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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 13th, 2023.
Later in the program, Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. This month we interviewed Michelle Higgs, an activist with Hoosier Action and the national group People’s Action and their Care over Cost project. More in the bottom half of our program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Clayton Young reports on Off-Night Production’s new play at the John Waldron Arts Center.
The Statehouse Roundup
Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill announced on Monday, July 3rd that he is entering the race for Indiana Governor. In the past, Hill aligned himself with conservatives like former U.S. President Trump. It seems Hill will continue his pro-Trump policies as he begins his run for governor, making clear in his statement that he will be running as a Republican. Hill says Hoosiers are looking for a, “proven conservative and fresh voice.”
While Hill is a bit late to the race, with three other candidates already well established, experts say he still has a chance to draw votes. Other candidates in the race for Indiana Governor include Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, U.S. Senator Mike Braun, and Eric Doden.
The IndyStar published a report in 2018 which accused Hill of inappropriately touching four women at a bar party. While the allegations and lawsuit were dismissed, it’s possible some voters may take this into account when casting their ballot next year.
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Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita wrote a letter to superstore chain Target over their line of LGBTQ Pride merchandise. Rokita was joined along with six other conservative state attorneys who found the clothing line warranted legal concern.
Conservatives online have expressed their anger this past month saying Pride merchandise is harmful for children. The trend to enter Target and film merchandise deemed as harmful has gone viral on platforms like TikTok. Rokita’s letter is based partly on the same misinformation spread by these viral trends.
Rokita said in his letter, “As the chief legal officers of our States, we are charged with enforcing state laws protecting children and safeguarding parental rights. State child-protection laws penalize the ‘sale or distribution of …obscene matter.'”
Rokita’s letter also mentioned concerns over “Satanist-inspired” products. While Target did partner with the brand Abprallen as Rokita claimed, the products placed in store did not promote Satanism.
Rokita also claimed that Target has partnered with GLSEN, which Rokita alleged supported the, “secret gender transitions for kids.” In the past however, the organization has supported anti-bullying laws and policies that support LGBTQ+ students.
It’s unclear whether Target will continue its Pride collection next year, but the company did lose money in the month of June after backlash broke out online.
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Keith Potts, the Indianapolis City-County councilor, announced he will run for the U.S. Senate. The position opened after U.S. Senator Mike Braun announced he will be running for Indiana Governor.
Potts is running as a Democrat and will run against Marc Carmichael, a Democrat. U.S. Representative Jim Banks is running as well, as a Republican.
Potts is advocating for more gun control and better health care nationally. Potts has a long road ahead of him as he attempts to flip the traditionally red seat to blue. But as a young, gay, candidate, it’s likely younger voters will find him more appealing than the older more conservative candidates.
Monroe County Commissioners
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met on July 5th, 2023. After department updates and the statement of salaries and proposed wages for the 2023 calendar year, Director Chief Technology Officer, Greg Crohn presented the Matrix Integration service agreement.
No public questions or comments were made and the motion passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was the Adult Protective Services Contract presented by Executive Director of the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office Beth Hamlin.
Commissioner Julie Thomas asked Hamlin to explain the role of Adult Protective Services. Hamlin responded.
The commissioners approved the contract unanimously.
The next meeting for the Monroe County Board of Commissioners will be held Wednesday, July 19th, 2023
Bloomington Utilities Service Board
At Bloomington Utilities Service Board meeting on July 3rd, 2023 the board considered approving four different budgets, all which were passed unanimously.
Then the next topic of discussion was a request for approval of an M-O-U with Touchdown Terrace, L-L-C for sewer contribution for property located at 19th street and Dunn Street. Assistant City Attorney Chris Wheeler presented on the M-O-U.
After a few questions from board members, a motion was made, and the Bloomington Utilities Service Board voted unanimously to approve the M-O-U.
The board then moved to a second project that was very similar in nature, but was at 420 E. 19th Street, still with Touchdown Terrace, L-L-C for sewer contribution. Wheeler was asked to disclose the amount.
The motion passed unanimously.
The next meeting for the Bloomington Utilities Service board will be held on Monday, July 17th, 2023.
Feature Reports:
Welcome to Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. This month we interviewed Michelle Higgs, an activist with Hoosier Action and the national group People’s Action and their Care over Cost project. She recently spoke at a demonstration in Washington DC in front of the headquarters of AHIP – America’s Health Insurance Plans. We turn to hosts Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone for Prescription for Healthcare on WFHB.
In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Clayton Young reports on Off-Night Production’s new play at the John Waldron Arts Center. We turn to Young for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Brookelyn Lambright and Yane Sanchez Lopez, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Clayton Young.
Prescription for Healthcare is produced by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
