WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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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, your local headlines.
There are nearly 7,000 cases of Covid-19. Indiana State Department of Health reports 300 total deaths out of 35,000 people tested.
People 80 years-old and higher made up the most number of those who died from the virus. This age demographic made up 37.5 percent of coronavirus cases. These numbers were updated at 11:59 p.m. on April 9th.
Dawn Johnson, wife of Mayor John Hamilton and Indiana University Maurer School of Law professor, tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday.
According to a city news release this morning, Johnson has been self-isolating at home since she first began experiencing symptoms.
Since the diagnosis, Mayor Hamilton has self-quarantined and said he will stay home for 2 weeks, as well as checking his temperature regularly and self-monitoring for symptoms.
Hamilton has been practicing physical distancing and teleworking since mid-March.
A customer at a Martinsville gas station said its coronavirus policies are being used to discriminate against Asian-Americans. The customer told Wish – TV that the police know it is happening.
The customer named David — Wish TV didn’t include his last name — said being Asian is why he wasn’t allowed in the store Friday after filling up his car with gas.
David said an employee kept yelling and badgering him, asking where he was from. David replies that his family was from Korea, but he was born in Louisville, Kentucky.
He is a medical doctor and works one-on-one with those most vulnerable to coronavirus. He also treats cancer patients.
David said he often travels to this gas station coming to and from Indianapolis — he won’t be coming back anymore.
The gas station worker told David he wasn’t allowed to buy anything at the gas station or even use the bathroom.
Kurt Spivey, chief of the Martinsville Police Department, confirmed the details of the gas station worker’s comment. Spivey said the business was informed that their behavior was discriminatory inappropriate.
The Morgan County prosecutor said there aren’t any hate crime laws in Indiana. However, a person who commits a crime like battery intimidation, mischief or vandalism that is determined to be motivated by prejudice or bias could face stiffer penalties.
According to Wish-TV, the county prosecutor says anyone experiencing this type of discrimination should contact authorities.
Bloomington City Council approved the appropriation of the Food and Beverage Tax Fund Expenditures for Local Tourism related business relief due to COVID-19. Economic and Sustainable Development Director Alex Crowley said city personnel would review but not create loan processes.
Crowley said there will be maximum validation of the process. He said funds are not to support the local economy, but to tactically cover immediate needs. Councilwoman Isabel Piedmont- Smith asked Crowley how a tourism related business is defined.
Crowley said NOT all businesses that benefit because of tourism are the same as tourism related business. City Controller Jeff Underwood said businesses that don’t qualify for FABTAC funds could qualify for other funding. Council member Matt Flaherty suggested prioritizing companies who have continued to support their employees. Council member Dave Rollo asked Crowley about business qualification cuffs.
Crowley said many businesses who apply will not qualify for funding. Underwood said extra funds could be looked into from FABTAC and other sources if the 2 million is not sufficient. He funds will be given as low interest loans to recover FABTAC funds. Crowley said the city is trying to mitigate loss NOT make money. Piedmont-Smith proposed an amendment in order to comply with the State Board of Accounts requirements for fund usage.
Council members approved the amendment. Underwood said all recipients would be recorded in public records.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has new updates for truck stops. WFHB Correspondent Jasmine White has more on the story.
The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission approved a new door opening on an East 7th Street building. Program Manager Conor Herterich presented the project in their April 9th meeting.
Herterich said building alterations are best on the back of buildings. He said the new door opening would be modeled after a door opening on the other side of the building. The Petitioner said the door is required by occupancy assessments.
The petitioner said a small patio will be built adjacent to the door.
Feature Report:
- WFHB News Director Kade Young talked to an IU Researcher, Dr. John Patton, who is currently working on a vaccine for Covid-19.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Jasmine White, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham & The Social Climbs.
Executive producer is Kade Young.
