This is Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County.

To read the full article, What’s at Stake in the Debate Over Indiana’s Wetlands?, written and photographed by Anne Kibbler, visit LimestonePostMagazine.com.We look into Indiana’s wetlands, and the wetlands we have right here in Monroe County. Our deep dive is prompted by the legislation Indiana has passed to decrease the protection of wetlands, and environmental concerns that have arisen as a result.

A great blue heron at Stillwater Marsh–Northfork Waterfowl Resting Area at Monroe Lake | Photo by Anne KibblerLast week we talked a bit about what ARE wetlands, this week we are going to give you an overview of the legislation that has been eroding the protections of wetlands.

  • 2021 Senate Enrolled Act 389
  • 2024 House Enrolled Act 1383
  • Senate Enrolled Act 246

We will dive deeper next week on Deep Dive.

Chris Craft, Former Professor at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs | Courtesy photoDr. Indra Frank, water policy director for the Hoosier Environmental Council | Courtesy photoYou’ve been listening to Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. Tune in next week to learn more about Indiana Wetlands. To read the full article, What’s at Stake in the Debate Over Indiana’s Wetlands?, written and photographed by Anne Kibbler, visit LimestonePostMagazine.com.The award-winning series “Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate” is a journalism collaboration between WFHB Community Radio’s Local News Department and Limestone Post Magazine. Deep Dive debuted in February 2023 as a year-long series, made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. The Community Foundation also helped secure a grant from the Knight Foundation to extend the series for another year.

In the series, Limestone Post publishes an in-depth article about once a month on a consequential community issue, such as housing, health, or the environment, and WFHB covers related topics on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. during its local news broadcast.

In 2023, Deep Dive was chosen by the Institute for Nonprofit News as a finalist for “Journalism Collaboration of the Year” in the Nonprofit News Awards held in Philadelphia. And this year, the series brought home seven awards from the “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest by the Society of Professional Journalists. Read more about the awards.

Here are all of the the Deep Dive articles and broadcasts so far:

Housing CrisisLimestone Post article by Steve Hinnefeld, published February 15, 2023:

Deep Dive: Struggling with Housing Supply, Stability, and Subsidies, Part 1

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, February 15, 2023
  • Part 2, February 22, 2023
  • Part 3, March 1, 2023
  • Part 4, March 8, 2023

Steve Hinnefeld won 1st place for “Non-Deadline Story or Series” in the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest for parts 1 and 2 of this housing series. The staff of WFHB won 2nd place for “Coverage of Social Justice Issues” for its programs “Deep Dive: Housing Crisis.”

Housing Crisis SolutionsLimestone Post article by Steve Hinnefeld, published March 15, 2023 | photography by Jim Krause

‘No Silver Bullet’: Advocates, Officials Use Many Tactics on Housing Woes

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, March 15, 2023
  • Part 2, March 22, 2023
  • Part 3, April 12, 2023

Opioid Settlement Fund InvestigationsLimestone Post article by Rebecca Hill, published April 12, 2023 | photography by Benedict Jones

How Will Opioid Settlement Monies Be Spent — and Who Decides?

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, April 19, 2023
  • Part 2, April 26, 2023
  • Part 3, May 3, 2023
  • Part 4, May 10, 2023

IU Tree InventoryLimestone Post article by Laurie D. Borman, published May 17, 2023 | photography by Jeremy Hogan

Trees Do More Than Add ‘Charm’ to IU Campus

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, May 24, 2023
  • Part 2, May 31, 2023
  • Part 3, June 7, 2023
  • Part 4, June 14, 2023

Indiana Power GridLimestone Post article by Rebecca Hill, published June 21, 2023 | photography by Benedict Jones

The Power Struggle in Indiana’s Changing Energy Landscape

Rebecca Hill won 1st place for “Medical or Science Reporting” in the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest for this article.

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, June 21, 2023
  • Part 2, June 28, 2023
  • Part 3, July 5, 2023
  • Part 4, July 12, 2023

Lake Monroe SurvivalLimestone Post article by Michale G. Glab, published August 16, 2023 | photography by Anna Powell Denton

How Healthy Is Lake Monroe — and How Long Will It Survive?

Michael G. Glab won 3rd place for “Business or Consumer Affairs Reporting” in the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest for this article.

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, August 16, 2023
  • Part 2, August 30, 2023
  • Part 3, September 6, 2023

Indiana Lawmakers Attack Public SchoolsLimestone Post article by Steve Hinnefeld, published September 13, 2023 | photography by Garrett Ann Walters

Local Parents, Educators Face ‘Attack’ on Public Schools from Indiana Lawmakers

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, October 4, 2023
  • Part 2, October 11, 2023
  • Part 3, October 18, 2023

On Saving the Deam WildernessLimestone Post photo essay by Steven Higgs, published October 18, 2023

On Saving the Deam Wilderness and Hoosier National Forest | Photo Essay

Steven Higgs won 2nd place for “Multiple Picture Group” in the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest for this photo essay.

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, November 1, 2023
  • Part 2, November 8, 2023
  • Part 3, November 15, 2023

Food Insecurity, Part 1Limestone Post article by Christina Avery and Haley Miller, photography by Olivia Bianco, published December 18, 2023

One Emergency from Catastrophe: Who Struggles with Food Insecurity?

Christina Avery and Haley Miller won 1st place for “Coverage of Social Justice Issues” in the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest for this article.

WFHB reports:

  • Part 1, February 14, 2024
  • Part 2, February 21, 2024
  • Part 3, February 28, 2024

Food Insecurity, Part 2Limestone Post article by Christina Avery and Haley Miller, photos by Olivia Bianco, published March 13, 2024

‘Patchwork’ of Aid for Food Insecurity Doesn’t Address Its Cause

WFHB reports:

  • Feature report with Limestone Post reporters Christina Avery and Haley Miller, April 3, 2024

What’s at Stake in the Debate Over Indiana’s WetlandsLimestone Post article and photos by Anne Kibbler, published May 15, 2024

What’s at Stake in the Debate Over Indiana’s Wetlands?

WFHB reports:

  • Deep Dive: Wetlands (Part 1), May 22, 2024