WFHB Local News – August 2nd, 2022

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022.

Later in the program, the Indiana House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard public testimony today on the proposed abortion ban bill recently passed in the Senate. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission heard a petition for solar panels on a house in the Prospect Hill Historic District. That’s coming up next in your daily headlines.

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission

At the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission meeting on July 28th, Historic Preservation Program Manager Gloria Colom Braña shared a petition for solar panels on a house in the Prospect Hill Historic District.

The staff recommended the project for approval since the panels would not be visible from the street. Braña read the recommendation from neighbors and staff.

The commission approved the petition unanimously.

Next the commission heard a request to add onto their house at 208 E 16th St.in the Garden Hill Historic District.

Owner of Rogers Remodeling, Noah Rogers said that the house is on a small lot so there is little room to add on with the 15 foot setbacks.

Petitioner Lisa Freeman spoke asking the commissioner to support her

Commission members approved the add on with support for the variance unanimously.

The next Bloomington Historic Commission meeting will be held on August 11th.

Bloomington Board of Public Works

At the Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting on July 19th, Neighborhood Compliance Officer for Housing and Neighborhood Development Kenneth Liford, asked the board to approve a continuous abatement of a property at 2216 S. Laurelwood.

The board approved the abatement unanimously. The next Board of Public Works meeting will be held on August 2nd.

Indiana House Committee Hears Public Testimony on Abortion Ban

Earlier this week, the state Senate voted 26-20 in favor of Senate Bill 1 which would ban nearly all abortions in the state with exceptions for rape, incest or if the mother’s life is in danger.

On Tuesday, the Indiana House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code took up the abortion ban bill. The committee heard public testimony where Indiana residents shared their concerns regarding the senate bill.

Cassie Ringlespaugh, a family law attorney from Hamilton County, said she’s afraid of the lasting impacts of this bill.

“Choose wisely because your daughters and your granddaughters are watching you. Do not be on the wrong side of history,” said Ringlespaugh.

Claire Kaneshiro, an undergraduate student at Princeton University, said the bill limits abortion access for sexual assault survivors.

“This is not freedom. This is not freedom of religion. This is not freedom of myself. You cannot legislate your laws by your God who I do not believe in.,” said Kaneshiro.

Reverend Gray Lesene, dean of the Christ Church Cathedral, urged state lawmakers not to take any more action on the senate bill.

“As a pastor and a priest, I will continue to walk the sacred and tender and vulnerable road with the women I serve when difficult reproductive health care decisions need to be made. My colleagues and I will continue to support and counsel them. And if you pass this harmful legislation, we will help them obtain appropriate care out of state,” said the reverend.

This morning, the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee amended the companion bill, Senate Bill 2, to give taxpayers a 225 dollar refund and to provide additional support for adoption services. The 45 million dollars toward the Hoosier Families First Fund is now absent from the bill.

In addition, the committee passed Amendment 25, which makes changes to Senate Bill 1, including the removal of some restrictions for victims of rape and incest.

Under Indiana code, the special session will need to conclude by August 14th. However, lawmakers indicated they hope to close the special session by next Monday.

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.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.