This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, May 22nd, 2020.

In today’s show, WFHB Correspondents Jasmine White and Braydyn Lents break down racist comments from Indiana lawmaker, Jim Lucas. Also, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner covers a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service for approving the Houston South Forest Restoration and Management project.

Your Local Headlines:

Bloomington City Council discussed appropriating funds for the Sares Road multi use path, intersection improvements and the re-pavement of College Mall Road. Clerk Nicole Bolden presented the ordinance during their May 20th meeting.

Council member Kate Rosenbarger said the council transportation committee had concerns of repaving College Mall Road without including bike lanes. Council member Isabel Piedmont- Smith asked Public Works Director Adam Wason about cumulative capital development fund uses.

Wason said the repaving budget could not have funded both the college mall re-pavement and previously planned 2020 projects. He said the project is pavement maintenance, not a redesign. He said bike or pedestrian lanes could be added in a later project. Councilor Matt Flaherty asked City Engineer Neil Kopper about adding bike lanes during the re-pavement.

During public comment, County Councilor Geoff McKim said the cost dramatically increases for delayed paving projects. Council member Stephen Volan proposed to send the ordinance back to the Transportation Committee for further deliberation. Wason said the grant money would be lost if the project is not approved by August 1st. Council members voted against sending the appropriation back to committee. Piedmont-Smith said the dollar amounts don’t support the Transportation plan.

Piedmont-Smith said the council needs to work to support bicycle and pedestrian travel. Council members approved the ordinance on a six-three vote with Volan, Flaherty, and Rosenbarger voting no.

 

Monroe County Commissioners approved the removal of surplus vehicles from the Sheriff and Highway Departments. Administrator Angie Purdie said the vehicles were no longer fit for use during their May 20th meeting.

Purdie listed the Highway Department's surplus materials.

Purdie said anyone interested in the surplus material should reach out to the Highway Department for more information.

Feature Reports:

* Up next, WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer reports on a survey at Indiana University regarding sexual misconduct.

*  Monroe County officials and various environmental groups have sued the U.S Forest Service for approving the plan for the Houston South Forest Restoration and Management project. WFHB Correspondent, Katrine Bruner discusses the details of the conflict and how the plan will affect Bloomington.

* Earlier this month, IUPUI's Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health encouraged students and Hoosiers around Indiana to apply to be a contact tracer through the Indiana State Health Department. WFHB Correspondent Jake Jacobson tells us more about what contact tracing is, and how it can help.

* The NAACP called for the resignation of Indiana Representative Jim Lucas after he posted a racist meme on his personal Facebook page. Lucas was removed from two committees and lost his position as vice chair on the standing Committee on Government Reduction. WFHB Correspondent Jasmine White breaks down why Lucas’ comments are considered racist. Then, WFHB Junior Correspondent Braydyn Lents provides some commentary on the issue. For more, we turn to Jasmine White and Braydyn Lents who are covering the social justice beat in today's local newscast.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News.

Today’s headlines were written by Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats - Community Access Television Services.

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, May 22nd, 2020.

In today’s show, WFHB Correspondents Jasmine White and Braydyn Lents break down racist comments from Indiana lawmaker, Jim Lucas. Also, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner covers a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service for approving the Houston South Forest Restoration and Management project.

Your Local Headlines:

Bloomington City Council discussed appropriating funds for the Sares Road multi use path, intersection improvements and the re-pavement of College Mall Road. Clerk Nicole Bolden presented the ordinance during their May 20th meeting.

Council member Kate Rosenbarger said the council transportation committee had concerns of repaving College Mall Road without including bike lanes. Council member Isabel Piedmont- Smith asked Public Works Director Adam Wason about cumulative capital development fund uses.

Wason said the repaving budget could not have funded both the college mall re-pavement and previously planned 2020 projects. He said the project is pavement maintenance, not a redesign. He said bike or pedestrian lanes could be added in a later project. Councilor Matt Flaherty asked City Engineer Neil Kopper about adding bike lanes during the re-pavement.

During public comment, County Councilor Geoff McKim said the cost dramatically increases for delayed paving projects. Council member Stephen Volan proposed to send the ordinance back to the Transportation Committee for further deliberation. Wason said the grant money would be lost if the project is not approved by August 1st. Council members voted against sending the appropriation back to committee. Piedmont-Smith said the dollar amounts don’t support the Transportation plan.

Piedmont-Smith said the council needs to work to support bicycle and pedestrian travel. Council members approved the ordinance on a six-three vote with Volan, Flaherty, and Rosenbarger voting no.

 

Monroe County Commissioners approved the removal of surplus vehicles from the Sheriff and Highway Departments. Administrator Angie Purdie said the vehicles were no longer fit for use during their May 20th meeting.

Purdie listed the Highway Department’s surplus materials.

Purdie said anyone interested in the surplus material should reach out to the Highway Department for more information.

Feature Reports:

* Up next, WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer reports on a survey at Indiana University regarding sexual misconduct.

*  Monroe County officials and various environmental groups have sued the U.S Forest Service for approving the plan for the Houston South Forest Restoration and Management project. WFHB Correspondent, Katrine Bruner discusses the details of the conflict and how the plan will affect Bloomington.

* Earlier this month, IUPUI’s Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health encouraged students and Hoosiers around Indiana to apply to be a contact tracer through the Indiana State Health Department. WFHB Correspondent Jake Jacobson tells us more about what contact tracing is, and how it can help.

* The NAACP called for the resignation of Indiana Representative Jim Lucas after he posted a racist meme on his personal Facebook page. Lucas was removed from two committees and lost his position as vice chair on the standing Committee on Government Reduction. WFHB Correspondent Jasmine White breaks down why Lucas’ comments are considered racist. Then, WFHB Junior Correspondent Braydyn Lents provides some commentary on the issue. For more, we turn to Jasmine White and Braydyn Lents who are covering the social justice beat in today’s local newscast.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News.

Today’s headlines were written by Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.

Our features were produced by Alex Dederer, Katrine Bruner, Jake Jacobson,

During the spring semester, college students remained physically isolated from friends, classmates and professors. However, one student at Indiana University saw an opportunity to connect others in a time of social isolation. 

Evan Catron is a student at Indiana University who started a Google form to match people with similar interests who are stuck at home longing for a social life.

“I really struggled with that,” said Catron, “just being alone.”

That struggle left him depressed. Catron said there were some days he didn’t leave his bed or even shower. 

While living in isolation in his campus apartment, Catron had an idea. He said he realized there were other people like him in the same situation. 

That idea led to the early stages of Quarantine Buddies - a service launched in March. Although Catron never predicted the service to receive much attention, hundreds of people have signed up. He received a significant amount of media coverage and even captured an audience outside the U.S.

“As of this morning, there are 650 people signed up,” he said, “several countries and 30 different states.”

WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to Evan Catron about Quarantine Buddies - over a Zoom meeting.

Social life has always been an integral part of the college experience. Catron said not being able to see his friends in quarantine was difficult. 

“It was crazy, because I went from seeing thousands of people a day on campus to sitting at my desk in my room every single day, not having any contact whatsoever with anyone,” he said.

Catron touched on specific examples of people he’s matched. He told me the experience gave him motivation again. All in all, he says matching two people who are struggling in a time of social isolation was a gratifying experience. 

"Some mothers I’ve matched say they have kids in college,” he said, “it’s so exciting to make a match especially in those situations where you know they need each other.”

Catron hopes that for people using the service, knowing they have someone there for them, will help them with the mental health repercussions of social isolation. 

“Being able to vent about issues, share different things that worked for them - just having someone to fall back on,” said Catron.

Catron said the easiest way to sign up for the service is through his Facebook page, Quarantine Buddies. Also, he says you can search tinylink.com/qbuddies. 

Evan Catron says he loves doing this. He said it’s like a puzzle, fitting two people together. 

“Quarantine or not, everybody needs someone,” he said.

Even after quarantine, Evan said he would love to continue pairing people.

Monroe County Health Department advises to use technology to connect with others frequently and look for the good stuff: the helpers, time with family, and opportunities to pull together.

We want to make you aware of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can reach the suicide prevetnion lifeline by calling (800)-273-8255.

During the spring semester, college students remained physically isolated from friends, classmates and professors. However, one student at Indiana University saw an opportunity to connect others in a time of social isolation. 

Evan Catron is a student at Indiana University who started a Google form to match people with similar interests who are stuck at home longing for a social life.

“I really struggled with that,” said Catron, “just being alone.”

That struggle left him depressed. Catron said there were some days he didn’t leave his bed or even shower. 

While living in isolation in his campus apartment, Catron had an idea. He said he realized there were other people like him in the same situation. 

That idea led to the early stages of Quarantine Buddies – a service launched in March. Although Catron never predicted the service to receive much attention, hundreds of people have signed up. He received a significant amount of media coverage and even captured an audience outside the U.S.

“As of this morning, there are 650 people signed up,” he said, “several countries and 30 different states.”

Social life has always been an integral part of the college experience. Catron said not being able to see his friends in quarantine was difficult. 

“It was crazy, because I went from seeing thousands of people a day on campus to sitting at my desk in my room every single day, not having any contact whatsoever with anyone,” he said.

Catron touched on specific examples of people he’s matched. He told me the experience gave him motivation again. All in all, he says matching two people who are struggling in a time of social isolation was a gratifying experience. 

“Some mothers I’ve matched say they have kids in college,” he said, “it’s so exciting to make a match especially in those situations where you know they need each other.”

Catron hopes that for people using the service, knowing they have someone there for them, will help them with the mental health repercussions of social isolation. 

“Being able to vent about issues, share different things that worked for them – just having someone to fall back on,” said Catron.

Catron said the easiest way to sign up for the service is through his Facebook page, Quarantine Buddies. Also, he says you can search tinylink.com/qbuddies. 

Evan Catron says he loves doing this. He said it’s like a puzzle, fitting two people together. 

“Quarantine or not, everybody needs someone,” he said.

Even after quarantine, Evan said he would love to continue pairing people.

Monroe County Health Department advises to use technology to connect with others frequently and look for the good stuff: the helpers, time with family, and opportunities to pull together.

We want to make you aware of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can reach the suicide prevetnion lifeline by calling (800)-273-8255.

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

In today's program, our weekly consumer watchdog segment, Better Beware Hosted by Richard Fish. Also, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to the founder of Quarantine Buddies - a Google form started by an IU student to connect those in isolation.

 But first, your local headlines.

WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman breaks down the latest Bloomington Redevelopment Commission meeting - where a purchase agreement was made to develop the former Night Moves property into affordable housing (Photo courtesy of Indiana Public Media).

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a purchase agreement with Real America for 1730 South Walnut street also known as the former Night Moves site. Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Doris Sims said the property would be developed into affordable housing and would partner with Stonebelt.

Sims said Real America is experienced in affordable and low-income housing. Commission member Cindy Kinnarney asked city attorney Larry Allen about property financing.

Real America Vice President of Development Jeff Ryan said they will build approximately 60 affordable living units with a mix of bedroom numbers. He said the apartments would be a mix of 5 levels of affordability ranging from 30 to 80 percent of area median income.

***

WFHB News Director Kade Young covers a petition in Monroe County with a list of demands to protect people from being evicted. (Photo courtesy of Pro Publica).

Governor Eric Holcomb issued an executive order putting a halt on evictions and foreclosures until the state of emergency expires on June 4th.

As record numbers of people are out-of-work, local activist groups are calling for a list of demands to protect people from being evicted.

Hoosier Action started a petition to protect Monroe County residents from Covid-19 evictions. The organization said their goal is to reach at least 500 supporters.

The petition asks the Mayor of Bloomington, the City Council of Bloomington, the Monroe County Commissioners and the Monroe County Council to do everything in their power to prevent evictions as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and to protect those already experiencing homelessness by following a number of demands.

Those demands include keeping public restrooms and facilities open, letting people use public spaces and benches as shelter if necessary, putting a moratorium on water or utility shut-offs, establishing a rent relief program, developing a local plan to inform renters of their rights and asking judges to stay all local eviction orders.

The petition said, “All Hoosiers, no matter where we come from, what our color or religious tradition, deserve a safe place to live. During Covid-19 this is more important than ever since we must shelter in place to protect everyone’s health.”

Hoosier Action said due to Covid-19, there are an estimated 43,800 newly low-income renters in Indiana and an estimated 205,837 low-income houses will require rental assistance in the wake of the pandemic.

The organization said, “In order to prevent a massive wave of evictions and increase in Hoosiers experiencing homelessness, we must take swift action to protect Hoosier renters and those already experiencing housing insecurity."

More information can be found at HoosierAction.org.

***

Sydney Foreman breaks down the May 19th Board of Park Commissioners meeting. (Photo courtesy of City of Bloomington.)

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Community Relations Manager Julie Ramey provided an update about virtual programing during the May 19th Board of Park Commissioners meeting. She said multiple virtual events have been available for children of all ages.

Ramey said programing can be found on the Banakir Community Center Facebook page and city ...

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

In today’s program, our weekly consumer watchdog segment, Better Beware Hosted by Richard Fish. Also, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to the founder of Quarantine Buddies – a Google form started by an IU student to connect those in isolation.

 But first, your local headlines.

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a purchase agreement with Real America for 1730 South Walnut street also known as the former Night Moves site. Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Doris Sims said the property would be developed into affordable housing and would partner with Stonebelt.

Sims said Real America is experienced in affordable and low-income housing. Commission member Cindy Kinnarney asked city attorney Larry Allen about property financing.

Real America Vice President of Development Jeff Ryan said they will build approximately 60 affordable living units with a mix of bedroom numbers. He said the apartments would be a mix of 5 levels of affordability ranging from 30 to 80 percent of area median income.

***

Governor Eric Holcomb issued an executive order putting a halt on evictions and foreclosures until the state of emergency expires on June 4th.

As record numbers of people are out-of-work, local activist groups are calling for a list of demands to protect people from being evicted.

Hoosier Action started a petition to protect Monroe County residents from Covid-19 evictions. The organization said their goal is to reach at least 500 supporters.

The petition asks the Mayor of Bloomington, the City Council of Bloomington, the Monroe County Commissioners and the Monroe County Council to do everything in their power to prevent evictions as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and to protect those already experiencing homelessness by following a number of demands.

Those demands include keeping public restrooms and facilities open, letting people use public spaces and benches as shelter if necessary, putting a moratorium on water or utility shut-offs, establishing a rent relief program, developing a local plan to inform renters of their rights and asking judges to stay all local eviction orders.

The petition said, “All Hoosiers, no matter where we come from, what our color or religious tradition, deserve a safe place to live. During Covid-19 this is more important than ever since we must shelter in place to protect everyone’s health.”

Hoosier Action said due to Covid-19, there are an estimated 43,800 newly low-income renters in Indiana and an estimated 205,837 low-income houses will require rental assistance in the wake of the pandemic.

The organization said, “In order to prevent a massive wave of evictions and increase in Hoosiers experiencing homelessness, we must take swift action to protect Hoosier renters and those already experiencing housing insecurity.”

More information can be found at HoosierAction.org.

***

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Community Relations Manager Julie Ramey provided an update about virtual programing during the May 19th Board of Park Commissioners meeting. She said multiple virtual events have been available for children of all ages.

Ramey said programing can be found on the Banakir Community Center Facebook page and city of Bloomington I-N Parks and Recreation Facebook page. She said the Bloomington Farmers market Facebook Page also provides public market updates. She said any park updates can be found on the Bloomington Indiana Parks Department Website.

Recreation Services Director Becky Higgins said Kid City will still offer in person summer camp. She said the staff has diligently researched safe ways to provide a similar camp experience.

Higgins said the Bloomington fourth of July Parade was cancelled.

In today’s episode Sean M. Starowitz, assistant director for the arts for the City of Bloomington, talks with Dr. Cicek about various way the city is helping the local art organization to sustain themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic  and the re-opening process.

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 18th, 2020.

In today's show, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman talks to John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington, in our recurring segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor.

Also, restaurants in Bloomington are beginning to reopen. WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to Chris Martin, who owns a string of restaurants, including Yogi’s Bloomington.

But first, your local headlines.

City Hall will open to the public on May 26th. Local government watchdog Sydney Foreman reports on the Friday, May 15h Covid-19 Press Conference from local officials.

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said City Hall will open up to the public on May 26th during a Covid-19 Press conference on May 15th. He said any resurgence would not be noticeable until at least 2 weeks after reopening.

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said any reopening business must have a posted prevention plan. She said businesses could require face coverings for both employees and customers. Hamilton said the next round of COVID-19 prevalence testing will begin in June. President of Indiana University Health Brian Schokney said antibody testing is not reliable.

Caudill said if local testing can’t be found, other Indiana counties with drive through and Optum clinic testing sites can test Monroe County residents.

Caudill said the Optum Testing center is NOT open. She said location issues pushed back the opening date and can expect to be running sometime this week. She said any patients with scheduled appointments should be contacted to reschedule and appointments can still be made.

The County Health Department encouraged the community to take the COVID-19 Prevention Pledge on the Monroe County Health Department website to maintain 6 feet social distance, wash hands often, wear a facemask in public or if you are sick, and to get treating if any symptoms are present.

WFHB News Correspondent Alex Dederer reports on the record highs of unemployment in Indiana. (Photo courtesy of South Bend Tribune).

WFHB News Correspondent Alex Dederer provides a report on unemployment in Indiana.

Since the coronavirus struck Indiana, nearly 300,000 Hoosiers have filed unemployment claims, with $1.4 billion in benefits paid out to claimants through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Commissioner of the Department Fred Payne reported Friday that the state had paid $400 million in addition to the $1 billion the federal government paid Indiana residents since March.

According to the Herald-Times, Payne said, “We’re trending in the right direction here, but we know that is not deep enough for every single Hoosier who has filed for unemployment benefits. But, we will get there and each and every Hoosier, who is eligible, will receive those benefits.”

A voucher for unemployment insurance benefits includes information about hours worked and it must be filed each week. Payne’s department reported almost 377,000 vouchers on average during the first four weeks in April.

Averaging the four weeks, the department reported that 86% of the claims were resolved, equating to nearly one in 10 applicants not receiving benefits.

WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer breaks down record highs of unemployment in the state. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Public Media.)

Payne stated the department started paying those claims May 8 - 60,000 of the 68,000 applicants had received their benefits, claiming his department’s staff has gone from resolving 6,800 issues a week to 27,000.

The department states the claims were resolved within 21 days, on average.

Some unemployment claims take longer than 21 days to process due to issues revolving around deductible income, whether someone was a full- or part-time employee or if the person voluntarily ...

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 18th, 2020.

In today’s show, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman talks to John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington, in our recurring segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor.

Also, restaurants in Bloomington are beginning to reopen. WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to Chris Martin, who owns a string of restaurants, including Yogi’s Bloomington.

But first, your local headlines.

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said City Hall will open up to the public on May 26th during a Covid-19 Press conference on May 15th. He said any resurgence would not be noticeable until at least 2 weeks after reopening.

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said any reopening business must have a posted prevention plan. She said businesses could require face coverings for both employees and customers. Hamilton said the next round of COVID-19 prevalence testing will begin in June. President of Indiana University Health Brian Schokney said antibody testing is not reliable.

Caudill said if local testing can’t be found, other Indiana counties with drive through and Optum clinic testing sites can test Monroe County residents.

Caudill said the Optum Testing center is NOT open. She said location issues pushed back the opening date and can expect to be running sometime this week. She said any patients with scheduled appointments should be contacted to reschedule and appointments can still be made.

The County Health Department encouraged the community to take the COVID-19 Prevention Pledge on the Monroe County Health Department website to maintain 6 feet social distance, wash hands often, wear a facemask in public or if you are sick, and to get treating if any symptoms are present.

WFHB News Correspondent Alex Dederer provides a report on unemployment in Indiana.

Since the coronavirus struck Indiana, nearly 300,000 Hoosiers have filed unemployment claims, with $1.4 billion in benefits paid out to claimants through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Commissioner of the Department Fred Payne reported Friday that the state had paid $400 million in addition to the $1 billion the federal government paid Indiana residents since March.

According to the Herald-Times, Payne said, “We’re trending in the right direction here, but we know that is not deep enough for every single Hoosier who has filed for unemployment benefits. But, we will get there and each and every Hoosier, who is eligible, will receive those benefits.”

A voucher for unemployment insurance benefits includes information about hours worked and it must be filed each week. Payne’s department reported almost 377,000 vouchers on average during the first four weeks in April.

Averaging the four weeks, the department reported that 86% of the claims were resolved, equating to nearly one in 10 applicants not receiving benefits.

Payne stated the department started paying those claims May 8 – 60,000 of the 68,000 applicants had received their benefits, claiming his department’s staff has gone from resolving 6,800 issues a week to 27,000.

The department states the claims were resolved within 21 days, on average.

Some unemployment claims take longer than 21 days to process due to issues revolving around deductible income, whether someone was a full- or part-time employee or if the person voluntarily quit.

The department claims the average state benefit paid during April was $272.72, compared to the previous reported average benefit of $300. The federal stimulus package grants an additional $600 of state benefits, which max out at $390 per week.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce approached the state to enact work share legislation, which are programs where employees with reduced hours, rather than be laid off, qualify for partial unemployment compensation if their employers have an established agreement with the state.

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, May 15, 2020.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner and Braydyn Lents report on how residential treatment centers are handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB News Correspondent Jake Jacobson covers a feature report from home.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats - Community Access Television Services.

Our features were produced by Katrine Bruner and Braydyn Lents.

Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.

Executive producer is Kade Young.