WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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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 who tested positive for the coronavirus, but are the numbers accurate? At the Golden Living Center in Bloomington, WFHB Correspondent Braydyn Lents explains how a surge in coronavirus cases is causing inaccuracies.
Pygmalion’s Art Supplies carried art supplies in Bloomington for over 40 years. The long standing, local staple is now coming to a close. For more on the story, we turn to WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner.
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The Hoosier Hills Food Bank announced in a press release that, starting this Friday, they will be distributing food to anyone in need as part of their “Fresh Friday in June” initiative. In response to the increased demand for food due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank will offer a combination of fresh and frozen dairy, meat, and produce to families and individuals every Friday in June.
The Hoosier Hills Food Bank, which donates food to over 100 nonprofit organizations throughout Indiana according to their website, has been receiving an increased amount of perishable food donations through federal COVID relief programs, according to Executive Director and CEO Julio Alonso. In the press release, Alonso says that, while most of the additional product will be distributed among those nonprofit organizations, the food bank does, “have enough to offer it to the general public directly as well and provide them with another option for assistance with their food needs.”
The food will be available for pick at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank on Bloomington’s west side. As of right now, this program is planned to run through June only. However, the press release states that the program will be reevaluated at the end of June. In an email with WFHB, Alonso clarified that two factors will affect whether the Fresh Friday program will continue. First, whether the food bank continues to receive large quantities of perishable donations, and second, whether there is a response from people accessing the program that merits its continuation. The food will be distributed via drive-through pick-up starting this Friday, and each Friday through June, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
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The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission discussed social distancing circles to be painted on greenspace in front of the Mill. Economic and Sustainable Development Director Alex Crowley proposed the circles during their June 2nd meeting.
Crowley said the circles would provide safe distanced areas to be outside. Commission member David Walter said people would not stay in the circles.
Walter said citizens must take their own responsibility to socially distance. Crowley said circles are just for visual cues and will not be enforced. Commissioners approved the painted circles with Walter voting no.
Kirkwood Avenue is scheduled to reopen on June 10th, seven weeks ahead of schedule. The project began on April 1st, replacing brick pedestrian crosswalks and installing removable bollards to, “convert the city’s landmark boulevard into a pedestrian-friendly plaza on occasion,” according to a city press release. The bollards will be stored in three locations near Kirkwood when not in use. This week Kirkwood will be milled and repaved. Stripping will be done this coming weekend and early next week.
Feature Reports:
- We hear from two core members of the Bloomington Black Lives Matter, who wish to remain anonymous, in an interview with WFHB’s Kade Young and Sydney Foreman about their upcoming virtual protest and views on the nation wide protest of police brutality on people of color.
- Your weekly consumer-watchdog segment, Better Beware, hosted and produced by Richard Fish.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Braydyn Lents, Katrine Bruner, Jake Jacobson and Sydney Foreman in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Sydney Foreman and myself
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers
Executive producer is Kade Young
