WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, January 13th, 2025.
In today’s program, Mike Braun was sworn in as the 52nd governor of Indiana during a ceremony in Indianapolis earlier today. More in today’s feature report.
That’s Jack Wilber from Binary Heart Indiana. Jack fixes computers and donates them to students and schools in need. Find out how you can help later in the show on a new episode of Activate!
But first, your daily headlines:
Bloomington City Council
The Bloomington City Council met for an organizational session on Wednesday, January 8th. It marked the first convening of the council in 2025. The council went through the process of electing officers in the new year. Council Member Andy Ruff announced the nominations, which included Hopi Stosberg as Council President, Isabel Piedmont Smith as Vice President and Courtney Dailey as Parliamentarian.
Council Member Hopi Stosberg said that she’s willing to take on the additional responsibilities that the city council presidency entails.
Council Member Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she was reluctant to take on the role of council vice president and she wishes council officers were compensated better.
Ruff said he doesn’t think it’s a lack of council members wanting to take on the role of an officer; however, he believes the other council members are unable to give the time he thinks officer positions deserve.
The council approved the nomination of officers by a unanimous vote. Then, during the public comment section of the meeting for items not on the agenda, local resident Greg Alexander shared concerns over the city’s transportation plan, saying he wishes the city was more pedestrian friendly.
Also during the public comment portion of the meeting – another local resident said he’s disappointed in the lack of walkable sidewalks in the city.
The city council will convene for a deliberation meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15th.
Mike Braun Sworn In As 52nd Governor of Indiana
On Monday, Mike Braun was inaugurated as the new governor of Indiana.
Braun and incoming Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith were sworn in earlier today at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis.
This marks the end of Governor Eric Holcomb’s two-term governorship as Braun becomes the 52nd governor of the state.
During his speech, Braun highlighted the history of Indiana and how his role fits within that history now he’s become the state’s new executive.
Looking ahead, Braun outlined his vision for the state over the course of the next four years. He expressed an interest in increasing state’s rights, promoting small businesses and lowering property taxes under his leadership.
As for what he plans to bring to Indiana, Braun has signaled his support retaining the near total ban on abortion. He also supports legalizing cannabis and universal school choice. He has stated that he does not support gender affirming care for minors and wants to limit gender identity conversations in school rooms.
Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith was also inaugurated today. In his speech, Beckwith emphasized what role he plans to play in the incoming Braun administration.
Beckwith has drawn controversy for numerous statements and comments he made on the campaign trail. In October, he told a crowd at a gathering for the Monroe County Republicans that he would fire any state employee who uses pronouns in their email signatures. He also suggested that Indiana should deport Haitian immigrants who do not assimilate into the “American way of life.”
The lieutenant governor attacked and threatened the existence of the student journalism publication the Indiana Daily Student for publishing an image of President Elect Donald Trump featuring quotes from former supporters and those who had previously worked for him. Beckwith labeled the article as “woke propaganda at its finest” in a post on social media.
In December, WFHB News interviewed co-editor of the IDS Marissa Meador who defended the student publication’s editorial independence and factual reporting.
The governor of Indiana serves a four-year term as the head of the executive branch of the state. As governor, Braun will be able to sign or veto legislation passed by the Statehouse. He also has the ability to appoint six out of the nine members of the IU Board of Trustees.
With Braun’s inauguration, Indiana continues to have a Republican triplex, which means the Republican Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state and attorney general. Republicans also control both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate.
Feature Reports:
Having a computer is essential to success in the digital age…but obtaining one can be a challenge for people with limited resources. BinaryHeart Indiana is looking to change that. This local non-profit repairs old or broken computers and donates them to students, schools, and organizations in need throughout the Bloomington area. Jack Wilber is the president of BinaryHeart and he founded the Indiana University chapter. Jack is looking to expand his operation with outreach from volunteers on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.
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 Kade Young.
This episode of Activate! was produced by Quincy Bell through WFHB’s partnership with The Media School at Indiana University.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
