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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 8th, 2022.
Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Tilly Robinson reports on the Indiana Department of Transportation’s plan to install a network of electric vehicle chargers with federal funds. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Indiana passed an abortion ban on Friday with limited exceptions. More coming up next in your daily headlines.
Indiana Passes Abortion Ban with Limited Exceptions
Governor Eric Holcomb signed a law that would ban most abortions making Indiana the first state to restrict the procedure since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
The measure includes limited exceptions including in some cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly or when the pregnant person’s life is in danger.
The law makes abortion a level 5 felony. It also bans abortion clinics such as Planned Parenthood from performing the procedure. Abortions will only be allowed in a hospital setting. Furthermore, doctors can face jail time for performing an illegal abortion.
There are no criminal penalties for women who receive abortions, according to the law. Furthermore, the legislature included 75 million dollars for social service programs for expectant mothers and children.
Dr. Jennifer Drobac, Professor of Law at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University, said the law oversteps in its regulation of medical care.
She said the measure violates the bodily autonomy of pregnant people and forces them into labor – a choice she believes the government doesn’t have the right to make.
Dr. Drobac said the implications of the bill will impact the economy making people less likely to move to Indiana and corporations relocating their headquarters outside of Indiana.
The pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, one of Indiana’s largest employers, announced that this law will hinder its ability to find new talent and said it will look elsewhere to expand its operations.
Governor Holcomb said in a written statement, “Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life. In my view, SEA 1 accomplishes this goal following its passage in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support.”
Indiana senators voted 28-19 in favor of the bill. The governor signed the near total ban on Friday night. The law will go into effect on September 15th.
Bloomington City Council
During public comment at the Bloomington City Council meeting on August 3rd, AFSCME workers asked the councilors to ensure proper compensation for all city employees. Local 2487 President Bradley Rushton spoke first.
Next the Bloomington City Council voted on an amendment to municipal code entitled “Vehicles and Traffic.” City Clerk Nicole Bolden introduced the changes proposed.
Assistant Director of Planning and Transportation Beth Rosenbarger explained the changes individually. First she described some of the changes that would be made to the intersections.
Next, Rosenbarger shared about back-in parking and city parking lots.
Rosenbarger said that the Rosehill Neighborhood Parking Permit Zone boundary would be changed to align with the neighborhood boundary.
She also said that pay by phone parking would be added to East 13th street, South Rogers Street, and North Walnut Grove Street, and an administrative towing fee would be added to the code.
The board unanimously approved the amendment.
The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be held on August 17th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Tilly Robinson reports on the Indiana Department of Transportation’s plan to install a network of electric vehicle chargers with federal funds. We turn to Tilly Robinson for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Tilly Robinson.
Kite Line is produced by Mia Beach.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
