This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 12th, 2024.

Later in the program, local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin provides an editorial on a recent appropriation ordinance from the city council. More in the bottom half of tonight’s program.

That’s Katie Hopkins from Thriving Connections, a program helping local people build bridges out of poverty. She’s looking for some supportive allies for the latest crew of program participants. Find out how to sign up later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council

The Bloomington City Council met for its regular session on August 7th. During the meeting, Mayor Kerry Thomson touched on encampments and service provider recommendations for unhoused individuals. The mayor’s report comes after the city released a new housing action plan conducted by Heading Home of South Central Indiana. The action plan is a 20-page report providing a strategy for addressing street homelessness in the community. Mayor Thomson began by explaining the city’s defense of recent closures of encampments in Bloomington.

Then, Mayor Thomson provided background on the new housing action plan addressing the increase of street homelessness in the community.

The housing action plan has ten recommendations in an effort to combat the prevalence of street homeless in Bloomington. Mayor Thomson walked through these recommendations.

The mayor says the plan was conducted by local organizations and services providers using the “housing first” approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, this approach says that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical like getting a job, budgeting properly or attending to substance abuse issues.

Council Member Isak Asare asked whether steps from the housing action plan would be included in the city’s budget for next year.

During public comment, a local resident pushed back against the city’s planned evictions of homeless encampments using “public safety concerns” as justification for the removal of those encampments.

The city council is slated to meet for its next regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21st.

The Election Board held a special session on August 8th to take action on the candidate Randy Cassidy’s letter of resignation from the County Commissioner District 2 campaign. On July 30th, 2024 Democratic Chair David Henry submitted a challenge to their candidacy on the grounds that Cassidy did not meet the residency requirements.

County Attorney Molly-Turner King explained that following the Election Board meeting on August 1st, they received a stipulation of facts that was submitted by Democratic Party Chair David Henry, Candidate in question Randy Cassidy, and Cassidy’s Legal Counsel, Allison Weber.

The board voted unanimously to accept the stipulation of facts, uphold the Democratic Chair David Henry’s challenge of candidacy, and remove Randy Cassidy from the ballot.

The Election Board will meet for its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 5th.

Feature Report:

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 8th, 2024.

Later in the program, we have Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. More in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Cindy Beaulé speaks with members of Off Night Productions – a women-led nonprofit producing contemporary theatre & music on off nights of the traditional performance week.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington Utilities Service Board

At the Bloomington Utility Service Board meeting on July 29th, a Bloomington Resident and Utility Customer asked the board to appeal a utility bill. The customer shared that their water bill was high due to a leak that occurred after they moved out of their apartment.

Assistant City Attorney Chris Wheeler said that according to Indiana Law, they are only able to adjust the bill if the meter had been read incorrectly or if there was a meter error. Wheeler said that they tested the meter, and did not find any issues. Wheeler said that from a legal standpoint, the utility department couldn’t do anything, however the dispute could be brought up between the landlord and the renter.

The board unanimously voted to deny the request to appeal the utility bill, however, they did vote to waive the delinquent fees on the bill.

Board Member Megan Parmenter explained the result of the vote, and said she hopes they will be able to work out the issue with their landlord.

The next Bloomington Utility Service Board meeting will be held on August 12th.

Feature Report:

This month Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone interviewed Carrie Rouse MD. Dr. Rouse is an OBGYN in Indianapolis who specializes in maternal fetal care, especially high risk pregnancy care. Dr. Rouse is an abortion provider. She is also a member of the Good Trouble Coalition, a physician group that focuses on issues of social justice, advocates for patients, public health, and evidence based medicine. She brings us up to date on the state of reproductive healthcare in Indiana. We turn now to Prescription for Healthcare on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Cindy Beaulé speaks with folk trio Mad Agnes who is playing a show in Bloomington on Friday. 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 Board of Commissioners

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met on July 31st. Health Administrator Lori Kelley gave an update on the health department, saying that Covid-19 related emergency visits have increased slightly.

Then, the commissioners heard a resolution outlining remonstration for the expansion of the Monroe Fire Protection District. This resolution would add Bean Blossom Township to the county’s fire protection district. According to the agenda, the inclusion of the township into the county’s fire protection district requires a public meeting and a demonstration that Bean Blossom Township residents are supportive. Town Attorney Jeff Cockerill outlined the resolution.

Monroe County Commissioner Julie Thomas asked Cockerill whether the resolution applies to all of Bean Blossom Township. Cockerill responded.

Commissioner Penny Githens asked what the timeline looks like for the project. Bean Blossom Township Representative Ron Hudson responded that it’s unclear at the moment.

Commissioner Githens commented on the expansion of the Monroe Fire Protection District citing previous examples of townships speaking positively of joining.

The commissioners voted unanimously in supporting the resolution. The next Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting will happen on August 7th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Cindy Beaulé speaks with folk trio Mad Agnes. Mad Agnes is slated to play a show at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 9th at the Blue Room in Bloomington. For more, we turn to Cindy Beaulé.

Up next, we have 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:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 5th, 2024.

Later in the program, the Bloomington City Council appointed deputy attorney Ash Kulak to serve as interim council administrator during the council’s most recent meeting. More in today’s headlines.

That’s Chris Herring from Pals – that’s People and Animal Learning Services. They use “equine therapy” to help people in our community overcome their challenges. Hear more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council

The Bloomington City Council met on July 31st after a summer recess. During the council reports section of the meeting, the council deliberated on filling the vacancy of the council attorney position. The vote concerned whether to allow the deputy attorney Ash Kulak to serve as interim council attorney. Parliamentarian Hopi Stosberg walked through the proposal.

Council Member Isak Asare asked about the process behind the job posting. Stosberg explained the rationale of the hiring committee.

Asare followed up requesting that the committee should include a lawyer in the hiring process of the new council administrator.

Council Member Matt Flaherty asked whether the hiring committee has checked with the city’s human resources office on the salary for the position. Stosberg clarified that the hiring committee had coordinated with human resources.

The council voted 8-0 to appoint Ash Kulak as interim council administrator. Then, the council heard a first reading of an appropriations ordinance. The ordinance would allocate additional money from the food and beverage, general and American Rescue Plan Act funds and would approve of a revised 2024 budget for the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board or C-I-B. The C-I-B oversees the affairs of the Monroe Convention Center and its expansion. City Clerk Nicole Bolden read the ordinance by title and synopsis only.

The city council will vote on the ordinance at a future meeting. The Bloomington City Council will convene for its next regular session on August 7th.

Monroe County Election Board

The Monroe County Election Board met on August 1st. Starting things off, County Clerk Nicole Browne gave a summary of the primary election’s attendance.

Next, the board heard an update from the Vote Center Study Committee. Representing the committee was Committee Member Ami (Ah-me) Gandhi to share what the committee has been working on.

Board Member Judith Benckart said that the recent meeting of the Vote Center Study Committee helped give the public a better understanding of what vote centers would look like.

Gandi shared that they have more meetings planned around the county to reach more members of the community.

Board Member John Fernandez suggested that they could present at the city council meetings to raise awareness as well.

Fernandez also suggested reaching out to the IU Student Government to better reach the student population.

Election Supervisor Kylie Moreland shared that the Voter Registration Office was planning on going to the IU Student Government, and that the Vote Center Committee could go with them.

They also discussed filling two positions on the Vote Center Study Committee. Moreland said that Committee Member Hal Turner had to step down due to health complications and Taylor Bryant also stepped down. Benckart shared that Bryant asked William Ellis to take their place on the committee.

Clerk Browne shared that if members of the public are interested in filling Turner’s position, they should reach out to her. She also thanked Turner for his work on the committee.

Next, the board discussed the letter they received from District 2 Monroe County Commissioner Candidate Randy Cassady detailing his resignation from the campaign. Clerk Browne urged the board to act on the matter quickly due to the time crunch of the upcoming election.

Cassady was in attendance at the meeting and spoke on the decision to suspend their campaign.

The board also discussed the Early Voting Schedule, and the location of polling sites. Clerk Browne shared the early voting hours.

The next meeting of the Election Board will be held on September 5th.

Feature Report:

WFHB News is proud to partner with The Media School at Indiana University to offer internships and volunteer opportunities in broadcast journalism. In July the Media School hosted the High School Journalism Institute, drawing hundreds of students from all over the country to Bloomington for a week of intense workshops. WFHB hosted the podcasting workshop, where students produced new episodes of Activate!, our weekly feature spotlighting people working for positive change in our community.

This week’s episode was produced by Trent Josleyn , a high school student in Crown Point Indiana. Trent won our Audioslinger Award for best technical production skills and was the only student to knock out more than one episode. This final installment features Chris Herring from Pals. That’s People and Animal Learning Services. It’s an innovative “equine therapy” program – using the connection between people and horses to help individuals overcome their challenges. It started out focused on people with disabilities, but now People and Animal Learning Services helps a much wider spectrum. Hear more on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 1st, 2024.

Later in the program, the Indiana University Board of Trustees voted 6-3 in support of a new expressive activity policy which goes into effect today. Today, WFHB brings you a news special looking into the impact of the new policy which opponents say limit free speech. That’s coming up in today’s edition of the WFHB Local News.

Feature Report:

The Indiana University Board of Trustees voted 6-3 in support of a new expressive activity policy which goes into effect today. The policy bans camping, limits hours of expressive activity from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and requires that structures be approved by the university at least 10 days in advance. Violation of the policy could result in the removal of tents or even suspension from campus. Today, you will hear a WFHB News special on the Dunn Meadow encampment protests and the university’s response to those protests.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 31st, 2024.

Later in the program, Indiana University’s new expressive activity policy goes into effect on Thursday. WFHB News spoke with Dunn Meadow protesters earlier this afternoon. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “The Weed of Crime Bears Bitter Fruit” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

EPA Identifies Ethylene Oxide Exposure at Beyond Safe Levels 

Inside Climate Change reports that for Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley,’ studies show an even graver risk from toxic gasses. Levels of ethylene oxide more than 1,000 times higher than what’s considered safe—and far greater than previous estimates—were identified by researchers at John Hopkins.

According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, those chemicals are present in Cancer Alley at rates that are far higher than previously believed. Using state-of-the-art mobile air monitors, environmental engineers identified plumes of the toxic gas ethylene oxide at the fenceline of facilities that in some cases were more than 1,000 times higher than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers an “acceptable risk.”

The research team’s findings, published recently in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, noted that the EPA’s acceptable threshold for long-term exposure to ethylene

But researchers found an average exposure level nearly three times that amount, 31.4 parts per trillion, when they tested the air across Cancer Alley. The bleak nickname refers to the 85-mile stretch of land from New Orleans to Baton Rouge that is home to roughly 200 petrochemical plants and some of the highest rates of cancer in the nation.

Cook uses ethylene oxide to sterilize its products. The sterilization facility is in Ellettsville near the recycling center. WFIU reported that in 2016, according to the EPA National Air Toxics Assessment, the likelihood of getting cancer in Ellettsville over the course of a lifetime — from air pollution alone — was about 50 in 1 million in 2014. That’s higher than the national average and was higher than any other area of the state that year except perhaps Cleveland Cliffs steel mill in Portage.

WFHB has contacted Cook about their recent experience. Their response is quoted. “We take our ethylene oxide emissions and controls seriously. We have rigorous standards to ensure our emissions are well below any regulatory requirements and are regularly recognized as industry-leading in our emissions control and worker safety protocols. Our current usage of ethylene oxide is safe and we have remained well below our permit allowances dating back to when they were implemented. Our permit allotment is 18,000 pounds per year. Our emissions for 2022 were 6.94 pounds for the entire year. We’ve worked diligently to lead the industry with our state-of-the-art system. We’re proud to say that many of the EPA’s most recent changes to ethylene oxide capture and reporting have already been implemented at Cook, including updated scrubbing technology. We’re currently undertaking a significant investment to ensure we meet and exceed all of EPA’s newest ruling. The biggest area of change in EPA’s new ruling is to implement continuous monitoring of certain metrics. To comply with continuous monitoring, we have invested in additional technology and are developing additional processes. Once these changes are fully implemented, we will continuously reevaluate and improve as technology for ethylene oxide capture and control evolves.”

Apparently no study of cancer rates in Ellettsville has been performed. The cancer rate in Monroe County is among the lowest in the state. The most common types of cancer caused by ethylene oxide are lymphoma and leukemia.

IU’s New Expressive Activity Policy Goes Into Effect Tomorrow 

Indiana University’s new expressive activity policy goes into effect on Thursday. 

Correction: The new policy bans camping, limits hours of expressive activity from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The new policy bans camping, limits hours of expressive activity from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and requires that structures be approved by the university at least 10 days in advance, among a variety of other new procedures. 

To learn more, WFHB News traveled to Dunn Meadow earlier today to hear from demonstrators about what the future holds for the encampment. One protester who uses the alias, Fox, gave their reaction to the events that unfolded in April which led to the state police arresting 57 people who were protesting Israel’s war on Gaza. 

“Infuriated was the easiest descriptor. My friends and the hard work that we’d done the night before, it was stripped up in front of our eyes. It was absolutely disgusting,” said Fox.

Fox said the new policy silences dissenting voices and limits students’ freedom of expression. 

“It will be significantly harder for students to have their voices heard. And not only students but the faculty that have also been expressing since April,” they said.

Moving forward, there’s a level of uncertainty on what happens next for the Dunn Meadow demonstrations. As of around 2:20 p.m., Fox said that protests and demands for divestment will continue. 

“At the moment, a little bit undecided. We will still protest. We will still encourage divestment. However I do not think that there is an active plan to maintain the encampments. If we are told to disperse, however, that is subject to change.”

Other protesters say a more cohesive plan for the future will be announced in the coming days. Fox speculated on how the policy will play out in the upcoming school year. 

“That’s really up in the air,” they said. “The student body and faculty are dissenting openly, no matter how or what form it takes.”

The university has maintained that the new policy focuses on free speech, stating in a news release, “The new policy supports protests and demonstrations that don’t materially and substantially disrupt university operations or hinder the expressive activity of another individual or group.” 

However, Fox described how they think the new policy relates to free speech. 

“It doesn’t. It’s designed to protect the private interests of the people who are making money off of IU; it does not protect free speech,” they said.

WFHB News spoke to another protestor who reiterated the main goal of the demonstrations: the liberation of Palestine. 

“At the end of the day the goal is the Liberation of Palestine through the divestment of trained naval infrastructure from IU,” said the demonstrator. “Students’ rights is an important issue. Free speech is an important issue. But we are here for Palestine, Palestine alone.”

To view the new expressive activity policy and Indiana University’s statement regarding that policy, click the aforementioned links. 

Feature Report:

In light of the new policy change from IU, we revisit a report from WFHB News Correspondent Annika Harshbarger titled “Banned from IU: Part 2.” This is the second part of a three-part series chronicling the experience of IU student Cameron Gray who was arrested for protesting at Dunn Meadow in April and subsequently banned from campus. This week, we will revisit all three parts of that series of reports on the WFHB Local News. Annika Harshbarger has more.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, July 30th, 2024.

Later in the program, WFHB News spoke with Michael McCarthy, member of the Coordinating Committee for the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition, about what the new policy means for the upcoming school year. More in today’s feature report.

IU to Implement New Expressive Activity Policy

The Indiana University Board of Trustees voted 6-3 in support of a new expressive activity policy across all campuses.

Correction: The new policy bans camping, limits hours of expressive activity from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The policy bans camping, limits hours of expressive activity from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and requires that structures be approved by the university at least 10 days in advance, among a variety of other new procedures. Violation of the policy could result in the removal of tents or even suspension from campus. The policy goes into effect on Thursday, August 1st.

This comes after Indiana University recently released its findings of a third-party review of the arrests made of Palestine solidarity protesters in Dunn Meadow earlier this year. The review came from the law firm Cooley, LLP located in Chicago. It included eight recommendations for the university moving forward and advised that IU should approve a new expressive activity policy.

In late April, Indiana State Police and the IU Police Department arrested 57 people at Dunn Meadow who were protesting Israel’s war on Hamas. The arrests were a result of an overnight policy change stating that university approval must be given for signs, tents, and other temporary structures on campus.

The day following the policy change, snipers were spotted on the roof of the student union, a state police helicopter surveilled the demonstration, and both students and faculty received bans from campus.

Since 1969, Dunn Meadow has been designated as an area to hold public forums for expression on all subjects. The university drew backlash from organizations and schools within the university, such as the directors of the Indiana Memorial Union Board and the Media School who showed concerns about free speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed suit against Indiana University, saying the university violated the First Amendment rights of three plaintiffs facing a one-year ban from campus for their participation in political protests on the IU-Bloomington campus. The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office dropped chargers for those arrested at Dunn Meadow calling the process, “constitutionally dubious.”

The university has maintained that the new policy focuses on free speech, stating in a news release, “The new policy supports protests and demonstrations that don’t materially and substantially disrupt university operations or hinder the expressive activity of another individual or group.”

WFHB News spoke with Michael McCarthy, member of the Coordinating Committee for the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition, about what the new policy means for the upcoming school year. We turn now to that interview on the WFHB Local News.

Feature Report:

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 29th, 2024.

Later in the program, Indiana University recently released third-party findings from its review on the arrests made of Dunn Meadow protesters in April. More in today’s headlines.

That’s Maria Douglas from Hoosier Asian American Power, encouraging civic engagement among Indiana’s Asian-American community. Learn more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Extreme Hot Temperatures This Week, Monroe County Offering Cooling Stations

Temperatures are expected to reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

Extreme hot temperatures pose a serious threat to health and safety. Monroe County is offering temporary cooling stations at 8 locations throughout the community.

According to a press release put out by Justin Baker, Deputy Director of the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency, cooling stations are facilities where individuals who do not have air can cool down and continue on their way.

Baker says that food, showers and areas to sleep are not available. Pets must also be in a carrier. Cooling stations will be available Tuesday through Thursday this week at locations around the county.

Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. The county will monitor the weather to determine if they need an extension.

IU Releases Findings from Third-Party Review of Dunn Meadow Protests

Indiana University recently released its findings of a third-party review of the arrests made of Palestine solidarity protesters in Dunn Meadow earlier this year.

The review came from the law firm Cooley, LLP located in Chicago. It includes eight recommendations for the university moving forward, advising that IU should approve a new expressive activity policy.

Within the last hour, IU updated the expressive activity policy that goes into effect August 1st. The policy is meant to reflect IU’s commitment to free speech on campus. The temporary installation of structures, including tents, must be approved by the University. Unapproved structures, such as tents, flagpoles, and signs , would be subject to removal by the university without notice. They are restricting “expressive activity” between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. 

IU President Pamela Whitten said in a statement, “I am grateful for this independent and thorough third-party perspective. We sincerely appreciate the depth and detail of Cooley’s independent review and will leverage their insights to move forward with purpose, guided by our core values and tirelessly pursuing our top priority: a safe campus with freedom of speech for all.”

In late April, Indiana State Police and the IU Police Department arrested 57 people at Dunn Meadow who were protesting Israel’s war on Palestine. This came after an overnight policy change stating that university approval must be given for signs, tents, and other temporary structures on campus.

The day following the policy change, snipers were spotted on the roof of the student union, a state police helicopter surveilled the demonstration, and both students and faculty received bans from campus.

Since 1969, Dunn Meadow has been designated as an area to hold public forums for expression on all subjects. The university drew backlash from organizations and schools within the university, such as the directors of the Indiana Memorial Union Board and the Media School who showed concerns about free speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed suit against Indiana University, saying the university violated the First Amendment rights of three plaintiffs facing a one-year ban from campus for their participation in political protests on the IU-Bloomington campus. The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office dropped chargers for those arrested at Dunn Meadow calling the process, “constitutionally dubious.”

In May, WFHB News spoke with two organizers, Soha and Elena, both students at the university, who chose to only divulge their first names. Soha described how protesters view the overnight policy change by the university, which she says contradicts historical precedent.

Elena denounced the university’s response to what she says are peaceful protests. She described the “brute force” used by police, saying she was injured during the demonstrations.

The report released by IU last week partly justified the actions of the university saying “IU leadership’s decision to change the Dunn Meadow policy was permissible under university policies and applicable legal standards, including the First Amendment; however, doing so the night before the planned encampment caused a number of unintended negative consequences.”

The IU Board of Trustees plans to implement the new expressive activity plan on August 1st.

Monroe County Council

The Monroe County Council met on July 23rd, 2024. The council first heard from Planning and Transportation Director Jacki Jelen, who asked for an additional appropriation of funds to pay for the required notice mailings they will send to county residents to inform them about the Unified Development Ordinance public hearing.

Council Member Pete Iverson asked for updates on the C-D-O and where the public can access information about the changes. Jelen responded.

Council Member Trent Deckard said he was in support of the appropriation, saying he appreciates physical postcards.

During public comment on the request, President of the Monroe County Planning and Transportation Commission Member Jeff Morris asked the council to approve the request.

County Commissioner and Planning and Transportation Commission Member Julie Thomas also spoke in support of the request.

The council approved the appropriation request unanimously.

The next Monroe County Council meeting will be held on August 13th.

Monroe County Community School Corporation

At the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees meeting on July 23rd, the board heard from Interim Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Alexis Harmona introduced the first reading of an Equity-Centered Sexual Identity and Gender Inclusive policy, and shared background information on how the policy came about.

Board members expressed their support of the policy. Next the board heard from Interim Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston gave an update on the Childs – Templeton Merger.

Winston shared that they will host a variety of community engagement meetings in August.

Feature Report:

This week’s episode was produced by Kingsley Southard and Carys Gill. These were two of our most engaged student producers, and Kingsley won our “Editor’s Ear” Award for her sound judgment. Their episode features Maria Douglas from Hoosier Asian American Power, an organization recently reinvented to focus on civic engagement among Indiana’s Asian-American community. When Maria heard about an Asian IU student being stabbed while riding the bus in Bloomington in January 2023, she got mad. Really mad. This hate crime ignited a drive in Douglas to fight racism in Indiana. Learn more on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 25th, 2024.

In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Brookelyn Lambright looks into the impact of redistricting on Indiana’s 2024 election. More in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Sports Correspondent Sam Hall provides a report on Indiana’s athletes in the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners Special Session

On July 23rd, the City of Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners met for a special session. The special meeting included a review of an appeal from a resident who was suspended from the city’s farmers’ market for inappropriate behavior. Director of the Parks Department Tim Street said that staff recommends to uphold the suspension.

City Attorney Chris Wheeler walked through the legal basis of the suspension and made a case to uphold the decision.

Wheeler continued to outline the park commissioners’ authority to remove and suspend people from the farmers’ market for inappropriate behavior.

Farmers’ Market Coordinator Clarence Boone said he encouraged the park commissioners to exercise their authority to keep the resident out of the farmers’ market.

Park Commissioner Kathleen Mills added a comment that regardless of the criminality of the incident, the board does have legal authority to remove residents from the farmers’ market.

After a brief recess, city attorney Wheeler recapped the findings of the park commissioners before the members took a vote on the appeal.

Wheeler outlined the first-hand reports of inappropriate touching and groping and provided the recommendation to uphold the suspension.

The board of park commissioners voted 3-0 to uphold the one-year suspension.

Feature Report:

Up next, WFHB Sports Correspondent Sam Hall provides a report on Indiana’s athletes in the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Sam Hall has more.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 24th, 2024.

Later in the program, Vice President Kamala Harris gave a speech in Indianapolis earlier this afternoon at the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Winners and Losers” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment airing each Wednesday on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County’s Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Commission

On Monday, Monroe County’s Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Commission approved an additional 350,000 dollars to the budget for the Convention Center’s Capital Improvement Board. CIB Controller Jeff Underwood walked through the budget proposal.

Capital Improvement Board Member John Whikehart asked about the legal fees in the budget proposal. Underwood responded.

The commission approved the 2024 budget for the CIB in the amount of 600,702 dollars in total.

Kamala Harris Speaks in Indianapolis on Wednesday

Earlier today, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.

The speech follows President Joe Biden’s decision over the weekend ending his bid for a second term.

The vice president spoke directly to the sorority – commending its history as one of the “Divine Nine” – a collection of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities who were influential in the American Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s.

On Monday, all 88 of Indiana’s delegates to the national convention endorsed Harris for president in addition to the state’s central committee. On Tuesday, the Monroe County Democratic Party also endorsed Harris for President.

Feature Report:

If successful, Kamala Harris would become the first woman and first woman of color to become the President of the United States. We now turn to that segment from Bring It On – Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community on WFHB.

Up next, “Winners and Losers” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment airing each Wednesday on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish.

Credits: