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WFHB Local News Features

On-location features and special reports
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Indiana’s Lake Sturgeons Recognized as Endangered Species

Indiana wildlife groups are pushing for recognition of Indiana’s Lake Sturgeons as a federally endangered species. The fish-which can grow up to 8 feet in length and live to over 100 years old- have seen a 99% population reduction in the last century. In today’s feature report, WFHB correspondent Jonah Chester discusses the importance of the sturgeon with Hoosier Environmental …

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Growing Tick Population Increases Disease Risk

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Deer tick populations are increasing and showing up in places they’ve never been before. That’s according to a new study from Indiana University researchers. As WFHB Correspondent Jonah Chester reports, the increased prevalence of ticks throughout the state also increases the chances of residents contracting diseases, including the incurable Lyme Disease.

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Expert: Spencer Groundwater Chemical Poses Serious Health Risks

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

The dry cleaning chemical tetrachloroethene, or PCE, has leached into the groundwater aquifer in Spencer over the years. Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency added downtown Spencer to the Superfund National Priorities List. Dr. Diane Henshel, at IU’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, is an environmental toxicology expert. She speaks with WFHB News Director Wes Martin, about what the …

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Food Stamp Cuts Would Leave Locals Ineligible, Hungry

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

The U.S. House of Representatives struck down the first draft of the Federal Farm bill, yesterday. The bill, which is rewritten every four years, provides subsidies and insurance to farmers and agricultural businesses. It also serves as the regulatory legislation for SNAP benefits, formerly called food stamps. The failed congressional draft would have expanded work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. The …

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Marion County Declares Hep-C Public Health Emergency

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

The Marion County Health Department, which serves Indianapolis, announced a Hepatitis C Health emergency today. The Health Department is looking at putting in place a syringe exchange program to combat the spread of Hepatitis C, which kills more americans than any other infectious disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Monroe County’s syringe exchange program is operated by the …

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EPA Declares Spencer a Superfund Site

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

A groundwater plume contaminated with the chlorinated solvent tetrachloroethene, or PCE, has led the EPA to designate the city of Spencer’s municipal well field – which provides water to approximately 9,900 residents- a Superfund Site. The water is blended and treated before distribution to residents. According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the municipal water supply in Spencer meets …

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Indiana Recovery Alliance Reverses 2,000 Overdoses

WFHB, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

The Indiana Recovery Alliance, based in Bloomington, is closing in on reversing 2,000 overdoses. The announcement comes as a new study puts into context the economic impact of the opioid crisis on Indiana. Founder and Director Chris Abert says while that’s a de-humanizing perspective to approach the public health crisis from, it helps to convince legislators why harm-reduction efforts are …

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Kacie Swierk, Ross Gay and the Confluence of Poetry And Music

Ross Gay, the award-winning, bestselling poet, is the teacher. Kacie Swierk, who relied on music to help get her through debilitating illness, is the student. Gay teaches creative writing in the Indiana University English Department. Swierk signed up for his course and found his unconventional teaching methods an unexpected help in making music. She hadn’t thought much about words through …

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New Farm Bill Could Increase Demand for Local Food Charities

The U.S. congress is currently drafting a new Farm bill. In addition to providing insurance and subsidies for farmers and agricultural businesses, the bill would also cut benefits and increase work requirements for SNAP recipients. WFHB’s Jonah Chester talks with local food charities about the potential increase in demand if the cuts go through.

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Liz Watson: “Getting to Work on November”

Liz Watson beat out Dan Canon and Rob Chatlos to win yesterday’s Democratic nomination for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District. Watson, a Bloomington native tells WFHB News Director Wes Martin that she’s thankful to have won yesterday’s race, and she’s ready to get to work on November.

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