27.

Bloomington Sustainability Commission Prioritizes Filling Vacant Positions

The City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability met on Tuesday, March 11th.

Chair of the Commission Justin Vasel, discussed some priorities he had for himself when he was first elected as chair.

Vasel said that the Commission still has three vacant commission positions.

Next, Commission Member Matt Austin, with the waste management working group, shared some information about a nonprofit in Bloomington.

In regards to the waste reduction district, Austin commented on how waste costs could decrease.

The commission also brainstormed some new areas for the commission to focus on in the future. Some of these include agriculture, food supply, housing, zoning, educational outreach, and policy changes. These ideas are proposed as being part of the sustainability report that the commission had been working on during previous meetings.

The next meeting for the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability will occur on April 8th.

Feature Report:

As the Russia-Ukraine War continues to unfold, the impacts are felt far beyond the borders of Eastern Europe. WFHB correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger recently spoke with policy experts at Indiana University and a student with family in Ukraine to explore the personal and geopolitical dimensions of this ongoing crisis. Here’s her report.

Up next, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We now turn to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: