WFHB Local News Features – WFHB

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Paul Rothrock & Jeff Stant speak with Environment Correspondent Zero Roze about a new book on Indiana Forest Alliance’s collaboration with Citizen Scientists and volunteers to document biodiversity in Indiana’s wild backlands and old growth forests, logging and burning by the United States Forest Sevice in the Hoosier National Forest and legislation moving through the US Congress to expand the Deam Wilderness Area. Paul Rothrock is Associate Curator Emeritus of the IU Herbarium and Jeff Stant is Executive Director of Indiana Forest Alliance.

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WFHB News had live special coverage of the General Election here locally. We sent out reporters to the John Waldron Arts Center where Monroe County Democrats held an Election Watch Party. Local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin spoke with WFHB News live from Election Central on 7th Street where votes were being tallied. Lastly, we sent out reporters to Walkover Sounds and Stones where we spoke to write-in candidate, Joe Davis. Tune in to hear excerpts from WFHB’s coverage of Election Night in Monroe County. To see the results of local races, click here.

Credits:

Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, Lauren Atkinson, Kathryn-Anne Lewis, Josh Brewer, Jim Odom, Melanie Davis, Kate C., Zero Roze and Kade Young.

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In this episode of [ZERO HOUR], Special Correspondent Zero Roze speaks with Professor Emeritus Marjorie Hershey to discuss the 2024 Elections, the history of electoral politics, chicanery and voter fraud, issues of competing economic models and sustainable development, demographic change, culture wars, jingoism and community service.

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In this episode of [ZERO HOUR], Special Correspondent Zero Roze sits down with State Senator Shelli Yoder to discuss the 2024 Elections in Indiana, issues of economic hardship and sustainable development, housing affordability, food sovereignty, land use policy, healthcare, climate change and environmental legislation, cultural divides and common ground for bipartisan solutions.

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By Jasmine Wright

All throughout the month of October, on Old State Road 37, the Barn of Terror opens to the public every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. sharp.

The barn is owned by Jared Neal, who has been running the haunt for over a decade. In 2022, the Barn of Terror was ranked 6th for haunted houses in Indiana. As a scaredy cat myself, and someone who personally hates haunted houses, of course I decided to go.

I walked across the barn’s front yard. The smell of the concessions pizza mixed with grass and cold air reminded me of the many years I would spend Halloween walking around the campsites of Shakamack State Park or the backwoods of Terre Haute, where bonfires and Purge masks littered the ground. I smiled, the hair on the back of my neck standing up.

The first staff member I met was Happy the Clown. She has been working at the haunt for the last 6 years and said Neal had found her lurking alongside the road one night and asked her to join his crew. Throughout the years, Happy said her favorite age group to scare have been teenagers.

“Sometimes they pee themselves inside [the barn],” she said, “We’ve had people throw up because they’re so scared.”

While Happy stands by being the friendly face of the attraction, “I don’t scare anyone”, I watched her make children scream and adults who were too occupied with their phones finally look up and startle at her stare.

Even still, it’s always nice to see Happy the Clown. Her balloon animals attract everyone who comes to visit the haunt.

“What kind of balloon animals are you able to make?”, I asked.

“I can make anything that you put your mind to,” she answered.

“Can you make me a snake?” … snakes are my favorite animals.

Kinsley Stanley is another staff member who has been a part of the haunt for a long time.

“[I’ve been a part of the Barn of Terror] since I was about eight years old”, she said, “My family’s always been close with the owners here, so it’s been a good experience.”

Kinsley usually works the front of the barn, being the first to scare incoming guests and signaling to her costumed counterparts to get in their places.

I asked Kinsley if she is scared of haunted houses.

“No,” she answered.

“You’re not scared at all?”, I asked.

‘Nuh, uh.”

I had been at the Barn of Terror for an hour and a half at this point. The later it got, the more people came to make their way through the attraction. Children were teasing a surgeon with half his body ripped open.

“Stop scaring us, okay?”, they said. He stared, not saying a word.

“You got that?”, the kids pleaded.

Two couples came running out of the end of the barn, screaming while a scarecrow with a chainsaw chased them through the yard. The boys started laughing and one picked his girl up, swinging her around and kissed her on the cheek.

Before I left, Neal let me interview one more staff member. He brought me around to the back of the barn, where it was pitch black.

A clown named JJ exited the attraction and came to speak with me. He has been working at the Barn of Terror for the last two years. Neal said he was responsible for most of the barn’s Tik Tok’s.

JJ the Clown had some unique interests.

“I like belly buttons”, he told me.

JJ also has some interesting relatives.

“Michael Myers is my cousin”, he said, “he brings me his belly button.”

JJ the Clown said he likes the deepness of belly buttons, “the innie, the outtie, the circumference”. He giggled at the thought.

Before I left the interview JJ asked me if he would see me in the haunt.

“Go through there so I can get you,” he said.

I laughed.

“Go through there”, he said again, “Are you scared?”

“No”, I answered, “I’ll go through!”

I found Jared Neal and told him thank you, I said goodbye to the really nice parking lady named Vicky, and then I headed to my car.

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By Jasmine Wright

In Meeting Room B of the Brown County Public Library, conversation and the whiz of unzipping bags spill into the hallway. It’s 10:25 A.M. on a Friday and Kirstin Thompson greets all of her students who happen to be at least a couple of decades older than her.

A grant from the Indiana Arts Commission had Tess Kean, the Marketing and Program Coordinator at the Library searching for something to bring the community together. While the grant allowed for a wide range of ideas, it did have one restriction: it could only be used for those 65+.

It’s now four weeks into the program and 10:28 A.M.. Ten students sit together, pulling out their ukeleles and strumming them absent-mindedly while chatting away with each other and finding the right page in their lesson plan booklets. The program is called the Ukelele O.W.L.S, Ukulele for Older Wiser Learners.

The nonsensical music grows louder as they tune their ukeleles. They quickly practice strumming patterns and cords they have learned over the last three Fridays they have met in Room B.

The instructor of the class is Kristin Thompson. Thompson is from Columbus, Indiana, but currently resides in Bloomington. She fondly remembers coming to Nashville over plenty of weekends growing up.

“I took piano lessons for a while when I was a kid, but I didn’t quite like it so I quit”, Thompson says.

She remembers a couple of years after that, she was begging her mother for guitar lessons and fell in love. “I decided I wanted to learn how to play banjo in my early twenties”, Thompson says, “that’s how I met Kara Barnard, she taught me how to play.”

Barnard owned the Weed Patch Music Company located on Main Street in Nashville, Indiana. The shop was a special place for Thompson, who eventually started working there and continued to even after Barnard sold the business.

In 2016, Barnard reached out to Thompson when the new owners were ready to sell the shop again. The two of them took over the Weed Patch and while Barnard moved on from the business in 2020, Thompson is still a proud owner. “Kara moved on and teaches now,” says Thompson, “she’s still one of the best”.

When looking for a senior citizens-friendly program, Kean reached out to Thompson about ukeleles. Thompson had already worked a couple of the children’s workshops at the library and now Kean was hoping she would be able to put together a lesson plan for older folks. “Ukeleles, they, well,” explains Kean, “it felt not intimidating”.

Thompson was able to expedite a plan in two months. She wanted to focus on songs familiar to older adults.

On this particular Friday, “King of the Road” by Roger Miller is used as a warm-up song. Many students play shyly as they sing confidently along with Thompson.

Trailers for sale or rent

Rooms to let, fifty cent

No phone, no pool, no pets

I ain’t got no cigarettes

Students are starting to remember their cords. The room fills with light rhythms, some playing loudly and swaying, others hunching over their booklets, their eyes darting from each line to their fingers settling hesitantly on the strings.

Thompson leads the song and counts. “Alright, let’s go into the island strum, also known as the calypso strum”, she instructs everyone, “down, down, up, up, down, up, ready?”

Students stare at Thompson’s strumming hand, following along as well as they can. Some have it down, others have it backward, but it sure does sound beautiful.

When the song ends a student laughs out, “We tried!”. Compliments fill the room from one person to the next. “You did really good!”, “You’re a natural!”.

A student concentrates on her fingers figuring out the cords. “Oh shoot,” she says trying to get from F to G7. Thompson goes over the transfer with her a couple of times. “That feels a little better,” the student says, “throw in that calypso stum, maybe not”. Everyone laughs in agreement.

“Ukelele players tend to be some of the nicest musicians out there”, says Thompson, “they’re collaborative and helpful.”

One student interrupts the lesson to tell everyone that she has found YouTube helpful in learning the calypso outside of class. “What do you type in?”, asks another student. “Just ‘Calypso on the ukulele’”, she answers.

Over the next 45 minutes, Thompson teaches the cords D minor and E minor. While the students struggle to get the cords right and then transfer their fingers between each one, Thompson reminds them that D7 and E7 are just as good to use as well. “There are no rules in music”, she says, “If you don’t like the way it’s played change it.”

Ready to go?

C! 2, 3, 4.

E7! 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4.

D7! 1, 2, 3, 4…

A student starts bobbing her head to the counts, a small smile interrupts her concentration. She’s gettin

g it.

Thompson leads the song Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Everyone sings with their chest, forgetting about their ukeleles before picking up after Thompson.

Hands, touchin’ hands

Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

Everyone erupts, the strumming of ukeleles dancing to no particular rhythm but being played no less.

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

Feet are tapping. Everyone is giggling and singing together.

“Seniors are younger than people think”, says Kean.

The 10-week program ends with a performance. It will be held in the same room at the same time on October 25th. Thompson says she has had a lot of fun teaching the course and the students are having a great time learning.

One student, Paulette, already plays five instruments but wanted to learn the ukelele.

Caroline, another student, talks about how she plays guitar. “I played the guitar at campfires”, she says, “It was all about drinking, dope, and music”. Caroline moved into town for her mother and missed playing with other people, so she signed up for the Ukelele O.W.L.S.

Dave, who heard about the Ukelele O.W.L.S from the paper, says he heard “Something” by Paul McCartney on the ukelele and wanted to try it out. “I’m probably not going to be a great ukelele player”, he says. Nonetheless, he says he is having fun learning. He appreciates Thompson and in exchange for ukelele lessons, gives her a quick 5-minute lesson on dance after class ends.

One more song is played, “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets.

Everyone is picking up the cords, and the rhythm, and some even brave the calypso one last time.

When the chimes ring five, six, and seven

We’ll be right in seventh heaven

We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight

Thompson goes into calypso, adding flair and dancing around her music stand. Students smile and adlib for laughs.

We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ‘till broad daylight

We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight

The song ends and Dave yells, “That’s old people rockin’!’”.

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By Janek Schaller

A recent piece of legislation seeks to evaluate the economic consequences of the loss of farmland throughout Indiana. House Bill 1417 calls upon the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to publish a report on the matter by next summer, with agricultural landholdings under pressure from commercial and residential development.

With nearly 18 million acres of farmland, and more than 53,000 farms, Indiana is the ninth-largest farming state in the nation.

State Representative Beau Baird: Agriculture has been the backbone of Hoosier livelihood since we became a state.

That’s State Representative Beau Baird of Putnam County, just west of Indianapolis. Baird is the Vice Chair of the House Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, and sees himself as a voice for the farming community within the Republican caucus. Representative Baird owns and operates a family farm, and still wakes up before dawn to make time for chores at the ranch in Greencastle before driving to the Statehouse.

Baird is the author of House Bill 1417, which was signed into law this past March. The bill calls for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to investigate the economic impact of agricultural land loss on neighboring communities. ISDA’s findings are due on July 1st, 2025.

Baird says the results of the ISDA report will help inform decisions about development proposals in rural communities, but also will promote greater understanding of the “ripple effect” incurred by the loss of farmland.

HB 1417 builds off the work of a previous report called for by the state legislature in 2023, which inventoried the amount of farmland that was lost between 2010 and 2022, and assessed the primary causes of those changes in land use. The state saw a net loss of over 121 thousand acres of farmland in those twelve years. Over 30 thousand acres were lost in Monroe County alone, the second largest total throughout the entire state.

ISDA found that nearly 73% of all lost farmland was repurposed for residential use – as great as the demand for homegrown food is, the demand for homes to cook and eat that food in is evidently greater, still. The report also identified that most of the land loss was concentrated in densely populated areas like Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Bloomington, where the demand for new housing is most pronounced.

Baird emphasized the importance of a“need-based approach” in future housing development.

Baird: Every community is different. Some communities are growing, some communities are contracting. I think it’s important that we realize that we can’t have one blanket policy across the entire state of Indiana that fits all of those parameters.

Representative Kendell Culp, a co-author on HB 1417, believes the bill has the potential to encourage what he labeled“smart growth” in the housing sector.

State Representative Kendell Culp: While we have to have housing, we have to have smart growth, and we have to have housing be developed on on more condensed areas, so subdivisions with smaller lots, instead of having large, sprawling lots for taking, you know, 20 acres and then putting a house on it and then basically taking the whole 20 acres out of production, we have to be smart about our growth.

Representative Culp is a farmer himself. He says it’s crucial that people understand that the true economic value of Indiana’s agricultural sector extends far beyond the crops that are harvested each year. Farms also generate a market for products like fertilizers and pesticides, provide feed for livestock, and create secondary job opportunities in rural communities. Culp also highlighted the positive environmental impact of the agricultural sector – croplands play an important role in carbon sequestration, and certain farming practices can cultivate healthier soils that are more resistant to erosion.

Culp: There’s a lot more than just what you see when you see bare farmland, more than just ‘there’s a ripe and ready for development,’ because I think in agriculture, part of our message, is it’s already highly developed for its best and most productive use, and we need to make sure we’re sharing that story.

Representatives Baird and Culp believe that the data provided in ISDA’s upcoming report will help convey that story to their fellow lawmakers and initiate important conversations about the future of the agricultural sector with local elected officials.

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By Jasmine Wright

On September 8th, at exactly 11 p.m, 126 people of all ages and backgrounds gather in front of Indiana Universities Sample Gates eager to start the Sunday Vigil, but a new expressive activity policy has Superintendent for Public Safety Benjamin Hunter surveying the scene and arguing with an anonymous protester.

“Policies are not laws,“ said the protester. “A policy that is unjust should be violated.”

The Associate Vice Provost for Involvement and Belonging, Vicka Bell-Robinson, outlines the policy itself to protestors.

“University policy is that we’re only allowed to publicly demonstrate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. It is now after 11 p.m.,” said Bell-Robinson.

Although it meant possible arrests, protesters stepped onto IU campus and continued their Sunday Vigil. Many protesters took turns speaking out about the policy, especially Guy Loftman, who served as IU student body president and organized IU’s Students for Democracy Society Chapter. Loftman hosted the Vigil and was a main speaker. He wore a hat with the word “woke” in all caps across it.

“I’m woke, or at least I’m as woke as I know how to be,” said Loftman. “I believe in equal rights for everybody. I believe that nobody should be discriminated against because of their race or their gender or the way they like to present themselves. I believe that America should not be an imperialist power that suppresses other nations. I believe that this is something that’s on all of us.”

Loftman wanted to start the Vigil by reading the names of those who have been reported to Indiana University for their involvement with protesting and assembling on campus.

“My second ceremonial act will be reading of the names of those who have been reported or self reported to the university for exercising their constitutional rights of free speech and freedom to assemble,” said Loftman. “As I read each name and their association with the University, please join me in saying, we stand with you.”

Former attorney and social justice advocate Guy Loftman sports a hat with the word “woke” in all capital letters printed on it (Photo by Jasmine Wright).Many more students and faculty were arrested earlier this summer at the encampment located on Dunn Meadow. Jesse, an IU Divestment Coalition member, has been protesting for Palestine since the encampment was built, and now stands alongside the green feather movement too.

“I was really shocked by the police presence in response to peaceful protesters who are out there to support the civilians in danger in Gaza who are being killed,” said Jesse.

Jesse says the IU Divestment Coalition is now working on a petition aiming for 5,000 signatures by the next Board of Trustees meeting. One of the points on the petition is calling for the resignation of Pamela Whitten, Carrie Docherty and Rahul Shrivastav. Many protesters took turns speaking out about both Palestine and the policy during the vigil. One protester invited others to write the names of children who have died in Gaza on the sidewalk.

“This university is not only invested in genocide, it will not even let us mourn the martyrs of that genocide, a genocide not just in Gaza, but all of Palestine,” said the protester.

Another protester started taking his students on a four hour bus trip to Michigan to see and learn about Samia Halaby, a world-renowned Palestinian artist and Indiana University alum. IU had canceled Halaby’s exhibition earlier this year. The exhibition had been planned for 3 years and over 9,000 signatures were taken to reinstate it but IU did not budge. Loftman speaks on professors protesting against the university.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful. I think finding hacks around the university’s refusal to allow people to think and obstructing people’s thinking, then let’s find a way around it, even if it means driving hours up to Michigan, where that hasn’t happened,” said Loftman.

The vigil ended with a sing-a-long. Leading the sing-a-long, William Morris, explains what the song symbolizes.

“There was a gentleman from on campus, a professor, who gave us the words to sing. So we just took a traditional sort of song, We Shall Overcome. And then sort of tried to create a more inclusive sort of thing,” said Morris.

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With Indiana University back in session campus organizations are recruiting students to join their ranks. On Thursday of the first week of classes we embedded reporters at two campus engagement events – the Media School Student Activities Fair and the larger more general IU Student Involvement Fair. Their report begins with Bryce Greene, one of the leaders of the IU Palestine Solidarity Committee. IU may be pursuing a misconduct case against Greene for violating IU’s new expressive activity policy. That policy prohibits protests after 11pm. Greene organized a candlelight vigil on August 25th. It started at 11:30pm.

Credits:

Today’s feature report on IU student involvement fairs was produced by Samuel Dexter, Luke Vogel, Sarah Colvin, Thomas Crow, Joe Ringer, and Ben Burns.

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The Indiana Family Health Council will open up a new Title X clinic in Monroe County.

This comes after Monroe County officials closed Futures Family Planning Clinic citing issues with staff turnover. Futures Family Planning Clinic provided services such as pregnancy and birth control counseling, STD testing and treatment and a variety of family planning services.

According to the Indiana Family Planning Health Council, or IFHC, the new clinic will be called the Bloomington Family Planning Center, and it will begin operating as soon as possible. Kristin Adams, president and CEO of the IFHC, said that she wanted to make sure patients had access to a Title X clinic in Monroe County.

“Every time we have staff changeover, we know patients can fall through the cracks. We didn’t want that to happen,” said Adams. “I am bringing my infrastructure in to make sure that we can let as few people as possible lose their services.”

WFHB News also spoke with several former employees at Futures Family Planning Clinic. All the employees we interviewed said they enjoyed their work with patients and were passionate about the mission at Futures. However, the former staff expressed concern about the county health department’s role in maintaining the clinic.

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In this week’s feature report, we continue with Part IV of an episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. In this four-part series, WFHB looks into trees in Monroe County – what trees we have, what benefits they provide, and which trees to root for and which to root out.

Inside Climate News reports Harris stirs hope for a new chapter in climate action. Although expected to follow in Biden’s pragmatic footsteps, her record as a prosecutor and voice for justice has environmentalists looking to the future. Although President Joe Biden already has cemented an unmatched legacy of climate change action, Vice President Kamala Harris raised the bar the moment that she entered the presidential race on July 21st.

Those who care about the climate are now considering new possibilities based on Harris’ past actions: What would she do to hold Big Oil accountable? How could she push climate policy further, especially to address historic injustice? Would she be able to advance international cooperation, building on the progress made in her travels to Africa and Asia as vice president?

A new candidate has invigorated the climate movement—with some groups that have never before endorsed presidential candidates declaring support for Harris soon after Biden passed her the torch. They point to her history as a former California attorney general who took on oil companies, the environmental justice work she has focused on in the Biden administration and the historic nature of her candidacy as a woman of color. Her appeal only increased when she selected her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who implemented a $2 billion climate spending program in the state and signed a law to make the state carbon-free by 2040.

How close are the planet’s climate tipping points? Earth’s warming could trigger sweeping changes in the natural world that would be hard, if not impossible, to reverse. Right now, every moment of every day, we humans are reconfiguring Earth’s climate bit by bit. Hotter summers and wetter storms. Higher seas and fiercer wildfires. The steady, upward turn of the dial on a host of threats to our homes, our societies and the environment around us.

According to the New York Times, we might also be changing the climate in an even bigger way. For the past two decades, scientists have been raising alarms about great systems in the natural world that warming, caused by carbon emissions, might be pushing toward collapse. These systems are so vast that they can stay somewhat in balance even as temperatures rise. But only to a point. Once we warm the planet beyond certain levels, this balance might be lost, scientists say. The effects would be sweeping and hard to reverse. Not like the turning of a dial, but the flipping of a switch. One that wouldn’t be easily flipped back.

The most significant way we could cross a tipping point would be for the ice on Antarctica to melt. The Antarctic Ice Sheet has around 60% of the world’s total fresh water, equivalent to a 240 foot rise in global sea level. Many West Antarctic glaciers flow out to sea, which means their undersides are exposed to constant bathing by ocean currents. As the water warms, these floating ice shelves melt and weaken from below, particularly where they sit on the seafloor. Like a dancer holding a difficult pose, the shelf starts to lose its footing.

With less floating ice to hold it back, more ice from the continent’s interior would slide into the ocean. Eventually, the ice at the water’s edge might fail to support its own weight and crack into pieces. Antarctica was ice free around 34 million years ago. How close today’s ice is to suffering the same fate is something scientists are still trying to figure out. One thing that would cause a total melt would be a rise in CO2 in the atmosphere to 700 ppm. We are at 428 this year.

“If you think about the future of the world’s coastlines, 50 percent of the story is going to be the melt of Antarctica,” said David Holland, a New York University scientist who studies polar regions. And yet, he said, when it comes to understanding how the continent’s ice might break apart, “we are at Day Zero.” The release of Thwaites Glacier is something that is expected this century, leading to a rapid rise of oceans by two feet.

A common criticism from fossil fuel interests is that wind turbines kill eagles and other birds. Indeed, they do kill birds, but wind turbines rank #10 in bird kill. The number one killer is easily cats. Cats kill 10,000 times more birds than wind turbines. Yet, those who oppose wind turbines keep pounding out the theme that wind turbines are an issue.

Wind turbines do kill an eagle occasionally. One golden eagle was killed near Montpellier, France in 2023. The exact location of the turbine is unclear from the report, but there is a river that passes through the city. Wind turbines should not be located near water, because of the danger to eagles. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase the country’s efforts in developing renewable energy sources, like wind turbines. “We need a massive acceleration…I want us to go at least twice as fast for renewable energy projects,” Macron said, during a speech in September, 2023.

“Our neighbors often managed to do more, better and, above all, faster.” According to the Associated Press, Macron previously called for France to increase its renewable energy sources to 23 percent by 2020, but it failed. The French president also previously called for the country to create 50 new wind farms by 2050. There are no reported deaths via wind turbines of eagles in Indiana.

The New York Times reports that parts of Canada’s Boreal Forest are burning faster than they can regrow. The delicate balance of one of the planet’s largest natural systems for storing carbon depends on the humble black spruce tree. The dead black spruce looked like a collection of giant burned matchsticks standing tall above the gray landscape as far as Jennifer Baltzer could see. But here, at the edge of one of the largest areas of scorched forest that scientists have ever documented in Canada, what caught Dr. Baltzer’s attention was closer to the ground. The spruce seedlings were gone.

Dr. Baltzer, a professor of forest ecology, was a few hundred miles below the Arctic Circle, where for over a decade she has studied the health of the black spruce and the boreal forests. It was a scorching late spring morning, and she and three of her students from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, were in the Northwest Territories to document what could grow from the ashes of the record-breaking fire season that had ravaged the forest almost a year earlier. “Wow, it’s kind of crazy in here,” Dr. Baltzer said as she inspected the blackened landscape. She had never seen trees burn this soon after a previous fire.

More frequent, bigger wildfires, fueled by climate change, are a formidable challenge to the black spruce, a species that has dominated these landscapes for thousands of years. Their gradual decline, now accelerated by last year’s fire season, is one of the strongest pieces of evidence that the new age of wildfires aren’t just overwhelming people with the smoke and destructive blazes now raging across North America — they are overwhelming nature, too.

The dwindling number of black spruce trees, scientists say, is deeply transforming an ecosystem that is one of Earth’s biggest storage systems for planet-warming carbon dioxide, a crucial tool to keep the atmosphere from warming even more than it already has. Concerning climate change, there are associated effects that exacerbate the carbon dioxide issue. The warmer temperatures open new forest regions to the pine beetle. The warmer temperatures also melt permafrost, which releases CO2. Thus the forests we count on to absorb CO2 are disappearing.

In this week’s feature report, we continue with Part IV of an episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. In this four-part series, WFHB looks into trees in Monroe County – what trees we have, what benefits they provide, and which trees to root for and which to root out.

Did you know that not all fur is the same? Learn about Mammal Furs at Brown County State Park on Saturday, August 24th, from 11 am to Noon. The fur can be used for camouflage, protection and keeping warm. Meet at the Nature Center and get to touch real animal furs.
A Feelin’ Foxy program is planned for Saturday, August 24th, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake. Meet at the Campground Playgroud to learn about Fox Squirrels, what they look like and their unique lifestyles.
Learn about Butterfly Feeders at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Monday, August 26th, from 2 to 3 pm. Meet at the Nature Center to learn how to attract butterflies to your yard – plus, you will make a Butterfly Feeder to take home.
Wild Wednesdays will continue every Wednesday until August 28th, at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area from 10 am to 11 am. On Wednesday, August 28th, you will take a short hike which will teach you about Indiana’s wetlands, critters and more. Bring bug spray!
Take a Fungi Hike at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake on Friday, August 30th, beginning at 7 pm. Join a guided hike to learn all about fungi. You will learn about the common mushrooms in the area, how to identify them and their role in our environment.

Credits:

On Air……………………………………Janek Schaller
On Air…………………………………..Cynthia Roberts
Headlines……………………………………Norm Holy
Feature Report………….Noelle Herhusky-Schneider
Feature Report……………………………..Kade Young
Script……………………………………Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar……………………….Julianna Dailey
Engineer……………………………..Branden Blewett

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org.

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This Monday, thousands gathered in Chicago’s Union Park to voice their opposition to the ongoing war in Gaza. The protest was the first event in a week of planned demonstrations coinciding with the Democratic National Convention, being held at the nearby United Center on the western side of the city.

Music poured from speakers attached to a temporary stage erected on one side of the park as demonstrators arrived, many holding signs that expressed outrage at the United States’ continued military support for Israel. The diverse crowd included protesters of all ages – younger children wore earplugs, and a few elderly attendees adorned their walkers and scooters with Palestinian flags. Many demonstrators wore black and white keffiyeh, the traditional Arab headdress that has become synonymous with the resistance effort against the Israeli occupation.

Monday’s demonstration was organized by a broad coalition of over 200 social justice organizations, including advocates for immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and L.G.B.T.Q. rights. Over the course of several hours, dozens of representatives from the coalition took to the stage to address the crowd, linking their organization’s missions to the conflict in Gaza. Singer and poet Jamila Woods, who is based in Chicago, performed a brief set, and independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West delivered a rousing speech drawing a connection between the Black Power movement and Palestinian liberation.

Several speakers tied the protests this week to those that rocked the Democratic National Convention in 1968. Student activists were integral to the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations in Chicago’s Grant Park that year, and students are once again some of the most vocal critics of the Biden administration’s involvement in the conflict in Gaza.

Rama delivered a short speech in which she explained the motivations for the protests this week:

Rama: We all stand here today to march on the DNC in Chicago, remembering the DNC back in 1968 also in Chicago back then, people were protesting the same thing we’re protesting today, which is US imperialism.

Rama decried Vice President Kamala Harris for “fueling this genocide,” and criticized her refusal to support an arms embargo to Israel.

Khalid Hamu, a student at the University of Denver and a member of the campus’ chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, rallied the crowd with a fiery condemnation of the convention.

Khalid Hamu: These corporate Democrats are unwilling to enact the change that people have so sharply struggled for, helping approve 20 billion worth of weapons to the occupation – shame! We need money for education, not for genocide and occupation.

Hamu, who was one of the leaders of a 22-day encampment at the University of Denver this spring, also underscored the connection between the student protests that erupted across the country during the semester and the resistance efforts in Gaza.

Hamu: Our detriment as students leads to the detriment of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian struggle is the student’s struggle. The Palestinian struggle is your struggle. The Palestinian struggle is our struggle.

According to Rama, campus protests will continue this fall as students place further pressure on their universities to publicly call for a ceasefire and divest their endowments from companies that are supporting Israel’s war effort.

Rama: Until we achieve an arms embargo, an end to the unconditional aid to the Zionist entity, a permanent ceasefire and a liberated Palestine. We will remain in revolt, both on our campuses and in the streets.

Following the rally, the demonstrators marched westward to Park #578, just a few blocks north of the site of the convention itself. Officers from the Chicago Police Department lined the pre-approved route, but rarely intervened against protesters. There was a brief skirmish with agitators unaffiliated with the march who sought to redirect the protest through a restricted area. Dozens of police officers converged on the group, and at least six people were detained.

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Photo by Paul Cooper, CC BY-NC 2.0This 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. For this series WFHB and the Limestone Post collaborated with the IU Arnolt Center for Investigative Reporting. We continue our coverage, looking into the refugee crisis, how this global emergency is playing out here in Indiana, and how individuals are able to find refuge in Bloomington.

In August of 2022, the IU Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy, also referred as CRISP, produced a report on Refugee Resettlement in Indiana. They conducted in depth interviews with service providers to learn about barriers refugees face and strategies to address these issues.

WFHB News spoke with two of the Policy Analysts, Nidhi Arun and Kristi Schultz, who highlighted issues that refugees face including language barriers, affordable housing, transportation and employment. Shultz explained that the report was conducted in 2022 when there was an influx in refugees arriving from Afghanistan.

Policy Analyst, Kristi Schultz. Photo courtesy of the IU Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy website.Program Analyst, Nidhi Arun. Photo courtesy of the IU Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy website.***

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 report:

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:

Wetlands (Part 1), May 22, 2024
Wetlands (Part 2), May 29, 2024
Wetlands (Part 3), June 7, 2024
Wetlands (Part 4), June 12, 2024

Resilience Amid Hardship: Refugees Find Challenges, Opportunities in BloomingtonLimestone Post article by by Brookelyn Lambright, Karl Templeton, and Brenna Polovina, among others, from the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, published August 1, 2024

Resilience Amid Hardship: Refugees Find Challenges, Opportunities in Bloomington

WFHB reports:

Refuge in Indiana (Part 1), August 7, 2024
Refuge in Indiana (Part 2), August 14, 2024

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In this week’s feature report, we continue with Part II of an episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. In this four-part series, WFHB looks into trees in Monroe County – what trees we have, what benefits they provide, and which trees to root for and which to root out.

The following was a Letter to the Editor in the Herald-Times on Sunday, August 3rd. We are sharing it with you with permission from the author.

Are we leaving the cost of climate change to our great-great-grandchildren? We homo sapiens, throughout our 300,000 years of existence, have never experienced carbon dioxide levels as high as they are today. Until 1840, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere varied between 180-280 parts per million (PPM). In 1860, it was about 288 ppm.

Since then, the concentration has increased every year to today, where it is now about 428 ppm. Humans have never experienced a climate as warm as it is today. And it is going to get much hotter. Every year, at least 200 billion tons of ice on Antarctica and Greenland melt. We do not fear this warming, or the rising ocean levels. We continue on the same course set during the last century.

We love our fossil fuels and are willing to live with relocating cities such as Miami; Fort Myers, Florida; Tampa; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; Washington, DC; New York City; and Boston to higher ground. All, so we can mine and burn more coal, because the good news is we will leave the cost to our great-great grandchildren.

According to the New York Times, Tim Walz has championed climate as governor. Kamala Harris’s V.P. pick, known for his folksy persona and rural Midwestern roots, has elevated the issue of climate change in his state. Over the course of his two terms in office, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota has quietly emerged as one of the nation’s most forceful advocates for tackling climate change.

Governor Walz, who has been tapped by Vice President Kamala Harris as her running mate, most recently made national headlines for labeling the Republican ticket “weird.” But back in St. Paul, Mr. Walz has been increasingly focused on the threats posed by climate change to his state and has been enacting ambitious policies designed to slash the use of the fossil fuels that are dangerously heating the planet.

Most notably, in 2023, Mr. Walz signed a law requiring Minnesota to generate all of its electricity from wind, solar and other carbon-free sources by 2040, eliminating the climate-warming pollution generated by coal and gas-fired power plants. That law came in the midst of a legislative session in which Minnesota Democrats, working with Governor Walz, pushed through nearly 40 other climate initiatives. In June, he signed a law designed to speed up the implementation of the 2040 clean power mandate, by streamlining the permitting of renewable electricity projects.

Inside Climate News reports electric vehicles strain the automaker-big oil alliance. In the clean car battle, the oil industry leans on friends—including Donald Trump—to keep gasoline transport alive, while carmakers steer toward an EV future.

Since the dawn of U.S. environmental law more than half a century ago, America has tried to reconcile its love of the automobile with its hope for a liveable future. And whether the battle was over the smog that choked cities, the toxic lead that poisoned millions or the carbon dioxide that is heating the planet, two of the nation’s most powerful industries were at the forefront of the effort to shape U.S. auto policy: the companies that made the vehicles and the businesses that fueled them.

Now, the electric car has touched off what might be the ultimate lobbying battle for both the auto and oil industries. Carmakers are seeking to slow the pace of the Biden administration’s drive for cleaner vehicles. Oil companies are seeking to bring it to a halt.

No voice has amplified the Big Oil message more loudly than former President Donald Trump, who at a fundraiser in April explicitly pledged to help the industry in exchange for its members sending $1 billion to his campaign, The Washington Post first reported. Trump blasts President Joe Biden’s EV-friendly policy at nearly every public appearance, including after his conviction in New York on charges of falsifying business records, when amid grievances about the judicial system, he stated: “They want to stop you from having cars.”

In this seeming non sequitur, Trump was merely reiterating one of the major themes of his bid to regain the presidency. Echoing the oil industry’s own language, he has framed his candidacy as its best hope for undoing U.S. policy to spur adoption of EVs.

To cut greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. passenger vehicles in half by 2032—as Biden’s rules call for—automakers are expected to rely on the electric drive technology into which they’ve already poured billions of dollars, spurred by subsidies at home and competition abroad. “The future is electric,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, appearing at the rollout of the regulations in March.

But the American Petroleum Institute and its sister group, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association, have declared battle against that EV future. Although the oil industry still rakes in huge profits and global fuel demand keeps rising, that’s not a guarantee the status quo will continue.

EVs have opened a divide between the auto industry and the oil industry, in the view of David Kieve, a former adviser to Biden who now heads EDF Action, the political advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund. Kieve was in the audience when the Environmental Protection Agency announced the new vehicle pollution standards in Washington.

To those who understand the threat from climate change, this debate is akin to arguing over the deck chairs on the Titanic. If the US were serious about halting climate change, we would be buying 10 million EVs this year, shuttering coal-fired plants, installing wind and solar for a million Hoosiers every year, and strengthening the power grid. Indiana is doing none of this.

In this week’s feature report, we continue with Part II of an episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. In this four-part series, WFHB looks into trees in Monroe County – what trees we have, what benefits they provide, and which trees to root for and which to root out.

Do you want to learn more about the Perseids Meteor Shower? Plan to attend Predicting the Perseids at Brown County State Park on Saturday, August 10th, from 1 to 1:30 pm. Learn what the Perseids are, where they come from, when to see them and much more!
Have fun at a Bug Catching Contest at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, August 17th, from 12 to 12:30 pm. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center for this 30-minute contest. Nets and cans are available. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded.
A Wild Wednesday will take place at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area on Wednesday, August 14th, from 10 to 11 am. Take a short hike to learn about Indiana’s wetlands, critters and much more. Bring water, sunscreen and bugspray!
Take a Quarry Hike at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Friday, August 16th, from 11 am to Noon. Meet at the Trailside Shelter to begin Trail 2 to the Quarry. Learn about how the stone was used to create some of Indiana’s buildings and how it was transported.
An Ants On The March presentation is scheduled for Saturday, August 10th, from 10 to 11:30 am at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake. Learn about ant anatomy, search for live ants in the ground and make an ant craft. Meet at the Campground Playground.

Credits:

On Air…………………………………..Julianna Dailey
On Air…………………………………..Cynthia Roberts
Headlines……………………………………Norm Holy
Feature Report………….Noelle Herhusky-Schneider
Feature Report……………………………..Kade Young
Script……………………………………Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar……………………….Julianna Dailey
Engineer……………………………..Branden Blewett

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Photo by Paul Cooper, CC BY-NC 2.0This 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. For this series WFHB and the Limestone Post collaborated with the Arnolt Center for Investigative Reporting. We are looking into the refugee crisis, and how this global emergency is playing out here in Indiana.

To read the full article, Resilience Amid Hardship: Refugees Find Challenges, Opportunities in Bloomington, written by Brookelyn Lambright, Karl Templeton, and Brenna Polovina; and photographed by Olivia Bianco, visit LimestonePostMagazine.com.Before diving deeper, we wanted to cover some of the basics, like what is the definition of a refugee and how does someone become one?

The formal definition of a refugee comes from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also known as the U-N Refugee Agency, which the United Nations established following World War II to help the millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. The agency is mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, “refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence or persecution and have sought safety in another country.” They expand upon that definition to share that many refugees have “been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind their homes, possessions, jobs and loved ones. They may have suffered human rights violations, been injured in their flight, or seen family members or friends killed or attacked.”

First, an individual might be recognized as an asylum seeker. Someone who has or intends to apply to be recognized as a refugee, but their application has yet to be processed.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, “Seeking asylum is a human right and every person in the world has the right to apply for asylum if they are fleeing conflict or persecution. They must not be expelled or returned to situations where their lives or freedoms would be in danger. This is the principle of non-refoulement which is enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention. It is also part of human rights law and customary international law and must be guaranteed by all countries.”

Currently, the United States allows the admission of up to 125,000 refugees to the United States, this is from the Memorandum on Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2024.

Exodus Refugee Immigration is a non-profit organization which serves the resettlement needs of refugees and other displaced people fleeing persecution, injustice and war, welcoming them to Indiana. Exodus is a federally funded program implemented by the state department, which began in Indiana in 1981.

Exodus Refugee Immigration is one of several organizations in Bloomington that provide refugee families with assistance. | Photo by Olivia BiancoErin Aquino is the Resettlement Director at Exodus Refugee in Bloomington. Aquino said the Bloomington office of Exodus has been open for two years. So far, the organization has welcomed refugees from over 17 countries – the majority of whom come from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria.

Right now, Aquino said that Exodus currently serves about 150 refugees every year. She said that the Biden Administration’s state department has requested that they attempt to increase their capacity. However, she said due to high housing costs and limited employment opportunities, the Bloomington office has struggled to expand the number of refugees they can serve. She touched on the difficulties that come along with serving refugees in Bloomington and surrounding areas.

Aquino said that regardless of the difficulties, Bloomington has been a welcoming place for refugees.

Aquino reiterated that refugees coming to Bloomington have to start their lives over and find community. She described the adjustments refugees have to make after coming to Indiana.

The Bloomington Refugee Support Network was founded in 2016. The organization supports asylum seekers, refugees and other displaced migrants in the community. Peter Lenzen, director of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network, provided an overview on the work the organization does.

Pete Lenzen, the director of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network. | Photo by Olivia BiancoLenzen said that the organization has helped those fleeing their home countries from all around the world – including Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, among others.

While Lenzen maintains that refugees encounter a fair share of challenges and hurdles, Bloomington can be a fitting place for refugees to settle.

Anifa is a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Exodus website, her family fled to a refugee camp in Zambia when she was just 12 years old. She lived there for 15 years before she was resettled in the United States in 2022. She said, “Nobody wants to be a refugee – it’s not a choice, just circumstances. Nobody wants to leave their life behind and leave where they come from. There is a good and bad side to everything.”

You’ve been listening to Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. Tune in next week to learn more about Refugees in Indiana, and some of the issues they face trying to start their lives in this community. To read the full article, Resilience Amid Hardship: Refugees Find Challenges, Opportunities in Bloomington, written by Brookelyn Lambright, Karl Templeton, and Brenna Polovina; and photographed by Olivia Bianco, 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 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?

Wetlands (Part 1), May 22, 2024
Wetlands (Part 2), May 29, 2024
Wetlands (Part 3), June 7, 2024
Wetlands (Part 4), June 12, 2024

Resilience Amid Hardship: Refugees Find Challenges, Opportunities in Bloomington

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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.

On Wednesday, dozens of protesters gathered outside the Showalter House, which is off the bypass by the IU Golf Course. This was the location where IU President Pamela Whitten met with community leaders for a social event.

The protest took place in direct opposition to the new expressive policy and Whitten’s handling of the Palestine solidarity protests and the encampments established in Dunn Meadow – an area historically dedicated to student demonstrations. The new policy reverses decades of precedent for civil protest at the university.

On Wednesday, WFHB News spoke with IU Divestment Coalition Coordinator Bryce Greene outside the Showalter House. Greene commented on the university’s new expressive activity policy saying that he believes the new policy shows the university is attempting to justify its actions against protesters back in April.

“The new policy is explicitly designed to justify their past violence and also justify future violence against students all because they don’t want students protesting,” said Greene.

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – JULY 31: Pro-Palestine protesters gather outside the Indiana University Alumni Association to demonstrate after the Indiana University board of trustees passed a policy regulating free speech on campus on July 31, 2024 in Bloomington, Ind. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)Greene then outlined his efforts organizing these protests over the past three months saying the encampments have lasted for almost 100 days.

“Our university continues to be invested in and continues to have partnerships with organizations that explicitly support genocide. And we are mobilizing and organizing around it,” he said. “We’re going to keep organizing and keep struggling until our demands are met.”

WFHB News asked what comes next for the Dunn Meadow protests after the new policy essentially bans the encampments. While the demonstrators have yet to release an official statement, Greene hinted that protests will continue within the constraints of the new policy.

“I mean it’s really the same answer that it’s always been. You have to find creative ways based on the constraints of the system that you’re trying to change. That was the case in the 60s, that’s the case now and that’ll be the case 100 years in the future. And so, we continue in that tradition,” said Greene.

In April 2024, IU formed an ad-hoc committee after hearing about a planned encampment in Dunn Meadow protesting the university’s relationship with Israel’s war on Gaza. Overnight, the committee changed the long-standing Dunn Meadow policy, prohibiting the installation of structures, including tents, without advanced approval.

According to a third-party review of the Dunn Meadow encampment protests done by Cooley LLP, a law firm based out of Chicago, the IU Police Department, “lacked adequate staffing or the specialized training necessary to respond to a significant protest event.” That’s when the university brought in the Indiana State Police to enforce its policy.

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. State police arrested 57 people in Dunn Meadow in late April.

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – APRIL 27: Police arrest activists on the third day of a pro-Palestinian protest camp in Dunn Meadow at Indiana University on April 27, 2024 in Bloomington, Indiana. At least twelve people were arrested after police told them thier tents were illegal, and had to be taken down. The protester refused to take down the tents, so the Indiana State Police swat team forced the protesters from the camp, and arrested several in the process. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)The state police specifically targeted IU student and organizer Bryce Greene. Police body cam footage was released by Indiana Public Media in July. In the footage, you can overhear officers target Greene among the crowd of protesters.

https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/snip-snip.mp3Greene said that IU attempted to “make an example” out of him by having state police target him. In his mind, however, the movement would not be deterred.

“They’re trying to demoralize us, and they’re trying to put a chilling effect on all this stuff going on on campus. But as long as there are people who have good conscience and good faith and who are committed to a better world, then we have nothing to worry about. You just have to find your voice and act on it,” said Greene.

At the end of the day, Greene says that the ultimate goal of the protests is divestment from Israel’s war on Gaza. This includes ending the university’s partnership with the Crane naval base and its affiliation with corporations that support the war.

“All of these points are deeply important to people who do not want to live in a world where our institutions are supporting genocide. It’s deeply important for people to stand up and fight back,” he said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit against Indiana University, saying it 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. According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office from May 31st, “Based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding these arrests, including, among other things, the constitutionally dubious process by which the University passed and enforced its new policy regarding structures in Dunn Meadow, the State is unlikely to be able to convict these individuals at trials on the merits.”

IU has maintained that it’s within its first amendment rights. The university put out a news release earlier this week stating “Indiana University has a longstanding commitment to free speech for all. In order for free speech to flourish, we need to clarify our policies so people clearly understand the allowable time, manner and place for free expression. We can’t let one person or group’s expression infringe on the rights of others, disrupt learning experiences for our students or interrupt regular business.”

J. Alexander Tanford is a professor at the IU Maurer School of Law and the President of the IU American Association of University Professors or AAUP. In early July, the AAUP released a statement criticizing the university for its limit of three weeks for public feedback on the policy governing “expressive activity.”

J. Alexander Tanford is a Professor Emeritus of Law at the IU Maurer School of Law and the President of the IU American Association of University ProfessorsThe statement said, “This is an unreasonably brief amount of time to carefully deliberate and design a new policy, particularly during the summer when students are dispersed and faculty are devoting time to their research.” The statement acknowledged that expressive activity lies at the core of academic freedom traditionally associated with IU. The organization said that while the policy ostensibly claims to defend free speech rights, it does quite the opposite.

Professor Tanford reiterated the IU American Association of University Professors’ statement calling on the IU Board of Trustees to allow more time to hear from students and faculty before coming up with a new policy.

“You can’t possibly have a discussion involving the people who are going to be affected by this – faculty and students – giving them time to digest and make comments when you do it in the summer, when they’re not there,” said Tanford.

Tanford then shifted his focus to the first amendment. In his view, the new policy goes against students’ free speech rights and silences basic forms of protest.

“It misunderstands the fundamental aspect of symbolic speech and its protection under the First Amendment. Expressive activities occurring after 11 o’clock are absolutely classic forms of protest,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to the university’s statement, “the expressive activity policy continues to encourage freedom of expression for all while also setting clear expectations for how members of the IU community and visitors to IU campuses must behave.”

In May, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition voted in favor of a “no confidence” vote in IU President Pamela Whitten followed by a three-day strike.

Overall, the graduate workers have been critical of how the university president dealt with the Dunn Meadow encampments. On the day of the arrests, the grad workers denounced the “brutality exercised upon peaceful demonstrators” and expressed disappointment in IU administrators “who failed to prevent this police violence and brutality upon students they are charged with mentoring and protecting.” Members of the IGWC were among those arrested on April 25th and 27th for criminal trespass in Dunn Meadow.

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. McCarthy said the new policy would impact the graduate workers strike and is an attempt to shut down free speech for students and faculty.

“This is really just an attempt to destroy some of the last rights that we have remaining to us, as organizers of a labor union. And when they take that away, it’s an attempt to shut us down. And it’s one that we resist very strongly,” said McCarthy.

Michael McCarthy, member of the Coordinating Committee for the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition (Courtesy photo).He said it uses the first amendment as its rationale; however, he believes the university is suppressing freedom of speech.

“It uses free speech as a cudgel to actually repress free speech. So it says that by speaking out on campus, by being visible, by being heard, by protesting, we are effectively shutting down other speech. That’s not true,” he said.

As for next steps, McCarthy postulates that students will react against the recent move by IU. While he’s unsure how that opposition will play out, he expects students to “fight back.”

“There’s going to be a movement against it. I can already see the early rumblings of that. I don’t think that this is going to be something that people on campus are going to put aside lightly,” said McCarthy.

A sign outlining IU’s new expressive activity policy sits in front of the remaining encampment at Dunn Meadow (Photo by Jessie Grubb).At around 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, WFHB News traveled to Dunn Meadow to hear from demonstrators about what the future holds for the encampment.

One protester who uses the alias, 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. 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.”

Again, 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 said they don’t think the policy protects 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.”

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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.

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

Photo by Benedict Jones.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

Photo courtesy of the Indiana Daily Student.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.
The next MCCSC School Board meeting will be held on August 27th.

Feature Report:

Up next, we have an editorial produced by local journalist Dave Askins for the B Square Bulletin. We now turn to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

WFHB News is proud to partner with The Media School at Indiana University to offer internships and volunteer opportunities in broadcast journalism. Earlier this month, 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 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:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kate C, Sam Hall, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dave Askins.
Activate was produced by Kingsley Southard and Carys Gill with support from Chad Carrothers and Michelle Moss.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.

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Story By: Madison Stratton

“You know, abundance is our watchword and so we focus on taking the abundance that is in our world and giving it to those who don’t have abundance and making sure that they can move from survival to thriving,” said Jada Bee.

According to the World Food Programme, “An estimated 37.2 million people across 47 countries will be in Emergency or worse levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, and require immediate emergency assistance to save lives and livelihoods. An estimated 24.5 million children are predicted to be acutely malnourished in the 15 countries with the highest burden in 2024.”

In America alone, about 37.8 million people face food insecurity. One driving factor to lower these numbers is buying and supporting food locally even right here in Bloomington.

WFHB News first spoke with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard CEO Megan Betz to gain more information about the benefits of this local food pantry.

Betz said, “For me, I think the major benefits are the sense of community we all get. We want to be really clear that all of us could move through moments of needing support and moments of having space to offer support over the course of our lives.”

WFHB then spoke with People’s Market planning committee member Jada Bee to gain more insight into the Co-op’s mission and how food scarcity drove their vision, especially during COVID-19.

“And so, we realize very quickly that the people who are going to get caught in the middle are going to be Black and brown people and poor people. And so our mission shifted to our sponsored boxes, and trying to figure out ways to help stack food pantries, and get food to people in need,” said Bee.

Betz spoke about Mother Hubbard’s biggest reasons for helping the local residents of Bloomington.

Betz said, “The more that we can think about food as really situated in our community, we can talk more about how it feels to not only be nourished by the food but to be really in connection with the people that bring it to us.”

Over 41 million U.S. residents currently use SNAP benefits to gain access to their meals. SNAP benefits is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food assistance to low and no-income people and families living in the United States. According to the USDA, “benefits averaged $230.88 per participant per month.”

WFHB spoke with Farm Stop Cooperative Manager Bobbi Boos about local accessibility between not only local residents using SNAP benefits but farmers as well.

“So it’s a really beautiful thing as a farmer to know that I can price good. I’m also a farmer. I can price goods…and yet there’s still some access and it’s affordable to people who do receive SNAP benefits,” said Boos.

The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market Coordinator Clarence Boone described how the market supports residents who use SNAP Benefits.

Boone said, “Say if there’s a SNAP recipient that has a family, we help them. We double the face value of, say, a market buck, so the max is $27 worth of market bucks that all the sudden can turn into $54 of buying power.”

Farm Stop Volunteer Board Member Ash Teng along with Bobbi Boos spoke of how they grow closer to the Bloomington community including the use of SNAP benefits.

“So folks who have SNAP EBT cards, they can double their value, which has been really great and means they get to access fresh, delicious, nutrient-dense food when maybe they wouldn’t normally be able to use,” said Teng.

WFHB followed up with Jada Bee and asked her to discuss exactly who the People’s Market helps and how you can support people in your own community.

Bee said, “The families are what matter. You know, feeding those families are really what matters every single week.”

By buying your produce locally you are not only creating a connection with local Bloomington residents but also helping to promote food security.

“The basics of food security is about overall health and wealth. You know, when you have food security, you can focus on other things in your life that aren’t secure,” said Bee.

Locations mentioned:

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard:

Tuesday through Thursday from 12PM to 6PM

1100 W. Allen St. Bloomington, IN 47403

https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/

People’s Market:

Every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM

2420 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401

https://www.peoplesmarketbtown.org/

Bloomington Farm Stop Cooperative:

Open Daily 8:30AM-6:30PM

902 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404

https://www.bloomingtonfarmstop.coop/

The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market:

Every Saturday till November 23rd 8AM to 1PM

401 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404

https://bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market

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By Annika Harshbarger

After leaving her final class of sophomore year Cameron Gray planned to hangout with a friend. She made the decision to pass Dunn Meadow, a decision that changed her life. In this three part series listen to Cameron Gray tell her story of being arrested in Dunn Meadow for protesting Indiana Universities investments in companies supporting the genocide in Gaza, being held for a few hours in the Indiana University field house unable to use the bathroom, and spending several hours in a hot, packed, white tiled holding cell in the Monroe County Jail.

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By: Annika Harshbarger

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO FEATURE

Annika Harshbarger: This is part two of Banned from IU. A three part series focusing on Cameron Gray and her story of being arrested on Dunn Meadow for quote “using her voice” end quote. To listen to part one go to wfhb.org and search banned from IU: part 1. When we left Cameron last Tuesday she was on an IU bus with her hands zip tied behind her back. She had stumbled upon the protest by chance and was one of the first to be arrested and sat on a hill only able to watch as more students were arrested. She was led up the hill, and then up the stairs by the IMU bus stop and on to an IU bus that was anything but quiet.

Harshbarger: Cameron walks on to the bus and sees most of the protesters have sat in the back. She walks to join them and says.

Cameron Gray: “Well, hey guys, you know, and we just kind of rest and the solidarity and the knowledge that this isn’t good. This is actually quite scary, but we are here together.”

“We had a mission. And that was just sent a message that you can arrest us and that will not stop us that’s not going to stop our voices. “

Harshbarger: While they are stomping and chanting loud enough for people outside of the bus to hear them Cameron looked out the window.

Gray: “Guys it’s my sister… So someone had you know, gotten in contact with her and said, Hey, your sister’s arrested”

Harshbarger: The bus of arrested students and professors were scared but not discouraged.

Gray: “Here we are, you know, zip tied, dragged around, beat up, you know, on this IU bus with police. And, you know, we’re just as loud as we were on the field.”

Harshbarger: During this bus ride Cameron didn’t know where she was being taken. She assumed the county jail. She assumed wrong. Throughout the bus ride people are asking the police questions.

Gray: “we’re saying where are you going to take us? You know, we’re, we’re, we’re met with silence. So we finally pull up, you know, I see like a gravel parking lot. And like some stone looking architecture, and I’m like, where did you bring us? Where did you bring us?”

“We’re led through the door and I see that it’s the indoor track and field. Field House, you know, IU’s very own. And there’s a couple rows of small wooden chairs lined up. They say, take a seat. And that was shocking because that was like what what purposes have you for not taking us to jail? You know, what, what is the serve? What channels are you going through that that’s deemed that? Yes, you’re going to take the students on an IU bus to an IU Field House and hold them with with no answers for two hours”

Harshbarger: The field house was hot, and people were not doing well. One of the people that had been arrested had low blood sugar. They were pale and had to sit on the floor.

Gray: “The police would not do anything. So I had to behind my back, still cuffed on the student, he had to kneel on the ground. And behind my back, I had to try to feed them water. And then another student had, you know, granola bar and a granola bar that like, survived in their pocket. And they had to feed them that the same way.”

“There was another student that eventually they had to call like emergency services for it was just, it felt so wrong. And the whole time we were just, you know, questioning, almost like the legality of it. You know, does anyone know we’re here? How long are they going to keep us here? Nor are we going to jail? Are you Where are you taking us?”

“that was scary, because, you know, essentially, now we’re just students that have been zip tied, dragged off campus, no charges, no rights, some of us haven’t been told we’re under arrest. And we’re just sitting in this field house. They won’t let us go pee. You know, they won’t give us food or water. I screamed for two hours. That I had to be, I guess, maybe a little vulgar. I asked him if I could just pee my pants. They wouldn’t let me.

Harshbarger: After the police changed positions one came up to Cameron and asked if she had any questions.

Gray: “I said, Yeah. I have to go to the bathroom. They won’t let me I know for a fact there’s a bathroom in this place. I made him very, very uncomfortable because I brought up the fact that I was on my period that I felt I have a tampon and I’m gonna get toxic shock. You know, there’s blood running down my leg…, I’m gonna pee everywhere. And I think it’s really wrong that you won’t let me go pee, said I know you don’t care. But um, you know, it’s pretty gross. And he looked quite disturbed by the mention of blood and a natural, you know, bodily process in and finally at the end of almost two hours I was allowed to go to the bathroom.”

Harshbarger: After Cameron used the bathroom her hands were re-cuffed, but this time they were in front of her.

Gray: “I saw my sister outside the door. She had been waiting there the whole time, you know? And I was actually able to sign her a little bit, you know, I said, Hey, my phone’s dead. And, you know, what are they doing? And she said, yeah, there’s a shuttle on its way to take you guys. So we were able to trade information which provided greatly because we weren’t getting that anywhere else.”

Harshbarger: Cameron had had enough of the I don’t know’s, inconsistent answers and silence from the police.

Gray: “I said, you, you cuff us and you bring us here and you don’t know why. How blindly Can you follow orders?”

“there was such a lack of any sort of respect, and not that I think we were in a position where we would be getting respect from from, you know, the people who arrested us, but you’d expect a level of human decency that was just absent, it was just void. Maybe not even void, but it was replaced with some level of malice, you know, you know, they seem mad at us. And, you know, this is your punishment, almost, you know, not not going to jail not being put under arrest. But staying here without answers, not drinking water, not getting food, not getting answers not having the decency to use a restroom. It felt like an intentional kind of job on top of everything else. Because, you know, as we saw, in the end, they did have the power to give us water and to let us use the bathroom and to loosen the cuffs so that, you know, they finally did replace the cuffs of the student whose fingers were turning purple after hours of them pleading, and the rest of the students advocating for them. And they had cuts in their wrist, from how hard they were digging in. So it was, yeah, it was and it’s there was this battle kind of that’s been waged internally and me because I am both, you know, I’m dealing with the, the injustice of what I feel like I faced. But then there’s, you know, there’s a part of you, that’s what I’m fighting for, is the people who are, are dehumanized to the fullest extent, who are having bombs just dropped and who are being starved and murdered and put in mass graves. And, you know, so there’s, there’s a level of, of not letting yourself revel in your own pity, because it was worth it, you know, any anything I have to go through, you know, peeing my pants and being dehydrated, and having a sore elbow is? Is nothing.”

Harshbarger: An IU bus pulled up outside of the field house. Police picked the rowdiest students and loaded them onto the bus to be taken to the Monroe County Jail first. Cameron sat in the field house for almost another hour until an IU bus again pulled up outside of the field house. Cameron was lead on to the bus and sat down.

Gray: “It was beautiful because you know, they have posters all over the walls and the buses. And on one of the one of the little posters up on the bus said, the leaders of tomorrow, use your voice it said use your voice.”

Harshbarger: Protestors found the irony to be too much and had to laugh a little at how untrue the poster felt to them. Everybody on the bus sat in contemplating silence.

Gray: “The anger was still there. But, you know, it was sort of under the surface now, you know, now we’re just all thinking to ourselves, like, it’s starting to set in as much as it can, you know, the adrenaline has, has sort of waned. So that was it. It was a quiet one, Justin, you know, shock and trying to begin to process what’s going on, you know, we’ve we’ve been through so much already, and we’re not even to the jail.”

Harshbarger: We leave Cameron on yet another IU bus, tune in next week to hear part 3, the end, of Cameron’s story.

For WFHB this has been Annika Harshbarger

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By Jiin Hur

A labor strike is when union workers withhold their labor under their employer for purposes of negotiation. This negotiation is called collective bargaining. They do this until they reach an agreement that settles compromised terms and conditions (e.g. higher pay, fewer working hours, etc.). This agreement is called a collective agreement.

WFHB News interviewed IU Maurer School of Law Professor Kenneth Dau-Schmidt, who teaches labor and employment law. He gave us the context of why and how these labor strikes are caused around the country.

Labor unions and labor strikes reflect specific viewpoints of many workers in a specific industry, allowing them to properly exercise their individual rights in America. But to understand why and how these things occur is equally important as well.

Professor Kenneth Dau-Schmidt is the Willard and Margaret Carr Professor of Labor and Employment Law at the IU Maurer School of Law (Photo courtesy of Indiana University).Dau-Schmidt explains some prevalent issues currently in the labor market.

“The market for low wage labor has been tight lately, so low wages have gone up. And what that means is that employees who are above that have also wanted raises. So there’s been a shortage of labor in the labor market lately. And that’s put pressure on wages, particularly for things like CDL drivers and skilled tradesmen,” he said.

Dau-Schmidt elaborates on the general demographics of people that tend to be in unions and partake in strikes.

“The people that tend to organize are people who are skilled laborers, or that are hard to replace, or they work in an industry where there are profits,” he said.

He talks about the historical situation of blue collar workers and white collar workers tending to join labor unions and strikes compared to the present.

“The rate of unionization declined so that we’re now down to about under 10%. But just recently, when you go into the pandemic, then what happens is that wages and benefits are lower now. And in the pandemic, a lot of people couldn’t work and the people kind of changed their attitude towards work,” said Dau-Schmidt.

Then, Dau-Schmidt explains the demographic of industrial workers (specifically minimum-wage workers) having to work second jobs and their relationships with their employer, bringing up Starbucks as an example.

“If you were getting paid the minimum wage, you’re either gonna have to work multiple jobs, or you’re gonna have to have multiple people in your household working,” he said.

Finally, Dau-Schmidt answers what he thinks the government and other local entities can do to advocate and better the lives of these industrial workers.

“I think that learning a trade and learning a skill should be as important to the government as sending people to college. I have a college education, all my kids have a college education. But you know what – you can have a good life and you can be highly productive in this society without going to college, if you learn to trade and if you learn something, if you’re skilled enough, and you’re productive enough to deserve a high wage, and I think government can do things to encourage that,” said Dau Schmidt.

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In this week’s Eco Report feature, Part One of “Local Food Sovereignty Amidst Global Challenges,” an episode of Eco Report EXTRA (E.R.X.) – our online sister show. The full program won Third Place for Best Radio Documentary Special of 2023 at the Society of Professional Journalists Awards in April.

The Indiana Business Journal reports that according to environmentalists, the scores of coal ash ponds that have sprung up around Indiana power plants over the decades are a looming threat to public health and water supplies. Most are near rivers and are filled with toxic chemicals, including arsenic and mercury. But to the energy industry, the ponds are a necessary byproduct of burning mountains of coal over the years to produce cheap electricity for Hoosiers. They insist Indiana’s 86 ponds, more than in any other state, are safe and the risk of harm is low.

For years, the two sides have battled over how to treat the mountains of coal ash, most of which sits far from public view, behind fences, next to power plants. But up close, the ponds spread out for acres. Many have grown into small lakes with high embankments, up to 50 feet deep and containing untold amounts of toxins. Now a set of final rules by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could finally push electric utilities and other power generators to better monitor and clean up the coal ash around Indiana and the nation. For the first time, federal regulations will cover the nearly 50 dumps spread across 14 locations in Indiana that were previously exempted from cleanup provisions.

Several Indiana utilities say they are studying the changes but stopped short of saying what they plan to do in response. The regulations will force big players and policymakers in Indiana to deal with what some see as a major environmental problem. Several coal ash ponds are in areas that are prone to flooding, raising the risk that toxins in the ponds could be swept into nearby rivers and that the underground aquifer could become contaminated.

For a long time, we’ve had a mindset in this state that if it’s economic development, if it supports the fossil fuel industry, we’re going to do it, said David Van Gilder, senior policy and legal director at the Hoosier Environmental Council. I think that’s something we’re going to turn the corner on if the EPA sticks to its guns and there’s some oomph behind this federal enforcement.

Inside Climate News has a story about whether it is prudent to have children. Jade S. Sasser has been studying reproductive choices in the context of climate change for a quarter century. Her 2018 book, “Infertile Ground,” explored how population growth in the Global South has been misguidedly framed as a crisis—a perspective that Sasser argues had its roots in long-standing racial stereotypes about sexuality and promiscuity.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sasser, an environmental scientist who teaches at the University of California, Riverside, started asking different questions, this time about reproductive choices in the Global North. In an era in which the planet is getting hotter by the day, she wondered, is it morally, ethically or practically sound to bring children into the world? And do such factors as climate anxiety, race and socio-economic status shape who decides to have kids and who doesn’t?

The result is her latest book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” which was published last month by the University of California Press and centers on a range of issues that are part of a broader conversation among those who try to practice climate-conscious decision-making. From the outset, Sasser cautions that her work does not attempt to draw any conclusions about what the future might hold or how concerns about global warming might affect population growth going forward.

This book is not predictive, Sasser said in a recent interview with Inside Climate News. “It’s too soon to be able to say, ‘OK, these are going to be the trends. These people are not going to have children, or are going to have fewer children or this many, or that many.’ We’re at the beginning of witnessing what could be a significant trend”. Sasser said that one of the most compelling findings of her research was how survey results showed that women of color were the demographic cohort that reported that they were most likely to have at least one child fewer than what they actually want because of climate change.

“No other group in that survey responded that way,” Sasser said. Those survey results, Sasser said, underscores the prevalence of climate anxiety among communities of color. A Yale study published last year found that Hispanic Americans were five times as likely to experience feelings of climate change anxiety when compared to their white counterparts; Black Americans were twice as likely to have those feelings.

There is a really large assumption that we don’t experience climate anxiety, said Sasser, who is African American. “And we do. How could we not? We experience most of the climate impacts first and worst.” And the few surveys that have been done around people of color and climate emotions showed that Black and Latinx people feel more worry and more concerned about climate change than other groups.”

CNN reports that rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color – from a clean, clear blue to a rusty orange – because of the toxic metals released by thawing permafrost, according to a new study. The finding surprised researchers from the National Park Service, the University of California at Davis and the US Geological Survey, who conducted tests at 75 locations in the waterways of Alaska’s Brooks Range. The rivers and streams in the range appeared to rust and became cloudy and orange over the past five to 10 years, according to the study published in the journal Communications: Earth & Environment.

We’re used to seeing this in parts of California, parts of Appalachia where we have mining history. This is a classic process that happens in rivers here in the continental US that have been impacted for over 100 years since some of the mining rushes in the 1850s, said Brett Poulin, a co-author of the study and a professor of environmental toxicology at UC Davis. But it’s very startling to see it when you’re on some of the most remote wilderness and you’re far from a mine source.

The discoloration and cloudiness are being caused by metals such as iron, zinc, copper, nickel and lead, the researchers found – some of which are toxic to the river and stream ecosystems – as permafrost thaws and exposes the waterways to minerals locked away underground for thousands of years. Arctic soils naturally contain organic carbon, nutrients and metals, such as mercury, within their permafrost, the study says. High temperatures have caused these minerals and the water sources around them to meet as permafrost melts.

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, studies have shown. What we believe we’re seeing is this thawing of soil that’s happening faster there than it would happen elsewhere, said Poulin. It’s really an unexpected consequence of climate change. Those orange streams can be problematic both in terms of being toxic but might also prevent migration of fish to spawning areas.

The New York Times reports that Gilberto Pozo, a biologist, was monitoring a small forest in the town of Cunduacán, in southern Mexico, in early May when two mantled howler monkeys fell from a tree in front of him with a thud. They were dehydrated and received treatment, he said. But they didn’t survive. At first, Dr. Pozo and his team at Cobius, a nonprofit conservation group, thought the monkeys had been overcome by smoke from fires set by farmers clearing land nearby.

But, as temperatures soared over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in recent weeks, dozens of reports of dead monkeys started popping up. Residents were finding groups of 10 or more dead at a time, many also showing signs of dehydration. As of Wednesday, 147 monkeys have died in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas in southern Mexico. The deaths of dozens of mantled howler monkeys in Mexico may be the latest sign of the danger extreme temperatures pose to wildlife around the world.

As global temperatures have shattered records, scientists have recently documented a die-off of Amazon dolphins and a mass bleaching event in the world’s oceans. This event points out why we humans are not terribly concerned about climate change. We just use more air-conditioning. But plants and animals have no similar option. That’s why we are in the initial stages of the sixth mass extinction. According to David Attenborough, one million plant and animal species will be extinct within the next two decades.

FEATURE REPORTIn this weeks feature, Part One of an episode of Eco Report EXTRA (E.R.X.) – our online sister show. The full program won Third Place for Best Radio Documentary Special of 2023 at the Society of Professional Journalists Awards in April.

A Free Fishing Weekend is planned for Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd, at Monroe Lake. This is a great opportunity to learn about fishing. Free fishing equipment is available at the Paynetown Activity Center.
Join Naturalist Jessie on a wild adventure to learn about nocturnal animals during the Sense of the Night Hike at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, June 1st, from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. You will put your senses to the test to see if you would be a good night owl. Meet at the Deer Run Shelter.
A Cut Flowers for Crafting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th, from 6 to 8 pm at the Willie Streeter Community Gardens. In this first part of a two-part series, you will learn about the kinds of flowers to plant in your garden. Plan to think outside the box. Part two will take place in September. Sign up at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area is hosting Wild Wednesdays in June, July and August. Enjoy short nature hikes outside the Goose Pond Visitors Center. Meet at 10 am and learn about Indiana’s wetlands, critters, and more. Bring water, sunscreen and bugspray. The first Wednesday is June 5th.
Enjoy an Intro to Wild Edibles on Saturday, June 8th, from Noon to 2 pm at the RCA Community Park. You will explore the forest and meadows for wild, edible treasures. Bring a foraging bag. Sign up at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.

Credits:

On Air………………………………..Julianna Dailey
On Air……………………………Frank Marshalek
Headlines………………………………Norm Holy
Feature Report………………………….Zyro Roze
Script……………………………….Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar……………………Julianna Dailey
Engineer………………………….Branden Blewett

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? EcoReport is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org.

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By: Annika Harshbarger

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO FEATURE

Annika Harshbarger: Cameron Gray left her final class of sophomore year and planned to hangout with a friend. She made the decision to pass Dunn Meadow, a decision that changed her life.

Cameron Gray: “It seemed like it was maybe 10 minutes from the time the cops first showed up on the meadow, to the moment of my arrest. I was one of the first people cuffed… So as I was about four o’clock, I was cuffed. Around six o’clock, we were transported to the jail. And then we were in the jail for about four hours. I was finally released at about 10:30.”

Harshbarger: Cameron Gray a 20 year old journalism and gender studies student at Indiana University has been arrested for protesting the genocide in Gaza and banned from all IU property for a year. This is her story.

Gray: “This was the day of my last final. It was my ASL final. I was feeling good. I love that class. So I wake up and you know, I, it’s unavoidable the news, So I was scanning social media, actually, before I went to class for any mention of any protests on campus. And I found nothing.”

Harshbarger: So she went to class. Took her final and left the building feeling great. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a protest at IU and thought if anything is happening today it’s in Dunn Meadow.

Gray: “I actually changed course, usually, I would get off at like the biology stop for my bus. So I decided I’ll just pass Franklin Hall. See if there’s just anything. I get within, you know, 100 yards or however far away. And I start hearing chanting. And I’m like, I hear some drums. And I’m like, these are my people, you know, this is I have to do this.”

Harshbarger: Cameron canceled plans with a friend and stood on the outskirts of the protest too nervous to join, when she heard a girl say.

Random girl: “Hey you want to join?”

Harshbarger: and Cameron said.

Gray: “ Yes, I would love to. I was just a little too nervous to go by myself.”

Gray: “I was completely unaware of what was going to come. I was completely unprepared. I happen to pass it on campus by some stroke of choosing a different bus stop. And then everything happened.”

Harshbarger: When Cameron arrived at the protest it was small and peaceful. There were three small tents and enough people to stand shoulder to shoulder around the perimeter. A little while later at around 3:30 p.m. counter protesters at the frat across the street from Dunn Meadow and at the Jewish cultural center, also known as Chabad house, started blasting music from large black speakers. Many protestors feel that this was an intentional act to drown out the chants of people in Dunn Meadow.

Gray: “We would do our chants…at that time, we could barely hold a chant, you know, they start yelling into the microphone, and then the voice would kind of get lost to the wind”

Harshbarger: According to a letter shared by IU president Pamela Whitten on April 25, the day Cameron was arrested, the Indiana State Police were brought in as a law enforcement partner to remove tents. The letter backs the universities decision by saying quote “Our university must create space for meaningful dialogue, while ensuring that our campus is safe and welcoming to all, and that peaceful protest, as many experienced today, symbolizes our steadfastness to the free expression of ideas.” end quote

Gray: “there was a, we, there was a small line of us on the field, you know, stretching from one end to the other. And someone yells something, and what they yelled has since been lost to me, but I turned my head and just advancing down the field. Grass Dunn Meadow, there are at least, you know, five rows of long, you know, long columns of shields, just marching, marching, marching towards us not ceasing, and then, you know, I see some more guys behind them. And I see some police over here. And it was I mean, it felt like there was like a five to one it was, you know, I was I was scared. I’m holding on to the two people next to me, you know, and I am very purposely yelling nothing inflammatory. Because I know, the cops, they look eager…I would chant Free Palestine…the police they’re just getting closer and closer. And you know, soon we’re almost chest to chest. And I don’t know what’s happening. You know, I’m looking in this cops eyes, and I’m just thinking like, you see me and I see you. And, you know, what are you about to do? Why? Why are you doing this? And the thing is, I don’t think any of them knew why they were there. Suddenly there are hands on me and a student who was next to me who I was locked up, locked arms with. And I think there’s maybe three or four police tugging on us. And you know, the ground comes out from under my feet. My arm was was pinned down under the student’s bodyweight and about three cops on top of him…I was prepared for my arm to snap that might sound dramatic, but I was terrified. I was on the ground, my glasses had been knocked off I was wearing a hat, it was ripped off my head. And there are just hands everywhere and voices are flying. I got I got hit in the nose, I busted my lip. And I’m yanking my arm free because I know they’re arresting the student I was attached to that much is obvious by now they’re wrenching his arm back to try to get him in the zip tie cuffs. And I’m just trying to free my arm because I don’t want it to snap in half. So they yank him one way and there’s hands on me and yank me another way, my arms free. So I feel pretty good. And next thing I know, I’m ripped. Apart from the situation apart from the line of students, and I’m blown away from group and, you know, told You’re under arrest. They rip my backpack off my back and slap me in some zip ties. And, you know, they lead me to the the other side of the meadow… I think I was one of the first few to be up there”

Harshbarger: Cameron has an auditory processing disorder and when she’s in loud crowds everything muffles together. Unable to hear what police were directing her to do she just stood on that hill with her hands zipped tied behind her back only able to watch.

Gray: “There was one woman sitting on the ground next to me and people a few yards down who were standing. You know, and this cop comes up and he says, I’m going to ask you to sit said are you asking me to sit? said, you know, get on the ground. So I kneel and I was just stuck there watching my students, you know, my fellow students, my peers, my friends. Just fall apart. I couldn’t look away. But I think I missed a lot of it. You know, I think not blackout but until I watched videos back. I felt like I had no idea Do what was going on? You know, I was looking at the police around me, I was scanning the crowd, I was actually desperately, desperately searching for someone who could tell my sister that I had been arrested. Because, you know, I was no one will know, no one knew I was here. I didn’t tell anyone I was stopping by here, because I thought I was going to hang out, you know, for an hour or so after class and be on my way. So it was a flash of a lot of noise and fear and pain and desperation.”

Harshbarger: All Cameron could do was sit and watch as the line of arrested people grew longer. What felt like a minute to her was probably more like 20.

Gray: “And then, you know, two by two officers start coming up behind us grabbing our arms and you know, walk to the bus. And so I’m watching a couple students be brought off. And I turn my head to see where they’re taking them. You know, probably a jail bus, right? No, no, it was, um, it was an IU bus, one that I have used personally to get from class to class to, to take from one side of the campus to the other. I’m brought to my feet lead away, you know, and so I’m led up by the by the bus stops the stairs, there at the IMU stop. And across the street, there’s an IU bus, parked and I’m walking and I’m, you know, I’m trying to make a point of keeping my head high and, and, you know, looking my students and my fellow students in the eyes and just saying, you know, look at me, look, look at me Look, look at this, one by one they, load us up on the bus kind of let us you know, sit wherever. But it was it was just insane to sit in a seat that I have sat in countless times, you know, my past two years that IU and to suddenly be in the same seat, cuffed behind my back, you know, six police on the bus. Just because I was on dunn meadow using my voice.”

Harshbarger: We leave Cameron on that IU bus, tune in next week to hear part two of her story.

For WFHB this has been Annika Harshbarger.

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By: Annika Harshbarger and Karl Templeton

In the basement of the Bell Trace Senior Living Community New Horizons Bloomington, an adult orchestra starts practicing for their upcoming performance. But this orchestra hasn’t always been here. Thanks to Audrey Jo Williams, Andrea Kleesattel and the Jacobs school of music at Indiana University it has become a reality. The orchestra just finished their current session. The summer weekend session retreat begins August 23rd. All orchestra levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Give the 5 minute audio story about the orchestra a listen to learn more.

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO FEATURE

Annika Harshbarger: In the basement of the bell trace senior living community New Horizons Bloomington an adult orchestra starts practicing for their upcoming performance. But this orchestra hasn’t always been here. Thanks to Audrey Jo Williams and Andrea Kleesattel and the Jacobs school of music at Indiana University it has become a reality.

Audrey Jo Williams: “It was this idea that popped up during the pandemic with my colleague, Andrea. And so I met her actually during a zoom call. And she she mentioned it. So the Zoom call wasn’t about New Horizons. But she she mentioned the idea of an adult orchestra. And so I sent her a private message and was like, we have to do this. This idea needs to happen.”

Annika Harshbarger: The orchestra practices every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m and has around 30 members and is growing. Most members come from Audreys private lessons.

Audrey Jo Williams: “I have a lot of adult students. And so I basically forced them to join new horizons, like at their first lesson. I’m like, You should know that this is what you’re going to do. This is your path that has been set forth.”

“I had so many adult students and my own studio, I’ve had recitals and I’ve had, I’ve had events and it never felt appropriate to mix the kids in my studio and the adults like it. It felt like it cheapens the experience. For the adults, and so, if you’re going to have an event with children and adults, let’s be real, it’s just a children’s event. So I needed something for the adults where they could feel grown and not be overshadowed by the little gifted eight year old. Like, we don’t need that. We just need one specific place where adults can feel comfortable. And and this is it like, this is the thing.”

Annika Harshbarger: But some students find the orchestra on their own or through friends. Members range from people who have played their instrument forever

Teegan: “I’d started a strings program when I was in fifth grade and then I continued that when I was in sixth grade, and then I did it in middle school as well. And I joined the HYP in high school, which is the Hoosier Youth Philharmonic, and I’ve been doing that for all four years of high school.”

Annika Harshbarger: to absolute beginners.

Stephanie Bruce: “I’m a total beginner to not only to the cello, but to music in general, I’m learning to read music at the same time that learning the cello. And I just always wished that I could do something. I tried guitar when I was a kid, and that was not successful. And but I decided to try again when my nephew told me I could have his cello if I paid to get it fixed. So I was like, Okay, this is a sign. I’ve progressed more than I expected to. So it gives me hope that I can keep progressing.”

Annika Harshbarger: To join the orchestra students pay $175 per session, which lasts around 12 weeks. Adult beginner orchestras are not common in many cities. Many members appreciate the space that has been created for them here in Bloomington.

Eric Nicholas: “I think we really like it because it’s an adult beginner class. And like, she wanted to do this in the previous city. We live there was no adult stuff. There was just like, children begin to orchestras, of course, but having an adult beginner is really unique. So yeah, nice opportunity.”

Annika Harshbarger: The orchestra practices starts in two separate rooms. The violins and violas practice together in one. And the cellos and basses in another. Before coming together to practice as one. The full orchestra is like one big hangout.

Annika Harshbarger: They are conducting their last practice before their final performance, and the nerves are high.

Stephanie Bruce: “I’m excited to try it and of course nervous, but a little less nervous because she told us what to do if we get lost. So that helps with just staying calm.”

Annika Harshbarger: The final performance will end their session, but members are ready to sign up for the next one. The orchestra plans to continue into the future and only see their sound improving. They feel that spaces for adults to learn music for the first time without judgment is an important step to making Bloomington more inclusive.

Stephanie Bruce: “I have two friends that as soon as I have time to see them again, I’m going to try to talk them into it. They both want to get back to their violins. So I think this would be a good way for them to do that”

Annika Harshbarger: The summer weekend session retreat begins August 23rd. For WFHB this has been Annika Harshbarger. Editing by Karl Templeton.

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In this edition of Eco Report, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider continue their conversation with Maggie Sullivan, the Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Lake Monroe, discussing the history of the lake and its crucial role in the Bloomington water supply.

Eight percent of Indiana’s corn and soybeans have been planted across the state according to USDA. That compares to two percent of both corn and soybeans planted from last week’s report. Planting progress for both corn and soybeans are below their respective five-year averages at 13 and 9 percent. The statewide average precipitation was 0.80 inches, 0.02 inches below normal. There were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 28, according to Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician, Indiana Field Office. Winter wheat jointing for Indiana is at 61 percent compared to 43 percent from last week. Seven percent is headed.

The planting so far does not reflect any adjustment for the possibility of a La Nina this summer. The Progressive Farmer says “with La Nina indicated to form by mid to late summer, there is a notable potential decline in corn production from levels posted in USDA’s 2024 Outlook Forum. The Outlook Forum projected U.S. corn production at 15.04 billion bushels in 2024”. During the last La Nina event 2011-2012, U.S. corn growers produced 10.8 billion bushels in 2012, 13 percent below the 2011 crop. Many Indiana farmers lost most of their crop in 2012. Some states in the Corn Belt did not suffer excessive drought.

You may not see many monarch butterflies this summer. Why? There are very few left. EcoWatch reports the estimated number of monarch butterflies migrating to Mexico for winter has reached its second-lowest level ever for the 2023 to 2024 overwintering season. The estimate, based on the size of the butterflies’ hibernating forest area, has dropped by about 59% from the previous year, according to officials. Experts are pointing to extensive heat and drought as well as climate change for the major decline. Recent years have seen some hope for the migrating monarch butterflies, with a 35% increase in the number of butterflies observed overwintering in Mexico during the 2021 to 2022 season compared to the previous year.

But monarch butterflies face three primary threats, including habitat loss for their breeding and overwintering; the use of pesticides, which can be toxic to the butterflies or can kill their food source, milkweed; and climate change, which can shift their migratory patterns. By the 2022 to 2023 overwintering season, World Wildlife Fund reported a 22% drop in the amount of overwintering monarch butterflies in Mexico. According to WWF, monarch butterflies once covered about 45 acres of forested land in Mexico during their 1996 to 1997 overwintering season. Last year, they covered 5.5 acres. With the 59% decline, the 2023 overwintering season saw the butterflies covering just 2.2 acres, The Associated Press reported. The lowest coverage ever recorded was 1.65 acres from 2013 to 2014.

Inside Climate Change reports that power plant pollution is targeted in sweeping actions by the Biden Administration. Greenhouse gas rules offer a leeway, but come packaged with new standards for air, water and waste that put big restraints on coal. The EPA has set the most stringent standards for the coal plants that are going to last the longest, and the gas plants that are going to operate the most often, said Frank Sturges, attorney with the advocacy group Clean Air Task Force.

This means there are going to be meaningful reductions that help address the worst impacts of climate change. The Department of Energy finalized a pair of measures designed to speed the build-out of renewable energy: a long-awaited plan to accelerate the federal permitting process for big transmission line projects and a streamlined environmental review process for upgrades of existing transmission lines, battery and other energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic projects.

CNN reports more people across the United States – nearly 40% – are living in places with unhealthy levels of polluted air, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. The number of people living with levels of air pollution that can significantly affect their health climbed from about 119 million in last year’s data to 131 million in the current data, according to the “State of the Air” report released Wednesday. Extreme heat, drought and wildfires are among the factors that have contributed to a rise in deadly air pollution, especially in the Western part of the country, said Katherine Pruitt, author of the report and senior director of the American Lung Association’s Nationwide Clean Air Policy. The air pollution produced by wildfire smoke is getting worse every year, Pruitt said.

Climate change is contributing to that situation, and those wildfires are a very serious threat to our health. According to a report by WFIU, Indianapolis is among one of the worst cities in the country for particle pollution. Particle pollution refers to a mix of solid and liquid droplets in the air – from things like burning stoves or smokestacks – which are harmful to breathe in. The 2023 “State of the Air” report from the American Lung Association ranked Indianapolis as the 10th most polluted city for year-round particle pollution.

The city was ranked 13th last year. Tiffany Nichols is the Indiana advocacy director for the American Lung Association. She said Marion County received an “F” in the organization’s State of the Air report for particle pollution, meaning people may experience new or worsening lung issues due to air quality. There will be more wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks may be exacerbated, worsening of COPD, lung cancer, she said. Some other less common things are premature death. Heart attack and stroke and more susceptibility to infections.

In this weeks feature, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider continue their conversation with Maggie Sullivan, the Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Monroe Lake, discussing the history of the lake and its crucial role in the Bloomington water supply.

Growing Gardeners, a program offered by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, will offer hands-on garden related project ideas that will help inspire kids to get involved with gardening on Saturday, May 4th, at the Willie Street Community Gardens from 10 am to Noon. Sign up at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.
Enjoy a Cold Blooded Buffet at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, May 5th, from 2 to 2:30 pm in the Nature Center. Hop and slither to see the resident reptiles chow down on bugs and mice. Learn cool facts about Indiana’s native amphibians and reptiles.
The popular Flora Field Day at the Salt Creek Recreation Area at Monroe Lake is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Work on your flora identification skills with the naturalist. Bring bug spray, water, hats and sunglasses and a copy of Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Sign up at tinyurl.com/florafield-may2024.
Help maintain habitat from invasive species on Wednesday, May 8th, from 10 am to Noon at the Porter West Preserve. Sycamore Land trust needs volunteers to Weed Wrangle and learn about garlic mustard. RSVP to Sycamorelandtrust.org.
Take a Wildflower Hike at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, May 12th, at 4 pm. Meet the naturalist Jessica at the Canyon Inn to enjoy a hike on Trail 4 as you learn about spring-blooming wildflowers.

Credits:

On Air…………………..Julianna Dailey
On Air………………….Robert Schull
Headlines……………..Norm Holy
News feature…………Kade Young
Script………………….Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar………Julianna Dailey
Producer………………Kade Young
Producer……………..Noelle Herhusky-Schneider
Engineer………………Branden Blewett

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? EcoReport is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org.

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By: Annika Harshbarger

TRANSCRIPT

56 people have been arrested since protests started in Dunn Meadow Thursday morning, due to an overnight policy change from Indiana University making prior approval necessary to have tents on campus.

Dunn Meadow has been designated as an area to hold public forums for expression on all subjects Since 1969. Force should not be used to execute the rules around enduring structures according to the office of the vice provost.

The new policy took effect on Wednesday and states that university approval must be given for signs, tents, and other temporary structures.

33 people were arrested Thursday afternoon in Dunn Meadow while protesting Indiana University’s connections to organizations supporting the genocide in Gaza. The protest has been mainly organized by the IU Divestment Coalition. They will be protesting until the following demands listed on their instagram on Thursday have been met.

“The end of the Crane partnership, the resignation of IU administrators Pamela Whitten, Rahul Shrivastav, and Carrie Docherty, financial transparency and divestment from Israel and adherence to BDS.”

On Thursday Bryce Greene, second year PhD student and spokesperson for the IU Divestment Coalition, spoke about the arrests from earlier that day.

“They shoved people to the ground… and people were arrested”

“Prepare people to be prepared for it”

People have reported being confused during their detainment due to silence from the university and police. 32 people were released from the Monroe County Jail with 1 year trespassing bans from IU. Many protesters live on campus creating issues for where to sleep that night.

Malaika khan: “A few of our members… “

Protestors felt that it was too dangerous to sleep in the encampment Thursday night. They decided to regroup at 11 am Friday to continue the protest.

With everybody on edge from the arrest the night before the focus of the day was morale. There were open mic nights, rallies at sample gates, and a movie screening.

Only to be interrupted by police vehicles driving by every once in a while and counter protestors blasting music from across the street and dancing with Israeli flags. They decided to sleep in Dunn meadow for the first time leading to arrests on Saturday.

23 people were arrested Saturday for trespassing and resisting law enforcement including the president of the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Bryce Greene the IU Divestment Coalition spokesperson. Greene has received a 5 year no trespassing ban on any Indiana University property.

From Thursday to Saturday there were rumors of two snipers sitting on the Indiana Memorial Union roof watching protestors. The Palestine Solidarity Committee Instagram posted a photo Saturday of two men walking through the IMU outfitted in military grade clothing, and what appears to be large guns poking out of their large backpacks. The committee captioned the photo saying:

“Snipers at Indiana University escorted by admin for the Gaza encampment where students, faculty, and community members (including toddlers) protest genocide and demand IU divest.”

Following the arrests there were protests outside the Monroe County Jail, in Dunn Meadow and the fieldhouse where protestors were rumored to have been held. Protestors slept in Dunn meadow for the second night.

Protestors have gained support across campus and into the community. Resulting in statements from student organizations such as the directors of the Indiana Memorial Union Board and schools such as the Media School concerned about free speech. As a result they have put out a call for an indefinite walk out, and calls to email professors about shutting down final exams to show the widespread support for the protests.

The Indiana Memorial Union Board talked about the police presence in the IMU leading to an atmosphere of fear dividing the campus.

The protest continues until the demands of the IU Divestment Coalition are met.

“I have to reiterate…”

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On this Fund Drive edition of Eco Report, Kade Young continues his discussion with Maggie Sullivan, Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Lake Monroe. They will discuss how healthy the lake is and how long it will survive.

Inside Climate Change *reports* a federal program is expanding electric school bus fleets, but there are still some bumps in the road. Often times, you can hear it—and smell it—before you see it: The steady sputtering of a bright yellow bus rolling around the corner to retrieve kids during the school year. Each year, school buses around the U.S. carry students more than 4 billion cumulative miles. However, the majority of them are powered by diesel-fueled engines that pre-date the Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions standards.

Along with releasing climate-warming emissions, these diesel engines produce toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can cause an array of health problems; research shows that diesel school buses exacerbate childhood asthma and drive increased reports of pneumonia and bronchitis. But momentum is building around a federal initiative to clean up schools’ gas-guzzling bus fleets by replacing them with cleaner electric convoys. In 2022, the Biden administration announced the first investments from the EPA’s “Clean School Bus Program,” which was launched to help speed up the electric transition in schools. As of January 2024, the EPA has provided around $1.84 billion to fund 5,103 “clean” school buses—96 percent of them electric—and charging infrastructure at 642 school districts in states, territories and tribal lands, according to a recent report.

Powered by large batteries, electric school buses do not produce any tailpipe emissions. In fact, the EPA says switching even just half of U.S. school buses from diesel to electric could avoid 2.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. A large-scale transition to electric vehicles in general would also have widespread benefits for pediatric lung health by reducing asthma attacks and cases of bronchitis, according to a report from the American Lung Association published in February. The problem? Electric school buses cost around $400,000 each, roughly three to four times as much as diesel-powered buses. That doesn’t factor in the additional tens of thousands of dollars required to build out infrastructure such as electric charging stations. For many school districts, shouldering the cost for this transition alone is impossible, which is why the EPA’s grants and rebates are coming into play.

The U.S. urgently urgently needs a bigger grid. There’s a fast solution. A rarely used technique to upgrade old power lines could play a big role in fixing one of the largest obstacles facing clean energy, two reports found. As explained by the New York Times, one of the biggest obstacles to expanding clean energy in the United States is a lack of power lines. Building new transmission lines can take a decade or more because of permitting delays and local opposition. But there may be a faster, cheaper solution, according to two reports.

Replacing existing power lines with cables made from state-of-the-art materials could roughly double the capacity of the electric grid in many parts of the country, making room for much more wind and solar power. This technique, known as “advanced reconductoring,” is widely used in other countries. But many U.S. utilities have been slow to embrace it because of their unfamiliarity with the technology as well as regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles, researchers found. “We were pretty astonished by how big of an increase in capacity you can get by reconductoring,” said Amol Phadke, a senior scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, who contributed to one of the reports released Tuesday.

Working with GridLab, a consulting firm, researchers from Berkeley looked at what would happen if advanced reconductoring were broadly adopted. Today, most power lines consist of steel cores surrounded by strands of aluminum, a design that’s been around for a century. In the 2000s, several companies developed cables that used smaller, lighter cores such as carbon fiber and that could hold more aluminum. These advanced cables can carry up to twice as much current as older models.

In this weeks feature, Kade Young and Maggie Sullivan, the Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Monroe Lake, discuss the history of the lake and its crucial role in the Bloomington water supply.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? EcoReport is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org.

Learn all about Owls during the Nature Sounds Owls concert tonight, April 26th, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rogers Family Park in the barn. Musical guest is Stephanie Heidemann. Bring your own seating.
Enjoy Wildflowers along the Fire Tower at McCormick Creeks State Park on Saturday, May 4th from 2 to 4 pm. Meet naturalists Jess and Kyle in front of the Canyon Inn to enjoy a guided hike on Trail 4.

Credits:

Headlines Norm Holy
News feature Kade Young
Script Julianna Dailey
Events Calendar Julianna Dailey
Producer Kade Young
Producer Noelle Herhusky-Schneider
Engineer Branden Blewett

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In this edition of Eco Report, Maggie Sullivan, Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Lake Monroe, shares how healthy the lake is and how long it will survive.

Over* the past few segments of EcoReport, we have been teaching you about the kinds of plastic and what they are used for. Many think that plastic can be recycled. Today, you are going to learn the reasons plastic recycling fails. Single-use plastics can be thought of as trillions of pieces of plastic confetti spewed from retail and fast-food stores. Collecting the vast quantity of small pieces of plastic sold to U.S. consumers annually is impossible. In this edition of Eco Report, Maggie Sullivan, Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Lake Monroe, shares how healthy the lake is and how long it will survive.Spending billions of consumer and taxpayer dollars to increase collection is a waste of money. Mixed plastic waste cannot be recycled together, and it would be functionally impossible to sort the trillions of pieces of consumer plastic waste produced each year. The reprocessing of plastic also makes toxic waste, and it’s been shown to be hazardous to workers. Plastic is highly flammable, so plastic recycling can be dangerous to neighboring communities due to the risk of fires at the recycling facilities, which can release toxins into the air.Plastics are not inert like metal and glass. Plastic products may contain toxic additives or absorb contaminants like pesticides or motor oil. Plastic has always been expensive to collect, sort, truck, and safely reprocess. New plastic directly competes with recycled plastic, and it’s far cheaper to produce, and the expanding petrochemical industry is lowering the cost of new plastic even further. So, now we are at a decision point on single-use plastics and their packaging.Next week, let’s figure out what we can do in our lives to cut down on the use of plastic.Inside Climate News reports that the ocean is a major industry hub, acting as a marine highway for shipping vessels, a connector for transport ships and cruise lines, and a critical food and economic resource for the world’s fishing fleets. However, this sprawling marine ecosystem, which covers more than 70 percent of the planet, also provides a perfect place for unregulated human activities to hide in plain sight, experts say.A recent study revealed just how much fishing activity is slipping under the radar, finding that roughly three-quarters of the world’s industrial fishing ships are not publicly tracked. “The reason this matters is because it’s getting more crowded at sea and it’s getting more used and suddenly you have to decide how we’re going to manage this giant global commons,” David Kroodsma, director of research and innovation at the nonprofit Global Fishing Watch and co-lead author of the study, told the Verge. It can’t be the Wild West. And that’s the way it’s been historically.According to the New York Times, heat waves are moving slower and staying longer, a new study finds. Climate change is making heat waves linger for longer stretches of time, exacerbating the effects of extreme temperatures. When heat waves swept across large parts of the planet last summer, in many places the oppressive temperatures loitered for days or weeks at a time. As climate change warms the planet, heat waves are increasingly moving sluggishly and lasting longer. Each decade between 1979 and 2020, the rate at which heat waves travel, pushed along by air circulation, slowed by about 5 miles per day, the study found. Heat waves also now last about four days longer on average. This really has strong impacts on public health, said Wei Zhang, a climate scientist at Utah State University and one of the authors of the study, which appeared in the journal Science Advances. The longer heat waves stick around in one place, the longer people are exposed to life-threatening temperatures. As workers slow down during extreme heat, so does economic productivity. Heat waves also dry out soil and vegetation, harming crops and raising the risk of wildfires.This study is a further example of the consequences of a slowing jet stream. Thus, heat waves and storms linger. Expect the same this summer.The followin*g story, based upon an article n the New York Times, serves as a reminder to Hoosiers to be careful about what goes into the water. It’s a reminder to us because there are many rivers and streams in the state that if a person decided to swim, it’s likely the person will become sick. Most of the contamination comes from agricultural runoff. A fertilizer spill in Iowa this month wiped out much of the aquatic life across a 60-mile stretch of rivers in two states, officials said, leaving an estimated 789,000 fish dead in one of the region’s most ecologically devastating chemical spills in recent years.A Missouri official who surveyed the damage said that the banks of the Nishnabotna (Nish-na-bot-to-na) River had been lined with fish carcasses, and that dead fish were visible through the water. “I refer to this one as ‘the big one,” said the official, Matt Combes, an ecological health unit science supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He added: Calling something a near-total fish kill for 60 miles of a river is astounding and disheartening.While fish kills on that scale are unusual, smaller kills are common. Comparing the scope of fish kills across different states is difficult because of limited data and tracking, experts said. The latest die-off started, Iowa officials said, when a valve was left open over a weekend on a storage tank at NEW Cooperative, an agricultural business in Red Oak, in southwestern Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which learned of the spill on March 11, said this week that 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer spilled into a drainage ditch and into the Nishnabotna River, which flows into the Missouri River.Iowa officials estimated that more than 749,000 fish died in that state. Most of them were small species, such as minnows and shiners, but thousands of larger fish, including catfish and carp, also perished. Mr. Combes, the Missouri official, estimated that around 40,000 fish died in his state. He said he saw large catfish dead, as well as shovelnose sturgeon.In this week’s Eco Report feature, Maggie Sullivan, Watershed Coordinator for the Friends of Lake Monroe, shares how healthy the lake is and how long it will survive.* Take a Lake Ogle Hike at Brown County State Park on Saturday, April 13th, from 2 to 3:30 pm. Enjoy a guided hike on Trail 7 and hear the history of the lake and learn about the flora and fauna around the lake * Enjoy a Birdwatching for Beginners hike at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve on Saturday, April 13th, from 7:30 to 9:30 am. Birdwatching is a low-cost, relaxing and fun way to enjoy the outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Register at bloomington.IN.gov/parks * One of the best locations to see spring wildflowers in bloom is at Monroe. Enjoy a Salt Creek Wildflowers Hike on Wednesday, April 17th, from Noon to 2 pm. You will get to see the rare white-blooming Virginia Bluebells along with other species. Sign up at bit.ly/saltcreekflowers2024 * A Global Climate Strike is taking place on Sunday, April 21st, from 4 to 4:30 pm at the Monroe County Courthouse. Come with signs and support! * Learn all about skulls at the Who’s Skull Is That program at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Friday, April 19th, from 10 to 10:45 am. You can learn a lot about an animal from its skull. Meet at the Nature Center

Credits:

Environmental Report was written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey

Eco Report Feature was produced and edited by Kade Young

Julianna Dailey compiled the events calendar

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produce Eco Report

Branden Blewett engineers Eco Report

Julianna Dailey and Frank Marshalek hosted this week’s Eco Report

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers who are passionate about reporting facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org. Are you one of those people who believes our Mother Earth is getting dirtier and dirtier from all our trash? Here are a few tips to help keep the Earth cleaner.* Stop buying Styrofoam items. Styrofoam is forever. It is not biodegradable, so instead invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you. * Do you like to eat salmon? Several studies have found that PCB’s, which is a class of toxic chemicals, and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Look for safe seafood when shopping for salmon. * What about those coffee filters? Are you a coffee drinker? Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer. Start buying unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters. * We all love to go to picnics, especially when the weather is nice. The next time you host or attend a picnic, bring your own utensils and food containers. Plastic forks, spoons, straws, and all that plastic stuff you see at a picnic are not biodegradable and not recyclable. * One more thing you might want to stop using is paper towels. Regular paper towels are bleached, and waste forest resources and landfill space. Look for recycled, non-bleached paper towels or better yet, buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse.

Thank you for protecting Mother Earth. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference!

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In this edition of Eco Report, Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze gets updates from Steven Stewart of Indiana Forest Alliance about plans to log and burn in Hoosier National Forest and free events this weekend for the total solar eclipse visible from Bloomington this coming Monday.

Over the past two weeks we have been sharing with you information about the different types of plastic and how they are used. Today, we’ll review several more of the different types of plastics and their common uses.1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) which is clear, strong and lightweight and is commonly used in beverage bottles, food containers and polyester fibers for textiles. 2. Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile material used in foam insulation, upholstery, adhesives, coatings and elastomers. 3. Polycarbonate (PC0) which is clear and impact-resistant and is used in eyeglass lenses, safety goggles, medical devices and elctronic components. 4. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) which is tough and heat resistant, and used in automotive parts, electronic housings, toys and appliances. 5. Polyvinylidene Flouride (PVDF) which is chemically resistant and used in chemical processing equipment, piping and coatings. 6. Nylon Polymide which is strong, durable and heat-resistant and is used in textiles, ropes, automotive parts and engineering plastics.

From this list that we have shared with you, which included four from last week, you can see how intrusive plastic has become part of our everyday lives in every way. You use it, you eat it, and you wear it. There is no way to not have it in your homes or lives. So, what can you do to make your life more green and protect our Mother Earth? Next week, we will share with you some ways you can have less plastic in your life.

Indiana Business Journal reprts Boone County officials are considering a two-year moratorium on new solar power and wind energy projects while the county updates its comprehensive plan. The move would come as Virginia-based Hexagon Energy develops plans for a 3,000-acre solar farm north of Jamestown in western Boone County and Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources renews interest in building a solar farm near Zionsville.In 2021, the Zionsville Board of Zoning Appeals and the Boone County Area Plan Commission blocked NextEra’s plan for a $210 million, 1,660-acre solar farm in Union and Marion townships. The proposed Brickyard Solar project would have brought approximately 675,000 solar panels to various tracts of land along U.S. 421. Boone County Area Plan Commission Executive Director Stephen Elkins told IBJ he is not aware of any wind energy projects that have been submitted or discussed for unincorporated Boone County. He said wind projects were discussed about 15 years ago but never went forward.Earlier this month, the Boone County Area Plan Commission delivered a letter to the Boone County Commissioners recommending a moratorium on solar power and wind energy projects. Supporters and opponents of the solar projects spoke at Monday’s meeting. Jeff Jacob, an attorney with Indianapolis-based Hackman Hulett LLP who is representing Hexagon Energy, called the potential moratorium “fundamentally unfair” for Hexagon, which he said has 3,000 acres under contract in Boone County.Don’t take this extreme measure of suggesting that you’re protecting your comprehensive plan, Jacob said. If you’re protecting your comprehensive plan, let’s stop all development for two years. But don’t focus on one business that has actively been discussing with the community on how to develop. Jordan Burke, a project developer for Hexagon, said the company understands and respects that western Boone County is historically focused on agriculture. Burke said farming can occur within a solar facility and that soil can be farmed after solar panels are removed.“The reason farmers are interested in working with us, and we’re working with a lot of old farmers in western Boone, is they don’t believe this will permanently affect or erase their farm ground,” Burke said. Jack Bowen, a farmer who has leased land to Hexagon, asked the commissioners to not approve a moratorium. He said his family has lived on his 100-acre farm since 1902, and he believes that solar farms in western Boone County would be a buffer against housing and commercial developers from building subdivisions and warehouses near his land.IndyStar reports that work will begin soon in Tippecanoe County on the first segment of highway in the U.S. that will wirelessly charge electric vehicles as they travel, a project that could help define the future of EV charging. The Indiana Department of Transportation is teaming up with Purdue University and Cummins, Inc. to install the technology on a state highway in West Lafayette as part of a pilot project, according to a draft press release obtained by IndyStar.The first segment of the project will cover about a quarter of a mile along U.S. Highway 52 / U.S. Highway 231 between Lindberg Road and Cumberland Avenue, the release said. Indiana’s pilot segment comes after multiple years of testing and research. In the future, the goal is to expand the research by electrifying a section of an Indiana interstate. The ability to charge on the go would reduce the need for charging breaks and extend the range of electric vehicles, which currently is one of their major drawbacks.AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting 20-25 named storms across the Atlantic basin in 2024, including 8-12 hurricanes, four to seven major hurricanes and four to six direct U.S. impacts. This is all above the 30-year historical average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, three major hurricanes and four direct U.S. impacts. The temperatures of waters of the Atlantic along our coast are already at July levels. In this week’s Eco Report feature, Zyro Roze and Steven Stewart to learn about recent developments in forest protection, legislation to expand the DEAM Wilderness and educational nature hikes, other upcoming IFA events and the Totality Ceremony at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center.* The Indiana Forest Alliance is hosting a FREE 2-day 2024 Solar Eclipse viewing event in Yellowwood State Forest and the Bloomington Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center on Sunday, April 7th and Monday, April 8th. Guided hikes will be held at Yellowwood Lake on the 7th. Beginning at 11 am, on April 8th, the monks will perform a medicine Buddha Puja with more activities throughout the day.

Enjoy a Griffy Lake Total Eclipse Paddle at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve on Monday, April 8th from 2 to 4 pm. You must register in advance at bloomington.IN.gov/parks. Canoes and paddles will be provided.
There will be a Snake Meet and Greet at Brown County State Park on Friday, April 12th from 4 to 4:30 pm in the Nature Center. Get a personal look at Indiana’s native snakes. Learn about their unique traits and how they affect your life.
Take a Lake Ogle Hike at Brown County State Park on Saturday, April 13th from 2 to 3:30 pm. Enjoy a guided hike on Trail 7 and hear the history of the lake and learn about the flora and fauna around the lake. Credits:

Headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey

News feature was produced by Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young

Julianna Dailey assembled the script and compiled the events calendar

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produce Eco Report

Branden Blewett engineers Eco Report

Julianna Dailey and Robert Shull hosted the show

Thank you for protecting Mother Earth. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference!

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In this week’s Eco Report feature, part 2 of WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull’s conversation with Marcia Veldman, founder of the South Central Indiana chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

*Last week* we introduced you to the world of plastic. Today, we will educate you on the categories of plastics, their chemical composition, properties and applications. It’s a long list, so we will start with the first four types:1. Polyethelene, also known as PE, has three types:• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is known for its strength, stiffness, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It is used in bottles, containers, pipes and plastic lumber.

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is flexible and commonly used in packaging films, plastic bags and squeezable bottles.

• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) combines the properties of LDPE and HDPE to be used in films, bags and liners. 2. Polypropylene (PP) which is tough and heat-resistant and is used in food containers, packaging, automotive parts and textiles. 3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) which is rigid PVC and is used in construction materials like pipes, window frames and siding. Flexible PVC is used in inflatable structures, medical tubing, electrical cable insulation and flooring. 4. Polystyrene (PS). General-Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is transparent and rigid and used in food packaging, disposable cutlery and CD cases. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is lightweight and insulating and used in packaging, thermal insulation and disposable cups. There are more categories to be covered which we will discuss next week. What we are trying to teach you, is that practically everything in our homes, offices and lives has a lot of plastic in it.

Inside Climate News reports the world’s most famous groundhog —Punxsutawney Phil—did not cast a shadow, which legends say indicated that spring should arrive early this year. While the groundhog has been known to give notoriously inaccurate forecasts, this one probably wasn’t too far off base. As climate change accelerates, the signs of spring are arriving earlier in many parts of the world, from unnatural warmth to the tell-tale throat itch that accompanies seasonal allergies.The federally funded National Phenology Network—a group that monitors the biological impacts of seasonal changes—tracks when plants sprout leaves across the U.S., and says on its website that spring conditions in Des Moines, Iowa, is 20 days early, Detroit, Michigan, is 23 days early, and Cleveland, Ohio, is 16 days early compared to a long-term average of 1991-2020. Starting around the end of each March, tourists flock to cities across Japan and the Tidal Basin of Washington, D.C., to see the same thing: blooming cherry blossom trees. The vibrant petals transform the trees into clouds of pink, but these cotton-candy flowers have been blooming earlier in the past few decades, research shows.In Japan, the average start date of blooming has begun 1.2 days earlier per decade since 1953, Daisuke Sasano, a climate risk management officer at the Japan Meteorological Agency, told Bloomberg. A similar trend is playing out during cherry blossom season in D.C., where these iconic trees are also encountering sea-level rise. After this season’s festival, the National Park Service is set to cut down around 140 of the cherry blossom trees to make room for the construction of taller sea walls. The $113 million, three-year project is set to begin in late spring and early summer around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River through West Potomac Park, after the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws crowds to celebrate the district’s iconic blooms.Roughly 300 trees are scheduled for removal in the construction zones. More than 450 trees, including 274 cherry trees, will be replanted in the area when the project is finished, the NPS said in a statement. Nature has developed connections between dissimilar species over millions of years. At least 11 species of migratory birds use horseshoe crab eggs as their primary food supply during their 2 to 3 week stopover. The eggs replenish their fat supply during their trip from South American wintering areas to Arctic breeding grounds. Now we are seeing the timing partially failing.The New York Times reports on the inside the Republican attacks on electric vehicles. President Biden’s new rule cutting emissions from vehicle tailpipes has deepened a partisan battle over automotive technology. One reason is that President Biden has made electric vehicles central to his strategy to combat climate change. This week, his administration announced the most ambitious climate regulation in the nation’s history: a measure designed to accelerate a transition toward electric vehicles and away from the gasoline-powered cars that are a major cause of global warming.The political war over electric vehicles has been fueled by an incendiary mix of issues: technological change, the future of the oil and gas industry, concerns about competition from China and the American love of motorized muscle. And in the rural reaches of America, where few public charging stations exist, the notion of an all-electric future feels fanciful — another element to the urban-rural divide that underlies the nation’s polarization. Mr. Biden’s opponent, former President Donald J. Trump, has for months escalated attacks on electric vehicles broadly and the new regulation in particular, falsely calling the rule a ban on gasoline-powered cars and claiming electric cars will “kill” America’s auto industry.He has called them an “assassination” of jobs. He has declared that the Biden administration ordered a hit job on Michigan manufacturing by encouraging the sales of electric cars. In many ways, Mr. Biden’s new rules on auto pollution combine elements that conservatives love to hate: government regulations and the notion that Democrats want to force Americans to give up comforts in the name of the environment. In this week’s Eco Report feature, part 2 of WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull’s conversation with Marcia Veldman, founder of the South Central Indiana chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, as they discuss her activism, her background and how to best respond to the climate crises.
. * Make a Solar Eclipse Viewer at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 30th from 11 am to Noon. Learn about the solar eclipse and how to safely view the sun. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center. Please register in advance. * Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse at Brown County State Park at the Eclipse 101 program on Friday, April 5th from 4 to 4:45 pm in the Nature Center. Learn what you need to know at this once in a life time event.

There will be a Woodcock Walk at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area on Saturday, March 30th from 6 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening excursion to watch the American Woodcock perform its mating ritual – the ‘Sky Dance.’ Dress for the weather and be prepared for muddy conditions.
Enjoy a Bluebird Nest Box Building Workshop at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, March 30th beginning at 1 pm. The Brown County Bluebird Club will teach you all about these birds while you build your very own bluebird box. Register to Dan Sparks at b4bluebirds@gmail.com or call 812-200-5700.
Make a Solar Eclipse T-Shirt at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, April 6th from 1 to 2 pm in the Lakeview Activity Center. Bring a solid black t-shirt with no designs. The park will provide the rest of the supplies. Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey

Today’s news feature was produced by Robert Shull and edited by Kade Young

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show

Branden Blewett engineered the show

Julianna Dailey and Cynthia Roberts anchored the show

Thank you for protecting Mother Earth. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference!

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By Jeremy Herhusky-Schneider

Public, equitable and sustainable transportation alternatives to personal vehicles in Indiana are limited. Attempts to increase public transportation in 2014 led to the banning of light rail in several Indiana counties. Although the ban was supposed to be repealed with the 2019 House Bill 1365, the House Bill died thus keeping the ban in place. More recently, this year’s legislative session heard Senate Bill 52 which would prohibit use of dedicated transit lanes (a bill targeting the Indianapolis bus Blue line). The ban to prohibit dedicated bus lanes was dropped but the possibility to limit the amount of lanes is pending.

Indiana’s state government and municipalities need to keep its options open because personal vehicles as the primary transportation system have several issues, according to Dr. Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute.

“I basically was just convinced that when we think about transportation, it fundamentally is about connecting people from one place to another. And without understanding exactly what causes people to be located adjacent to transportation options, or vice versa,” Freemark said.

However, transportation is not an isolated issue. According to Freemark, we need to consider land use and zoning laws.

“Zoning that allows for only low-density development or that separates housing from jobs can lead to higher transportation cost burdens,” said Freemark in “Cracking the Zoning Code.”

As to why these issues are not being addressed, Freemark and the Urban Institute’s research has led them to review the folks that make these decisions in the following paper, “Who Makes Planning Choices” which found that “… on average, board membership is an overrepresentation of non-Hispanic white people, men, homeowners, and people whose occupations are in the planning and development sectors.” The paper concludes that this is a cause for concern because “If people who are Hispanic, women, or renters—or who hold occupations outside of the development sector—are systematically excluded from decision making roles, one key element of local government polity is in the hands of a group of people who do not adequately reflect the residents of these communities. It is possible, even likely, that the decisions being made about land-use policy do not serve the interests of underrepresented groups. This, in turn, may be one explanation for the inequitable outcomes we have historically seen in planning policy in the United States.”

Even small municipalities like Bloomington, according to former city council member Steve Volan, should consider how it zones and builds and grows corridors of businesses and homes with a priority on dense mixed use developments.

“But I think the key to it is transit oriented development. So what does that mean? It means that you develop new housing and commerce nodes that are dense enough that it justifies running a bus to it,” Volan said.

Although Bloomington is not large enough for a light rail system to be feasible, Dr. Freemark suggests.

“I do think that that improvements on bus service are probably the most effective thing for communities with, you know, relatively small populations. I think the goal here is really to encourage substantial investment in in those bus lanes to make sure that they are, you know, giving people the option to get around frequently, reliably and quickly,” Freemark said.

Volan looks forward to developing a bus system or rapid bus lanes around populated corridors by working with the county. One recommendation by Steve Volan is:

“What can we do to develop around transit to get developers to think I don’t need to build as much garage space or parking space or its street width, I can put more units on there. And I can generate more money and build the denser development that people are demanding. If I just don’t assume that I have to accommodate the car everywhere, and if they build densely enough, then it justifies running a bus to it,” Volan said.

Although a future with more public transportation will be equitable and sustainable, projects are often opposed or banned because of cost. Steve Volan argues the following:

“We don’t really think about how much the overall cost of accommodating cars costs us because it doesn’t come out of one pot, you’ve got the street budget over here, you’ve got the cost of structure parking over there, you’ve got the cost of land that you have to acquire in order to meet minimum parking requirements. All of those things add up, but nobody adds them up,” Volan said.

Dr. Freemark also agrees and does not buy the cost argument against public transportation projects:

“We spend way way more on investments in you know private cars and maintenance of those cars and the environmental impacts of those cars,” Freemark said.

Some organizations have attempted to measure the financial impact of car dependent transit systems, like Strong Towns.

Although public transportation is limited in Indiana and Bloomington, Volan imagines a future with trains.

“I met Herman Wells back in 1990…he told me that as an undergraduate in the early 1920s, he could get from Bloomington to Chicago in five hours by electric interurban rail. Five hours, it takes me four hours to drive to Chicago, when there’s no traffic, and the idea that I could sit and read a book or do work on a train to Chicago breaks my little heart that Indiana was crisscrossed by trains,” Volan said.

However, state legislative attempts to ban public transportation options will not make futures like this possible.

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In this week’s Eco Report feature we hear from Elisa Pokral, Community Outreach Coordinator of the newly rebranded Waste Reduction District of Monroe County, in Part Two of a conversation with Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze.

Today brings the conclusion of the story of fishing in the oceans. We have seen tremendous changes in the fishing techniques as the increasing human population brought the need to catch more fish. Fishermen have gone from fishing within a few milesof where they lived to a situation where they could be fishing anywhere in the world, spending months at sea. Now it is possible to use sonar to identify whether there are fish below the boat or not. Thus, the fishermen only deploy their nets in areaswhere there are fish. There are seven points to be made about ocean fishing.1. The stocks of the most desirable species, for example, codfish and halibut, are less than one percent what they were in 1600. There are no virgin areas left in the oceans. Most areas now have less than ten percent of the fish they had at 1600. 2. The fish in the northern hemisphere are the most depleted because the majority of the human population lives in the northern hemisphere. 3. There are pluses and minuses in selecting either wild-caught or farm-raised seafood. The bottom line is that there are not enough wild species left in the ocean to satisfy the demand. Approximately two billion people get their only animal proteinfrom seafood. Most of this population lives in poor countries where fishing is done by canoe or small boats. They fish in territorial waters. 4. Farm-raised fish are more readily available and less expensive than wild-caught fish, and they face some of the same problems as large-scale farms on land. Pollution of natural habitats is also a concern with fish grown in open-net cages. A unique problem with farmed fish is that those raised in nets can introduce diseases and pests to wild populations. A few years ago in Norway, farmed salmon infected the country’s wild salmon with sea lice, significantly decreasing the population of wild salmon. Farmed salmon will also sometimes escape their enclosures, mating with and overtaking wild salmon species. Farm-raised fish tend to have higher fat content, since wild fish get more exercise, and because farmed fish are typically given feed high in fat from sources such as fish oil. That includes healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, as well as saturated fat. Wild-caught fish may contain more trace minerals, while farmed fish may contain more sodium. Nutritional differences between farmed and wild-caught shellfish, however, are minimal. 5. The least expensive way to protect wild species is to form preserves. These are areas that cannot be fished. Fishermen arealways happy to set side areas where there are no fish, but they oppose setting aside areas with abundant numbers. Enforcement requires that a government vessel must go out to the preserve and visually see that the intruder is fishing. This requirement effectively means that poor countries cannot defend their territorial waters. Fishermen have successfully prevented following all boats from shore. We have the technology to locate where every boat is. What is needed is acceptance of monitoring from shore, plus the power to seize a boat if it enters a preserve area. 6. Preserves need to be established in the Arctic Ocean, and off Antarctica. Given that the rest of the oceans will be too warm for species such as cod, the polar waters will become the last refuge of cold-water fish. As the Arctic ocean warms, the number of days it will be ice-free will increase, bringing increased pressure from nations to fish. The Arctic ocean will be ice-free long before the Antarctic Ice Cap melts completely. 7. As the glaciers melt, the oceans will rise, which will bring new areas into the possibility of fishing. For example, if the oceans increase by 50 feet, much of the Florida Peninsula will be under water. Thus, will the buildings of Miami be occupied by creatures of the sea?

The trend of consuming more and more farm-raised fish will continue. As the water temperatures rise, many of the original stocks may leave, replaced by completely different species.

How much do you know about plastic? If you are like most people, you have it in your kitchen as plastic food wrapper bags, or saran wrap, or plastic film over a container that is also make of plastic. In fact, plastic is everywhere. Not only is it used to hold produce or other foods, it is now in the food you eat, your soil and also in your body. Plastic does not go away or compost down. It breaks into smaller and smaller pieces until it becomes microscopic, but it is still there. So I thought a little history lesson on plastic might be interesting to some of you. I grew up before it was a “big thing” in the kitchen. Milk came in bottles, my sandwich for lunch was wrapped in wax paper, I used a paper bag to carry my lunch. My mother put leftovers in metal containers or glass jars. However, it was around. Just not as obvious. Our TV had a plastic frame around it. It was very hard and didn’t break.

The term “plastic” originally meant “pliable and easily shaped.” It has evolved to refer to a category of materials called polymers. Polymers are made of long chains of molecules. Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is a natural polymer. Humans learned to create synthetic polymers, often using carbon atoms from petroleum and fossil fuels. These synthetic polymers are strong, lightweight, and flexible, making them exceptionally useful.In 1869, John Wesley Hyatt invented the first synthetic polymer. Inspired by a New York firm’s offer of $10,000 for an ivory substitute, he treated cellulose (from cotton fiber) with camphor. The result was celluloid, a plastic that could imitate natural substances like tortoiseshell, horn, and ivory. Celluloid revolutionized manufacturing by freeing it from the constraints of natural resources. It also helped protect elephants and tortoises.In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic. Unlike celluloid, Bakelite contained no molecules found in nature. Bakelite was an excellent insulator, heat-resistant, and ideal for mass production. This breakthrough marked the beginning of the plastics revolution, allowing humans to create new materials beyond nature’s limits. Over the last century, plastics have saturated our world and transformed our lives. They’ve made material wealth more widespread, freed people from resource scarcity, and shaped our environment. From celluloid to Bakelite to modern synthetic polymers, plastics continue to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation and sustainability.In summary, plastics have come a long way—from imitating natural materials to revolutionizing manufacturing and shaping our modern existence. But now, it is getting out of control.In this week’s Eco Report feature we hear from Elisa Pokral, Community Outreach Coordinator of the newly rebranded Waste Reduction District of Monroe County, in Part Two of a conversation with Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze.

Take a Full Moon Hike at Brown County State Park on Saturday, March 23rd from 8 to 9 pm. Enjoy a guided hike around Lake Strahl to learn all the history and folklore of the Full Worm Moon. The trail is considered easy but more rugged in the dark.
Plan to participate in a Cultivating Mushrooms at Home class at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center on Tuesday, March 26th from 6 to 8 pm. Learn the benefits of having mushrooms in your diet and how to grow mushrooms. Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.
Make a Solar Eclipse Viewer at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 30th from 11 am to Noon. Learn about the solar eclipse and how to safely view the sun. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center. Please register in advance.
Enjoy a Bluebird Nest Box Building Workshop at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, March 30th beginning at 1 pm. The Brown County Bluebird Club will teach you all about these birds while you build your very own bluebird box. Register to Dan Sparks at b4bluebirds@gmail.com or call 812-200-5700.
There will be a Woodcock Walk at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area on Saturday, March 30th from 6 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening excursion to watch the American Woodcock perform it mating ritual – the ‘Sky Dance.’ Dress for the weather and be prepared for muddy conditions. Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey.

Today’s news feature was produced Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Cynthia Roberts.

Are you one of those people who believes our Mother Earth is getting dirtier and dirtier from all our trash? Here are a few tips to help keep the Earth cleaner.

Stop buying Styrofoam items. Styrofoam is forever. It is not biodegradable, so instead invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you.
Do you like to eat salmon? Several studies have found that PCB’s, which is a class of toxic chemicals, and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Look for safe seafood when shopping for salmon.
What about those coffee filters? Are you a coffee drinker? Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer. Start buying unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters.
We all love to go to picnics, especially when the weather is nice. The next time you host or attend a picnic, bring your own utensils and food containers. Plastic forks, spoons, straws, and all that plastic stuff you see at a picnic are not biodegradable and not recyclable.
One more thing you might want to stop using is paper towels. Regular paper towels are bleached, and waste forest resources and landfill space. Look for recycled, non-bleached paper towels or better yet, buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse.

Thank you for protecting Mother Earth. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference!

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By: Annika Harshbarger

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The connection between humans and horses is ancestral. Yet for most, their role in our everyday lives has diminished. One non-profit is preserving the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses through equine-assisted therapy.

People and Animal Learning Services, also known as PALS, is a non-profit adaptive riding center in Bloomington that offers therapeutic riding sessions to individuals of any age in need of physical, mental, emotional or developmental assistance.

Volunteer and treasurer Lorie Miller moved to Bloomington three years ago, bringing with her years of experience with horses and people with disabilities. Soon after her move, she began volunteering at PALS, a place that seamlessly combined both things. Miller explained how horse therapy compares to other forms of therapy in treating patients.

“I have worked with clients here who, you know, maybe it’s a kid who has been bullied in school, or something like that. And they think that somebody’s going to judge the way they look or their clothes or their whatever. And the message here is ‘horse doesn’t care.’ The horse takes you as you are, and so we have seen people open up to our horses in ways that they don’t with humans,” Miller said.

Executive Director, Chris Herring, discovered PALS after she was in a riding accident that nearly ended her bond with horses. Even after years of riding and training them, she considered walking away. Herring discussed how PALS impacted her relationship with horses.

“Before I had a pretty bad riding accident, and I lost my confidence. I was ready to walk away from horses. And I had this opportunity to come to PALS and the opportunity to become the executive director that really shifted my focus and purpose with horses,” Herring said.

Herring further explained the historic connection between humans and horses.

“Humans have always been fascinated with horses. It’s their size. It’s their beauty. When I think back about personally, when I first saw a horse, it’s this incredible desire to want that animal to come and connect with me. And I think people throughout history have really sought that connection,” Herring said.

Like humans, horses can experience burnout too. Herring discussed what steps PALS takes when this happens.

They are very much individuals like we are. Some horses come to the program and love this work and want to continue doing it. We watch them carefully because they can start to show signs of burnout that they’re no longer interested,” Herring said.

Miller explains how working at PALS impacts volunteers.

“This place you can give to others and it will also give back to you. Just being able to see our clients make new strides in something they’re trying to accomplish, whether that’s a physical thing or gaining confidence, feeling like they have more control over life,” Miller said. “And then you watch the stories and it just fills your cup and so it ends up really having an effect on you too.”

You can visit palstherapy.com for more information about becoming a volunteer or participant at PALS.

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In this week’s Eco Report feature we hear from Elisa Pokral, Community Outreach Coordinator of the newly rebranded Waste Reduction District of Monroe County, in a conversation with Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze. They discuss the District’s new name, their operations, services, programs and events happening this spring.

Planting trees within cities is a popular plan to mitigate some hot zones. Here’s an example of Kansas City. Trees are being planted across Kansas City at an unprecedented pace, putting the city in the front ranks of American cities aggressively fighting climate change. An ongoing campaign to maintain Kansas City’s existing tree canopy is being broadened. Meanwhile, efforts to enhance native grasses and wildflowers across the metropolitan area are taking on new life and urgency.

Tree preservation will kick into high gear in June when a $12 million windfall grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reaches city coffers. The influx will enable the city to provide greater care to their existing arboreal canopy, which includes many aging trees planted after World War II. That federal infusion is in addition to money the city budgeted this fiscal year and next for its 10,000 Tree Campaign focused on heat islands in the older, poorer sections of the city, and for giving residents trees to plant in their yards.

WFHB is doing a series on ocean fishing, focusing on those species found in grocery stores. At year 1000 AD, all the oceans had billions of fish. Fishing at the time was mostly local, that is within 10 miles from port. A popular fishing method was to use a weir, essentially a v-shaped fence running parallel to the shore. At high tide, the fence was under water, at low tide the fish were trapped, so the fisherman could simply walk out and collect the fish trapped by the weir. Fishing boats were generally small enough that they could be dragged up the shore to high ground. The Vikings were brave enough to explore the high seas, and discovered Iceland and Newfoundland. The first child of European descent born in the Americas was the son of Leif Erickson. He was born at the Norse site at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, occupied about 1021.

By 1600 AD, many European nations were fishing in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. An important fish taken from the Mediterranean was the bluefin tuna. This largest of the tuna species spawned in the Mediterranean in huge numbers. The tradition of tuna trapping began in the Mediterranean with the Phoenicians; it was improved by the Arabs around the year 1000. In the 1870s, Sicilians started packing the bluefin tuna meat in locally produced olive oil instead of preserving with salt. At that time, there were tuna operations found across Sicily. Many canned their tuna; this supported large communities of fishers and their families. Today the bluefin stock is very low in both the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, nearing the status of “endangered”. The tv show “Wicked Tuna” is based on pursuit of the few bluefin left in the western part of the Atlantic.

Fishing in the North Atlantic by many nations occurred after 1500. Fishing pressure eased during the first half of the 20th century because of the two world wars and the Depression. By 1950, operations were again in full swing. In the 1960s the Soviet Union had developed fleets of boats to fish abundant areas around the globe. One operation was off the coast from Gloucester. The Soviets would take over 99 percent of the fish. The fleet could be seen from shore, and our fishermen were not pleased. Finally, in 1976 a bill was passed that made territorial waters 200 nautical miles out part of the nations’ fishing rights. In 1992 Canada closed the Grand Banks (east of Newfoundland) because there were few fish remaining.

The thought was the population of cod and halibut would recover in a few years. It didn’t happen. Now the cold-water species are moving north out of the Gulf of Maine because the water is too warm. There is a prediction that all the oceans will be overfished by 2050. This prediction was made 25 years ago, and events thus far suggest the prognosis is pretty accurate. In the next installment we’ll describe how the fish in the oceans can be saved.

Nine years after her 13-year old daughter, died from a rare brain tumor, Kari Rhinehart finally got the call she had been waiting for. On October 23, Dr. Michael Freedhoff, America’s top chemicals regulator, called her personally to tell her that the EPA had moved to ban trichloroethylene (TCE) – a known carcinogen that had contaminated the groundwater in Franklin, Indiana, where Rhinehart used to live. The contamination came from several sources, but notably, a nearby electrical parts plant had been using TCE as a degreaser. The chemical is also used as a spot cleaner and dry-cleaning solvent. Rhinehart believes that exposure to chemicals including TCE is what caused her daughter’s cancer – as well as the higher-than-average rate of pediatric cancer in Franklin.

Experts have found that TCE not only causes cancer, it is also toxic to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, immune system and to developing fetuses. The Environmental Defense Fund has been working for more than 10 years to get TCE off the market – providing scientific expertise to regulators and working with impacted families to educate policymakers on the dangers of the chemical. Once the EPA’s proposal is final – hopefully this year – most uses of TCE will be banned within a year.

MIT is launching an ambitious climate Center to aid policymakers. Environmentalists welcome the new initiative, but worry about potential funding and influence from fossil companies. The MIT Climate Policy Center will be part of a new and larger campus-wide initiative called the Climate Project at MIT, which aims to mobilize different parts of the university to develop, deliver, and scale up practical climate solutions as quickly as possible, according to Richard K. Lester, MIT’s vice provost. “MIT is never better than when we come together to solve big problems,” MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a video announcing the launch of the Climate Project.

The video recalled key roles MIT played in developing radar for the U.S. military in World War II, putting the first astronauts on the moon, plugging the hole in Earth’s protective ozone layer and mapping the human genome. Tackling climate change is MIT’s most ambitious project yet, Kornbluth said. Still, some fear the university could turn to fossil fuel companies, as it has in the past, for additional funding, which could compromise the initiative’s objectives. Nathan Shwatal, a co-lead of MIT Divest, a student-led climate advocacy organization calling for the university to end its investments in fossil fuel companies, expressed cautious optimism about the new initiative. There’s great hope for the research, Shwatal said. “But there’s also a dark path that it can go down when it comes to fossil fuel funding.”

This week’s Eco Report feature is a conversation between WFHB Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze and Elisa Pokral of the Waste Reduction District of Monroe County. They discuss the District’s new name, their operations, services, programs and events happening this spring.

Celebrate the upcoming Spring Equinox with a Step Into Spring Hike at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 16th, from 11 am to Noon. Hike on Trail 5 to search for signs of the season. This is a rugged hike. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center.
A Fun-Guy program will take place at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, March 16th, at 3 pm in the Nature Center. If you are interested in learning about the fungus among us, then you will love exploring the world of fungi.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Wildflower Walk at Brown County State Park on Sunday, March 17th, from 2 to 2:30 pm. You will walk around the Nature Center gardens and woods to peek for spring wildflowers. Meet at the Nature Center.
Push up your sleeves and construct a home for the endangered Indiana Bat during the Build a Bat Box program at Switchyard Park Pavilion on Thursday, March 21st, from 6 to 8 pm. Indiana Bats come out of hibernation in the Spring and begin looking for summer homes. During the session as you build your box, you will learn about bats. Register at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.
The Sycamore Land Trust is hosting a ‘Sky Dance’ and Twilight Hike at Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve on Thursday, March 21st, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Listen to a chorus of amphibians as you search the sky for the woodcock’s famous mating ritual, the ‘sky dance.” Registration is required.

Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey.

Today’s news feature was produced Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Robert Shull.

Are you one of those people who believes our Mother Earth is getting dirtier and dirtier from all our trash? Here are a few tips to help keep the Earth cleaner.

Stop buying Styrofoam items. Styrofoam is forever. It is not biodegradable, so instead invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you.
Do you like to eat salmon? Several studies have found that PCB’s, which is a class of toxic chemicals, and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Look for safe seafood when shopping for salmon.
What about those coffee filters? Are you a coffee drinker? Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer. Start buying unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters.
We all love to go to picnics, especially when the weather is nice. The next time you host or attend a picnic, bring your own utensils and food containers. Plastic forks, spoons, straws, and all that plastic stuff you see at a picnic are not biodegradable and not recyclable.
One more thing you might want to stop using is paper towels. Regular paper towels are bleached, and waste forest resources and landfill space. Look for recycled, non-bleached paper towels or better yet, buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse.

Thank you for protecting Mother Earth. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference!

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In this week’s Eco Report feature, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull speaks with Kevin Hunter, who has been involved in the treatment of sewage in Monroe County for over 30 years.

It has become increasingly known that Corals play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Not only do they buffer coastline communities against storms, but they reduce coastline erosion. The Center for Biological Diversity points out that “they create habitat for fish, sponges, crabs, sea stars and other wildlife.” Some of the most extensive, best preserved coral reefs in the entire Caribbean are along the coast of Cuba. Jardines (har-dean-es) de la Reina National Park, is one such place that maintains an incredibly rich underwater ecosystem. In Sept 2023 a team of experts completed an expedition to gage the health of Cuba’s reefs. A Cuban marine biologist initiated the study for a better understanding of coral’s resilience in this era of extreme climate change.

The Environmental Defense Fund in partnership with Cuban scientists are hopeful that such research will provide leads as to management & conservation techniques that prevent degradation of coral reefs. Cuba and the US have the potential to make great advancements to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity. The lack of formal diplomatic relations, exacerbated by U.S unilateral listing of Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism, hamper joint ventures for all but a couple of NGO’s [NON-governmental organizations]. Nature is oblivious to such political maneuverings. Cuba has strategic plans for dealing with climate change that are hampered from coming to fruition as a result of the US embargo on Cuba.

“The ecological stakes are too high for Cuba and the United States to rely on anything short of a government-to-government accord to formalize, catalyze, and facilitate cooperation on environmental problems of mutual concern,” states Brian Boorm in Sciencediplomacy.org. Nevertheless, Scientific communities of Cuba and the United States have found several ways to come together and agree on what is essential to advance joint research in the best interests of both countries, peoples, and societies.

Such joint scientific research provides opportunities for progress and capacity building in both Cuba and the U.S. The endangered species act recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of protected habitat for numerous species! Cuba and the United States share forty-nine animal species and eight plant species that are recognized as ‘Globally Threatened.’ “There exists a strong imperative for the two countries to cooperate on monitoring and protecting the threatened species for which they are joint stewards, including the West Indian walnut, the American crocodile, and the West Indian whistling duck” wrote Brian Boorm in sciencediplomacy.org. Extensive coverage can be found at globalconservation.org.

WFHB is doing a series on ocean issues, with an emphasis on the seafood available in Indiana grocery stores. The first story was about early fishing in the North Atlantic. It is a story of abundance. One of the prime targets was codfish, numbering in the billions and catchable using just a line wrapped around the wrist and one hook. Another popular fish was the herring, caught in the North and Baltic Seas. The Hanseatic League cities were funded in large part by the herring catch. Herring were popular because they were cheap and could be preserved by hanging them in a fireplace for smoking. Fresh herring rapidly decompose, so the English developed some powerful mustards to make the herring more palitable. Coleman’s mustard is popular even today.

The fish markets were full of large cod, salmon, and other species as illustrated in a painting by Frans Snyder, The Fish Market. The status of the oceans as of 1900 is that they were in excellent shape. Plastics were not a source of pollution. While a few areas were overfished, such as halibut along the U.S. east coast, or herring in the Baltic Sea, there were some areas virtually untouched. The untouched areas were that way because any catch would rot before the ship could reach its home port. All this was about to change. Clarence Birdseye was born in 1886, the sixth of nine children of Clarence Frank Birdseye, a lawyer in an insurance firm, and Ada Jane Underwood. His first years were spent in New York, New York, where his family owned a townhouse in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

From childhood, Birdseye was obsessed with natural science and with taxidermy, which he taught himself by correspondence. He entered Amherst College, where his father and elder brother had earned degrees. There he excelled at science, although an average student in other subjects. His obsession with collecting insects led his college classmates to nickname him “Bugs”. He had to drop out of college to support his family, working for the Department of Agriculture. He had several assignments before going to Labrador , where he furthered his interested in food preservation by freezing, especially fast freezing. He was taught by the Inuit how to ice fish under very thick ice. In -40 °C weather. The Inuit also demonstrated that freshly caught fish could be then instantly frozen when exposed to air, and when thawed, still tasted fresh.

This trip to Canada, where he witnessed the traditional methods of the indigenous Inuit people, directly inspired Birdseye’s food preserving method. Flash freezing changed ocean fishing forever. A boat could go anywhere to fish, then immediately freeze the fish. Fishing boats got bigger, eventually leading to a fleet of vessels catching the fish, then transferring it to a “factory” ship, which froze the catch and placed it in storage. The catching vessels could remain at a hot spot until virtually every fish was taken. The second development that totally changed ocean fishing was the development of vessels with steam engines, which rather quickly converted to gasoline or diesel fuel. This allowed the use of enormous nets and catches in tons.

Fish Creek in northeastern Indiana is one of the most biologically diverse streams in the Midwest. Mussels are a keystone species in the stream’s aquatic community. Mussels are filter feeders, so they are very sensitive to low water quality. In areas with good water quality, there are diverse mussel communities and large numbers of mussels. In areas where the water quality is poor, there are fewer species. Protecting mussel species was the impetus for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to work in Fish Creek more than 30 years ago. When TNC started working in the area, mussel populations were in decline. The story today is much more positive. Mussel surveys from last fall show a diversity of mussels – in variety, quantity and age range.

In order to protect the creek and the imperiled mussel species, TNC had to do more than just buy land and create nature preserves. “We had to find ways to work with the community,” says Larry Clemens, state director for TNC in Indiana, “so that people and nature could thrive together. Improvements to Fish Creek wouldn’t have happened without the community’s direct involvement.” TNC worked with farmers to control soil erosion on their lands, using a variety of conservation practices. Farmers implemented those conservation techniques widely.

The site of the old water treatment facility on the northern-most side of Griffy Lake. Photo: Google Maps.This week’s Eco Report feature is a conversation between WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull and Kevin Hunter, who has been involved in the treatment of sewage in Monroe County for over 30 years.

Join a Roving Naturalist on Saturday, March 9th, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve for a Signs of Spring Hike. You will open your senses as you look for signs of the changing seasons. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.
The Sassafras Audubon Society is hosting their Semi-Annual Ducks and Donuts gathering at the Stillwater Marsh observation platform on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 am to noon. Come and enjoy coffee, donuts and binoculars to spot ducks and other birds.
Join Anthony for a Donaldson Cave Hike at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 9th, from 1 to 2 pm. You will hike into the upper dry portion of Donaldson Cave as you learn about the eccentric Scotsman the cave is named for and the Shawnee Cave system. Meet at the Sycamore Shelter.
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area is hosting a Goose Pond Reads event on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 to 10 am. Enjoy a free community reading from A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. Sit in the Visitors Center as you listen and enjoy the panoramic view of the wetlands.
Make a small terrarium in a glass jar during a Do It Yourself Jar EcoSystems program on Sunday, March 10th, from 5 to 7 pm at the Switchyard Park Pavilion. Learn about how functioning ecosystems work from water ecology to small microbes. Register at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.

Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy, Cynthia Roberts and Julianna Dailey.

Today’s news feature was produced Robert Shull and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Robert Shull.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers who are passionate about reporting facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org.Are you one of those people who believes our Mother Earth is getting dirtier and dirtier from all our trash? Here are a few tips to help keep the Earth cleaner. Stop buying Styrofoam items. Styrofoam is forever. It is not biodegradable, so instead invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you. Do you like to eat salmon? Several studies have found that PCB’s, which is a class of toxic chemicals, and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Look for safe seafood when shopping for salmon. What about those coffee filters? Are you a coffee drinker? Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer. Start buying unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters.

We all love to go to picnics, especially when the weather is nice. The next time you host or attend a picnic, bring your own utensils and food containers. Plastic forks, spoons, straws, and all that plastic stuff you see at a picnic are not biodegradable and not recyclable. One more thing you might want to stop using is paper towels. Regular paper towels are bleached, and waste forest resources and landfill space. Look for recycled, non-bleached paper towels or better yet, buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse. Keep looking for ways you can make a difference.

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By Elyse Perry

Over the past few years, interest in NCAA women’s basketball has increased seemingly exponentially.

Last year, the women’s championship game between Iowa and LSU had almost 10 million viewers, which showed a 103% increase from the previous year.

At IU, this increase is just as evident. This season, average home game attendance is over 10,000. That’s up from an average attendance of only 3,600 in the 2018-19 season five years ago.

IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson credits much of the team’s newfound attention to Head Coach Teri Moren. He said that Moren has created a consistent and competitive team that has garnered viewership through its skill.

“I’d say here at IU, I think our growth is directly attributed to Coach Moran and her staff, and then ultimately the players who make it all happen,” Dolson said. “Just seeing the fan support, that has been unbelievable, and it just has grown throughout the past five or six years, particularly. It has just been unbelievable and so much fun to watch.”

Fans eagerly await entry for the Iowa-Indiana basketball game on Feb. 22, 2024. Photo by Benedict Jones.IU women’s basketball has sold out two home games in program history. The first happened last year when over 17,000 fans packed into Assembly Hall to watch IU play Purdue. The second sell-out was a couple weeks ago when IU played Iowa. Tickets for the IU-Iowa game sold for an average of $353 according to the Herald Times.

The increasing number of fans attending games at IU led the athletic department to create a season ticket section and to charge for parking outside of the stadium. Scott Dolson said that the athletic department is implementing these changes to try and grow with the program.

“Last season, the growth of the attendance at every game really came about sort of a little more quickly…, during the season. We met towards the back end of the season, looking towards this season to try to figure out what we can do to make the best fan experience possible,” Dolson said.

According to Dolson, the ideas to charge for parking and to assign season ticket sections were not instated to make money. Despite that, he said that he hopes the women’s team can one day earn as much revenue as the men’s team.

If you had told me 10 years ago that we potentially could average 10,000 fans per women’s game for a season…, if you told me that 10 years ago, I would have never believed it,” Dolson said. “So, if you say at some point, can the women’s programs across the country, but specifically here at IU, have the same revenue stream as the men, or have the same television ratings, I believe it for sure. I think that’s the path we’re on.”

Fans raise newspaper clippings reading “Our corn is better.” 17,222 people packed into Assembly Hall for the Iowa-Indiana game on Feb. 24, 2024. Photo by Benedict Jones.Regardless of the money earned by the program, Dolson is proud of the progress they’ve made. He says that they are a model for other teams around campus.

“I’m just really, really proud and happy, and there’s a lot of people that put a lot of work into it. It’s great to see that work provides great results,” Dolson said. “Our women’s basketball team as a program, is a model for some of our other programs to really try to emulate what they’ve done… to build their program.”

On February 22, Iowa and Indiana fans made the trip to watch IU women’s second-ever sold-out home game where Indiana beat Iowa 86-69. The Indiana-Iowa game matched up two of the top three teams in the Big Ten conference. Just looking at Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, there were multiple record holders on the court.

Mackenzie Holmes holds the IU women’s record for scoring.

Caitlin Clark, who just announced her entry into the 2024 WNBA draft, is the all-time leading scorer in Division 1 basketball. Out of 32 regular season games Clark played in, home and away, 30 were sold out.

Danielle Patterson, former IU player and current grad assistant at St. John’s in NYC, says that the overall skill level of the players in women’s college basketball is a driving factor of the increased viewership.

“I think girls are now doing things that they haven’t done before. I think the skill sets and the positions are changing. I think you’re starting to have, like, positionless basketball.” Patterson said. “Also, you have, you know, this rising media attention. So before, when we weren’t getting as much attention, how would you know what the product was?”

Fans cheer for the Indiana women’s basketball team as their lineup is announced. Media attention around women’s basketball has expanded its viewership. Photo by Benedict Jones.Patterson started her college career playing at Notre Dame. She transferred to IU her junior year. Then, she transferred to St. John’s in 2021 to finish her final two years of eligibility. She thinks that social media and NIL deals, which allow players to make money off their name, image, and likeness, have also played a huge role in the advancement of women’s basketball.

“I started playing when I was five. So when I was coming through, like, the [Amateur Athletic Union] before you get to college, social media was playing somewhat of a part. I feel like it’s playing an even bigger part now than what it ever has,” Patterson said. “Also now with NIL,… now kids are coming through and they’re getting like multi-million dollar deals to just buy this drink company or this food company. So I think that’s been a big turnaround too for women’s basketball.”

Over 15% of all NIL deals go to women’s college basketball players. LSU’s Angel Reese has been making headlines for receiving the most NIL deals of any college basketball player, across men and women.

Regardless of the reason for the viewership spike, Patterson says it impacts the energy and performance of the players.

“I think you just made it more fun. I mean there’s the obvious thing of like would you want to be playing in an arena with, you know, 600, 700 people or do you want to be playing in a packed out arena with, you know, 17,000 fans or 18,000 fans,” Patterson said. “Like how could you not want to put on the best show that you possibly can? And that, I mean, that speaks volumes on both sides that you’re giving your all as a player and people are giving up their time to come and support you.”

Students started lining up for the Iowa-Indiana game at 1 p.m., 6 hours before the game started. At IU, the women’s basketball team has garnered a loyal following. Photo by Benedict Jones.The increased viewership of women’s college basketball is clear when looking at past championship games. In 2014, Notre Dame played UConn in the NC-doubleA championship game with around 3 million viewers. The game was one of the most watched of all time. Now, less than ten years later, the 2023 NCAA championship game between LSU and Iowa garnered almost 10 million viewers.

Fans credit the attention growth in the league to the players’ and coaches’ attitudes.

Lori Bellinger came to the Indiana-Iowa game with four generations of family members. She said that the family loves coming to the games because of the electric atmosphere.

“[We’re excited for] just really being here, feeling the electricity in here, seeing the smiles on everybody’s faces,” Bellinger said. “IU Women’s Basketball is a great program and a great experience.”

Cassidy Harris, a childhood friend of #22 Chloe Moore-McNeil, also attended the Indiana-Iowa game on the 22nd. At the game, she said she loves watching the team because of the way they work together.

“I think that they have great girls on their team and just being able to watch them all go out and play as a team together. It’s really an awesome thing to get to experience,” Harris said.

The IU women’s basketball team will be playing in the Big Ten tournament starting this Wednesday, March 6. This year’s tournament is the first ever to be completely sold out.

They will also play in the NCAA tournament starting on March 20. With the skill in the game this year, it is impossible to guess who will come out with the trophy.

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In this week’s Eco Report feature, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull speaks with Dan Vest, Monroe County Animal Management Officer, about animal control, what his job entails and how much he loves his job.

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly called “forever chemicals” are toxic chemicals that are dangerous to human health, accumulate in nature and people’s bodies, and take thousands of years to break down. You probably have some in your home and don’t realize it. If you have a non-stick skillet or pan, then you have PFAS in your home and when you use that pan, some of the chemicals come off into your food and then into you.

Despite that near universal acknowledgement, Hoosier lawmakers are advancing a bill to change the definition of PFAS – but only in Indiana. In other words, chemicals deemed harmful in every other state will no longer be considered dangerous in Indiana. In fact, Indiana is already one of the country’s most polluted states, according to the federal EPA data. “This bill makes no sense at all, said Gretchen Salter, a strategic advisor for Safer States. I don’t know why anyone would want to limit a state’s authority to regulate chemicals that the world has recognized are toxic and harmful to the public.”

Proponents of House Bill 1399, including the chemical manufacturing industry, say the change is needed to preserve essential uses of PFAS in items such as medical devices or semiconductors. No one in Indiana, however, is proposing to prohibit those uses. Advocates that work closely on PFAS issues say the new bill, authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer, R, from Jasper, is part of a national push to change the definition of PFAS so certain manufacturers can continue using them in their products. University of Notre Dame professor Graham Peaslee, a nationally recognized PFAS expert said, “I’ve never met a good PFAS.” The bill passed out of the House by a 64-30 vote along party lines. Now in the Senate, it has been referred to the Environmental Committee but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.

Straight* Arrow News*** reports that February is on track to become the ninth month in a row with record-breaking temperatures, creating concerns for the health of the planet. In the Florida Keys, rising marine temperatures have been bleaching coral reefs. High temperatures in the summer of 2023 caused so much damage that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) added three more levels to a two-level alert system to measure the impact. Per the new alert system, the Florida Keys hit alert levels four and five last summer, warning of the potential for near complete coral mortality. Delicate coral conservation nurseries had to be evacuated from the ocean and installed in extensive land-based operations.

Ocean temperatures reached triple digits in some areas and didn’t cool down enough to reinstall the coral nurseries until late October. In a recent NOAA survey of five coral restoration sites off the Florida Keys, several important corals were either completely decimated or barely found. NOAA and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary created Mission: Iconic Reefs Research and Monitoring. For this project, a team of researchers took a survey vessel through the Florida Keys looking for elkhorn and staghorn corals. “This certainly did feel like a step back,” Mission: Iconic Reefs Monitoring Coordinator Katey Lesneski said. Many of the corals that we did survey are those that are part of reef restoration.”

According to Lesneski, healthy elkhorn and staghorn corals are typically a tan, orange, brown color. On the research team’s journey to Key West, it came across multiple colonies of coral that had not been alive for months. Fewer than 22% of staghorn corals survived, and those that did were only found in the two northernmost sites. The Looe Key Reef in the lower Florida keys had no live staghorn or elkhorn corals. There is a good possibility that the summer of 2024 will resemble 2023, and destroy the surviving corals. Perhaps the only option is to plant the rescued corals in cooler waters.

In a couple of decades, when you go to the grocery store, you’ll have a choice to make in the seafood isle. There will be no cod, halibut, Pollock, haddock, snow crab, for sale. Farmed lobster will cost $50/lb. The salmon will be all farmed. There is now farm-raised tilapia, carp, mussels and catfish. In the year 1400, Portuguese fishermen were fishing in the North Atlantic. The approach was to wrap the fishing line around an arm, and drop the line overboard. It wasn’t long before they pulled in a 40lb codfish. When the day was over, he’d caught over 1,000 lb of codfish – each over 30 lb.

More recently, fishing ships from England fished east of Newfoundland. During winter, the cod move out of the depths, and are more easily caught. Fishing during winter was risky because of fierce storms that coated the ship with ice and made it top-heavy. Thousands of fishermen died when the boat tipped over. Many did not remove their boots in the water because they wanted to get the dying over quickly. Still the lucrative fishing continued. Many of the great mansions in England were built with the income from cod fishing. There were billions of cod.

By the early 1800s, fishing switched to the U.S. and Gloucester (pronounced Glawster) Massachusetts. It became the primary fishing port in the world, a position it held for more than 150 years. There were billions of fish within 20 miles of Gloucester. The fishing approach was for the mother-ship dropping off several small boats with one or two fisherman on each. Many fished with a “long-line”, and many hooks. Cod are not a fighting fish, so it was easy to bring a 30 lb-er. Every year, Gloucester would lose a few thousand fishermen at sea. Many homes in Gloucester still have a walkway at the top of the house. This was called a “widows walk” so the women could get an early glimpse of the horizon to see if their man made it back. The ships were constructed in towns near Gloucester, Essex being the major location. A lot of the forests in New England were sourced for lumber.

By the 1880s the fleet had expanded to where if you had just the halibut boats lined up bow-to-stern, a line 3 miles long would have been the result. A few of the halibut reached 500 lb and looked more like a manta ray. But the catch could not be maintained and yearly takes dropped year after year. There were an equal number of boats pursuing cod. As soon as the boats filled with cod, they would race to either Gloucester or Boston to sell their catch. Since they only had ice to preserve their catch, it was important to get the fish to market as quickly as possible. Next week, two discoveries changed fishing forever, beginning the long decline of all the oceans.

Are you* one*** of those people who believes our Mother Earth is getting dirtier and dirtier from all our trash? Here are a few tips to help keep the Earth cleaner. Stop buying Styrofoam items. Styrofoam is forever. It is not biodegradable, so instead invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you. Do you like to eat salmon? Several studies have found that PCB’s, which is a class of toxic chemicals, and other environmental toxins are present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon. Look for safe seafood when shopping for salmon. What about those coffee filters? Are you a coffee drinker? Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process, contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer. Start buying unbleached paper filters or use reusable filters.

Freya (photo source: City of Bloomington Animal Shelter)This week’s Eco Report feature is a conversation between WFHB Environmental Correspondent Robert Shull and Dan Vest at the Monroe County Animal Management office where we learn all about Dan’s love for his job, animal management and much more.

Finish up the Brown County Winter Hike Series with a Brown County Dog Hike on Saturday, March 3rd, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Meet at the Ogla Lake Parking lot for a moderate hike on Trail 7. Your dog much be on a six-foot leash.
Join a Roving Naturalist on Saturday, March 9th, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve for a Signs of Spring Hike. You will open your senses as you look for signs of the changing seasons. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.
Join Anthony for a Donaldson Cave Hike at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 9th, from 1 to 2 pm. You will hike into the upper dry portion of Donaldson Cave as you learn about the eccentric Scotsman the cave is named for and the Shawnee Cave system. Meet at the Sycamore Shelter.
The Sassafras Audubon Society is hosting their Semi-Annual Ducks and Donuts gathering at the Stillwater Marsh observation platform on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 am to noon. Come and enjoy coffee, donuts and binoculars to spot ducks and other birds.
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area is hosting a Goose Pond Reads event on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 to 10 am. Enjoy a free community reading from A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. Sit in the Visitors Center as you listen and enjoy the panoramic view of the wetlands.

Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey.

Today’s news feature was produced Robert Shull and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Cynthia Roberts.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers who are passionate about reporting facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org.

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By: Elyse Perry

On February 5th, construction started on the final phase of the Hidden River Tunnel Project with the sounds of breaking concrete and scraping metal behind the Von Lee building on Kirkwood Ave. The project, which has been dubbed the Clear Creek Tunnel Project, is the last step in replacing the nearly one-hundred year old tunnel that allows Campus River to flow under downtown Bloomington.

The construction will be in progress until mid-October, during which the Kirkwood Avenue block between Indiana Ave. and Dunn St. will be closed for parking. In the middle of the summer, Indiana Ave. will be closed between Kirkwood and 7th street to reconstruct the portion of the tunnel under it.

According to Adam Wason, the director of Bloomington public works, the project will update downtown infrastructure to prevent flooding on Kirkwood.

“This is all in an effort to increase that capacity throughout the downtown to get the stormwater away from the downtown and to keep Kirkwood from flooding,” Wason said.

In recent years, Bloomington has experienced major flooding on Kirkwood Avenue, notably in 2019 and 2021. In 2021, water between Dunn Street and Grant Street was thigh deep in some places, according to a previous WFHB report.

The city is working with Milestone Contractors. Milestone is the same company that completed the previous 1,829 foot phase of the Hidden River Tunnel Project between 2021 and 2023.

Milestone Superintendent Thomas Gott worked on the previous project, and is back for the current phase. He said that it is important that this project is done now to meet the needs of the growing town and changing climate.

“You hear a lot about climate change and more wet weather and it’s raining more these days than it has in the past. The infrastructure that Bloomington is constantly building, which adds more runoff and rainwater,” Gott said. “This box not only as it lived its life it needs to be upsized to keep continuing to grow with the infrastructure around Bloomington.”

Given the age of the current tunnel system, it has become outdated and inadequate for Bloomington’s modern needs. Since the bustle of downtown surrounds the construction area, Gott says that public safety is their main concern.

“This is a unique project. It’s not only just a tunnel, but the traveling public, existing businesses and buildings that this tunnel is adjacent to,” Gott said. “We do take safety and the top priority out here definitely.”

Construction workers dig out the old culvert to make way for a replacement (Photo courtesy of Ashlyn Halstead, Milestone Contractors).According to the city’s press release, street parking will be closed on Dunn Street and the north side of Kirkwood Avenue between Dunn and Indiana. The parking lot at the Von Lee building will be closed and used for construction equipment, deliveries, and trash services. Indiana Avenue will experience a closure during summer to allow for the final part of the construction, the press release says.

“There will be traffic and parking limitations on and off through the spring. Indiana Avenue will be closed for approximately 10 weeks but will reopen by early August 2024, before Indiana University students return to the Bloomington campus for the fall semester. Full project completion, including plantings, will occur in October.”

To account for the road closure, Bloomington Transit will be rerouting their buses from Indiana Avenue to Lincoln Street. In the summer buses 12 and 14 do not run, so there will only be changes to the 1N and 9 routes.

Due to the advanced notice, rerouting for the summer months will be mostly undisruptive. Planning and Special Projects Manager Shelley Strimaitis says that Bloomington Transit is used to adapting to quickly changing conditions.

“It’s a lot of things in transit are just responding in the moment to events,” Strimaitis said. “If we have advanced notice, we’ll try and plan that out and get it out to the public, but we fly by the seat of our pants every once in a while too.”

Strimaitis added that while transit is accustomed to adapting to changing road conditions, it is not the same for businesses.

“Us in transit, we are always looking. You know, we have Google notifications anytime there’s a story about any road closure, detours, anything like that. I mean, we’ll also get notified from people in the city because they know we’re impacted,” Strimaitis said. “But if you’re a business and you’re only impacted once every five or 10 years, you’re not looking for it even though the information is readily available.”

Some small businesses are worried about the impact of the construction over the summer months. Neither street parking nor outdoor dining will be available for business on the construction block of Kirkwood this summer. Parking meters have closure notices that last until August at the earliest, October at the latest.

The Ritz Hair Studio on Dunn Street has been negatively affected by both Kirkwood flooding and the Hidden River Tunnel Project. The owner Trevor Werner said that 2021 was a particularly bad time for flooding and the city didn’t provide assistance.

“Back in 2021, that’s when Kirkwood had flooded enormously and we had to take up everything…. We had no local assistance, you know, with the city helping us with that. We could reach out to FEMA, but that would be months for us to get any sort of assistance. So it was just us having to get through the savings, going into the savings and trying to fix what had happened…, because we weren’t in a flood zone to have the flooding insurance. So it was basically you fix it on your own dime and this city just didn’t help with that situation,” Werner said.

Werner says that when the city started the Hidden River Tunnel Project, the Ritz was affected by a lack of parking, and he is disappointed in the way that the city is handling it now.

“We have such a huge student clientele, but when those students go home for the summer, it does die down a lot,” Werner said. “But like I said, if there’s no parking and they have to park far away, that’s going to deter clients coming in here.”

Werner suggests that, to help the businesses, the city should try and work with IU to provide more downtown parking during construction. He mentioned that the IU lots would be a great alternative if they weren’t more expensive than street parking.

“I would personally like for the city and IU to get on the same page because, where they have placed the parking garage on 4th Street, that’s great, it’s beautiful but that’s not where the majority of the downtown people come to. They want to come down here to Kirkwood,” Werner said. “So if the city and Bloomington, the city of Bloomington and IU could get on the same page and find a solution, then that would be great.”

The construction is expected to last until the middle of October. Currently, neither the city nor IU have plans to create extra parking for the duration of the project. While this project is necessary for updating the city’s infrastructure, the impact on downtown summer activities remains to be seen.

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By: Annika Harshbarger

Vapes, cigars, Cheyennes, chewing tobacco and Zyn, all products that Taylor Brandenberger has used during his 10 year relationship with nicotine.

Middle SchoolNicotine has been present in one form or another in Taylor’s life from a young age, starting with his dad. It wasn’t until his dad decided to quit that he found out.

“I accidentally saw a text,” said Taylor, “one of my parents’ church friends…it was like I pray God puts a bad taste in your mouth anytime you think about tobacco.”

Later in life he found out how his dad kept his addiction secret.

“If he had a little bit in his lip while around us,” said Taylor, “instead of just spitting into a container, he would just swallow it.”

It was in middle school that Taylor had his first experience with nicotine. His older brother had been chewing tobacco and spitting it into a tall screw cap monster energy drink.

“I took a big old swig of it and immediately was like that’s not monster and then went and threw up,” said Taylor.

Years later the smell of wintergreen grizzly chewing tobacco still makes him gag.

High SchoolAt 16 with friends at his cousin Lauren’s house Taylor hit his first vape.

“There was a part of me that knew I wasn’t supposed to be doing it,” said Taylor.

After getting his license Taylor was able to drive to a gas station in his hometown of Middlebury just south of the Michigan border and buy his own vapes. At 16 Taylor had a very different thought process than he does now.

“I got time. I’ll quit,” said Taylor, “brush it off then fast forward, you know 10 years later, and I’m just now…finally quitting regularly vaping.”

Juuls were introduced in 2015 when Taylor was 17. The e-cigarettes became popular in high schools across the country including at his school, Northridge.

“I think part of me didn’t realize how much nicotine was in it,” said Taylor, “and then like slowly realizing, Oh shit I just gave myself a nicotine addiction.”

CollegeTaylor Brandenberger, June 2020. Photo courtesy of Taylor Brandenberger.Freshman year Taylor never bought a vape instead he used his friends’ vapes.

“I could basically feed the minor addiction that I still had,” said Taylor, “for some reason that made me feel a little more justified. I’m like oh I don’t have a problem.”

At 21 that all changed. After a day of working at a covid isolation shelter in Bloomington Taylor walked over to the nearby gas station and bought his first nicotine pod. He started to hit his vape around 100 times a day.

“It almost became muscle memory,” said Taylor, “my brain almost goes to reach for it when I would be going up and down steps or like getting into the car.”

It got to a point that while Taylor had covid he was still hitting his vape and used a delivery app to get pods while isolating.

“It had me on a leash,” said Taylor, “the nicotine was in control of my day to day.”

Three years and about 3,285 pods later he started thinking about quitting. After hurting his knee at work by simply stepping wrong he had a realization.

“I am not necessarily a young teenager anymore,” said Taylor, “unless I put effort into it my body is just going to deteriorate from here on out.”

Post CollegeIt was Jan. 23rd, 2023 that Taylor drowned his battery in a video posted on his instagram story and fully made the decision to quit. Now 26, Taylor is weaning himself off of nicotine, using zin pouches and a metal straw necklace that allows him to breath in air when in the past he would have reached for his vape.

“There’s been times where..I use the last one in my tin… but then I don’t immediately go out and get a new one,” said Taylor.

Accepting that he had an addiction and making the decision for himself and not because others wanted him to, made all the difference.

“[I] definitely still have a bit of addiction,” said Taylor, “it is a much better relationship, healthier…I have a little bit more control over it and am less shackled by the substance.”

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This week’s Eco Report feature is part four of Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze’s interview with Sam Carpenter, the new Executive Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, on legislation proposed to lawmakers of the Indiana General Assembly in this year’s non-budget Legislative Session. The full four-part interview will be available online after the show as an E.R.X Eco Report EXTRA, to be found at wfhb.org.

Recently, the Bloomington Herald Times published a story about the plastic industry and how it has been spreading misconceptions about recycling. One of the most widespread misconceptions is that all plastics can be recycled. Not true. Only certain types are economically and technically able to be recycled. Some plastics, likePVC, are very problematic to recycle and can contaminate streams. Many consumers believe that the plastic packaging they dispose of in recycling bins will be recycled. A significant portion of plastic waste, especially single-use packaging, ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Recycling is often promoted as the ultimate solution to plastic pollution. The reality is that only a fraction of plastic waste is effectively recycled and much of it still ends up in the environment. Biodegradable and compostable plastics are a sustainable alternative. However, these materials often require specific conditions to break down, and if they end up in a landfill, they may not degrade as intended. Recycling plastics is costly and complex. It is cheaper to produce new plastic from raw materials than to recyle existing plastic. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the misconceptions and to advocate for more transparent and sustainable practices, such as reducing the use of plastics and promoting the use of alternative materials.

One of the common complaints about solar panels is that they take up valuable agricultural land. This factor has canceled several proposed projects in Indiana. A story from Inside Climate Change finds that ranchers in Wyoming have demonstrated a useful example. BrightNight – a global energy company, has proposed to build more than 1 million solar panels, a battery storage facility and a few miles of above-ground transmission lines on a 4,738 acres of private land run by the Tillard ranching family near Glenrock. The Dutchman Project, as it is called, is notable neither for its generation nor its storage capacity but for the creatures moseying beneath its panels. The base of each sun-tracking panel will be several feet off the ground, allowing enough room for the Tillard’s sheep to continue grazing.

In a state whose ranching industry predates its inclusion in the union, pairing solar generation with livestock grazing or other agricultural practices, a technique called “agrivoltaics,” could forge an unlikely alliance between two industries—one ancient; the other, high tech — that typically compete for resources. At the conclusion of their February 6 hearing regarding the Dutchman project, Converse County Commissioners directed the county attorney to draft an order of approval, indicating they would likely grant the project its permit later this month. This leaves us with one question. Why, in a state where the wind always blows, this ranch chose solar over wind.

The current mass extinction event is at an early stage. E. O. Wilson, the Dean of American biology, predicted the globe will extinguish one million species. Today, some conclude this assessment is too low. There are many reasons for this extinction event: loss of habitat is the primary cause. Humans occupy every livable space on Earth. Climate change plays a significant role. Poaching is another contributor. One we might not think of is cats: people take their cats to islands with flightless birds, and soon the birds disappear forever.

Solving this problem is straightforward: humans created the problem and we must solve it. Saving many species is not a matter of knowing what to do, but rather, the will to do it. For example, the number of right whales in the North Atlantic has fallen from 600 at the beginning of this century, to about 350 today. The main killer is ship strikes. These mostly occur near ports involved in worldwide trade. The big container ships are not trying to hit a whale, and often are not even aware that they have hit one. Most of the right whales have moved north out of the New England area because the water is too warm and little food (copepods) remains. Most, during summer, are now in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and are thus at risk from all the boat traffic. A solution is to limit boat speed to 10 knots in areas where there are whales, but for the shippers, time is money and they are often unwilling to slow down.

Another issue is becoming entangled in lobster gear. A common lobster set consists of a buoy with attached rope that goes to the bottom and is attached to a lobster pot (aka traps) and then a line with perhaps ten traps, ending by a rope to the surface. Thus, there are two ropes for every set. For most of the year, just in the U.S., there are about 2 million vertical ropes in the water for most of the year. If a whale hits a rope, there is some probability of the rope wrapping around a flipper or tail (aka, fluke). After dragging around the rope (and possibly some lobster traps) for a year or two, the rope often has cut into the whale and the whale bleeds to death or dies of starvation.

The problem could be cut in half if the rope at the non-hauling end broke at 1000 lb. An adult right whale can break a rope at that breaking strength. The rope at the hauling end is much stronger because the traps can be entangled with the bottom. The problem is the lobstermen have rejected the use of a weak rope because occasionally they need to haul using the non-hauling rope. Another solution is to use no vertical rope. The ropes are carried to the bottom by a device that can trigger the release of the rope. Thus, when the lobsterman arrives at the exact location, he activates the device and the rope floats to the surface. Clever. The problem is these release systems are expensive, and some trawlers may carry the set several miles from its original location. What might work is one weak rope and one strong rope with a release device. Though this would seem to solve all problems, this concept has not been tested. And there is the issue of warming waters off New England, which is driving the lobsters north. Next week, the discussion will be on how to protect the few remaining cold-water species, such as codfish.

Parts of this story come from the New York Times. Climate change is stretching the length of time in parts of the Far North that go without sea ice, which polar bears rely on to hunt their preferred prey: blubbery, calorie-rich seals. When the ice melts in summer, the bears move onto land and face two options. They can rest and slow down to a state approaching hibernation, or they can forage for alternative food like berries, bird eggs and small land animals. Scientists tracking 20 polar bears in Manitoba, below the Arctic Circle at the southern end of the animals’ range, found that the option the polar bears chose didn’t make much difference.

Bears who foraged generally got just enough calories from their small meals to replenish the energy they spent finding them, but not enough to maintain their body mass. “Terrestrial foods are not adequate to prolong the period that polar bears can survive on land,” said Anthony Pagano, a wildlife biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey and the lead author of a study based on the research, published recently in Nature Communications. In western Hudson Bay, the ice-free period is three weeks longer now than it was in the 1970s, and polar bears currently spend about 130 days on land during the year. Scientists estimate that, going forward, there will be five to 10 more days without sea ice each decade. It is estimated that the polar bear population of the western Hudson Bay area, an area extending from the Manitoba-Ontario boundary through to Chesterfield Inlet in Nunavut, is approximately 935 miles. The population of polar bears in this region has dropped by thirty percent over the last five years.

This week’s Eco Report feature is part four of Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze’s interview with H.E.C. Executive Director Sam Carpenter on legislation supported or opposed by the Hoosier Environmental Council in the 2024 Legislative Session at the State Capitol relating to groundwater, the LEAP Pipeline project and phasing out fossil fuels. The full four-part interview is available online as an E.R.X Eco Report EXTRA at wfhb.org.

A Maple Syrup Made Easy Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, from noon to 1:30 pm at the RCA Community Park in Bloomington. This hands-on workshop will discuss tree identification, equipment, collection and sugaring techniques. Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.
The Winter Hike Series at Brown County State Park continues with the CCC Ruins and Deserter’s Cave hike on Saturday, February 24th, from 11 am to 1 pm. This is a 1.5 mile round trip hike that will take you to the Civilian Conservation Corps area then you will hike to the Deserter’s Cave which is a very rugged section of off-trail hiking.
Take a Full Moon Hike at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, February 24th, from 8 to 9 pm. Experience the park at night while learning the history and folklore of the Full Snow Moon. Meet at the Lakeview Activity Center for this 1-mile hike on Trail 1 and 4.
Celebrate February 29th with a Leap Year Hike at Spring Mill State Park from 1 to 2 pm. Take advantage of the this extra day as you hike through nature on Trail 4 and learn leap year facts, superstitions and folklore. Meet at the Sycamore Shelter House.
Finish up the Brown County Winter Hike Series with a Brown County Dog Hike on Saturday, March 3rd, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Meet at the Ogle Lake Parking lot for a moderate hike on Trail 7. Your dog must be on a six-foot leash.

Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Julianna Dailey.

Today’s news feature was produced Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Robert Shull.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers whose goal is to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org.

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Foursquare, dodgeball and musical chairs are just a few of the many games that frequented our childhoods. Bloomington Parks and Recreation is bringing these memories back for adults, but with a twist.

The second annual Adult Winter Recess took place Saturday, Feb. 17th at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center. A plethora of throwback recess games, concessions, and craft beer were offered to the 21+ adults that registered to attend the event.

Community Events Coordinator Crystal Ritter discussed the purpose of Adult Winter Recess.

“We wanted to create an event that really encouraged adults to get out, have fun, play with each other, do some competitive games, do some creative things. And it was kind of an idea to do a throwback event that kind of was reminiscent of summer camp, or like field day at your school that you went to while growing up,” said Ritter.

Among the “throwback” recess games were 80s and 90s themed portraits, crafts and music.

cue sound of music from event

“We have some other throwback activities as well, that will really take you back a little bit. Plus we play music of the 90s and 2000s as well to kind of throwback. And just lots of fun activities that we hope people will enjoy and also be a little bit active or creative,” Ritter said. “The music really helps set the scene and we use the music in several different capacities. One of the most popular events the last couple of years has been one-hit wonder musical chairs.”

Ritters expressed that Adult Winter Recess and other similar Parks and Recreation events can serve as rare opportunities for community members to get out of the house and have fun with other adults around Bloomington.

“I think what draws people to our winter recess and adult field day events is just kind of a low barrier way to come out and have fun, to interact with other adults. We don’t really get that opportunity. A lot of times if we’re going out, we’re going out with our friends or we’re going to something specific and this program really encourages you,” said Ritter.

Bloomington Community Member Katie Thompson missed out on the summer version of Adult Recess, but was ecstatic to attend this one.

“A friend of mine went to the summer recess and said it was super fun. I wasn’t able to go and so when I saw this, I was super excited. Also, pretty much everything that is happening I like including the games, and the crafts, and the alcohol. Yeah, very exciting.” said Thompson.

Thompson’s favorite recess game as a kid was foursquare, she explains why.

“As a kid, I hit up the Foursquare. I feel like I did some Foursquare. I was not great at it, but I was really bad at pretty much everything else. So, Foursquare was as good as it was gonna get,” said Thompson.

The Adult Field Day in July will be the next opportunity for those 21 and over to act like little kids on the playground again, either as a volunteer or event goer.

“I think adult winter recess and adult field day, the winter and summer versions, have been really popular events. And we’re going to continue doing them and create more adult oriented programming that gets adults out and playing in our parks and facilities and just remembering what it is to have fun,” Ritter said. “Occasionally, one of the cool things about being an event coordinator is we get to come up with these awesome events, but we always make sure that people who are either volunteering or working the event have a chance to kind of have some fun too.”

Thompson just has one request for the next Adult Winter Recess.

“We wish it was longer. Like two hours, I feel like there’s not enough time to do everything that’s here,” said Thompson.

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Coming up in this edition of Eco Report, Agrivoltaics and Climate Resilience as Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze brings us Part Three of his discussion with Sam Carpenter on bills opposed and backed by the Hoosier Environmental Council in the 2024 Legislative Session. The full four-part interview will be available online after the show as an E.R.X Eco Report EXTRA, to be found at WFHB.org.

This story appeared in the “Daily Journal” of Franklin. A controversial bill that would strip wetland protections in Indiana is the first to head to the governor’s desk after being fast-tracked by the Indiana General Assembly. House Bill 1383, authored by Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Versailles, clarifies various wetland definitions and eliminates certain wetland rule-making requirements. The bill would shift some Class III wetlands down to Class II, a class that already has few protections because of another state law passed in 2021. The Senate approved the bill 32-17 on Tuesday, less than a month after its first reading in the House. Some residents, environmentalists and state senators have expressed concerns that it was fast-tracked despite heavy opposition.

Environmental activists and some state legislators also questioned whether the bill would actually protect wetlands or dwindle them further. In 2021, Indiana passed another controversial bill that left nearly 80% of the state’s wetlands unprotected, with only 25% of wetlands being mitigated since then, according to the Hoosier Environmental Council, or HEC. A one-acre wetland can typically store over one million gallons of water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

This means nearly 400 million gallons of water storage has been removed without mitigation since 2021, according to data from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Indiana has also lost 85% of wetlands in the last 200 years, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously against the EPA, leaving the fate of wetlands in the state’s hands, Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said during the Senate vote on the bill Tuesday.

Indiana is already seeing accelerated wetland loss, said Indra Frank, environmental health and water policy director for the HEC. The continued stripping of wetland protections is “very discouraging,” she said. Sens. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, and Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, questioned how involved environmental consultants and groups were in the legislation.

During the committee hearing on the bill, 26 people — including organizations involved in drafting the bill — testified in opposition to the bill. Only three testified in support. Builders, environmental activists and consultants, including the HEC, and IDEM staff helped draft the legislation last July, Niemeyer said. Representatives from the Indiana Builders Association told the Indiana Capital Chronicle the bill was a compromise to prevent permitting delays. Profit over people! Even though the bill passed, please contact the Governor today to voice opposition to this legislation.

Last week we aired a story about olive trees. Following is more information. In a Counterpunch article by Joshua Frank, it is noted that olive trees in Palestine, in addition to being a means of economic sustenance are a long standing cultural practice. The harvesting of olives on wild trees extends back thousands of years. The razing of such groves has had disastrous results including soil erosion, and climate change. Since 1967, more than 800,000 Palestinian olive trees have been illegally uprooted by the Israeli authority accordinging to a 1921 Al Jazerra report.

Besides providing a harvestable commodity for numerous bird species, including Jays, Finches and crows they rely on the biodiversity provided by Palestine’s wild trees. Multiple species of these trees are often found in native olive groves. Olive groves in Palestine, in addition to being cultural landscapes, are important globally as an agricultural system based on their biodiversity, cultural, and economic values. ”An ancient, native olive tree should be considered a testament to the very existence of Palestinians and their struggle for freedom. With its thick spiraling trunk, the olive tree stands as a cautionary tale to Israel, not because of the fruit it bears, but because of the stories its roots hold of a scarred landscape and a battered people that have been callously and relentlessly besieged for more than 75 years.”

There have been major developments in climate change. One is that the average temperature of the globe exceeded 1.5 C for 2023. This comes as no surprise. The second development is the oceans are warming at a faster pace than predictions. Thus, the glaciers are melting faster. Of particular concern are the glaciers on Greenland and Antarctica, simply because they contain the most water. It may be that previous projections of ocean rise are vastly underestimated. Most projections over the last three decades have pegged ocean rise between one and three feet by the years 2100. The new projections say the increase could be as much as sixteen feet, and much of that could come in large chunks. The biggest chunk could come from the release of the Thwaites Glacier from the Western Ice Sheet in Antarctica.

Thwaites Glacier is closely monitored for its potential to raise sea levels since the 1980s, Thwaites and Pine Island Glacier have been described as part of the “weak underbelly” of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, in part because they seem vulnerable to irreversible retreat and collapse even under relatively little warming, yet also because if they go, the entire ice sheet is likely to eventually follow. This hypothesis is based on both theoretical studies of the stability of marine ice sheets and observations of large changes on these two glaciers. In recent years, the flow of both of these glaciers has accelerated, their surfaces have lowered, and their grounding lines have retreated. They are believed very likely to eventually collapse even without any further warming. The outsized danger Thwaites poses has led to some reporters nicknaming it the Doomsday Glacier, although this nickname is controversial among scientists.

The third development is that the fresh water melting on Greenland may cause the global circulation of sea water to stop. This hypothesis was first proposed twenty years ago. If that happens, a danger is that heat from the equatorial regions may not be transported to polar regions. Thus, the Gulf Stream, for example, may not transport heat to northern waters. Would Europe experience a new ice age? One thing is for sure, it would disrupt weather patterns worldwide.

NBC reports that as electric vehicle demand slows, workers caught in the middle face an uncertain future. Thousands of workers face layoffs or transfers as automakers scale back on their lofty EV ambitions. This year was shaping up to be a good one for the workers at the GM Orion Assembly plant in a working-class suburb of Detroit. After winning a pay raise following last year’s United Auto Workers strike, they were slated to start production later this year on a marquee product for GM: the electric Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

But like thousands of other workers on the front lines of the electric vehicle transition, they have hit some bumps in the road. GM told the nearly 1,000 workers at the Orion plant in December that they were being laid off until late 2025 to make engineering improvements and amid cooling demand for electric vehicles. Their last paycheck was their holiday pay the week of Christmas, and many are still waiting to find out if they will be offered a job at another plant. Electric vehicles account for about 4.5% of new vehicle sales in Indiana, far below national average.

And now, Part Three on the 2024 Legislative Session at the State Capitol with Zyro Roze and the HEC’s Sam Carpenter. The full four-part interview will be available online after the show as an E.R.X Eco Report EXTRA, to be found at WFHB.org.

Learn how to identify trees in the winter during a Buds & Barks Winter Tree ID Hike at Olcott Park in Bloomington on Saturday, February 17th, from 2 to 4 pm. You will be outside taking a close look at the bark, branches and buds to seek out the tree identification. Dress for the weather.
The Brown County State Park Winter Hike Series continues with a Ten O’Clock Line Nature Preserve Hike on Saturday, February 17th, from 10 am to Noon. This is a 2.5 mile, moderate hike along a fire trail and horse trail. The Ten O’Clock Line Nature Preserve is the largest nature preserve in the state and has a very unique story. Please dress for the weather.
The Whooper Wednesdays will continue at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area until February 21st. Come to the Visitors Center on Wednesday, February 21st, at 9 am to walk the property and see if you can spot some of the resident birds, including the endangered Whooping Crane. Make sure to dress for the weather.
A Maple Syrup Made Easy Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, from noon to 1:30 pm at the RCA Community Park in Bloomington. This hands-on workshop will discuss tree identification, equipment, collection and sugaring techniques. Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.
The Winter Hike Series at Brown County State Park continues with the CCC Ruins and Deserter’s Cave hike on Saturday, February 24th, from 11 am to 1 pm. This is a 1.5 mile round trip hike that will take you to the Civilian Conservation Corps area then you will hike to the Deserter’s Cave which is a very rugged section of off-trail hiking.

Credits:

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy and Cynthia Roberts.

Today’s news feature was produced Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the Eco Report team.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced today’s show.

Branden Blewett is our engineer.

Anchors are Julianna Dailey and Frank Marshalek.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues? Here at Eco Report we are currently looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers. Our goal is to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org.

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An arctic blast struck Bloomington this past week, putting temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. During this same time last year, the average temperature was 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind chill was around 30 degrees.

Coming on the heels of 2023 being the warmest year on record, this cold spell is to be expected according to James Ryan, an IU Ph.D. candidate specializing in weather patterns and cold extremes.

“It has been one of the coldest weeks you get in a typical year, even colder than you’d find in a lot of years. So it is extreme, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the Midwest. But a similar event will probably happen again in a couple years, and it will probably keep being that way,” said Ryan.

He added that this weather is not a direct result of a changing climate.

James Ryan, an IU Ph.D. candidate specializing in weather patterns and cold extremes. Photo courtesy of Indiana University.“We live in the northern United States, which is a region that gets cold sometimes. The global average temperature has increased by about one degree Celsius, or about two degrees Fahrenheit, which is a large and unambiguous signal. But that’s not enough to mean that the Midwest will stop having winters,” he added.

Despite the arctic temperatures, Bloomingtonians have been trying to proceed as normal. Bloomington native Cat Seltz said while it changes her daily desires and goals, she enjoys the weather.

“It makes me want to snuggle it makes me want to cook and read and really enjoy the sun coming into my house,” said Seltz. “It’s like taking a cold shower taking that plunge in the lake, and just give your system a teeny bit of a shock each day to get your metabolism woken up.”

Seltz was raised in Bloomington, but has since lived in many places in the country. She said that this past week was nothing compared to Minnesota winters.

Plummeting winter temperatures pose an impact on utilities we take for granted, such as water, vehicles, and electricity. Bloomington Utilities suggest allowing water to drip from faucets, leaving cabinet doors open, and covering outdoor water lines to prevent pipes from freezing. For vehicle safety, check your vehicles’ tire pressure and antifreeze levels and keep a winter safety kit in your vehicle.

In extreme cases, low temperatures can cause ice build-ups on powerlines, leading to power outages. In the case of a power outage, Interim Fire Department Chief Roger Kerr says it’s important to be careful with alternative heating measures.

“Trying to stay warm, people will start to burn wood or whatever they have, which can lead to fire,” said Kerr. “People just have to be really cautious about using alternate forms of heat to try to stay warm other than their furnaces.”

Interim Chief Roger Kerr. Photo courtesy of Kerry Thomson.If you are in need of a warm place to go, Bloomington Fire Department Stations 1 and 2 are staying open as warming stations until January 20th.

“Emergency Management Agency of Monroe County asked us if we would have a couple warming stations in our fire houses. So we have two fire stations, this one here and one on Franklin Drive which is on the west side that are warming stations from 8-6, which started on Saturday and runs to Saturday, this coming Saturday. So between those hours somebody could come in, warm up and get a chance to kind of get the chill off and then the shelters open back up at 6 and then they could go back to a shelter in the evenings.”

Other warming stations are available around Bloomington and Monroe County. The full list can be found below:

Bloomington Fire Station 1 (Headquarters), 226 S. College Ave.
Bloomington Fire Station 2, 209 S. Fairfield Drive
Ellettsville Fire Department Headquarters, 5080 West Ind. 46, Ellettsville
Monroe Fire Protection District–Perry, 3953 S. Kennedy Drive
Monroe Fire Protection District–Clear Creek, 9094 S. Strain Ridge Road
Monroe Fire Protection District–Indiana Creek, 8019 S. Rockport Road
Monroe Fire Protection District-Bloomington, 5081 N. Old Ind. 37
Monroe Fire Protection District-Van Buren 2130 S. Kirby Road.

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Indiana State Senator Shelli Yoder was approached by a woman and her husband while out at dinner. The couple had recently lost their baby to stillbirth. The woman never thought about the conversations in Indianapolis regarding a statewide abortion ban until then. But when she needed care quickly, she realized that Indiana’s abortion ban impacted the quality-of-care mothers like herself receive.

14 states have placed full bans on abortion since the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24, 2022. The state of Indiana’s abortion ban or SB 1 recently took effect on August 21, 2023. At the frontline of the conversation are women seeking access to abortion care. But SB 1 isn’t just impacting women’s access to abortions, it’s also impacting the state’s ability to provide quality maternal and infant healthcare.

“Indiana is already failing to protect the lives of Hoosier women and girls. We have the third highest maternal mortality rate in the nation,” Yoder said.

Pictured is Indiana State Senator Shelli Yoder. Photo Courtesy of The IndyStarContributing to the high maternal mortality rate in Indiana is the lack of OBGYNs and maternal healthcare doctors willing to work in the state. Yoder says states that have enacted abortion bans have seen a 10.5% drop in applicants for obstetrics and gynecology in 2023.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists legislative co-chair Dr. Caitlin Bernard says Indiana is struggling to recruit physicians who are willing to practice in a state with an abortion ban in place.

“Many physicians are very concerned about the quality of care they can provide when there is an abortion ban in effect,” she said. “That doesn’t just include abortion care but also includes things that are related to that. Including pregnancy care, pregnancy-related complications, high-risk pregnancies, and maternal and fetal health conditions.”

Physicians who violate SB 1 face a Level 5 felony which could result in the removal of their license and jail time. But what qualifies as a violation of SB 1 isn’t exactly clear. Bernard says it is up to doctors to discern whether their patient fits within the exceptions of SB 1.

“Essentially, you have to try and figure out if the patient that you have fits into one of the exceptions in the law. Do they have a life-threatening condition? Do they have a lethal fetal anomaly? Have they been a survivor of rape and is this pregnancy a result of it? Sometimes it is straightforward, but oftentimes this is challenging,” Bernard said.

Pictured is Dr. Caitlin Bernard the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists legislative co-chair. Photo Courtesy of CNNSB 1 says physicians must decide whether their patient fits into an exception listed using their “best medical judgment.” Other individuals can disagree with a doctor’s best judgment however. The law’s nuance in a doctor’s ability to perform life-saving healthcare is ultimately scaring doctors away from states with abortion bans in place.

Ultimately, a lack of physicians leads to the closing of hospitals and maternity care centers, especially in rural counties across the state. Bernard says the closure of hospitals largely impacts women in labor and in need of emergency maternal healthcare. It’s difficult for women in areas with no local hospitals to receive adequate healthcare which may result in long-term health risks for the mother and baby.

“You have people at high risk for high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and high risk for hemorrhaging during labor and delivery,” she said. “They can’t necessarily predict when they will go into labor. So when you are delivering at home or in an ER instead of an adequately staffed, experienced maternity care center, you’re going to have a higher risk for complications that aren’t managed appropriately which end up causing long-term consequences for you and your baby.”

Bernard also said that access to prenatal care may be compromised in areas that lack maternal healthcare. Prenatal care ensures that doctors identify early complications in a pregnancy that can be treated and managed. Worse outcomes for the baby and mother result from a lack of prenatal care.

“People think, ‘Just drive to Indianapolis,’ but for a lot of people that is just not feasible. They don’t have transportation, they don’t have time off of work, childcare, gas money, etc. So this is going to be hardest for communities of color, of poverty, of disability. So you’re going to see a proportional worsening of health in those populations,” Bernard said.

In Monroe County, residents have access to All-Options, a pregnancy resource center. All-Options advises women on their abortion options and provides funding for local families in the form of the Hoosier Diaper Program. The State Program Director for All-Options Jess Marchbank says calls to their center are the lowest they have ever been.

“The number of calls to our abortion fund has plummeted since August 1 [2023]. In July we received almost 400 calls. The number of calls that came into our system in August was about half of July. September has been even less. In September we received only 123 phone calls. I have not seen a number that low since our abortion fund opened in 2015,” Marchbank said.

Marchbank attributes the low number of calls to the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of abortion in Indiana. While abortion in Indiana is not accessible, Marchbank says All-Options helps women find abortion access in neighboring states.

Pictured is Jess Marchbank the State Program Director for All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center. Photo Courtesy of All-OptionsAlong with supporting women in need of abortion care, All-Options provides essential parenting supplies such as diapers, diaper cream, and wipes. In Monroe County, All-Options supports 200 families a month, distributing nearly 20,000 diapers each month.

A lawsuit filed by the ACLU on behalf of Hoosier Jews for Choice and five anonymous women against SB 1 is still pending. Their lawsuit claims SB 1 violates Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It is unclear when Indiana’s Supreme Court will hold hearings in regard to the lawsuit.

SB 1 remains in effect in Indiana for now. Marchbank encourages any women looking for advice or support to reach out to All-Options or call/text their Hoosier Abortion Fund hotline. Only time will tell how Indiana’s abortion ban will continue to impact maternal healthcare across the state.

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On July 29, 2023, the Supreme Court landed a verdict in favor of getting rid of affirmative action in college admissions. The consequence of this? Race cannot be a deciding factor when it comes to the college admissions process.

WFHB News interviewed IU Maurer School of Law Professor Steve Sanders, who teaches constitutional law, constitutional interpretation, family law and constitutional litigation. He told us about the logistics of affirmative action. WFHB also interviewed Indiana District 40 Senator Shelli Yoder, who explained more about the implications of affirmative action encompassing the majority of Monroe County (which includes the Indiana University-Bloomington campus).

Affirmative action gives colleges another “dimension” to look at in terms of the students applying to them. In other words, affirmative action is crucial for a holistic review of academic credentials, extracurricular achievements, and who the person is – to the core. But, if we get rid of this, what is in store for the future of diversity in America?

Sanders explained what affirmative action is.

“In legal context, what we typically mean when we talk about affirmative action, is an official government policy that takes account of race and uses it as a decision-making factor in a positive way. [It] notes for example that an applicant [applying] to a university or law school is Black or Hispanic or Asian and takes that formally into account, usually in a positive way, in making a decision about that person,” said Sanders.

Photo courtesy of Indiana University.Sanders elaborates why he thinks the dissenting justices (Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson) are correct in arguing that it “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.”

“Well, it does, as I said, it had been the the law of the Supreme Court based on a 2003 decision, that it was limited form I described. Affirmative Action was okay. And so the Supreme Court in this case, didn’t admit that they were overturning a precedent. But that’s really what the decision announced, if you leave, read the legal reasoning in the decision that really guts, the core principles and the core theory and logic of that 2003 Grettir decision. And so I think the dissenting justices are correct that this decision does overturn precedent, it rolls back a couple of decades of precedent,” explained Sanders.

Sanders also discussed why these top-tier and Ivy League universities find diverse student bodies to be particularly important in the college admissions process.

“There are studies that show that learning takes place more effectively, in a diverse educational setting, that when you have a larger variety of voices, and more perspectives based on race and heritage and upbringing, and family background, that that enriches the educational experience of people that enriches the diversity of viewpoints that are expressed in and the diversity of perspectives that are addressed in the classroom, which sort of, you know, by definition contributes to everyone’s education and everyone’s greater appreciation of the issue,” discussed Sanders.

Now, moving on to Shelli Yoder, who talked about how affirmative action would affect Hoosiers and the IU-Bloomington campus.

First, Yoder explained her initial disappointment after the decision had been released.

“In June of this past year, I was incredibly disappointed to say the least, all Hoosiers do better from the boardroom to the classroom when we are more diversified. And when our classrooms and those boardrooms better reflect the population of Indiana or the United States. That is better for us all. And the ruling that came down in November, we felt like we were taking steps that felt more like decades backwards,” explained Yoder.

Photo Courtesy of Indiana Senate Democrats.Yoder talked about what IU-Bloomington will do in the up-and-coming school years in order to maintain a diverse environment without affirmative action coming into play.

“Well, fortunately, I know that Indiana University in my district has continued to stress that it will do everything that it can to pursue diversity in its admission to make admissions to make sure that our classrooms are diverse classrooms. And so yes, affirmative action was ruled unconstitutional in this past June, but great universities across Indiana, my university in this district, Indiana University is one that has been very clear that it will do all it can to ensure diversity and its admissions policies,” said Yoder.

Yoder further elaborated on what she has and will bring to the table of affirmative action as our District 40 Senator.

“I’ve tried to focus every year that I have served in the Senate on legislation that acknowledges and lifts up issues of equity and equal access every Hoosier every person deserves a fair shot at leading a happy, successful and prosperous life life. And I will not give up fighting for that ideal on behalf of Hoosiers,” says Yoder.

Sanders answered whether or not affirmative action would stop the efforts of diversity entirely from universities, and provided ways that universities can maintain the same diversity levels from before.

“Not necessarily. It may, in the short run, hinder the…ability of universities to take race into account in making it admissions decision. But, there are lots of other things that universities can do to promote diversity. They can…devote more resources to outreach to say, high schools with large percentages of minority students. They can do greater activities with those students when they visit the campuses to try to persuade them to come to that particular college or university. They can certainly do lots of things to make their campus environment more welcoming to attack incidents of discrimination to engage in diversity education. So, there are lots of things that universities and colleges can do to promote the health of a diverse learning environment in a diverse campus,” explained Sanders.

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This month, for the first time in over three years, federal student loan borrowers will be required to make monthly payments. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Annika Harshbarger reports on the impact this will have on borrowers.

Today’s local news feature offers insights and advice from Phil Schuman, the executive director of financial wellness and education at Indiana University, who is also a student loan borrower. Schuman discusses the various aspects of student loans, including funding options, budget considerations, and the importance of staying informed about loan details.

Photo courtesy of Indiana University.Harshbarger also reports on personal experiences, exploring how student loans impact people such as Delaney Joyce, a recent graduate with $25,000 in student debt, shedding light on the challenges and considerations associated with these loans.

Tune in to hear the full report produced by Correspondent Annika Harshbarger on the WFHB Local News.

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WFHB Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze sat down with eco architect Mark Lakeman of Communitecture in Portland, Oregon to learn about proven solutions to homelessness and measures to counter a lack of a sense of community and inviting collective civic spaces in American cities and neighborhoods.[Part One]

In light of recent local municipal policies to prohibit camping in Bloomington, affecting the unhoused community, Roze asks Lakeman about Dignity Village, an ilkegal tent squat turned tiny home ecovillage small business incubator celebrated by Portland city officials, local police and citizens as a peaceful, productive example of place making and uplift for people experiencing poverty and facing a lack of affordable housing. Roze and Lakeman also explore other successful intentional communities and transitional housing programs.

Lakeman shares how these projects happened, how they operate and he expresses the need for a compassionate response to burgeoning homelessness, how his life and those of the people allowed a refuge have been enriched by contributing to building a self governing and humane community in the margins outside conventional urban planning to provide shelter for those not accommodated by the prevailing socio economic norms.

[Part Two]

Zyro asks Mark about the inception and development of the City Repair Project in Portland, a village building and place making initiative that has been reclaiming street intersections and other spaces for neighborhood commons by engaging neighbors in collective street murals, public art and installing community infrastructure like solar tea stands and free libraries, sculptural benches, organic gardens, pocket parks and urban food forests.

Lakeman details how the effort was at first fought by city departments and is now accepted by the authorities while remaining a grassroots initiative that has spawned similar initiatives around the country.

Lakeman also discusses his inspiration to start creating community after experiences learning from visits to study other cultures and living with indigenous people impelled him to reach out, reclaim cultural agency and create social connections amidst colonial “unfrastructure” designed to discourage interaction, organizing and solidarity against unjust impositions by central authorities.

Eco Report EXTRA is a co-production of WFHB News and Public Affairs and Eco Media Center of Monroe County as part of an ongoing community media collaboration.

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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. We are looking into Indiana’s legislation that pertains to education. This week, we look into library censorship, how the legislation came about, what it means for public libraries, and what is being done about it.

Library censorship is especially relevant since this week is Banned Books Week, an annual event that highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned books week began in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools.

Monroe County Public Library Banned Books Week banner. Photo courtesy of the Monroe County Public Library website.Here in Indiana, House Enrolled Act 1447 is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

According to Steve Hinnefeld, who wrote the print version of this month’s Deep Dive for the Limestone Post, House Enrolled Act 1447, “prohibits schools from providing students with materials that are obscene or ‘harmful to minors,’ although there’s no evidence that they do. It requires school corporations and charter schools to post online lists of all the books in their libraries and print the lists for those who request them.”

We spoke with the Indiana Library Federation co-chair Victoria Martin to learn more about how the legislation is impacting libraries. You will also hear from Paul Farmer, president of the MCCSC teachers’ union – the Monroe County Education Association.

Tune in next week to hear more about Indiana’s Education Legislation. To read the full article written by Steve Hinnefeld and photography by Garrett Ann Walters, visit Limestone Post Magazine . To submit feedback to WFHB you can email deepdive@wfhb.org or you can leave us a voice mail at 802-552-3483.

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In this week’s episode of Deep Dive on the WFHB Local News, we delve deep into Lake Monroe’s water quality. As the largest manmade lake in Indiana, Lake Monroe serves as a primary drinking water source for over 130,000 residents and a hub for recreational activities, generating millions in revenue annually. Our guest, Maggie …

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Common Cause Indiana, a nonprofit organization advocating for redistricting reform discusses the impact of severe gerrymandering across the state. In Indiana, the legislative maps used to divide Hoosiers into voting districts are more biased towards one party than 95% of maps drawn in other U.S. states. What is expected to be a fair process meant …

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Last night, nearly 80 Bloomington residents stood on the front lawn of the Monroe County Courthouse to express their frustration with Indiana’s abortion ban. With signs held in the air saying, “Keep abortion legal”, residents mourned the loss of reproductive healthcare in Indiana. The event, sponsored by Hoosier Jews for Choice, Indiana NOW Chapters, and …

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An Indiana bill repealing state tax on menstrual products was denied a hearing; how period poverty impacts women nationwide. Worldwide there are nearly 800,000,000 people who menstruate. Every 28 days they experience a variety of symptoms such as cramps, nausea, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, acne, and bleeding for nearly seven days straight. 500,000,000 of those …

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Sam Mitchell began his podcast Autism Rocks and Rolls in October of 2019 after falling in love with podcasting in his high school’s media club. From there, his podcast quickly grew, and with the support of his mom, he’s been able to create an entire non-profit business. Sam has welcomed numerous guests on his show. …

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In 1965, Congressman Joel Pritchard improvised a game of Badminton with Ping Pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball to play with his family over the weekend after being unable to find a complete set of Badminton rackets. As the game went on, they realized that a lower net would make the game better, and …

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Look out, Bloomington! A new theater production company has just hit the scene, and this one is stirring up waves in the service industry. How? By putting the troupe first. Off-Night Productions is a newly formed theater company that has the goal of making local theater more accessible to Bloomington residents. Off-Night is the culmination …

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In the past few years, racist incidents have been on the rise in professional leagues around the world, the most recent case involving Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior in Spanish soccer. Vinicius has been attacked by fans, players, and even the La Liga commissioner. When the commissioner of one of the biggest soccer leagues in …

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In September 2022, Indiana passed Senate Bill 1, which banned abortion in all circumstances except for rape and incest up to 10 weeks post-fertilization, and serious fetal anomalies or health risks to the mother’s life up to 20 weeks post-fertilization. The bill also eliminates all abortion clinics in the state and requires all abortions to …

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You’re listening 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. We are looking into Indiana’s power grid – how it works, how it’s outdated and renewable alternatives the state could explore to transition into more sustainable forms of …

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The first of June officially kicked off Pride Month. Across the state, LGBTQ+ Hoosiers are celebrating their right to same-sex marriage, gender affirming care, and the opportunity to live authentically. However, this year has also welcomed a growing number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills by Indiana legislation and some Hoosiers are finding it difficult to celebrate Pride …

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Good evening, I’m Abe Shapiro and this is Part IV of Disabulletin’s docuseries Lawyers Schools And Access: The History of Special Education in the United States. Tonight’s installment covers the first parent groups of the United States, who mobilized on behalf of their children in Ohio and Washington respectively.

When we left off we were discussing the case of Golman V Ohio of 1933, in which local student Beldene Golman had been originally excluded from school due to a low IQ, though the was reinstated on appeal by her parents to the Cuyahoga County Court of Appeals. This court ruled that only the Ohio Department of Education rather than the school district, could exclude students with disabilities. However, if the state adapted a rule that students below an IQ of 50 could be excluded, then Beldene could be removed from school due to her disability.

Shortly after winning their case against the Cuyahoga County school board which allowed for their daughter’s reinstatement, the Golman’s helped mobilize parents across the state by establishing a new organization, The Cuyahoga County Council for the Disabled Child on September 17, 1935. According to her book on the history of the organization published in 1970, Council historian Sally Schmidt wrote that the organization had been around informally since 1931, with an operating body of 500 members and prided itself on being “the first organization to work with and for the disabled child living at home with its parents in the community.”

Gary Tonks, president of the Ohio chapter of the disability advocacy organization The ARC of the United States provides a historical look at what the education system was like for children with disabilities in Ohio prior to the council’s founding.

At the same time over 2000 miles away in Washington State, a mass mobilization of parents had come to the surface, unified around a common cause, that of the right of their children with disabilities to be educated alongside non-disabled children. It was now time for their grievances to be heard on the national level.

Since 1890, Washington had made significant progress in special education, albeit with some shortcomings. Although it passed a bill requiring parents to register any child with a disability for school a year after becoming a state, the law was not always enforced, which led to such children being sent to institutions, such as the State Custodial School at Medical Lake near Spokane founded in 1905. However, conditions at this school in addition to its neighbor the Eastern State Hospital (founded in 1907) were appalling,

On October 21, 1935, a year and two months after the Golman case had concluded and a month , a group of parents assembled for a meeting. Disenchanted with the quality of life that their children were receiving at the institutional State Custodial School at Medical Lake, these parents sought reform. This rag tag delegation was led by one James Oakley, whose own son resided at the school and who wanted to provide him along with the children living at the school with forms of entertainment and social resources that were not provided by the state. At this historic meeting, the group declared themselves as committed towards “working on behalf of institutionalized children as the Children’s Benevolent League (CBL). The CBL began to flourish within other communities throughout Washington State. In 1936, the CBL’s expansion exploded, with its articles of incorporation signed in Tacoma on April 15 of that year, officially establishing the CBL. Three months later on June 27, the CBL held its first ever statewide convention and deliberated over the organization’s goals, which would be legislation focused. Fifty delegates from towns throughout the state gathered, qualifying the CBL as a statewide organization. To bring the CBL’s voice to the state government, The CBL’s President Monty Percival ran for the state senate…and won. In the state senate, Percival would be appointed chairman of the State Charitable Institutions Committee and proposed legislation for a second state school for parents on the west side of the state who lived near Tacoma and Seattle and therefore too far from the state custodial school at medical lake.

While the original goal of the organization was to provide resources and improve conditions for children who resided in Washington institutions, it soon became apparent that this a painful choice for parents who felt they were abandoning their children. This change of view by parents resulted in outreach to other organizations throughout the country which included CBL members speaking at major conventions including a notable one in May 1950 sponsored by what was then known as the American Association of Mental Deficiency. Again, Gary Tonks.

But this expansion created some tension between the Seattle and Spokane branches since Seattle wanted to further the CBL’s influence nationwide while the Spokane branch wished to focus on their own children in institutions. This in-fighting would further the split between the two factions as evidenced when members of the Seattle branch won all of the organization’s executive commitee seats at the 1949 convention. This conflict reached its climax on November 20 of that year when, during a meeting between the Seattle and Tacoma regarding the Executive Commitee’s amending the CBL’s constitution to focus on national expansion, Seattle leader Bob Levitt stood up and said;

“More disturbing than the subjects of controversy at this meeting was the lack of cooperation received at all times on all issues from the east side due to the difference of subjective and objective thinking. That is, the west side is interested in the far-reaching ideal of research and pursuing a progressive course towards better care and aid for ALL handicapped children, not only our own in the schools…with or without you we are going to accomplish our purposes as long as we have a prayer in our hearts and breath in our bodies to do so!”

Two years later, the Spokane chapter filed for dissolution of its own chapter but would eventually agree to work alongside the Seattle sect, under the new organization now known as the WARC.

In our next installment, the shift towards the inclusion of children with disabilities continues as parents of the ARC of the United States and its chapters across the country begin a unified set of battles for their children’s right to a public education

Special thanks to Gary Tonks, President of the Ohio Chapter of the ARC of Ohio for his contributions!

Additional information on the ARC of Washington was gathered from Larry Jones’s 2010 book Doing Disability Justice.

*Correction: Washington became a state in 1889 and the Compulsory Education Act was passed in 1890 which required parents to send students with disabilities to the State School for Defective Youth. Something to keep in mind as well about this law: If parents or school district officials did not report on a child’s progress in school, they could be fined up to $200, which would be exactly $6,633.76 in today’s money! https://www.officialdata.org/us/inflation/1890?amount=200

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 10th, 2023.

Later in the program, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters hosted a mayoral candidate forum at the Tri North Middle School. More in today’s feature report.

That’s Pealer from the Community Bike Project, a volunteer-run do-it-yourself bicycle shop “re-cycling” hundreds of bikes back onto the streets of Bloomington every year. More from Pealer later in the show on a new episode of Activate!, featuring real people working for positive change in our community.

But first, your daily headlines:

Monroe County Election Board

A banner reads, “Vote Here Today,” at 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100 (Young).On April 6th at the second Monroe County Election Board meeting of the week, County Clerk Nicole Browne gave an update on early voting.

During public comment, Local Journalist Dave Askins asked if the Election Board could verify that they received a letter from David Wolfe Bender. Browne responded that she had not personally received a letter from Bender. She said did get a letter from the I-D-S.

Both board members Donovan Garletts and David Henry said that they had received a copy from Browne.

County Attorney Molly Turner King shared that she received two letters that appear to be from Bender and his new lawyer.

Turner King also announced that the proxy Henry had assigned to the matter, Guy Loftman, resigned from the appointment of proxy.

Garletts responded that they should wait to formally receive the letters until they are able to verify the source of the letters. He also shared with the public that Loftman resigned from being a proxy for logistical reasons.

Browne thanked Loftman for his work standing in as proxy.

The Election Board will meet again the day before the 2023 Primary Election, on Monday, May 1st.

League of Women Voters Hosts Mayoral Candidate Forum

Photo courtesy of Community Access Television Services.Last Monday, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters hosted a mayoral candidate forum at the Tri North Middle School.

Bloomington mayoral candidates Susan Sandberg, Don Griffin and Kerry Thomson all attended the candidate forum. They discussed affordable housing, homelessness, climate change and their vision for the city if elected to the mayor’s office.

During her opening remarks, candidate Susan Sandberg – who currently holds a position of Bloomington’s City Council – discussed her credentials in light of the mayoral campaign.

Kerry Thomson was the former CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Monroe County. Right now, she’s the executive director of IU’s Center for Rural Engagement. Thomson said her executive leadership would serve her well as mayor if elected.

Don Griffin was deputy mayor for the City of Bloomington from March 2021 until December of last year. He also owns Griffin Realty. Griffin touted his achievements during his opening statement.

Each of the candidates were asked how they would alleviate the problems facing the city’s unhoused population. Griffin said that a collaboration between the county and the city would be essential in addressing the housing crisis.

Sandberg agreed that partnerships and collaborations would need to be a key element to address homelessness. She brought up the Heading Home initiative through United Way and other community partners as a step in the right direction.

Thomson said the way to solve this crisis is by building more affordable housing. She also reiterated the values of the Heading Home partnership.

In the same vein, moderator Laura Rusk – a student at IU’s Mauer School of Law – asked all three Democratic candidates what their first step would be to address the need for affordable housing. Sandberg responded first.

Then, Thomson responded by acknowledging the complexity of the housing crisis. She discussed her five-point plan on housing.

Griffin then offered his views on affordable housing. He agreed that the 2020 Housing Study would need an update. Griffin discussed the “Missing Middle,” the new Hopewell neighborhood and annexation.

The full candidate forum is available on CATS – Community Access Television Services. To watch or listen to the forum, you can visit catstv.net.

The primaries will happen on May 2nd, and the election will occur on November 7th. Stay tuned for more coverage of the mayor’s race on the WFHB Local News.

Feature Report:

In this episode, Pealer from the Community Bike Project talks about this volunteer-run do-it-yourself bicycle shop “re-cycling” hundreds of bikes back onto the streets of Bloomington every year. We turn now to the latest edition of Activate on the WFHB Local News. This segment is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org or by emailing getconnected@bloomington.in.gov.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Activate is produced by Chad Carrothers and Michelle Moss.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.

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Update: According to reporting by the Indiana Daily Student, Declan Farley announced late last month that he will be leaving IU.

Protesters gathered for a march and town hall in Bloomington to demonstrate against Indiana University’s response to recent acts of discrimination.

On January 14th, IU student Declan Farley posted a TikTok about harassment he faced on the floor of his dorm, which received over 2 million views. Here’s the audio from the Tik Tok. We would like to give a trigger warning: mention of suicide.

@declanhatcher #indiana #indianauniversity #iu #iubloomington #trans #transgender #queer #ftm #transissues #harassed #transphobia #lgbt #lgbt #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ # # #awareness #ftmtransgender #college #student ♬ original sound – e

“I’m making this Tik Tok to spread awareness about the homophobia and transphobia on IU’s campus. IU prides themselves on being a safe and open space for queer students yet ignores issues like these. I hope you will help me spread awareness and demand that IU takes accountability for their actions and the actions of their students and works to protect students like me,” said Farley.

After the protest, Farley expressed his solidarity for other queer people in Bloomington facing oppression and discussed his plans for future action.

“The work here is definitely not done. We’re going to be starting petitions, and if things don’t happen, we’re going to protest again. We’re just going to not stop until things are done,” said Farley.

Farley referred to an incident that took place on January 11th in which an 18 year old Asian student was the victim of an Anti-Asian stabbing on a bus.

Farley expressed his disappointment with the way that Indiana University’s administration handled his situation

“There are other things that are happening on and off campus,” said Farley. “Especially the Asian student being stabbed. Other students on campus that shared their stories tonight, I wanted to give them a chance to speak because the school will not give them a chance to even speak.”

Other protesters also discussed experiences of racist Anti-Asian hate in Bloomington. Deonna, an Asian student at IU spoke about the racism she experienced in sophomore year at Bloomington High School North. She described a supply teacher who constantly humiliated her, demeaned her and gave her white classmates preferential treatment. Deonna discussed the aftermath that experiencing this racism caused her.

“She was being very mean and racist towards me and targeting me a lot. Throughout that year, I didn’t really get a lot of support. So I didn’t really talk about it, and I had to become silenced from it,” said Deonna.

A freshman student at IU named Ella spoke at the Town Hall, describing the homophobic harassment she experienced at McNutt residence hall.

“There was pounding on the door. It was loud enough to rattle the wall, the doors, the doorframe and go was being pounded so violently that it looked like the door was gonna be forced open even though it’s locked,” said Ella.

Local resident and activist Jada Bee says that hate is not new in Bloomington. She noted that the problems facing the community are systemic and need to be dealt with as such.

“One of the things I dislike a lot about the transitory nature of Bloomington, Indiana,” said Bee. “The history doesn’t get transmitted to you. IU’s not going to give you a welcome packet that says, here are all the hate crimes that we’ve had on our campus, because they want to present this as a safe and open campus.”

Lexi Sacco, an IU student from Indianapolis studying psychology, explained why she attended the protest and march.

“I saw Declan’s Tik Tok, and I really was just disgusted by IU’s way of handling the situation, and I knew that that’s something needed to happen,” said Sacco.

Sacco outlined what this protest meant to her. She elaborated on what she hopes to see as a result of the demonstration.

“I’m hoping that they that administration would take things more seriously and not just brush it under the rug and act like it’s not happening because it’s happening and they really need to open their eyes and see that it is,” she said.

She also touched on what local residents can do to fight back against hate and discrimination.

“I think being educated more on the topics and just how to treat people fairly because I know that a lot of people grew up with parents who are homophobic or transphobic or racist, and I really think that we need to relearn our values,” she said.

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Crowded basements and busy Friday night bars filled with the sounds of bass, keys and drums – aspiring local musicians and the cheers of devoted fans watching and dancing along to the beat. Live music is at the heart of Bloomington. A college town enriched in arts and culture, budding with talent and an eager audience desiring to take it in.

Antonio and Kristofer, two brothers, and their primary school best friends, Dan and Jackson are the four founding members of the popular Bloomington alternative band “Mindfully Blind.” An evening playing around with the application “Garage Band” and a guitar Christmas present later, the four guys are booking shows around the area almost every weekend.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Carreon.The one year anniversary of the release of the groups first album, “The Wanderer” will be this upcoming March 10th, which the bands accredits as one of their proudest accomplishments.

Mindfully Blind is working on producing their second album. Their songs take inspiration from a wide range of artists.

Being primarily located in Bloomington provides immense opportunities for budding talent like the group Mindfully Blind. Home of a nationally accredited university, Bloomington is full of passionate individuals in entrepreneurship, audio engineering, and instrumental talent that inspire the live music scene.

Mindfully Blind describes the local band and live music scene as a supportive community that yearns for everyone’s success.

Max Defisco, has been a lifelong musician and guitarist before the formation of his band, Westhead, which came together once he arrived in Bloomington as a student at Indiana University. His folk music takes inspiration from 60s and 70s music, and his poetic lyrics from the trials of his own life as a young adult.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Carreon.Westhead’s first album, “And Just Like That” released on February 24th, just last year. DeFisco is working on the second album which, like his first, wouldn’t be what it is today without Bloomington’s supportive community of creative individuals.

Connor McLaren, a third musician and songwriter in the Bloomington scene, similarly grew up in a musical household. He picked up guitar as a child with the support of his brother and father. It was in college that McLaren began to take his aspirations seriously, having the freedom of time and resources to make his dream a reality. It was with his mentor, he recorded his first song and eventually his first album.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Carreon.McLaren values the storytelling aspect of his music.

He aspires to bring life to his performances like his idol Todd Snider. McLaren hopes to bring joy to his listeners everyday, for them he is incredibly grateful.

In a town with a rich history of talent, the local music scene blossoms and will continue to grow for many years to come.

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Good evening, I’m Abe Shapiro and this is a special edition of Disabulletin. Tonight, we continue our report: Lawyers, Schools, and Access: A history of Special Education Law in the United States as part of our coverage of the recent Supreme Court Special Education Case Perez V Sturgis School District, which will be decided in June. Our topics tonight include:

-What happened to Merritt Beattie after the 1919 Wisconsin Supreme Court Case excluding him from the public school system

-The rise of parents challenging the exclusion of Children with disabilities from Public Schools

-The case of Beldene Goldman and the 1935 Ohio court case that etched one of the first judicial victories for the Special Education Community

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, February 14th, 2023.

Later in the program, Big Talk producer Michael Glab invited all candidates for the City of Bloomington’s 2023 mayoral race to appear on the program in weekly installments. Today, we’ll hear from City Council Member and Mayoral Candidate Susan Sandberg. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a segment done in collaboration with Lil Bub’s Big Fund. But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Board of Commissioners

Photo by Benedict Jones.On February 8, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners held its weekly meeting. Agenda items included an update from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Phil Parker regarding the maintenance of the county jail.

County Commissioner Penny Githens commented on Parker’s report and outlined what current and future maintenance of the facility would look like and who would perform it.

New business in front of the council this week included the approval of a grant agreement with the Indiana department of health for Opioid rescue kits, an agreement summarized by Monroe County Health Administrator Lori Kelley.

County Commissioner Penny Githens asked Kelley about citizen access to the kits. Kelley responded.

The agreement was approved by the Council unanimously.

The next motion concerned a project between the Monroe County Parks and Recreation Department and J-C-L Aerial Services. The project’s intended goal was to have J-C-L, a company specializing in aerial photography, capture photo and video footage of county Parks during the fall and spring of 2022, which was not successful due to multiple delays. The motion proposed that the agreement be amended so that the project could be successfully completed in the spring. Monroe County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director John Robertson spoke in support of the motion.

Commissioner Githens spoke in support of the motion.

The motion was approved by the board unanimously.

Next up, the council considered a funding request by Riverway Plumbing to replace drain lines at two locations of the County jail. County Fleet and Building Manager Richard Crider presented the
motion before the board.

All three commissioners responded positively to Crider’s presentation.

The council approved the request unanimously. Crider returned to the podium to present a funding proposal for repairs to the roof of the Monroe County Justice building.

Commissioner Githens re-affirmed her praise for Crider’s usage of local resources.

The council approved the proposal unanimously.

The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on February 15th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, Big Talk producer Michael Glab invited all declared candidates for the City of Bloomington’s 2023 mayoral race to appear on the program in weekly installments. This week, we hear a conversation with Bloomington City Council member and mayoral candidate, Susan Sandberg. Stay tuned to Big Talk and the WFHB Local News for more editions featuring mayoral candidates before the 2023 municipal primary on May 2nd.

Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a segment done in collaboration with Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Michael Glab.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.

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“We have a lot of politics in Indiana heading into the 2024 cycle,” said Representative Jim Banks and senate candidate.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb was first elected in 2016, taking his spot in the Indiana State House after former Governor Mike Pence left to take on Washington D.C. as Vice President during the Trump Administration. With his second term ending in January 2025, Governor Holcomb will not be on the ballot for re-election next November.

Current US Senator Mike Braun announced in December 2022 he would be running for governor, leaving an open spot for Indiana in the senate. For the first time in several Indiana elections, there is both an opening for Governor and a US Senate Seat for 2024. Several individuals have shared interest in running for Indiana Senate with the new vacancy, but Representative Jim Banks has formally announced his bid for the 2024 election on January 17, making him the only declared candidate.

For the last six years, Congressman Banks has been Indiana’s 3rd District Representative known for his allyship with former President Trump, his work in the Veteran and Education committees, and his conservative approach to legislation. Representative Banks shares with WFHB that he feels he is ready for leadership in the senate.

Rep. Jim Banks talks about the issues he feels everyday Hoosiers care about (photo courtesy of Pulptastic).“I feel called to run for it,” said Banks. “My wife and I and our family, we’re very proud to serve in the house, but the senate seat offers an incredible opportunity to do more for our home state.”

Speculations have circled in discourse of what other Republican candidates will aim to take the vacancy. Former Indiana Governor and President of Purdue University Mitch Daniels was rumored to have interest in candidacy, which has since been denied by Daniels himself at the end of January. Talk of Governor Holcomb running for senate has also permeated, but he shared in a public appearance December of 2022, he was devoting his attention to the upcoming statehouse session, and would quote, “think about the future in the future.”

This seems to be similar within the democratic party of Indiana, who have yet to announce a candidate for the senate race. Blake Hesch, Director of Communications for the Democratic Party of Indiana, shares the party’s approach leading up to the election.

“Stakes are raised for a lot of races in 2024,” said Hesch. “We have a number of candidates that have already expressed their interest for the governor’s race and candidates who are interested in announcing probably sometime in the next couple of months.”

“This year in 2023, Democrats are going to see some great gains in certain communities where we’re running great mayoral candidates and great municipal candidates. That’s what we’ll be focusing on right now, and then gearing up for 2024 in the meantime. So basically, chewing gum and walking at the same time,” he said.

There has been a divide within the American GOP between politicians and voters leaning towards more traditional Republican values and legislation, and others who fall under the term coined as “Trumpism.” With Former President Trump announcing his run for re-election in 2024, future voting patterns of Republicans are unpredictable. The Democratic Party of Indiana feels that candidates who align with Trump won’t perform well.

“What we saw last year in 2022 is that if you were on the political fringe, if you were on the extreme and you aligned yourself with Donald Trump, quite often you did not do well,” said Hesch.

Although the Indiana Dems have yet to announce any candidates, they feel prepared with the issues they stand for.

“Focusing on those issues that everyday Hoosiers care about – the kitchen table issues – often what we call them, is what’s going to bring us success in our race,” said Hesch.

Within the next year, Hoosiers can expect Representative Jim Banks to be traveling around the state campaigning and getting signatures to ensure his name will be on the ballot in the Republican Primary May 2024.

“I’m excited about traveling the state making my case to voters that I’m best prepared to go to the United States Senate and fight for our values and for Hoosiers,” said Banks.

Among the individuals who have already endorsed Congressman Bank’s campaign include Florida Republican Mark Rubio and Former President Donald Trump.

Both Congressman Banks and Indiana Dem’s Blake Hesch encourage Hoosiers to get involved in democracy.

“Those campaigns will start building up, and after the November elections of this year, you’ll see a lot more where you can reach out and get involved,” said Hesch.

To register to vote visit in.gov to ensure you are ready when election day comes.

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This week, we continue our discussion of the Supreme Court case heard last Wednesday, Perez V Sturgis school district. The case concerns two laws: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, which requires children with disabilities be provided a “free appropriate public education” or (FAPE) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in general.

Miguel Luna Perez of Sturgis Michigan was denied access to a professional sign language interpreter and was instead provided with an effective one over the course of 12 years. I’m that time. parents were falsely told that their son was on his way to graduation, only to receive a certificate of completion instead of a diploma upon completing his senior year of high school.

After receiving the news, the Perez family filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Dept. of Education and the Sturgis school board, on the grounds that the school violated both the Idea and ADA acts.

However, the Sturgis school district offered a settlement to pay for Perez to attend the Michigan School for the deaf and compensate the family’s legal fees, which would satisfy Perez’s lawsuit under the IDEA should the family accept.

The family accepted the settlement but then filed a lawsuit for monetary damages under the ADA, which entitles victims of disability discrimination to do so separately.

The question now is whether by accepting the district’s settlement, the Perez family also forfeited their right to further litigation for monetary damages under the ADA.

Prior to the supreme court hearing last week, the sixth circuit court of appeals ruled that Perez had forfeited his right to sue under the ADA by settling instead of going through the lengthy process of appeals for both claims.

This process is known in legal speak as exhaustion and is mandated by the IDEA, a claim echoed by Sturgis district lawyer Shay Dvoretzky in Last week’s hearing.

On the other side, Perez’s lawyer Ramon Martinez argued that although Perez had settled his claims under the IDEA, he could still pursue his claim for monetary damages separately under the ADA.

Today, we go through some of the most notable moments of the hearing involving exchanges between the supreme court justices and both Ramon Martinez and Shay Dvoretzky. This is a new segment of Disabulletin’s coverage we call Jewels of Justice

Plaintiff Miguel Perez, accompanied by sign-language interpreters, attends oral argument on Wednesday. His lawyer, Roman Martinez, speaks at the lectern. (William Hennessy)Jewel#1 is one that we discussed last week that occurred at the beginning of the Justice question period for Perez’s attorney Ramon Martinez:

JUSTICE THOMAS: Well, I guess the
difference — the difficulty I’m having is I
can’t see where ADA fits in with IDEA.
MR. MARTINEZ: Right.
JUSTICE THOMAS: That seems to be an
entirely different remedy…
MR. MARTINEZ: A hundred percent, Your
Honor. I think that’s exactly the right way to
think about the statute. And I think what
Congress was trying to do here was essentially
say we want you to have rights under both
statutes, we want you to be able to go into
court if necessary and vindicate your separate
rights to separate types of relief under both
statutes. But, in circumstances — in certain
circumstances, we want you to go through the
IDEA administrative procedures first.
And the text of the statute says that
if your ADA claim is only seeking things that
you can’t get under the IDEA, in the words of
Fry, if the consequence of your ADA claim, if
you brought it in the IDEA procedure, would be
that the IDEA hearing officer would have to
send you away empty-handed because that statute
just does not provide you that type of relief,
that type of relief is not available, then you
do not have to exhaust.
JUSTICE THOMAS: I guess that’s why
I’m having trouble considering it exhaustion.
MR. MARTINEZ: Right.

CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: — the — the
two are not entirely unrelated. I mean, in
each — in both cases, your — your claims are
going to be based on the denial of an FAPE or a
FAPE. And it’s certainly reasonable to assume
that the settlement process under the IDEA
could well be significant in resolving the
other claims.
It seems to me that what’s unusual in
this case is that the school board said, well,
don’t worry about those, we’re going to settle
this. I mean, if this were any other type of
litigation, the lawyers would want to say,
we’ve got a lot on the table and let’s figure
out how to resolve it.
And it’s not clear to me why you would
necessarily or artificially separate those two.
And, of course, your — your friend on the
other side has a construction answer to your
notion of how the exhaustion works, that
relief, the relief you’re seeking, is based on
a FAPE. That’s what’s going to be pertinent in
all those cases. Why isn’t that —

MR. MARTINEZ: So — so two points to
that, Your Honor. First of all, I think it’s
certainly true that if you bring the IDEA
claim, you could have a settlement discussion
that encompasses not just the IDEA claims but
also other claims that you might have that
haven’t yet been asserted in that process.
And I think the normal thing that we
would expect is that when bargain — when
parties are bargaining and if this — if the
child is going to give up those other claims,
they’re going to get something in return.
In this case, that settlement
discussion happened, and, you know, the —
the — there was a settlement discussion, and
Miguel would have turned down a request to give
up ADA rights without any compensation for
those ADA rights.
And the effect of Sturgis’s rule is
that if he accepts the settlement on the IDEA
claim, it, like, automatically gets rid of —
it essentially gives the school a full release,
a get-out-of-jail-free card on the ADA
liability, and that’s just not right.

In the clip we just heard, it appeared as though Justice John Roberts and Thomas were expressing mutual confusion regarding why settlement claims were different under the ADA and IDEA acts when they could in fact be similar?

But now, we turn to our second gem, in which Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson appears to Join Justice Roberts and Thomas on the question of the strange idea that IDEA and ADA damages can go to court at the same time!

JUSTICE BROWN JACKSON: “And even — even if it is odd, though, Mr. Martinez, isn’t that exactly what the statute seems to contemplate? I mean, I guess I’m wondering whether or not we’re even in a position to question the notion of dual proceedings, given that at least as I read the statute, Congress is contemplating that you’ll have a situation in which there’s a civil action that’s seeking relief that is not available under the IDEA. So I — I take this to mean that Congress thought that dual actions at least in some circumstances were possible and that was fine.

MR. MARTINEZ: I think that’s exactly right under the statute.

And I think that the nice thing about the statute is that it doesn’t take away the — the inherent discretion of district courts to manage their dockets in this way. And if you thought or five of you thought that it was important to give some guidance to lower courts and sort of remind them that if they wanted to — to stay parallel proceedings, if you were concerned about that, you could do that. On the other hand, Justice Jackson, I think you are right that the statute does not seem to say that it has to be a stay.

JUSTICE BROWN JACKSON: I mean, in — in — in my view — and maybe you can just react to that — isn’t — isn’t what really is going on here that Congress was concerned about people doing an end run around the IDEA in a certain way? That is, you have, you know, a set of facts concerning the denial of a FAPE that could give rise to claims under, let’s say, both of these statutes, the IDEA and the ADA, and, you know, the — the plaintiff is the master of their complaint and can decide which statute to bring it under. And so, in a situation in which the relief that is being asked for is only the kind of relief that is available under the IDEA, maybe Congress didn’t want the person to call that an ADA statute and thereby get around the exhaustion. But, if you’re asking for something else, if your claim is something else, then Congress didn’t have a problem with both of those proceeding in tandem.”

We now turn to the man in the defendant corner on this case, Shay Dvoretzky representing Sturgis.

Our first moment in his exchange with the justices occurred late in the proceedings before Justice Neil Gorsuch, who questioned Dvoretzky on the extent to which Martinez had to fully exhaust his claims under both IDEA and ADA.

And in our final highlight, we find a diamond in the rough that came from our Most Valuable Justice in this Case, Ketanji Brown Jackson.

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The Supreme Court met today to hear a case regarding a deaf student Miguel Luna Perez of Sturgis Michigan, who was denied access to a professional sign language interpreter and whose parents were falsely told over the course of 12 years that their son was on his way to graduation, only to receive a certificate of completion instead of a diploma.

The case concerns two laws: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, which requires children with disabilities be provided a “free appropriate public education” or (FAPE) and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in general. Upon receiving the news, the Perez family filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Dept. of Education and the Sturgis school board, on the grounds that the school violated both the IDEA and ADA acts.

However, before the case could go to trial, Sturgis school district offered a settlement in which it would pay for Perez to attend the Michigan School for the deaf and compensate the family’s legal fees. The family accepted the settlement but then continued their lawsuit under the ADA, which unlike IDEA entitles victims of disability discrimination to sue for monetary damages. The question now is whether by accepting the district’s settlement, the Perez family thereby forfeited their right to further litigation for monetary damages.

Prior to the supreme court, the sixth circuit court of appeals ruled that had Perez not agreed to a settlement, he could have continued his case under the ADA. Because Perez did not go through the two-step process mandated by the IDEA act consisting of informal resolution between parents and the district and administrative review by an impartial hearing officer before going to federal court and instead deciding to settle or “exhaust his claim,” he was not entitled to sue under the ADA, as stipulated by the IDEA Act’s section 1415L.

Plaintiff Miguel Perez, accompanied by sign-language interpreters, attends oral argument on Wednesday. His lawyer, Roman Martinez, speaks at the lectern. (William Hennessy)On behalf of Perez, his lawyer Roman Martinez opened the arguments:

In a surprise twist, the normally silent Clarence Thomas was the first to pose a question expressing confusion about the differences between the ADA and IDEA, Martinez responded by agreeing with Thomas.

On the side of Sturgis, Shay Dvoretzky then presented his arguments

Normally, a judge would grant an exemption as settling the case would have impacted Perez’s ability to sue under the ADA. However, the sixth circuit judge said that because Perez settled prior to proceeding to a full hearing, he had forfeited his claim, as Mr. Dvoretzky also asserted. Justice Thomas asked Mr. Dvoretzky to explain how such cases would be settled prior to the congressional adoption of the IDEA’s section 1415L in 1986 in response to a 1984 Supreme Court case, eliciting a response from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson regarding the section’s text. In response, Mr. Dvoretzky said the section originally focused less on financial relief and more so on helping a student obtain a FAPE.

Mr. Dvoretzky then said the section originally focused less on financial relief and more so on helping a student obtain a FAPE.

Click here to listen to the full Supreme Court proceedings. More on this developing story next week on Disabulletin.

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WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze speaks with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, best selling author and renowned physician specializing in preventative nutrition and natural healing, on his popular book ‘Fast Food Genocide.’

They touch upon matters of mental health, chronic disease, poverty, environmental issues, food deserts, regenerative agriculture, the industrial food system, educational reform, life expectancy, recipes for longevity and the myriad benefits of a Nutritarian Lifestyle.

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Reproductive health care resources are still available in the right places for Hoosiers in need, despite the current instability as Indiana Legislature became the first in the nation to pass an abortion ban responsive to the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade this past June.

Symone Bailey, an 18 year old first year student at community college in a secret relationship which had grown unhealthy, struggled to afford a $15 pregnancy test. When she turned the test stick over, and the small digital screen read “pregnant” she was immediately struck with fear.

Photo by Jenna Watson of the Indy Star.Bailey knew she did not have the resources to carry through with the pregnancy, nor did she want to carry the child of her covert partner.

While the process to abortion was lengthy and traumatic, she wouldn’t have had access to the procedure if it weren’t for the landmark Supreme Court Decision – Roe v Wade – which protected the right to an Abortion for Americans.

Bailey shared her story with the Indy Star after Roe v Wade was overturned June 24, 2022.

Roe v Wade was a landmark Supreme Court Decision in 1973, recognizing that the decision whether to continue or end a pregnancy belongs to the individual, and also served as a legal precedent recognizing the right to privacy protected in the 14th amendment.

In response to the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade, Indiana became the first state legislature to pass an abortion ban in the United States – Senate Bill 1.

Owen County Judge Kelsey Hanlon issued a preliminary injunction against the ban, regaining temporary access to abortion in the state as Indiana courts mitigate two lawsuits filed against them by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Indiana.

Jennifer Ann Drobac is a law professor at Indiana University, specializing in family, juvenile, and sexual harassment law. She explains the arguments the ACLU is taking in their two lawsuits.

“You have a right to bodily autonomy,” said Drobac, “and SB one ignores that.”

Jennifer Drobac poses for a photograph in the courtroom at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at IUPUI on Tuesday June 11, 2019.The arguments made by the ACLU is that Senate Bill 1 is in violation of the 14th, 1st, and 9th amendments. The rejection of Roe v Wade, the passing of Senate Bill 1, and the ignorance of the constitutional amendments could impact more than just reproductive health care access.

“The majority decision in Dobbs said there is no right of privacy in the constitution to abortion, because the word abortion is not in the Constitution. Well, neither is the word, marriage, and neither is any discussion of having children,” said Drobac.

State Senator Shelli Yoder represents all citizens of Indiana’s 40th District, encompassing the majority of Monroe County and the Indiana University Bloomington campus. The Assistant Minority Leader was in the state building during the passing of Senate Bill 1, she spoke with WFHB about her experience in the Indiana Congress.

“For many Hoosiers, it was traumatic and to see the hundreds, day after day to turn out in opposition of Senate Bill one, and to have the courage to stand up and share the most intimate details and parts of someone’s personal life and story in front of people who may or may not care, took such courage. It was humbling,” said Yoder.

For Senator Yoder, the heartbreak wasn’t only the day of the bills passing on July 30th, it was for all Indiana women and Hoosiers capable of pregnancy from that day forward.

“At the end of the day, the person who should be deciding is the woman and her health care provider, and those are very difficult, painful, complicated conversations to have,” said Yoder.

While litigation of the ACLU lawsuits are still moving through the courts, Hoosiers still have access to reproductive health care. Local governments in the area are providing ways to make that access less challenging for those in need.

Thursday October 27th, the city of Bloomington announced it will release $200,000 in emergency reproductive health care grants in response to the legal action at the state.

Beverly Calender-Anderson, the director of Community and Family Resources for the city of Bloomington explains how the city is doing its best to provide where they can, and while the grant money doesn’t pay for abortions directly, it can cover a wide range of cost factors such as educational literature, transportation, and post-op exams.

$100,000 in grants have been allotted for the current fiscal year, and $100,000 for the next. For more information contact Beverly Calender-Anderson at andersb@bloomington.in.gov.

The Bloomington Planned Parenthood Office is located at 421 S College Avenue, and can be contacted at (317) 205 8088.

Hoosiers, make sure to get out and vote and educate yourself and others. In the words of Professor Jennifer Ann Drobac:

“Roll up your sleeves, get busy,” said Drobac.

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Lilian Lau, a student at Indiana University, discusses a film that will screen at the IU Radio and Television Theater titled “Eternal Spring” from December 2-4. The film is about a state TV channel in China that gets hacked by members of the spiritual group, Falun Gong. The group attempts to counter the government narrative …

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The complex issues with Monroe County’s current jail, and the task of building a new jail has been looming over county officials’ heads for several years now. A criminal justice and incarceration study was commissioned by Monroe County in 2019 which detailed the problems with the current jail, notes Monroe County attorney Jeff Cockerill. “At …

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“Stop the steal,” “Hang Mike Pence,” “Fight for Trump,” his loyal followers chanted as the world watched the events unfold in Washington, D.C. The attempted insurrection occurred on the afternoon of January 6, 2021, following a “March to Save America” Rally hosted by the right-wing group Women for America First, (CNBC, Schwartz). The group got …

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On September 25th, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition voted ‘no’ on strike authorization with a 91 percent majority. The union voted ‘yes’ on setting a future strike date if negotiations with the university fail. To provide insight into the graduate workers union, WFHB News spoke with Anne Kavalerchik, member of the Coordinating Committee for the …

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The Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a 1.5 billion dollar investment to fund emergency food assistance. Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks, applauded the investment. According to the Map the Meal Gap study conducted by Feeding America, one out of every nine Indiana residents faces …

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Correspondent Zyro Roze asks Dr. Ziva Cooper about the perils and promise of Cannabis use in recreational and medical settings, addressing the developments in clinical research and changes in state and federal law, including what the differences are with synthetic cannabinoids, particular natural components on the market, trends of usage and areas of scientific exploration, …

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The ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging Indiana’s near total ban on abortion, which is set to go into effect on September 15th. According to the complaint, the lawsuit was filed in the Monroe County Circuit Court here in Bloomington. Lawyers argue that Senate Bill 1 violates a person’s right to privacy …

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WFHB Correspondent Kai Fitzgerald attended the Bloomington Pridefest on August 27th and spoke with several attendees about what brought them to Pridefest and what their favorite part was. Correspondent Kai Fitzgerald has more.

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WFHB Assistant Program Director Christine Brackenhoff speaks with Jess Marchbank, the state programs manager for the All Options Pregnancy Resource Center in Bloomington. They discuss what All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center is and does, All-Options’ experience since the Supreme Court’s overturn Roe v. Wade, what the Hoosier Abortion Fund is and how it works, and how …

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WFHB Assistant Program Director Christine Brackenhoff spoke with Dr. Alison Case, a family medicine provider based in Indiana. She is also an abortion provider and leads the Indiana chapter of the Reproductive Health Access Project. Following the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade and facing the special session of state lawmakers in Indiana, Dr. …

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Head trauma in sports like football has been a growing concern in the sports world. This has been partially fueled by the discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease resulting from too much head trauma. There have been numerous studies on the effects of head trauma in sports. For Dr. Kei Kawata, …

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On Friday June 10th, concerned Southern Indiana residents met to discuss how to protect the Hoosier National Forest from a logging and burning project the Forest Service announced back in October 2021. The group, Save the Hoosier National Forest, opposes the Buffalo Springs Restoration Project, and wants to make sure the forest is protected for …

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It has been 50 years since Title IX, the federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination from schools and educational programs receiving federal funding, was passed. Now that the landmark legislation has been around for half a century, it begs the question: where are things now? In the year 2022, women’s collegiate athletics are still …

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On Monday, the Bloomington Faculty Council passed two resolutions calling on the IU Board of Trustees to provide a pathway to unionization for the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition-United Electrical Workers. The first resolution passed with nearly 84 percent of the faculty council vote, and it insists that graduate students would not face retaliation by the …

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Compost Up, Downtown was brought to Bloomington in April to combat food waste. Restaurants are one of the largest sources of food waste, which lead the City of Bloomington to partner with a local composting company to create a new composting program, according to Andrea Conway, CEO and owner of EarthKeepers, a Bloomington Compost Corporation. …

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On Saturday, an armed 18-year-old white man killed 10 people and injured three others at a Buffalo, New York grocery store. Almost all of the victims were Black. A manifesto written by the shooter who traveled more than three hours to commit these egregious acts, reveals the attack was racially motivated. Police are now investigating …

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Climate Change in Indiana by WFHB Environmental Affairs Correspondent Nathaniel Weinzapfel Introduction: In 2022, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change announced that urgent steps were needed to be taken in order to limit the warming of the planet to under 1.5 degrees Celsius, which would require an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions …

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Bloomington protesters gathered at the Monroe County Courthouse on Monday to “defend Roe v. Wade” and “demand legal, free, accessible reproductive healthcare for all.” The demonstration comes after a leak surfaced of an early Supreme Court ruling that has the potential to overturn the landmark case legalizing abortion nationwide. Ashley Culbertson, a protester and organizer …

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In the late afternoon of Saturday, April 30, a dozen members of the Indiana Grad Workers Coalition picketed a major donors’ dinner at the IU auditorium. They were joined by several community supporters including a union steamfitter and a member of the Monroe County Education Association. The dinner celebrates IU donors who contribute at the …

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by Nathaniel Weinzapfel Introduction: First held in 1970 and recently reaching its 50th year anniversary, Earth Day is an annual holiday held to demonstrate support for environmental protection and celebrate life on our planet, with over a billion people participating in related events worldwide. This holiday has been extended to encompass all of April, in …

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By Nathaniel Weinzapfel Introduction: First held in 1970 and recently reaching its 50th year anniversary, Earth Day is an annual holiday held to demonstrate support for environmental protection and celebrate life on our planet, with over a billion people participating in related events worldwide. This holiday has recently been extended to encompass all of April, …

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On Sunday, April 10th, a 97.8 percent affirmative vote by IU graduate workers set into motion the largest indefinite strike Bloomington has seen in decades. Everyday that we can, WFHB’s Strike Mic will bring you to the frontlines of this movement, allowing you to understand the issues and the action through the voices of the …

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By Nathaniel Weinzapfel Introduction: *This story originally aired on Earth Day, April 22nd. First held in 1970 and recently reaching its 50th year anniversary, Earth Day is an annual holiday held to demonstrate support for environmental protection and celebrate life on our planet, with over a billion people participating in related events worldwide. In celebration …

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Earlier today, more than 200 grad workers rallied in the Ballantine Hall courtyard. Bloomington’s own country musician, Peter Oren, performed for the pickets, playing tunes and talking about his experience with Occupy Bloomington and earlier waves of campus struggle. We are also sharing the words of Carven Thomas, the former president of the International Brotherhood …

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Earlier today, Indiana Grad Workers voted on whether to continue their strike into a second week. 967 voted yes to continuing and 27 voted no, a 97.3 percent majority affirming the struggle. The strike is now authorized to last through April 27th – when another vote will take place – unless the administration agrees to …

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Welcome to the latest edition of Strike Mic – Voices from the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition in light of the recent strike at Indiana University. Today for Strike Mic, we spoke with Zara Anwarzai, a graduate worker and organizer with the Indiana Grad Workers Coalition. She summed up the state of the strike so far …

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The first day of pickets, April 14th, kicked off with strong showings of hundreds of people at multiple locations across campus. Picket groups converged at points ranging from Sample Gates at the western edge of campus to the School of Education in the east. Professors, organizers, poets, and musicians contributed with words and songs, while at …

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On the first day of the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition-United Electrical Workers strike, organizers postponed picketing due to inclement weather conditions. However, while it rained WFHB News spoke with several demonstrators to provide a glimpse into what students and faculty have to say. Everyday that we can, WFHB’s Strike Mic will bring you to the …

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On Sunday, April 10, a 97.8 percent affirmative vote by IU graduate workers set into motion the largest indefinite strike Bloomington has seen in decades. Everyday that we can, WFHB’s Strike Mic will bring you to the frontlines of this movement, allowing you to understand the issues and the action through the voices of the …

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On April 10th, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition-United Electrical Workers opened a virtual strike authorization vote. The strike vote was tallied on Monday afternoon with 97.8 percent voting in favor. 1,031 total votes were cast with 1,008 voting in favor of striking and 23 voting against it. That means a strike will proceed from April …

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WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze hosted a conversation with Thomas Linzey, Senior Legal Counsel for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights. This interview was aired as a five-part series of Feature Reports as part of an ongoing collaboration between WFHB Local News and Eco Media Center of Monroe County. Roze and Linzey discuss the environmental …

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WME3tv’s Nexus with Zyro Roze hosted a conversation with Emily Hamilton, Senior Research Fellow of the George Mason University Urbanity Project. This interview was aired as a five part series of Feature Reports as part of an ongoing collaboration between WFHB Local News and the Eco Media Center of Monroe County. Roze and Hamilton discuss a range of issues …

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Last week, dozens of people again showed solidarity with the nation of Ukraine in their ongoing battle against Russia. IU students, professors, and Bloomington residents alike came together for the second time in the past two weeks to spread awareness of the Russian-instigated war in Ukraine, marching from the Showalter Fountain down to the Sample …

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Today, we begin a new segment on WFHB dedicated towards shining a light on an often overshadowed community in our nation, those who are physically and mentally diverse. The purpose of this new feature is to feature one guest each week who will inform our audience about the latest trends in the Disability Rights community …

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When speeds surpassed 100 mph in a car chase on April 17, 2021, a supervisor called off the chase of 39-year-old Malik Ali Malik. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to arrest Malik on outstanding warrants issued by the Monroe Circuit Court. However, moments after the chase was called off, a deputy who spotted …

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Recently, there have been complaints from Monroe County residents regarding the foul taste of tap water within their homes. The main reservoir for Bloomington, IN and Monroe County is Lake Monroe, which is a common source for recreational activities for members of the Bloomington community. To learn more about this issue with the lake, WFHB …

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Local artist and art educator Amy Brier talks with Dr. Filiz Cicek about the collaborative sculpture titled “In the Time of Covid” she carved together with fellow artists Sharon Fullingim and John Fisher. The piece was commissioned by the Hoosier Village Retirement Village in Indianapolis.

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An Indiana University sports media scholar weighs in on the diplomatic boycott against China in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The United States will not send officials to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as a protest to China’s “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses.” Human rights groups accuse …

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By Nathaniel Weinzapfel “When the people rise up, the power comes down,” chant demonstrators at a recent protest from the nation-wide climate change organization called the Sunrise Movement. Launched in 2017, the Sunrise Movement was founded to, “shift the Overton window on climate policy” and promote strong environmental policies such as the Green New Deal. …

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On Friday, the Bloomington Fire Department conducted a prescribed burning of a home at 1213 South High Street as a training exercise. Matt Murphy, owner of Foursquare Construction and local landlord who lives in the area, says he felt a burning in his throat as he smelled what he suspected was lead-based paint. Murphy then …

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“The university still has refused to sit down with us and come up with a better plan to improve our working conditions,” says one speaker. “That is not acceptable.” The crowd cheers, volunteers bang on drums, and the applause continues. These were the sounds and voices from the Town Hall held by the Indiana Graduate …

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When you think of drylands, what first comes to mind? A field of zebras galloping across the savannas of Africa. Or, perhaps, a rattlesnake slithering past cacti in the deserts of Arizona. Maybe you think of a herd of cattle, munching their way through the Great Plains of the United States. Dryland ecosystems make up …

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The City of Bloomington will host the Black History 101 Mobile Museum from 9 a.m. to noon on September 11th at City Hall at 401 North Morton Street. The museum will feature a collection of 7,000 artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. This collection was founded and …

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Q: Jonah Crismore, Executive Director of the Buskirk Chumley Theater, thank you for coming onto the WFHB Local News. A: Oh, thank you very much for having me. Q: The Buskirk Chumley Theater is now requiring vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test for the fall season. What led you to make that call ahead of …

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During sweltering heat on Saturday, Pridefest took place in downtown Bloomington after happening virtually last year. Pridefest is an annual street festival organized by Bloomington PRIDE, a non-profit organization that advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival featured a vendor expo, workshops with activists and experts, live music, drag shows and MPG wrestling. WFHB Community Radio …

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The opposition was strong. Over 110 organizations and individuals signed and delivered a letter to the Governor’s office requesting a veto. The signers represented all parts of Indiana and multiple forms of environmental organizations. However, despite the unprecedented amount of opposition, on April 29th, Governor Eric Holcomb signed Senate Bill 389, which reduces the amount …

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New Hope for Families raised $3.9 million to help build a new homeless shelter and child care center. About 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness in Monroe County are families with children, says the organization’s executive director, Emily Pike. “Those people don’t tend to be very visible,” she said. “Those families are afraid of being …

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Early this summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved to declassify three PCB contamination Superfund sites in the surrounding Bloomington area. The decommission of these clean up sites from the National Priority List draws a decades long local environmental movement to a close. For those who were there to witness the contamination and resulting fights …

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Unemployment benefits in Indiana have been in flux for the past few months. On Monday of last week, Indiana officials filed a second appeal asking the Indiana Court of Appeals to stay an order compelling the state to continue paying federal pandemic unemployment benefits. The appeal marks Governor Eric Holcomb’s continued efforts to halt Indiana’s …

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A local “citizen-organized group” has undertaken a coordinated effort to mobilize residents across Monroe County to challenge their potential annexation by the City of Bloomington. WFHB met with Monroe County Residents Against Annexation member Margaret Clements who further elaborated on the function and role of such an organization. “That is Monroe County Residents Against Annexation …

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Local artist Rachel Carson Gratz talks with Dr. Filiz Cicek about making art and painting murals with archetypal feathers, birds, eyes and serpent imagery.

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42 states saw an increase in Covid-19 cases between last week and the week before, and Indiana is no exception. According to the latest Indiana State Department of Health Covid-19 update, from July 9th, Indiana’s Covid-19 positivity rate rose to 3.2% last week from its 2.1% low in June. Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina …

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WFHB News volunteers report on the impact of the flooding several weeks ago, focusing on Kirkwood Avenue and Madison Street. Overnight on June 18th, downtown Bloomington saw extreme flooding, which led to the death of one resident and significant damage along Kirkwood Avenue and other parts of the city. The flooding forced the Bloomington Fire …

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Each week, community members and volunteers and WFHB pose questions for Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton about local current events. Each Monday, Assistant News Director Jake Jacobson asks Mayor Hamilton those questions. Today, on A Few Minutes With the Mayor, we followed up on the June 18th flooding and discussed how Monroe County and Bloomington are …

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According to a recently completed study of incarceration and the local criminal justice system, Monroe County has uncovered a number of “critical issues” that “require urgent attention and remediation.” Initiated in 2019, the “cornerstone-purpose of this study was twofold: 1) gain a clearer understanding of jail conditions and court related practices, and 2) obtain recommendations for …

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Local fiber artist Linda Boyle talks with Dr. Filiz Cicek about the Bloomington Spinners & Weavers Fiber Arts Guild’s‘ brand new space at the Simon Mall and their new upcoming workshops and programs.

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Welcome to the June edition of Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and the League of Women Voters in Bloomington-Monroe County. Today’s episode of Civic Conversations focuses on climate change. Host Jim Allison speaks with Melissa Widhalm, Operations Manager of the Purdue University Climate Change Research Center. Widhalm begins by talking about her …

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With Indiana lawmakers set to reconvene at the end of the year to “approve new congressional and General Assembly districts,” nonpartisan organization Common Cause Indiana hosted a voting rights webinar this past week to educate Hoosiers on many aspects of redistricting across the state. The state’s history of gerrymandering in the drawing of its districts …

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Each week, community members and volunteers and WFHB pose questions for Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton about local current events. Each Monday, Assistant News Director Jake Jacobson asks Mayor Hamilton those questions. Today, on A Few Minutes With the Mayor, we talk about the flooding in Bloomington and Monroe County from the storm on June 19. …

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In Bloomington, growing concerns over lack of representation for renters have led housing advocacy group Neighbors United to begin the formation of a new ‘Renters’ Neighborhood Association.’ Intended to be an alternative to the current homeowner-dominated neighborhood associations that can be found around Bloomington, the Renters’ Association will provide renter-specific support in the protection of …

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Welcome to the June edition of Prescription for Healthcare – a once-a-month podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. In today’s segment, hosts Karen Green Stone and Dr. Rob Stone speak with Dr. Mark Bauman – a former physician at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital and professor at IU School …

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Experts weigh in on the transition to solar energy in light of Duke Energy’s solar investment.

Betty Lynch starts her day like anyone else: she flips on the lights, makes coffee and breakfast, and watches the news. Some days she cuts the grass, or hops in her car to drive to work. But Lynch doesn’t have to stop at the gas station on her way, or worry about her energy bill later. Her routine is powered by the solar panels on the roof of her home in Lawrence, Indiana.

Experts say conditions are right for a transition to solar and renewable energy in Indiana. A subsidiary of the Duke Energy Corporation, Duke Energy Renewables, has announced plans for the $180 million “Hoosier Jack” solar farm in Vigo and Sullivan counties.

Sophia Hall reporting for WFHB EcoReport

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In its meeting this past Wednesday, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners moved to approve an agreement through which public accounting firm Baker Tilly will review and analyze the City of Bloomington’s Annexation Fiscal Plan. The motion to approve this agreement was amended to make it subject to legal department review pending contract finalizations before …

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The WFHB Local News recently interviewed Pat East, the Executive Director of Dimension Mill. He spoke about the recognition Bloomington received as a Rising Tech City from Techpoint, and the resources available for entrepreneurs and all community members through The Mill.

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More than 200 members of the Bloomington community gathered at the Monroe County Courthouse this past Saturday evening in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Organized by “Jews Against Israeli Apartheid,” the “Free Palestine” rally featured passionate statements from local community members, live music and a diverse audience. Members of the crowd brought …

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In today’s episode, art patron Ken Buzzard from Arts Forward Bloomington talks with Dr. Cicek about the future of John Waldron Arts Center and the art venues and culture in downtown Bloomington.

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Welcome to the latest edition of Civic Conversations – a monthly podcast collaboration between The League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County and WFHB. In today’s show, host Jim Allison speaks with James Madison, author of The Ku Klux Klan in the Heartland and history professor at Indiana University. The League of Women …

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On Wednesday May 19th, the City of Bloomington is set to resume annexation of nearly 10,000 acres of Monroe County land, a process that has become a divisive issue among residents in the city and surrounding areas. Beginning in 2017, the Annexation process was initially halted after state legislation was passed by the Indiana General …

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Last Thursday, a lone gunman killed 8 people and injured several others in a mass shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. Over the past year, leading up to this tragedy, multiple concerns were raised regarding the shooter’s mental health. These concerns were so significant that at one point in March of 2020, the Indianapolis …

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Welcome to the April edition of Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and the League of Women Voters. Our episode today revolves around tribalism. Our guest, Marjorie Hershey, professor of political science at Indiana University, walks through the issue of tribalism with our host, Jim Allison. According to her university bio, Professor Hershey’s …

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Covid-19 Outbreaks At Indiana Vaccine Factory: Jonah Furman Interview Catalent’s Bloomington vaccine production facility failed to enforce health and safety protocols. It led to Covid-19 outbreaks among workers. Aaron Comforty acomforty@gmail.com This interview was lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Aaron Comforty: Jonah Furman was the national labor organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 8th, 2021. Later in the program, we have the latest edition of our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare, a monthly segment dedicated to increasing the understanding of healthcare issues for the WFHB listening community through interviews with and commentary from medical and community experts. More coming up …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 1st, 2021. This week, we present a four-part WFHB News Special where we revisit the stories we covered over the last year. We selected four areas of reporting, which include: Homelessness in Bloomington, the Coronavirus Pandemic, Social Justice Reporting and the Environmental Edition. In our fourth …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 31st, 2021. This week, we present a four-part WFHB News Special where we revisit the stories we covered over the last year. We selected four areas of reporting, which include: Homelessness in Bloomington, the Coronavirus Pandemic, Social Justice Reporting and the Environmental Edition. In our third …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 30th 2021. This week, we present a four-part WFHB News Special where we revisit the stories we covered over the last year. We selected four areas of reporting, which include: Homelessness in Bloomington, the Coronavirus Pandemic, Social Justice Reporting and the Environmental Edition. In our second …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 29th 2021. This week, we present a four-part WFHB News Special where we revisit the stories we covered over the last year. We selected four areas of reporting, which include: Homelessness in Bloomington, the Coronavirus Pandemic, Social Justice Reporting and the Environmental Edition. In our first …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. Later in the program, we have an excerpt from last week’s edition of Big Talk. Producer Michael Glab speaks with author Laurie Borman whose work “1oo% American’ Hate Groups, Christian Nationalism, and the Indiana KKK,” was recently published in the Limestone Post. Glab says …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, March 4th, 2021. Later in the program, we have an excerpt from our public affairs program, BloomingOUT – one of the nation’s longest-running LGBTIQ focused radio shows. In today’s excerpt, you will hear from Melinda and Carol – special guests from Just Married, a podcast hosted by …

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Local artist and activist Rob Stone talks with Dr.Cicek about exploring democracy and the citizenship from ancient Greeks to United States America, in his paintings.

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At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the Bloomington City Council committee-of-the-whole will discuss Ordinance 21-06, which would add protections for community members experiencing homelessness. Highlights of the bill include at least a 15-day notice and sufficient housing requirements before the city can evict a person living in a camp. The new bill comes after the office …

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Welcome to the February edition of Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County and the WFHB Local News. Today’s guest is Susan Williams, Walter W. Foskett Professor of Law at the IU Mauer School of Law and Director for Center for Constitutional Democracy. Our topic is gender …

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It’s the second Thursday in February, so that means it’s time for our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare, a deep-dive into healthcare issues hosted by Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone. Today’s program is Part II. of their interview with T.R. Reid – a long-time correspondent for the Washington Post, author of many best-selling books, chairman …

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Welcome to the latest edition of our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare, produced by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone. Our guest today is T.R. Reid – a longtime correspondent for the Washington Post, a best-selling author, chairman of the Colorado Foundation for Universal Healthcare and chairman on the board of the Colorado Coalition for …

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The backlog shows a 70% increase in cases and a statistical inconsistency.

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In today’s episode, artist Korie Pickett talks with Dr. Cicek about co-owning and running the Bloomington Playground Tattoo studio with Terin J.D., which is all inclusive and a safe space for all tattoo lovers, especially for the people of color and the queer community, during the pandemic.

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Bloomington based Terran Robotics startup is developing artificial intelligence and drone technology to construct environmentally sound buildings out of natural materials. Terran Robotics is a recent recipient of a National Science Foundation grant worth about a quarter of a million dollars.

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With temperatures falling below freezing as we approach mid-winter, the city has opted to evict the tent residents at Seminary Square. Almost simultaneously, Beacon, Inc. (formerly the Shalom Community Center) announced the opening of a new low-barrier shelter in a large commercial gym facility near Switchyard Park. Beacon’s executive director appeared on Big Talk in …

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A low-barrier, emergency winter shelter is set to open tonight for people experiencing homelessness in Bloomington. Reverend Forrest Gilmore, executive director of Beacon Inc., announced the opening of Beacon’s Winter Shelter in an interview with WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty on Monday. “It was prompted by urgency,” said Gilmore. The low-barrier shelter will open inside the …

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The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County brings you the latest installment of its podcast on the WFHB Local News – Civic Conversations. Today’s episode revolves around disinformation and features our guest, Professor Betsi Grabe of the IU Media School. Professor Grabe says disinformation can be used as an umbrella term for false information, …

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Indiana has made no plans to vaccinate teachers yet. Senator Shelli Yoder is calling for teachers to be included in the next round of the state’s Covid-19 vaccinations.

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Council-Member Matt Flaherty speaks to his decision to sign an open letter opposing the eviction of the Seminary Park homeless encampment.

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Aaron Comforty interviews Dr. Downs on senators' procedural attempts to challenge the election results.

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Welcome to the latest installment of Civic Conversations, a podcast brought to you in collaboration with the League of Women Voters Bloomington-Monroe County and WFHB. In today’s program, host Jim Allison speaks with Sheila Kennedy, Professor at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI and former executive director of the Indiana chapter of …

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The Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees recommended on the Tuesday meeting that they should join a multidistrict lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit has already gained traction, involving nearly 100 school districts over the past couple of years. It was first filed in California Superior Court in October of 2019. The lawsuit …

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We have people who are charged with crimes, and who are put, against their will, into this place that restricts their freedom and is incredibly dangerous... Procedurally, they have no mechanism by which to seek their constitutional protection of a trial... Without that, you’re languishing. It’s a horrible situation.

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WFHB reporter Aaron Comforty interviewed Rev. Gilmore on the City's clandestine actions to remove a homeless encampment from Seminary Park.

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We present the latest edition of our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare: a deep dive into healthcare issues on the WFHB Local News. In today’s segment, hosts Karen Green Stone and Dr. Rob Stone interviewed Dr. Susan Rogers, an assistant professor of medicine at Rush University and the president for Physicians for a National Health Program …

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Last month was officially the hottest November our planet has seen. As a direct result of climate change, this decade we are about to leave, 2011-2020, will be known as the warmest decade in history, according to the World Meteorological Organization. So what were the key events that fueled this record breaking year? As for …

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A limited supply of about 5,000 Covid-19 vaccines are expected to arrive at IU Health Bloomington Hospital later this week. Last Wednesday, the Monroe County Board of Health discussed its strategy for distributing the Covid-19 vaccine – which will likely be from the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. Penny Caudill, Monroe County Health Administrator, said said healthcare …

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We present this month’s edition of Civic Conversations – a podcast brought to you by the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County in collaboration with the WFHB Local News. Today’s episode focuses on a review of the 2020 election. You will hear host Jim Allison’s interview with Julia Vaughn, Policy Director for …

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A big reason for Indiana’s pollution is coal. Coal has shown to be a very dirty and detrimental fossil fuel for the environment, one of the main causes to climate change. Coal ash is the product of burning coal for electricity use. The waste product contains toxic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium. …

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The Trump Administration announced the United States’ official withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement on Monday with a letter sent to the United Nations. This took place on Wednesday, the day after millions of Americans voted for the best fit representative to lead the country. Trump has been consistent with his desire for cutting back …

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IU Professor Emeritus Jeffrey A. Wolin talks with Dr.Cicek about photographing the homeless individuals in Bloomington, Chicago and LA over the past three decades, and what does home mean to different people and how it is formed in modern day America.

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On Tuesday, October 13th, WFHB interviewed Dr. Woody Myers, the Democratic nominee for governor of Indiana. Initially, we reached out to all three campaigns for governor – but we were unable to ultimately reach Republican Governor Eric Holcomb and Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater for respective interviews. However, we did hear back from the Dr. Woody …

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On Tuesday night, the Indiana Debate Commission hosted the second and final governor’s debate. Republican Governor Eric Holcomb, Democratic candidate Dr. Woody Myers and Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater sparred over a range of issues, including the coronavirus vaccine, police reform and legalized marijuana. The debate was moderated by Nadia Brown, an assistant professor of political …

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Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP) board member and IUB Professor Emeritus Bob Arnove talks with Dr.Cicek about Ike & Julia Arnove Playoffs taking place this week. The event is an annual fundraiser for BPP.

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On Tuesday, the Indiana Debate Commission hosted the state’s first gubernatorial debate. With only two weeks before the election, Republican Governor Eric Holcomb, Democrat Woody Myers and Libertarian Donald Rainwater faced off in remote sections of WFYI’s television studio without a live audience. The debate was moderated by Andrew Downs, director of the Mike Downs …

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With Election Day only two weeks away – we present the latest edition of the League of Women Voters’ podcast – Civic Conversations. This month’s program focuses on elections. Host Jim Allison talks to Karen Wheeler, election supervisor for Monroe County Election Central. You can hear Civic Conversations every month on the WFHB Local News.

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This post was edited on October 17, 2020 for accuracy. Some facts/pronunciations in the original recording may be incorrect and differ from the text. State of Nature: Picturing Indiana Biodiversity, was created and put together by the Director of Grunwald Gallery, Elizabeth “Betsy” Stirratt, along with the help of fellow professors, local artists, and the Indiana …

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Btown artist Dena El Saffar talks with Dr. Cicek about Violin Against Violence vigil she and fellow violinist Gloria Stearns-Bruner hold every Wednesday at 11 am, (weather permitting) at the Bloomington courthouse to honor Elijah McClain who died after the Aurora, CO; police restrained him with a now-banned carotid hold in August. And to bring …

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The Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down with Grier Carson, Associate Director of the library, for a socially distant interview. A hand sanitizer station greets people at the door. Staff and patrons wear masks while keeping their distance. Patrons use computers and browse the …

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Hours after the lawsuit was filed, IPL announced their compliance with EPA’s allegations and said that they would reduce their emissions at the Petersburg plant. Following this, EPA announced that Morgan County’s air quality is officially within federal standards. The lawsuit has sparked interest on how the switch from coal to natural gas will …

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Welcome to the second installment of our podcast series from the League of Women Voters titled “Civic Conversations.” In today’s segment, host Jim Allison talks to guest George Hegeman, professor emeritus of microbiology at Indiana University. Hegeman is a long time advocate and member of the League of Women Voters Redistricting Committee. The topic today …

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Text in this post was edited for clarity on August 24th. I spoke with founder of Yellowwood Youth, Josie Sparks, who will be a high school senior this year and has spent the past year working endlessly to get to this point. Yellowwood Youth was a result of the work that Sparks did for Project …

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Located on 7th and Elm Street in Bloomington Indiana sits the Banneker Community Center. However, this building was not always a community center. Above the entrance to the buildings is a carving in the limestone which reads “1915 Banneker School”. In 1915 this school opened as a segregated school known as the Banneker School for …

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In today’s episode artist and The Ryder Magazine art director Stephanie Watters Flores talks with Dr. Cicek about juggling parenting, artmaking and clientele during Covid times. And the importance of free artistic expression in keeping our sanity!

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Jill Behrman went missing on Wednesday, May 31st, 2000 at the age of 19. After a long 6 years of investigation, Monroe County local John Myers was convicted for Jill Behrman’s murder. Since then, Myers has filed multiple appeals to his case, his latest being filled in late 2019. Yesterday, the court of appeals made …

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In today’s episode local artist State of the R talks with Dr. Cicek about making art during the ongoing pandemic and importance of art for our mental and public health.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, July 31st, 2020. Later in the program, Karen Wheeler, Monroe County Election Supervisor, discusses voting procedures in the county for the November election. Also in today’s show, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on a lawsuit filed by Monroe County against a property owner for logging and working …

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This story was edited for clarity on August 10th. According to court documents from last year, the charge asked that the court “mandates the Huffs to immediately restore and stabilize the land and vegetation they disturbed or removed, or caused to be disturbed or removed from portions of the Huff property that exceed …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 29th, 2020. Coming up later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner delivers a report titled, “Monroe County vs. the Huffs.” The story covers a lawsuit filed by Monroe County against a local property owner at Lake Monroe for logging on his 250-acre property. Also coming …

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On July 6th, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg issued a ruling requesting that the 1,172 mile long Dakota Access pipeline shut down for further environmental review by the Army Corps of Engineers. In 2016, both natives and non-natives set up camp to protest against the construction and finalization of the Dakota Access pipeline project. …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 27th, 2020. In today’s program, WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer talked to Forrest Gilmore, executive director at Shalom Community Center, about a virtual fundraiser to benefit its homeless shelter. Also in the next half hour, you will hear ‘A Few Minutes with the Mayor.’ In today’s segment …

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John Lewis, a longtime Georgia Congressman and Black Civil Rights leader, died on Friday after a six-month-long battle with cancer. Lewis, the son of sharecroppers, was born in rural Alabama during an era of Jim Crow laws. He grew up to become a Freedom Rider, a speaker at the 1963 March on Washington and a …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020. In today’s feature report, we look back at the legacy of John Lewis – a Georgia congressman and Black Civil Rights leader, who died on Friday. In September of 2015, he gave a talk at the IU Auditorium titled “The Power of Words.” We …

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In today’s episode, Dr. Filiz Cicek pays tribute to late Carril Adaire Mills, by featuring one her live performance songs, Grinnin’ in Your Face, from Kaia‘s 10th year anniversary concert that took place at Unitarian Universalist Church in Bloomington in April 11, 2015.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 20th, 2020. In today’s program, we hear from attorney Katharine Liell and Vauhxx Booker on the two men charged for pinning Booker to a tree and threatening to “get a noose.” You will also hear A Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s segment Assistant News …

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More than three years after the epic pipeline began pumping crude oil across the country, Boasberg has stated, “given the seriousness of the Corps’ NEPA error, the impossibility of a simple fix, and the fact that Dakota Access did assume much of its economic risk knowingly, and the potential harm each day the pipeline operates, …

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On this episode, I get to sit down with Carrington Smith -the graduate advisor for the George Taliaferro Sports Association (GTSA). We discussed how GTSA works to maximize diversity and inclusion within the various sports communities on the Indiana University Campus and how important it is to have this organization in the midst of the …

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In today’s episode professor Selene Carter, who is a dance instructor at Indiana University, talks with Dr. Cicek about the euro-centric tendencies in various dance genres, the systematic racism in our academic institutions and intersectional roots of Strange Fruit as a poem, dance and a song.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Later in the program, Sydney Foreman and Kade Young take a look at the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural overlay and the history of People’s Park. But first, here are three things you need to know today. 700 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 13th , 2020. Later in the program, you will hear from Mayor John Hamilton in our recurring Monday segment, ‘A Few Minutes with the Mayor.’ Also coming up in the next half hour, Artbeat, a weekly program, interviewing artists, activists and educators about their work. But …

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560 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Sunday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which also confirmed two new deaths in the state. Monroe County reported 8 new positive cases on Sunday while today, Brown County reported one new positive case of Covid-19. Wait-times for test results in Indiana may …

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The mural in People’s Park was anonymously overlaid with the words, “Black Lives Matter” on Friday, June 19, 2020. The City of Bloomington Arts Commission Met on July 8th, during a public meeting to decide whether or not it will keep the “Black Lives Matter” lettering. “Defund BPD” was spray-painted in the upper right corner …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, July 10th, 2020. Later in the program, you will hear from city councilman Jim Sims on the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural overlay in People’s Park. You will hear the city arts commission discuss future plans for the mural. Also, you will hear about the Black Market Firebombing …

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Bloomington Police Department Release Hit-and-Run Passenger Police released the hit-and-run passenger who cleared the way for a car attack on protestors in Bloomington. Officers questioned the passenger but did not arrest him. That’s according to a press release from the Bloomington Police Department. The department did not publish the man’s identity. In videos taken at …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 8th, 2020. Later in the program, you will hear reporting from a demonstration, where a red Toyota Corolla drove into several protesters near the Monroe County Courthouse square. You will hear from Vauhxx Booker, eyewitnesses, a medic and several other demonstrators. WFHB Correspondent Nicholas DiBrita has …

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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News Brief for Wednesday, July 8th, 2020. Today’s Covid-19 Briefing Nine new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Monroe County yesterday. Statewide, the number was 455. That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which also attributed two new deaths in the state due to COVID-19. The …

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Over the July 4th weekend, a group of people physically assaulted local resident Vauhxx Booker at Lake Monroe. The racist incident was caught on cellphone video by a number of witnesses. After the assault Booker said he was diagnosed with a minor concussion, some abrasions, bruising, and some ripped out hair patches. He said some …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 6th, 2020. Later in the program, local resident and member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, Vauhxx Booker, a black man, was physically assaulted by a group of white men at Lake Monroe on Saturday. In today’s program, you will hear from Booker’s attorney, Katharine …

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Indiana delayed moving into Stage 5 after Governor Eric Holcomb signed a new executive order on Wednesday. The state will keep its current capacity limits at bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. According to the governor, the restrictions will be kept in place until at least July 18th. The 250-person social gathering limit will also be …

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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, July 3rd, 2020. In today’s news, Indiana delays moving into Stage 5. Governor Eric Holcomb now says the state will move to a “cautious Stage 4.5.” Also, as the IU Health Bloomington Hospital is set to be demolished next year, concerns about spreading toxic lead …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 1st, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB News Director Kade Young talked to Jonah Crismore, executive director of the Buskirk Chumley and Jared Thompson, owner of the Comedy Attic about how Covid-19 has impacted their local entertainment venues. But first, your local headlines. Monroe County Council …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, June 29th, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Nicholas DiBrita covers the Joseph Smedley story. DiBrita talked to Andrea Sterling, a graduate student at Indiana University. Also coming up in the next half hour, Sydney Foreman talked to Mayor John Hamilton in our Monday segment, a …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, June 24th, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Braydyn Lents has Part Two of his series on renaming buildings at Indiana University. He speaks with IU Spokesperson, Chuck Carney, and activist Megan Campbell in today’s feature report. Also, Aaron Comforty has the latest installment of our …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, June 22nd, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Braydyn Lents spoke with Chuck Carney, Indiana University spokesperson, about renaming buildings at the university. Braydyn Lents also talked to Megan Campbell, an activist who started a petition to rename Jordan Avenue, Jordan Hall and the Jordan River. …

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Indiana University is among a list of schools to rename statues and buildings of alumni whose pasts are clouded with racism. On Friday, the IU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a resolution to rename the intramural center. The center is located on the Bloomington campus and will be renamed ‘The William Leon Garrett …

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Jori Davis is a Professional Athlete of Nine Years. She has played in Israel, Romania, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. Today she will speak with WFHB News’ Danielle Patterson on what college athletes should know before they actually cross the finish line and receive their diplomas and how to prepare yourself for everything that comes with …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, June 19th, 2020 Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty talked to Doctor Gina Forrest by Zoom, to talk about societal health disparities and the relocation of Bloomington Hospital. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Danielle Patterson interviewed professional-athlete Jori Davis on …

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In April, Visit Bloomington announced on their website that this year’s Taste of Bloomington festival would be cancelled, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Taste of Bloomington is an annual event celebrating the restaurants, breweries, and wineries of Bloomington and Indiana. The one-day Festival, which has traditionally kicked off summer festivities downtown, was initially …

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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Later in the program, WFHB News Correspondent Aaron Comforty reports on the future of the 24-acre Bloomington Hospital site on Second Street. He talked to Deputy Mayor Mick Renneissen. Also coming up in the next half hour, your weekly consumer-watchdog segment, Better Beware. …

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Good afternoon. This is WFHB Local News for Monday, June 15, 2020 Later in the program, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman reports on the release of John Myers, scheduled for Monday, who was convicted for killing Jill Berhman in 2006. In today’s feature report, Foreman talked to Jill’s mother, Marilynn Behrman. Also coming up …

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On February 14th, the Houston South Vegetation Management and Restoration project was approved by the U.S. Forest Service to begin logging and burning in the Hoosier National Forest despite comments and heat from local officials and the City of Bloomington. On May 13th, The City of Bloomington along with local citizens and environmental advocacy organizations …

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In today’s episode Rachel Himsel, director of The Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington talks with Dr. Cicek about how the organization is raising and distributing funds the local individual artists and how Art Beat Community Art Center is reaching audiences virtually.

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Jill Behrman, 19 years old, logged off her computer at 9:32 am, according to court records, and grabbed her bicycle for a ride as she had done many times before. However, later that day she failed to call in to work or show up to her shift at noon. Later that day she also missed …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, June 12, 2020 Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner has reports on a lawsuit between local and federal government on the Houston South Restoration Project – a project that would pollute Lake Monroe – Bloomington’s primary source for drinking water. Also coming up in the …

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People protesting at the Monroe County Courthouse were given an eviction notice to vacate by 10 p.m. Protesters remained on the courthouse lawn until after midnight. The protest was represented by Patrick Ford, media spokesperson for Enough is Enough. He said protesters were given an eviction notice to leave the courthouse square by 10 p.m. …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, June 10th, 2020. WFHB News Director Kade Young covers Tuesday night’s protest at the Monroe County Courthouse. Also, Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment. But first, your local headlines. In between May 3rd and June 9th, there were 339 new positive cases of Covid-19 in Indiana, …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, June 8th, 2020. Later in the program, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman talked to two organizers of the Enough is Enough protest on Friday. Also Nicholas DiBrita has an interview from that protest. In today’s show, you will also hear A Few Minutes with the Mayor. But …

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Listen as WFHB’s Kade Young, Sydney Foreman, Katrine Bruner and Nicholas Di-Brita cover the “Enough is Enough” protest at Dunn Meadow in response to the George Floyd killing and other victims killed by police. Today’s broadcast features interviews from activists, volunteers, business owners and natural sound from the protest. Reporting was done on the day …

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After over 48 years of business, Pygmalion’s Art Supplies is permanently closing June 30, according to an Instagram post from the business. The post states the business is closing because the rent costs have become too much, and even though it is profitable, it is not enough to keep the store afloat. The store posted …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020. Later in the program, Sydney Foreman and myself talk to two core members of Black Lives Matter: Bloomington. Also Braydyn Lents reports on hidden coronavirus numbers at a Bloomington nursing home But first, your local headlines. Indiana has reported 4,086 patients in nursing facilities …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, June 1st , 2020. Later in the program, Sydney Foreman talks to Mayor John Hamilton in her weekly segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor. Also coming up in the next half hour, Kade Young covers protests over the weekend in Bloomington and Indianapolis. But first your …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, May 29th, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to activist group Hoosier Action on their efforts to extend the moratorium on evictions in the state. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer talks about the reopening of …

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The City of Bloomington has held a Hospital Reuse Committee since 2015. Over the years this group has worked with the city on the redevelopment of the current IU Health Bloomington Hospital. This group is made up of about 30 community members who have been recently joined by the architecture and urban planning firm Skidmore, …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, May 27th, 2020. In today’s show, Sydney Foreman and Kade Young provide an update on the Bloomington hospital site. Indiana State Department of Health reported 370 new positive cases and 21 new deaths from Covid-19. Also coming up in the next half hour your weekly consumer-watchdog segment, …

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In today’s episode Sean Starowitz, Assistant Director for the Arts at City of Bloomington talks with Dr. Cicek about how the city is supporting local arts organizations through grants.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 25, 2020. In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondents break down Stage Three of Indiana’s plan to reopen. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman interviews John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington, in our segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor. But …

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As Indiana businesses and public areas reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for safety precautions is more important than ever. Common forms of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, like face masks and gloves help protect individuals, especially those who are high-risk. Sanitation and proper hand washing techniques help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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WFHB Correspondents, Brayden Lents, and Katrine Bruner have partnered up to write about the unknown world of how Residential Treatment Facilities in the state of Indiana are handling the pandemic with 12 to 25 patients living in one roof and going to school in or out of these facilities. They also bring in CEO of …

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Later in the program, WFHB correspondent, Katrine Bruner discusses the impact that this pandemic has had on the local music community in part two of “Voices from the music community of Bloomington. Also coming up in the next half hour, I talk to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in our recurring segment, A Few Minutes with …

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In today’s episode local artist Amy Dunn talks with Dr. Cicek’s about her daily life as an artist under quarantine and virtual art events she is participating in; among them is Art Night which will take place on May 12th, at 7pm via Zoom. Those who would like to participate please email Amy Dunn at aminkone@gmail.com.

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For students who are homeschooled already or just students who have been taking private lessons regularly, they have also felt this disruption. These kids will not be able to have that contact with their teachers anymore and it may lead to loss of connection or even a loss of playing music at all as some …

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When Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb ordered the closure of all schools with immediate transfer to online schooling for the remainder of the year, it took a lot of adjustment both for teachers and students. Teachers had to promptly set up a new system of teaching their students online, whether it be through videos, recorded powerpoints, …

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A 21-year-old Black man was killed by police in Indianapolis on Wednesday. The victim‘s family and friends identified the man as Dreasjon Reed, who was commonly known as Sean. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department faces growing questions after killing 3 people in the matter of 8 hours. The deaths included two shootings and an officer who …

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Earlier this week, the Indiana University Student Government Facebook page announced that Student Body President Isabel Mishkin would be joining Presidents from the other 13 Big Ten schools in support of H.R. Bill 6420, known as the All Dependent Children Count Act. In a press release, Executive Director of the Association of Big Ten Students …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 4th, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner breaks down Governor Eric Holcomb’s plan to reopen the economy. Also coming up in the next half hour, I talk to Mayor John Hamilton in the latest installment of “A Few Minutes with the Mayor.” But …

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Governor Eric Holcomb announced in his Friday briefing Indiana will start reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Holcomb discussed next steps in reopening state’s economy by July 4th, saying he will initiate a sector-by-sector reset. Holcomb said the state will reopen with four guiding principles: 1. Monitor the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. 2. Retain …

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Your local headlines: Indiana saw 815 new positive cases and 55 new deaths from coronavirus. Over 1,200 new tests have been issued. State officials said earlier this week that Indiana will continue to withhold Covid-19 nursing home data from the public. Instead, the state will accept self reported numbers from nursing homes. Governor Eric Holcomb …

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Governor Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order expires Friday, May 1st. In an announcement Tuesday, Holcomb said he will provide more information about the future of the stay-at-home order in the coming days. This leads to the possibility of Indiana joining ranks with 14 other states to re-open their economies. “As much as we have done in …

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Later in the program, WFHB News breaks down Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive stay-at-home order which expires Friday, May 1st. Also coming up in the next half hour, Better Beware, our weekly-consumer watchdog segment hosted by Richard Fish with Richard Fish. That’s all coming up later in the show. But first, your local headlines: As the …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 27th, 2020. Later in the program, Sydney Foreman talks to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in her recurring segment, “A Few Minutes with the Mayor.” Also coming up in the next half hour, Kade Young continues his conversation with Matt Houser, an IU Researcher who co-led a …

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In today’s episode Professor Joan Hawkins talks with Dr. Cicek’s about life under quarantine, adjusting to online teaching via Zoom and her current work with Writers Guild of Bloomington. She then shares a story she has written, about drinking her very first cappuccino as a 14 year old young girl, at City Light Books in Berkeley, …

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On March 23, Indiana’s Governor Holcomb announced the official stay-at-home order for Hoosiers. During this time, many citizens were experiencing the typical reactions of a global crisis: shock, terror, and most of all, panic. The announcement of most local businesses being forced to close -at least for contact service- was made prior to the stay-at-home …

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This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, April 24th, 2020. Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner talks to Cardinal Spirits Distillery about their local effort to distill hand sanitizer for free in Bloomington. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB’s Alex Dederer talks to the owner of Buffalouie’s to provide …

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31 more deaths were added to Indiana’s coronavirus dashboard. 394 new cases were confirmed. Overall deaths are at 661 people. Total cases are at 12,907. Governor Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday that in spite of the growing numbers, he is working on the early stages of re-opening the state. Holcomb said in his Tuesday afternoon briefing, …

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Your local headlines: Indiana saw 7 new deaths reported on Monday. 505 new positive cases are confirmed, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Total deaths are at 569 people. Total numbers are at 11,686 cases. Total tests are at about 65,000 people. Total numbers are likely an underestimation due to a lack of …

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With the season of spring upon us, many citizens of Bloomington may be noticing the vibrant signs in nature, from blossoming trees to the sounds of the songbirds. As a fellow citizen stuck inside most of the day, I noticed that the birds seemed to stand out more than before and I wondered whether …

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Good afternoon. You’re listening to the WFHB Local News for April 17th, 2020. Your local headlines: There are 42 new deaths from Covid-19 reported from April 3rd to April 16th. 642 new positive cases are reported. Total numbers are at 10,154 infected with the virus, with 519 total deaths from the virus. This is out …

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Good evening. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 15, 2020. In today’s feature reports, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to Marsha Lovejoy, global manager of communications for Cook Medical about what the company is doing in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Also coming up in the next half hour, our weekly …

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Good afternoon. Welcome to the WFHB Local News Brief for Tuesday, April 14th, 2020. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, there are 331 new positive cases of coronavirus between April 11th & April 12. Indiana saw 7 deaths between April 10th & April 12th. Overall, 350 died from coronavirus in Indiana. There’s over …

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Today’s episode features excerpts from Dr. Cicek’s interview with Internationally acclaimed actor, writer and local philanthropist Jesse Eisenberg which took place at Buskirk Chumley Theater on February 26th, 2020. Eisenberg talks supporting Middle Way House, his writing and acting process,including his latest film Resistance which began streaming on Amazon Prime on March 27th, 2020. Eisenberg …

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Good afternoon. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 13th, 2020. In today’s program, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman interviews Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in our first recurring segment “A Few Minutes with the Mayor.” Coming up in the next half hour, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on the state of …

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On March 30, Indiana Governor Holcomb signed an executive order to cancel or postpone all non-invasive and non-essential health care facilities in Indiana. This order applies to all health-care providers however the discretion is left to them where services can be delayed or postponed if it causes harm to their patients. The World Health …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Friday, April 10, 2020. Coming up in the program, WFHB News Director Kade Young interviews an Indiana University researcher who is working on a Covid-19 vaccine for children. Also coming up in the next half hour, we have the latest coronavirus news from our remote correspondents. But first, …

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Good afternoon. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 8th, 2020. First up, your local headlines: As of April 7th at 11:59 p.m. there are nearly 6,000 positive cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. The death toll rises to over 200 people. This is out of over 30,000 people tested. The largest age demographic …

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Good evening. This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 6th, 2020. Your local headlines: Indiana State Department of Health reports the total number of covid-19 cases rises to almost 5000 people. 139 deaths were reported this morning at 10 a.m. This is out of over 26,000 people tested. 20 percent of positive cases …

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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, April 3rd, 2020. Headlines: There are almost 3500 reported cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. 102 total deaths have been confirmed. This is out of almost 1800 people tested by the Indiana State Department of Health. There are 40 positive cases in Monroe County, with zero deaths, …

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When looking up Bloomington’s places of worship online, a message now displays, “Hours or services may differ due to COVID-19”. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced a stay-at-home order recently causing Hoosiers to halt crowded activities and also religious services. As the impact of this virus grows, more businesses and routines are being altered, however many …

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11-year-old Breanna sits in her bed with her IPad and workbook in hand for another day of schooling. Breanna is a fifth-grader attending University Elementary School. She was diagnosed with Autism or ASD at three years old. She is becoming accustomed to fear and anxiety whenever she messes up on a problem while viewing …

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Good afternoon. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 1st, 2020. Coming up in the next half hour, Sydney Foreman talks to Adam Wason, Director of Public Works for the City of Bloomington about early starts on road construction. Also coming up later in the program, our consumer watchdog segment Better Beware. But …

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In today’s episode local writer Shayne Laughter shares with Dr. Cicek, her impressions and experiences from her recent visit to cultural sites in Bhopal, India, and why she is re-writing her 2010 novel Yu; A Ross Lamos Mystery

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Good evening. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 30th, 2020. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, 1,786 people tested positive for coronavirus in Indiana. 35 people died from Covid-19 out of 11,685 people tested. These numbers were updated at 11:59 p.m. on March 29th. The Indy Star reports that the …

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All is quiet near Fountain Square. A sign on the door to the mall gives a notice it will remain closed on Wednesday, March 25th until further notice. You can hear sound of cars passing by, but it’s not busy downtown for a Tuesday afternoon. The sidewalks are nearly empty with an exception of a …

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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 25th, 2020. Coming up in today’s feature report, we have an interview with the owner of Vance Music about the future of his business in the coming months. Also coming up in the next half hour, Middle Way House talks about the increase of …

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Good morning. Welcome to your WFHB Local News Brief for Monday, March 23rd, 2020. Latest Numbers: The Indiana State Department of Health reported three cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County as of 10 a.m. today. State health department reports the total number of positive cases jumps to 259 people, as the number of those tested …

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Good evening. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Friday, March 20th, 2020. Your Local Headlines: As of 11:59 p.m. there are 79 positive cases of coronavirus in Indiana. This comes after the number of those tested increased to over 500 people. So far, 2 people have died from COVID-19. These numbers are courtesy of …

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The Griffy Water Treatment Plant was built in 1925 to provide water to the city of Bloomington. The plant collected water from Griffy Lake and was treated to become safe drinking water for the community. The plant later closed in 1996, when Bloomington’s population outgrew the size of Griffy Lake’s reservoir. The building has been …

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Good evening. This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. In today’s episode, we have a special edition of the WFHB Local News where we dive deep into the local impacts of coronavirus. Over the course of the next half hour, we hear from our remote correspondents reporting from home as well …

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3/16/2020 @ 8:45 p.m. Governor Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Dr. Box on the coronavirus today. http:/https://www.facebook.com/GovHolcomb/videos/280770232909362/ 3/16/2020 @ 4:30 p.m. Good afternoon. You’re tuned to the WFHB Local News Brief, where we bring you live updates on the coronavirus. As reported earlier, Indiana has its first confirmed death due to the coronavirus. State officials …

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President Donald Trump declared a national emergency today at approximately 3:30 pm. The FDA approved a new test for the virus and expect up to half a million available by Monday. Work is being done to create a screening website and drive through virus testing. Large-in-person Bloomington public meetings will be reduced starting Monday due …

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Listen to the full-length interview with WFHB’s Cynthia Roberts-Hall and two Third Secretaries to the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. Yanet Pumariega and Dariel Quintana visited Bloomington, and they spoke with WFHB about relations between Cuba and the United States. Here’s more information about our guests. …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Friday, March 13th, 2020. Here are your headlines: Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission discussed a redesign to the Kiln adaptive reuse petition during their March 12th meeting. The petitioner discussed building design changes. The petitioner also included a historic light steel rail line detached C-channel awning and railing. He …

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Members of the Bloomington Plan Commission reviewed and approved plans for the construction of a new Fourth Street parking garage this past Monday evening after seeing the presentation for the new design at their meeting. Construction is due to begin around August 3 and will last 12 months. Opening day is expected to be on …

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Information Updated on Wednesday, March 11th. Controversial illness “Coronavirus” has caused many citizens to be alarmed and in an uproar for public health and safety. The first case of the Coronavirus hit the United States in Seattle. As the virus spreads, Hoosiers are now alarmed as ten cases of the virus have reportedly been detected …

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Elections for U.S. Representatives in Indiana will be held on November 3, 2020, for the 9 districts of the state to represent. Since these elections will run into the U.S. presidential elections and others for the Country, Indiana has been looking closely into the people running for these positions. Indiana’s 9th district includes counties in …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for March 6th, 2020. Here are your local headlines. Bloomington City Council discussed the Arlington Drive zoning ordinance and preliminary plat during their March Fourth meeting. Senior Zoning Planner Eric Greulich said the proposed developments includes single family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and multifamily housing. He said heavily vegetated parts …

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The three largest providers of mental health care in America aren’t in hospitals, they’re in jails. According to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Justice, about 37 percent of people in prison have a history of mental health problems. More than 24 percent have been previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder, 17 percent …

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Maqube Reese has been a symbol for the Bloomington community for years, from her days at Stepping Stones, to the seat at city hall promoting Black History Month, to currently working at I.U.’s Kelley School of Business as the assistant director of diversity initiatives. Last Saturday, she was given the city of Bloomington’s Outstanding Black …

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In today’s episode board member Ansley Valentine and teen actor Natalie Schacht talk with Dr. Cicek about the youth theater classes and production at Stages Bloomington.

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for February 28th, 2020. Here’s your local headlines: The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners approved new Community Farmers’ Market Rules of Behavior. During the February 25th meeting, Market Coordinator Marcia Veldman said the Rules of Behavior outlines market and protest areas, acceptable market activities, and recently passed administrative policy. …

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Today’s Local Headlines: In early March, pay stations will be installed in two downtown Bloomington parking lots. Ellettsville Planning Director Kevin Tolloty presented Building Department text amendments during the February 24th Ellettsville Town council meeting. The Monroe County jail will see the addition of a psychiatric nurse practitioner providing mental health services to inmates. Monroe …

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BLOOMINGTON – In between rain, snow, and the increasingly less rare 65-degree weather days, it’s hard to imagine a place Bloomington locals and visitors alike have come to know and love on fire. We were always taught to prevent fires, but what happens when your city prescribes one? The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will …

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In today’s episode BPP artistic director Chad Rabinovitz talks with Dr. Cicek about selecting and staging process of the untold stories.

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Golden Bicycle and Extinction Rebellion are groups in Bloomington who put climate change at the forefront. In a letter to the city, these groups say climate change is the defining issue of our time. The letter addresses how the mayor should allocate local income tax revenue to help those affected most by climate change – …

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During the State of the City Address, Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton focused on city climate and social sustainability actions and goals. Hamilton stressed the importance of fighting for climate reform. He spoke about the rising temperatures in Antarctica, reaching a record high and even Indian expected temperatures rise up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the …

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On Wednesday night, the ninth Democratic presidential debate took place in Las Vegas, Nevada with Democratic candidates for president: Sanders, Bloomberg, Klobuchar, Warren, and Buttigieg. The debate showed the varying relationships on the stage, especially between Bloomberg and his fellow candidates. The former New York City Mayor was the only newcomer on the stage and …

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On today’s WFHB Local News, Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman reports on the Mayor’s State of the City Address. Today’s Headlines: This past Wednesday afternoon, former Indiana University student body President, Keith Parker was awarded the IU Bicentennial Medal at a Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center lunch and learn event. The Bloomington City Council approved the …

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Illinois already requires a permit and a background check for carrying a firearm, however it is also the only state in the country that requires a Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID) before purchasing and using a gun. In relation to the state of Indiana, Illinois’ shared border state, the laws vary quite a bit. The …

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In the Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment reads, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The 2020 legislative session rekindled the gun debate in Indiana with various state legislators in both parties drafting bills …

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Currently in Indiana, school boards can allow teachers to carry guns in school without any firearm training. Senate Bill 263 takes this one step further. Senate Bill 263 states that a school staff member may carry a firearm in or on school property if: they complete a specialized weapons training or other firearm training, they …

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In today’s episode Marc Tschida talks with Dr. Cicek about his tri-state themed puzzles he creates by hand.

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When most people think of Indiana’s landscape they picture cornfields and flat terrain. Surprisingly, Indiana used to be almost completely covered with forests and wildlife with a limited space filled by bare hills. Indiana’s forest cover pre-settlement is estimated to be around 85%. By the early 1900s it was at 7%. Though the urban population …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for February 14th, 2020. Today’s Headlines: Black Lives Matter-Bloomington called for a total boycott of the Herald-Times and the Bloomington Farmers’ Market. Monroe County Solid Waste Management Executive Director Tom McGlasson said Republic Services will no longer accept Styrofoam recycling. County Health Administrator Penny Caudill requested approval of a …

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City and county officials continue to clash over the future of the Monroe County Convention Center. Officials have been working on an expansion project, but they have run into their fair share of roadblocks along the way. Monday evening, city and county officials met to negotiate a solution attempted to appease all parties involved. Disagreements …

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In today’s feature report, Monroe County attorney Margie Rice and Deputy Mayor Mick Renneisen talk to WFHB about the County Convention Center expansion, as the city and the county continue to clash over the project. Bianca Pugliesi provides an update on the expansion. Your local headlines: The City of Bloomington spent nearly twenty times more …

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WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer talks to Edgewood Junior High School Principal Jonathan Siegelin about a program intended to teach students about financial responsibility. BLOOMINGTON – Edgewood Junior High hosts Reality Store Simulation as an initiative to teach students how to budget and navigate the costs of life after school. Hosted by Greater Bloomington Chamber of …

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In today’s episode local musician Travis Puntarelli talks with Dr. Cicek about his upcoming music shows and art projects at Bears Place and Bloomington Tea (Art Night).

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Tomorrow morning, at 10 a.m., guests can arrive early at the Bloomington Music Expo to shop for vinyl records before the big crowd arrives. Mike McAfee calls it the early bird special. The Bloomington Music Expo will take place at the Monroe County Convention Center Saturday, but the event extends into Bloomington tonight with an …

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Welcome to the WFHB Local News for February 7th, 2020. Coming up in the next half hour, Katrine Bruner talked to IU Spokesperson Chuck Carney about a proposed SPEA bill. Also coming up, Kade Young interviews Mike McAfee about the upcoming Bloomington Music Expo, but first your local headlines. Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton introduced the …

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Just one month into the year 2020, major steps have been taken in the Indiana Statehouse, with hundreds of bills filed and state legislative members introducing more to come. A majority of the new bills are to support the state’s environment and help encourage Hoosiers to improve Indiana’s carbon footprint and safety with health issues …

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February marks Black History Month. The city has various events planned to commemorate the historic month. WFHB’s black affairs program, Bring It On, talked to city organizers about Black History Month events in Bloomington. Secondly, we have an excerpt from the City of Bloomington’s Black History Month Kickoff from January 30th. The theme for the …

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The Senate vote on impeachment, the state of the union address and the Iowa caucus fell on the same week. WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer reports on the state of our union during a contentious week. It has been a busy week in the world of politics with the collision of the impeachment trial, the Iowa …

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A group of bills were introduced in the Indiana legislature focusing on women, mothers and working families. WFHB Correspondent Rasha Kamhawi presents some of those bills. While the Equal Pay Act has been law for almost 60 years, the National Women’s Law Center states women continue to be paid less than men for the same …

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Bloomington Redevelopment Commissioners approved a Notice of Offering for the Walnut Street property formerly known as Night Moves. Six students studying in China as a part of Indiana University’s flagship capstone program, were told to head back to Bloomington in the wake of the coronavirus spreading rapidly across China. The US Department of Housing and …

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In today’s episode local artist Patricia Cole talks with Dr. Cicek about her upcoming exhibit at Dimension Mill Gallery which explores the themes of family, children and death. The opening reception is on February 7th and the exhibit will run through March.

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Redistricting is how congressional and state legislative boundaries are drawn. Five Thirty Eight said in the state of Indiana, there are no competitive districts. This means there isn’t a single district in Indiana where both parties have a 1 in 6 chance of winning a congressional election. Districts redrawn after the 2020 U.S. Census face …

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The state of Indiana has a bad reputation for pollution. It may lead some to wonder: Why? One of the largest reasons came from the man-made material called PCB, short for Polychlorinated Biphenyl. PCBs are made from 209 individual chlorinated compounds called congeners. They range from light oily fluids to heavy oils, greases and waxes. …

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BLOOMINGTON – Hoosier Energy announced last Tuesday their plans to close The Merom Generating Station in Sullivan County in 2023, affecting nearly 200 utility workers. Founded in 1949, Hoosier Energy is a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative. It serves 18 member electric cooperatives in central and southern Indiana, as well as southeastern Illinois. The cooperative’s …

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In today’s episode director Isabel Perry talks with Dr. Cicek about her current musical comedy Enlightenment of Percival at Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP).

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Law firm Mallor Grodner LLP filed a tort claim notice against the City of Bloomington representing activist and academic Cara Caddoo. A tort claim is a civil case brought against a party if it caused the plaintiff suffering, loss or harm – resulting in legal liability. The law firm said Caddoo was wrongfully arrested at …

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This week celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Junior. King fought tirelessly against racial segregation and discrimination in the 1950s and 60s. Fifty-two years after King’s death, a study by the Pew Center for People in the Press shows the United States still suffers from racial inequality. Rasha Kamhawi looks at how Bloomington remembers …

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Coming from a long line of volunteers and extraordinarily good neighbors, it was only natural that Lucy Shaich would make volunteerism her life’s work. She’s been in charge of the City of Bloomington volunteer coordination program since the year 2000. The city’s Volunteer Network, an arm of the Department of Community and Family Resources, was …

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On December 20, 2019 President Trump signed the bill for the national increase of purchasing and using tobacco devices from 18 to 21. The bill took immediate effect once signed. Beginning in the summer of 2020, it will be a violation of federal law to sell any smoking and tobacco products to anyone under …

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In today’s episode Magic Bob talks with Dr. Cicek about the upcoming Way Far-Out performance at Art Beat Community Arts Center at the College Mall. The new community arts center derives its name from this show and it is run by The Arts Alliance of the Greater Bloomington.

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Two weeks ago, eight advocates and eight bishops, released a proposal that calls for a “amicable separation” of the United Methodist Church. The proposal prompted a special session of the church’s legislative session last February. The special session, which addressed full inclusion of the LGBTQ community, was left unresolved. Lisa Schubert Nowling is the lead …

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In today’s episode Kira Domonique talks with Dr. Cicek about her Cowgirls for Equine Therapy project and the upcoming film premier at Buskirk Chumley Theater on January 16th.

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Recycling has been growing exponentially for years, but it wasn’t until recently that cities have found issues with the abundance of recycling and contamination issues from it. Junior Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on the impact that contaminated recycling has on the City of Bloomington and Monroe County. It’s the crack of dawn and as many …

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Part I: Reactions to the Mayor The announcement came yesterday from Mayor John Hamilton: the city will not privatize the farmers market in 2020. The Board of Parks Commissioners voted to remain under city leadership by a unanimous vote on Thursday. Parks Commissioner Lisa Thatcher said at the meeting that the city had greater concerns …

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The Owen County Commissioners passed an ordinance that made it harder to host special events on county property. News Director Kade Young talked to the President of Spencer Pride, an LGBTQ organization that now has to change the location of its annual festival. After the commissioners made revisions and improved the language of the special …

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The Limestone Post is an independent, nonprofit organization that began in 2015 with the hope to inform members of the community through the lens of artists, writers, photographers, and more. M.J. Bower, a Speech language pathologist and local artist in Bloomington decided in the late summer of 2019 to work with the local magazine on …

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Bloomington’s first annual freeze-fest will be held January 6th through the 11th. WFHB’s Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman spoke with Mike McAfee, a project coordinator for the event.

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Correction: Bloomingtonian Editor Jeremy Hogan did not call Sarah Dye on the phone. He used Facebook Messenger to reach out to Dye. Correction: Abby Ang was not the first person to break the story. While her letter to the Farmer’s Market Advisory Council helped to bring the story media attention, there were others working on …

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In today’s episode K. H. Brower talks with Dr. Cicek about her sci-fi-eco-adventure books Mission to Green Tara and Mission to Blue Grannus.

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The Indianapolis Power and Light Company (IPL) announced on December 9th that they would be shutting down two of their biggest units at the Petersburg Super Polluter coal plant. Their plan is to have both units completely retired by 2023. WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports the company will still have the remaining two plants in …

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President Donald Trump Impeached, Indiana Representatives Vote Along Party Lines: On Wednesday evening, President Donald J. Trump became the third president in history to be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives. The House used two articles to defend their impeachment of President Trump. Among the two articles included Abuse of Power and Obstruction of …

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City Council member Andy Ruff announced last week that he is running for Congress. Ruff will run as a Democrat for the 9th District, which is currently held by Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth who will likely run in the coming election. WFHB’s News Director, Kade Young, talks to Andy Ruff about his campaign for the …

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Senator Karen Tallian, a democrat from Ogden Dunes made public this week three bills that would update Indiana’s cannabis law. The first bill addresses a controversy around smoking hemp in Indiana. Indiana passed a law this year legalizing the commercial production of hemp but banned the possession of smokable hemp. This contradicted the nation’s Agriculture Improvement …

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In today’s episode Mary Hoedeman talks with Dr. Cicek about her love of dancing, dance career and her upcoming Friday evening dance lesson at the brand new Community Arts Center – ArtBeat, provided by The Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington located at the College Mall.

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On Friday, December Sixth, hundreds of Bloomington residents took to Bloomington City Hall to raise the issue of climate change to Mayor John Hamilton and other Bloomington City Council members. WFHB Junior Correspondent Katrine Bruner talks to protestors at the strike including members from protest groups Extinction Rebellion, Golden Bicycle and Students for a …

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In today’s episode Sean Starowitz who is Bloomington City Assistant Director for the Arts, and Nick Blandford, Bloomington Arts Commission Public Art Chair, talks with Dr. Cicek about the funding, selection and the installing stages of the city’s ongoing and upcoming public art projects. The Art Commission meets second Wednesday of every month at the McCloskey …

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The Owen County Board of Commissioners are now reconsidering a proposed amendment that would make it harder to host special events on Owen County property. Perhaps the event that would be affected most, is the annual Spencer Pride Festival. The county commissioners decided to propose an amendment to the ordinance after a form letter they …

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The Hoosier National Forest saw a record year for prescribed fires in 2019. I asked myself what that means to local residents and about the environment’s current condition. To find some answers I took a journey to the headquarters of Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, Indiana. There I talked about the fires with their Fuel …

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The holidays are a special time of the year when family members come together to be thankful for each other and share meals and gifts. Rasha Kamhawi went to the Community Kitchen to report on how it is gearing up for the holidays. Tim Clougher is the Assistant Director of the kitchen. He says the …

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A local chapter of the environmental protest group, Extinction Rebellion, has three demands for lawmakers to ensure carbon emissions drop to net zero within the next six years. WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner discusses the Extinction Rebellion organization with the founding XR Bloomington members. The Bloomington chapter of the Extinction Rebellion Organization began in the early …

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In today’s episode Stephen Hale talks with Dr. Cicek about the Bloomington Trashion Refashion show, which is an annual fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living. Call for entries for the 2020 show began on December 1st.

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In today’s episode Danille Urschel talks with Dr. Cicek about her artmaking process, and designing outfits and posters for the Bloomington Trashion Refashion show, which is an annual fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living. Call for entries for the 2020 show will begin on December 1st.

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In today’s episode Eric Ayote talks with Dr. Cicek about the Cicada Cinema, a pop up film collective that screens arthouse and independent featured lenght films, as well as Instant Gratification short films that are made by professionals and ametures film lovers alike. The films are presented at various alternative local venues, monthly.

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In today’s episode Erin Hollinden talks with Dr. Cicek about the Wrapped in Love art project that brings visibility and funding to Middle Way House which works to empower survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking through a wide range of supportive services and advocacy. If you need immediate help or support, call …

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In today’s episode Molly Weiler talks with Dr. Cicek about her creative process as a dancer, joining Windfall Dance Company and the various classes the compony provides to all ages and skill levels.

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In today’s episode Peter Lopilato talks with Dr. Cicek about The Ryder Magazine & Films Series which turned 40 this year. Produced by Dr. Filiz Cicek in colloboration with The Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, ArtBeat! is a weekly program that gives artists, activists and educators a platform to discuss their craft, media, and inspiration. ArtBeat! …

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John Armstrong is the Chief Operating Officer of Pigasus Pictures, a locally owned and based production company. Pigasus Pictures works with a mind of community focused production, dabbling in many forms of outreach to the community. They recently had two films in the Heartland Film Festival. In today’s community report, corespondent Sydney Foreman talks with …

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Bobby Overman is in her second year coordinating the Human Library event at the Monroe County Public Library. WFHB corespondent Jake Jacobson talked to Overman to learn more about the project, which is focused on creating dialogue and understanding between people.

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In today’s episode painter Mark Blaney talks with Dr. Cicek about his creative process and his love of nature as home.

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Markus Dickinson is the vice president of New Leaf – New Life, a volunteer run organisation that offers programs both inside and outside the Monroe County Correctional Center, that promote successful reentry into society. In today’s community report, WFHB’s Sydney Foreman talks with Dickinson about teaching linguistics to inmates.

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Citizen Climate Lobby is a grassroots environmental group working to influence congressional leaders to create a bipartisan policy to slow climate change. WFHB Correspondent Sarah Vaughan spoke with two volunteer lobbyists from CCL’s local chapter, to learn about their efforts to pass legislation that would create a national carbon fee and dividend program. House Resolution …

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In today’s episode filmmaker Jacky Comforty talks with Dr. Cicek about his documentary films about the deportation, rescue and the survival of Bulgarian Jews during WWII. Two of the films, The Optimists and The Balkan Jazz are currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

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In today’s episode David Colman talks with Dr. Cicek about the 4th annual Ekphrasis which brings local poets and painters together in collobration to create new works. The live art event will take place on October 6th and 20th at The Venue Arts Gallery.

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In today’s episode performing artist Meg Anderson talks with Dr. Cicek about her one woman show Big Gay Debutante Ball, which will take place at BAFT on October 11th, the national coming out day.

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Hilary Fleck was awarded a May Wright Sewall Fellowship grant by Indiana Humanities earlier this year. Fleck, the collections manager at the Monroe County History Center, is researching the role of local women in the lead-up to the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, guaranteeing the right of women to vote in …

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Internships are a great way for students to gain experience in the field in which they hope to build a career, but most are unpaid. At what point is it illegal for someone to work without pay? In today’s community report, Indiana University professor Kenneth Glenn Dau-Schmidt tells WFHB’s Sydney Foreman what an unpaid internship …

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In today’s episode, local poet Tony Brewer, who is the treasurer of Writers Guild of Bloomington talks with Dr. Cicek about some of his creative process, including writing poems for and with strangers on demand and how poetry came to being his main creative outlet. Brewers also shares a poem from his latest book Homunculus.

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Financial advisers hired by the City of Bloomington have concluded the City can financially support funding a proposed Convention Center expansion with bonds. As currently proposed, a 60 thousand square foot expansion would cost roughly 44 million dollars, and would include a 30 thousand square foot exhibit hall, and renovating the existing convention center. A …

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The Bloomington City Council met last night to discuss a previous decision they had made concerning a proposed student development. Some council members expressed reservations about re-hearing the proposal. Council member Dorothy Granger was the first to express her thoughts. Other council members, such as Chris Sturbaum, hoped that approving this proposal would help rehabilitate …

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In today’s episode, Gesche Würfel talks with Dr. Cicek about her current exhibit ‘At the Hands of Persons Unknown’ at Pictura Gallery which “explores how trees have been silent witnesses to the lynchings of women in the United States.” Würfel is “a white German woman married to an African American man” and was also inspired …

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An ethanol processing facility in Cloverdale is closing after just eight years in operation. The owner of the ethanol bioprocessing facility in Putnam County says U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decisions are to blame for the facility’s shuttering. POET LLC says hundreds of local jobs will be impacted by the plant closing and the company will …

WFHB Local News Features – WFHB: Recent Episodes

WFHB Local News Features – WFHB