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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 16th, 2023.
Later in the program, we have Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. More in the bottom half of our program.
Last week, at the Indiana’s Republican Party state dinner, the GOP endorsed U.S. representative Jim Banks for the open U.S. Senate seat. Banks endorsement is the first time the Indiana Republican Party has openly endorsed a candidate before primary elections. More coming up next in your Statehouse Roundup.
The Statehouse Roundup
By Brookelyn Lambright
Holcomb announces new IEDC head
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced on Tuesday that David Rosenberg will be the state’s new Secretary of Commerce.. Rosenberg is replacing the previous Secretary of Commerce, Brad Chambers. Chambers stepped down from the position on August 6th after considering a run for Indiana governor.
Holcomb said , “David has been instrumental in guiding the IEDC team over the last two years, and I am confident in his ability to continue to lead the strong team and Indiana’s extraordinary economic momentum.”
Rosenberg has been with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation or IEDC since 2021, serving on state projects like the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative and the LEAP program which developed nearly 9,000 acres across Boone County.
Before working with IEDC, Rosenberg served as the deputy chief of staff for former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and as operations officer for Indianapolis Public Schools.
Indiana GOP endorses Banks for Senate
Last Thursday, at the Indiana’s Republican Party state dinner, the GOP endorsed U.S. representative Jim Banks for the open U.S. Senate seat. Banks endorsement is the first time the Indiana Republican Party has openly endorsed a candidate before primary elections.
Banks currently represents Indiana’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Banks is running against Democratic candidates Keith Potts and Marc Carmichael for Mike Braun’s vacated seat. Braun announced he will be running for Indiana Governor this year instead of the U.S. Senate.
Banks said, “Indiana is a conservative state that deserves a conservative Senator, and I look forward to continuing to make my case to Hoosiers across the state that I am a conservative voice they can trust with a consistent track record of getting things done.”
Now that Banks has been endorsed by the G.O.P, he may receive financial support from the Republican National Committee.
Trump Georgia Indictment
On Monday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis announced a fourth indictment against former president Donald Trump for his involvement in the 2020 election. Willis first began investigating Trump and his co-conspirators in February 2021. The indictment is based around Georgia’s RICO statute or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The act penalizes individuals for engaging in organized crime. Willis alleges Trump along with 18 allies attempted to overturn the 2020 election results in the state of Georgia. Willis said she would like to see a trial date for the case within the next six months.
Conservatives are pointing fingers at President Joe Biden online. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wrote on X, “ Justice should be blind, but Biden has weaponized the government against his leading political opponent to interfere in the 2024 election. Now a radical DA in Georgia is following Biden’s lead by attacking President Trump and using it to fundraise her political career.”
However, Willis pushed back against conservatives online saying during a press conference, “I make decisions in this office based on the facts and the laws. The law is completely nonpartisan. That’s how decisions are made in every case.”
In total, Trump now faces 91 charges in four different criminal cases. According to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Trump and the 18 others charged are expected to turn themselves in by noon on August 25th.
Bloomington Board of Public Works Passes Ordinance Against Camping in the Public Right-of-Way
During its meeting on August 15th, the Bloomington Board of Public Works heard an ordinance against camping in the public right-of-way. Public Works Director Adam Wason (pron. Way-sun) presented the ordinance. He provided background on why the board is hearing the ordinance now.
Board President Kyla Cox Deckard said she believes this is an issue of accessibility. She said the public needs to be able to access the public right-of-way without obstruction.
Vice President of the Board Elizabeth Karon asked for clarification on how the “fines” portion would be included in the ordinance. City Attorney Mike Rouker (pron. Rooker) addressed the question.
During public comment, local resident Sydney Zulich spoke against the ordinance saying she believes it vilified people who are unhoused.
The board approved the ordinance unanimously. It awaits the city council for final approval. The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet again for its regular session on August 29th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, we have Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. This month, we interviewed Dr. Rob Stone for an update and synthesis of all the complex and maddening developments in healthcare costs, billing, and profiteering, based on his recent presentation at IU Health and IU School of Medicine in Bloomington. We turn now to Prescription for Healthcare.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Brookelyn Lambright, Kade Young, Noelle Herhusky-Schneider and Yane Sanchez-Lopez in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Karen Green Stone.
Brookelyn Lambright produced today’s Statehouse Roundup.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
