This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 24th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of A Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where we ask Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton questions on community issues. More coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we provide coverage of an arts rally over the weekend to celebrate the city’s five-year commitment to keep the John Waldron Arts Center a space for the local arts community. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Monroe County is seeing a 28% decrease in reported COVID-19 cases within the last 14 days with 39% of the population being fully vaccinated - 10% less than the national statistic. With the CDC announcing that vaccinated people are able to be in public settings without a mask, certain restaurants in Bloomington are no longer requiring masks from staff or guests.

On Friday, Indiana University announced that students, faculty and staff are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to campus in the fall. This requirement will allow the mask requirement on campus to be lifted as well as executing the promise of things returning “back to normal”. Those who refuse to get the vaccine will have their class registration revoked, lose access to Canvas and their CrimsonCard and on-campus activities. Students and faculty must be fully vaccinated no later than August 15th.

On Saturday more than 200 demonstrators protested outside of the Monroe County Courthouse over the bombing of Palestinians in Gaza City, killing 2,100 people. The rally was organized by IU graduate student Aaron Comforty who wrote in the Facebook page for the event, “We demand an end to unconditional military funding. We demand an end to Israeli apartheid."

COVID-19 Press Conference 

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill talked about being cautious despite lifting local COVID-19 restrictions. At the May 21st Coronavirus Press Conference, she said residents should be weary of businesses who are reopening too quickly.

Assistant Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Indiana University Kirk White also announced that students, faculty and staff would be required to have their COVID-19 vaccination in order to return to I-U for the Fall Semester. He said there would be an exemption process, but it would be tight.

White said that students who cannot provide proof of vaccination will have their registration cancelled. He added that it will also become a condition of employment.

Bloomington City Council 

The Bloomington City Council discussed annexation at its May 19th meeting. Corporation Counsel Phillipa Guthrie explained this process is a continuation of the same process started in 2017. She said the city has already done some of the required actions.

Councilmember Sue Sgambelluri showed concern over the annexation date. She pointed out that residents annexed in 2024 would not be represented in the 2023 City Council elections. Guthrie replied that an earlier date had been considered, but there were concerns that it may not be enough time.

Councilmember Steve Volan brought up redistricting. He questioned counsel Steve Unger on whether City Council would have to redistrict multiple times in 2023.

The public hearing for annexation is set for August 4th.

Bloomington Environmental Commission 

The Bloomington Environmental Commission discussed the city’s Climate Action Plan. Assistant Director of Sustainability Lauren Travis presented the climate action plan as presented to the City Council. She specified solar energy as a major goal of the plan.

Travis also talked about efforts to encourage composting.