WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, December 15th, 2021.
Later in the program, WFHB News speaks with Associate Professor at the IU Media School Lauren Smith about the Biden Administration’s recent announcement that it will not send any official representation to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a protest to China’s human rights abuses. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, “Things to Stuff” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment. WFHB Producer Richard Fish tackles gift card fraud and more following today’s feature report.
But first, Nathaniel Weinzapfel has your Environmental News Brief:
One of the deadliest tornadoes in recent memory crossed four states last week in what is potentially believed to be the longest single tornado in history. At least 90 people were killed by the storms with around 80 deaths occurring in Kentucky, but with death tolls still rising. Climate change is likely to have played a large factor in its severity. The tornado outbreak killed people who were working overnight shifts in both a candle factory in Kentucky and an Amazon warehouse in Illinois. President Biden has already signed on to provide federal aid and assistance to the states affected. If you potentially want to help the survivors of the tornado, feel free to donate to the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund or the American Red Cross.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has announced his choice, Brian Rockensuess, for the position as the new commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Brian Rockensuess, a veteran of the department specializing in government affairs as well as budget and finance will take over for Bruno Pigott, who is leaving for the federal EPA. Mr. Rockensuess states that he hopes to find new creative solutions to the environmental challenges that the state faces.
As a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the state of Indiana will receive $127 million in federal funds to support water infrastructure projects. A recent Indiana legislative task force focused on the issue found that the combined cost of all the necessary changes and repairs to the state’s water infrastructure would be over $15 billion dollars. Despite this discrepancy between the amount received and the amount needed, the money will be put to good use to provide clean drinking water and safer wastewater treatments. The funds potentially could go toward removing lead pipes in certain areas of the state and to help modernize rural water infrastructure. The exact projects that will be funded with the money have yet to be determined by the Holcomb Administration.
Bloomington Arts Commission Gives Update on the Waldron and Discusses Exhibition at the the Eskenazi Art Museum
On December 8th at the Bloomington Arts Commission meeting Assistant Director for the Arts, Holly Warren gave an update on the opening of the Waldron, and the future of exhibition management.
She said the Waldron will reopen on January 7th.
Warren said there will be a visual art exhibit again, and she is collaborating with local galleries and artists to ensure there is a solid management plan in place to facilitate it in the future.
Assistant Curator of European and American Art Galina Olmstead and Curator of Contemporary Art Elliot Reichert presented an exhibition that will be at the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art.
The board gave feedback and discussed ideas for public engagement.
Board member Rachel Kabukala asked about the museum’s plans regarding Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and if organizations such as the First Nations Education and Cultural Center have been contacted.
Olmstead said there is an Audience Committee that addresses the museum’s demographics.
The next board meeting will be on January 12th.
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Board Meeting
At the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Board meeting on December 9th, Mayor John Hamilton asked the board why there was an increase in revenue this year compared to others.
Board member Cheryl Munson added that the revenue picked up in June 2021.
Board member Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she noticed that the metal recycling generated 25,000 dollars more than had been projected.
Executive Director Tom McGlasson confirmed that they are receiving more money for scrap metal. The next meeting will be held on January 13th.
Feature Reports:
WFHB News speaks with Associate Professor at the IU Media School Lauren Smith about the Biden Administration’s recent announcement that it will not send any official representation to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a protest to China’s human rights abuses. Benedict Jones has that story.
Up next, “Things to Stuff” on Better Beware. WFHB Producer Richard Fish tackles gift card fraud and more in your weekly consumer-watchdog segment.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Nathaniel Weinzapfel and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Better Beware is produced by Richard Fish.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
Anchors are Benedict Jones and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider.
