INDIANA NEWSDESK IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> COMING UP ON INDIANA NEWSDESK.

HUNDREDS OF TRUCKS CARRYING TOXIC WASTE FROM THE OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT ARE ARRIVING IN INDIANA.

HOOSIERS ARE OUTRAGED.

>> THEY WERE ACCEPTED AND THEY WERE DUMPED TODAY.

>> AHEAD, WHAT'S IN THE WASTE AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE RESIDENTS ARE SAFE.

IT'S THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

COMING UP, WE CATCH UP ON STATUS OF BILLS INTENDED TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH, TWO MEASURES BANNING GENDER AFFIRMING CARE FOR MINORS.

THEN AS THE GLOBAL POPULATION INCREASES, WE'LL HAVE TO FIND ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF FOOD.

SOME INDUSTRY EXPERTS SEE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HOOSIER STAY WITH INDOOR SHRIMP FARMING.

>> BY SELLING IT LIVE WITH THE HEAD ON, WE ARE GUARANTEEING YOU THE FRESHNESS OF THE PRODUCT.

>> IT COULD BE THE WAY FORWARD FOR THOSE LOOKING FORWARD TORE WAYS TO PRODUCE FRESH SEAFOOD IN THE LAND-LOCKED STATE.

THOSE STORIES PLUS LATEST NEWS HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE STATE RIGHT NOW ON INDIANA NEWSDESK.

>> WELCOME TO INDIANA NEWSDESK, I'M JOE HREN.

TOXIC WASTE FROM THE TRAIN DERAILMENT IN EAST PALESTINE, OHIO IS COMING TO INDIANA.

A LANDFILL IN ROACHDALE STARTED RECEIVING TRUCKLOADS OF CONTAMINATED SOIL THIS WEEK.

DESPITE ASSURANCES FROM OFFICIALS THAT THE SITE IS EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THE WASTE, RESIDENTS ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THEY COULD POTENTIALLY BE EXPOSED TO.

AT A PUBLIC MEETING THIS WEEK, THINGS GOT HEATED AS RESIDENTS DEMANDED ANSWERS ABOUT THE TOXIC SHIPMENTS.

ETHAN SANDWEISS HAS MORE.

>> HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED OUTSIDE THE RUSSELLVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER WEDNESDAY TO MAKE SURE THEIR CONCERNS WERE HEARD DURING A TOWNHALL ABOUT THE CONTAMINATED WASTE.

>> I'M CONCERNED THAT IF IT GETS UNDER THE GROUND, IT'S GOING TO AFFECT OUR TAP WATER.

AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO END UP LOOKING LIKE EAST PALESTINE.

>> THE FIREY TRAIN DERAILMENT HAPPENED A MONTH AGO NEAR THE OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA BORDER.

THE WASTE IS BEING TRANSPORTED TO 4 SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THE NEWS CAME OUT TUESDAY THAT THE WASTE WAS COMING TO ROACHDALE.

RESIDENTS AT WEDNESDAY'S TOWN HALL FELT BLINDSIDED.

>> WHY ARE YOU HERE?

>> WE'RE HERE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

>> YOU DIDN'T ANSWER HIS QUESTION.

>> I WILL IF YOU'LL SHUT UP.

[ YELLING ] >> DAKOTA CARLTON AND HIS FAMILY LIVE IN CRAWFORDSVILLE, ABOUT 15 MILES NORTH OF THE LANDFILL WHERE THE WASTE STARTED ARRIVING >> I DROVE THROUGH IT.

I USED TO BE A TRUCK DRIVER OUT THERE.

SO YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BLOW SMOKE UP MINE.

>> NEARLY A DOZEN POLICE OFFICER OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED TO WATCH THE CROWD.

>> IT WAS COMPLETED YESTERDAY.

WITHIN 24-HOUR PERIOD, BEFORE YOU LET THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW.

>> TENSIONS RAN HIGH.

>> YOU'RE CONFUSING ANSWERS, I FOUND OUT 72 HOURS AGO THIS WAS A POSSIBILITY.

HE'S ANSWERING A DIFFERENT QUESTION.

>> RESIDENTS EXPRESSED OUTRAGE AT HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEMANDED RESPONSES.

>> I HAVE NOT GOING UNTIL MY QUESTION IS ANSWERED.

>> I'M GOING TO -- >> THEY WERE ACCEPTED TODAY AND THEY WERE DUMPED TODAY.

>> HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL REVEALED AT THE MEETING THREE TRUCKS HAD ALREADY DUMPED THEIR LOADS IN ROACHDALE EARLIER THAT DAY.

THEY RECEIVED APPROVAL LESS THAN 24 HOURS PRIOR.

>> WE HAPPENED TO WIN ONE OF THE BIDS.

THE E.P.A -- WE DID.

WE DID.

>> THE COMPANY SAID IT EXPECTS TO RECEIVE ABOUT 2 TONS OF THAT THE SOIL.

THAT'S ABOUT A HUNDRED TRUCK LOADS MAKING THE 400 MILE TRIP FROM NEW PALESTINE ACROSS OHIO AND INDIANA TO ROACHDALE.

ACCORDING TO HERITAGE SOLUTIONS, INDEPENDENT LAB TESTING SHOWS THE WASTE CONTAINS LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF VINYL CHLORIDE AND BUTYL ACRYLATE, WITHIN THE TYPICAL RANGE FOR THE LANDFI.

STILL, SOME FEEL THE COMPANY PUT PROFIT OVER SAFETY.

>> WHY DIDN'T YOU GIVE US THE RESPECT TO SEE HOW WE FELT BEFORE YOU TOOK THIS BIG DEAL?

I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHY YOU DIDN'T CARE TO AT LEAST SEE HOW IT WOULD BE RECEIVED.

>> THE LANDFILL IS ABOVE THE TIPTON TILL AQUIFER SYSTEM.

LOCAL LORA SCOTT SAYS SHE WANTS ANSWERS ABOUT HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL'S LONG-TERM SAFETY PLANS ,BUT SAYS SHE WASN'T PREPARED FOR THE ANTAGONISM FROM THE CROWD.

>> I DON'T THINK THAT SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED COMPLETELY BECAUSE OF THE ACOUSTICS IN THE GYM AND THE HOSTILITY THAT WAS PRESENT, DIRECTED TOWARD THE HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF.

>> NO ONE FROM THE EPA OR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WAS AT THE MEETING.

BUT ONE FORMER EPA DIRECTOR SAYS WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE ROACHVILLE LANDFILL IS SAFE AND ORDINARY.

>> SO IT'S A LARGE LANDFILL, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ROUTINELY MONITORED BY THE STATE OF INDIANA, IDEM IN PARTICULAR.

I DON'T THINK THERE SHOULD BE >> THE SITE IS EPA LICENSED AND HASN'T HAD ISSUES WITH GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION, BUT IT DID RECEIVE A VIOLATION IN 2019 FOR NOT ANALYZING INBOUND WASTE.

HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL SAYS THE LANDFILL HAS TWO LAYERS OF PVC LINER TO PREVENT LEAKS AND TESTS FOR RUNOFF DAILY.

ANY BREACH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE EPA.

BUT LORA SCOTT WORRIES ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN LONG AFTER THE SITE IS CLOSED.

>> YOUR HAZARDOUS WASTE LANDFILL IS NOT A 41 YEAR PROJECT.

IT WILL INVOLVE FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO WILL LIVE IN PUTNAM COUNTY FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO COME.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> WE HAVE ETHEN HERE WITH US TO TELL US MORE.

A LOT A HAS UNFOLDED THESE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS.

YOU HAVE AN UPDATE.

>> I DO, JOE, THE GOVERNOR HAS SHARED HIS DISPLEASURE WITH THE TOXIC WASTE COMING TO INDIANA, SAID HE'LL TALK WITH THE E.P.A.

ABOUT THIS.

AND HIS OFFICE JUST HIRED A THIRD PARTY LAB TO TEST ALL THE INCOMING WASTE BEFORE IT COMES TO INDIANA.

>> HOLCOMB OPPOSES THE E.P.A.

'S DECISION.

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE HE CAN DO.

>> ASIDE FROM TALKING TO THEM, NOT A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT.

THE COMMERCE CLAUSE OF THE U.S.CONSTITUTION FORBIDS STATES FROM IMPEDING THE LAWFUL TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS FROM OTHER STATES ,EVEN IF THOSE GOODS ARE CONTAMINATED SOIL.

>> TENSIONS DEFINITELY SEEMED HIGH AT THE TOWNHALL.

YOU WERE THERE, OF COURSE.

ARE THERE DEFINITE CONSEQUENCES TO RESIDENTS FROM THIS AMOUNT OF TOXIC WASTE?

HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING?

>> WE KID TALK TO AN EXPERT NAMED JOSEPH SHAW, AN EXPERT IN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY.

HE MENTIONED THAT SHORT TERM EXPOSURE TO THESE SORTS OF CHEMICALS COULD LEAD TO WATERY EYES AND SKIN IRRITATION.

THEY DO DEGRADE VERY QUICKLY.

HERE'S WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

>> WHEN IT DOES ENTER THE ENVIRONMENT, YOU KNOW, IT'S GOING TO BREAK DOWN AND BREAK DOWN PRETTY RAPIDLY.

IF IT'S A LOT LIKE HIGH VOLUMES THAT ARE MOVING AROUND, THAT CAN TAKE A LITTLE WHILE.

AND THAT'S WHERE POTENTIAL ISSUES LIE.

>> THIS IS NOT STUFF YOU WANT IN YOUR BACKYARD, BUT IF YOU TAKE IT TO A SITE WHERE THEY ARE ABLE TO HANDLE IT PROPERLY, MIGHT NOT BE SUCH A BIG RISK TO YOUR HEALTH.

>> THANKS, ETHAN.

NOW FOR THE LATEST ON THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES, KATHERINE PATTERSON JOINS US FOR HEADLINES.

HELLO, KATHRYN.

>> HI, JOE.

AFTER MONTHS OF MEETINGS AND BACK AND FORTH, THE MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION HAS AN OFFICIAL ANTI-RACISM POLICY.

THE SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED THE POLICY THIS WEEK.

AS BENTE BOUTHIER REPORTS DISTRICT LEADERS MADE SEVERAL CHANGES TO THE POLICY AFTER TAKING FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY.

>> THE REVISED POLICY INCLUDES A COMMITMENT THAT THE DISTRICT WILL INTRODUCE PLANS TO TRACK AND ENFORCE THE POLICY'S OBJECTIVES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

LAST YEAR, BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH SENIOR SABRAH WAGNER SHARED HER EXPERIENCES OF RACISM IN MCCSC SCHOOLS AND CALLED FOR THE BOARD TO CREATE A POLICY.

SHE WAS ONE OF THE STUDENTS WHO HELPED DRAFT IT.

>> I FEEL LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE NERVOUS TO LIKE, SHARE ALL THE INFORMATION, BECAUSE WE ALL SEE, OUR SCHOOL IS LIKE A REALLY GREAT PLACE.

BUT AND IT'S REALLY HARD SOMETIMES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE ARE SOME FLAWS THAT ARE NEEDED TO MAKE IT CONTINUE BEING A GREAT PLACE.

>> THE REVISIONS ALSO CHANGED THE POLICY'S NAME FROM A RACIAL EQUITY POLICY TO AN ANTIRACISM POLICY.

BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH SOPHOMORE JAEL DAVIS SAYS THE NAME CHANGE MAKES HER OPTIMISTIC.

>> I FEEL LIKE THAT CLEARLY TELLS US YOU KNOW, WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR AND WHAT WE'RE WANTING TO BE IMPLEMENTED INTO MCCSC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

>> THE MONROE COUNTY BRANCH OF THE NAACP HELPED THE DISTRICT MAKE REVISIONS.

SUPERINTENDENT JEFF HAUSWALD THANKED THE ORGANIZATION FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT.

>> WE'RE IN A BETTER PLACE WE HAVE A BETTER POLICY.

WE HAD LOTS OF CONVERSATIONS AND JUST A LOT OF WORK AND CONVENING OF OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS, WORKING WITH STUDENTS, SO MANY -- WORKING WITH DR. WILLISTON.

SO MANY COLLABORATIONS TO BE WHERE WE ARE AND THEN TO MOVE FORWARD AND NEXT STEP IS EDUCATION.

>> ANOTHER CHANGE IS A NEW SANCTION AND MONITORING SECTION.

IT STATES THAT THE BOARD WILL RECEIVE SEMIANNUAL REPORTS ON RACIAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION INCIDENTS.

>>> INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S ALPHA PHI SORORITY IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR HAZING, ENDANGERING OTHERS AND ALCOHOL.

THE SORORITY IS ONE OF THREE GREEK ORGANIZATIONS ON THE I-U BLOOMINGTON CAMPUS ON CEASE AND DESIST.

NINE OTHERS ARE ON SUSPENSION AND SEVEN ON DISCIPLINARY STATUS.

THE SORORITY COULD FACE SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE UNIVERSITY IF MISCONDUCT CONTINUES DURING THE PROBATION.

>>> ADVOCATES HOPE ELI LILLY'S DECISION TO CUT THE PRICE OF MOST OF ITS INSULINS WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER DRUGMAKERS TO DO THE SAME.

LILLY ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK IT WILL LOWER THE PRICES OF ITS BRANDED INSULIN BY 70 PERCENT AND WILL INTRODUCE MORE PRICE CAPS FOR ITS NON-BRANDED INSULIN.

ADVOCATES SAY THESE ARE POSITIVE CHANGES, BUT HOPE TO SEE MORE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE OTHER TWO MAJOR INSULIN COMPANIES, NOVO NORDISK AND SANOFI.

>> WE WANT WANT SEE ALL THREE MANUFACTURERS LOWER THE LIFT PRICE OF ALL OF THEIR PRODUCTS AND WE NEED THEM TO BE AVAILABLE IN FALLERACIS.

>> ADVOCATES ARE PUSHING FOR FEDERAL REGULATION AND PRICE CAPS ON INSULIN, TO ENSURE MAJOR INSULIN COMPANIES CANNOT GO BACK AND RAISE PRICES AGAIN.

>>> A JUDGE HAS DENIED MONROE COUNTY REMONSTRATORS MORE TIME TO PROTEST THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON'S ATTEMPT TO ANNEX AREAS 1A AND 1B OF THE COUNTY.

THOSE ARE THE TWO AREAS THAT ACHIEVED THE MORE THAN 51-PERCENT THRESHOLD TO APPEAL ANNEXATION IN COURT.

JOE HREN HAS MORE ON THE JUDGE'S DECISION.

>> COUNTY RESIDENTS AGAINST ANNEXATION FILED A LAWSUIT IN JUNE REQUESTING AN EXTENSION TO COLLECT PETITIONS TO VOID ANNEXATION DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

LEGAL FILINGS STATE INDIANA LAW OUTLINES CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH EXTENSIONS OF TIME MAY BE GRANTED FOR OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS - SUCH AS EMERGENCIES, OR IN THIS CASE, PESTILENCE.

SPECIAL JUDGE NATHAN NIKIRK RULED THE PANDEMIC DID NOT PREVENT THE FILING OF REMONSTRANCE PETITIONS, STATING COVID RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED BY THEN, AND REFERRED TO THE MORE THAN 32-HUNDRED PETITIONS THAT DID GET CERTIFIED IN THOSE AREAS.

REMONSTRATORS SAY THEY ARE TALKING WITH LAWYERS TO SEE WHAT'S NEXT.

>> WE'RE CONSIDERING ALL LEGAL OPTIONS, AND WE EXPECT THIS TO BE A LONG LEGAL PROCESS.

AND THAT THIS IS JUST ONE PORTION OF PHASE ONE OF THE LEGAL REVIEW.

>> IN A STATEMENT, MAYOR JOHN HAMILTON SAYS THE CITY IS PLEASED AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEXT STEP OF ANNEXATION.

>> THE CITY IS ALSO CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF A STATE LAW IN A SEPARATE LAWSUIT THAT INTERFERED WITH ANNEXATION ATTEMPTS IN 2019.

>>> A FIVE-HUNDRED-DOLLAR REWARD IS BEING OFFERED FOR THE KILLING OF A BALD EAGLE.

THE NATIONAL BIRD WAS FOUND SHOT AND KILLED ABOUT 50 YARDS OFF OF COUNTY ROAD 300.

THE REWARD IS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO AN ARREST OF A SUSPECT.

THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE SEEN A STOPPED OR SLOWED VEHICLE IN THE AREA CAN CALL THE D-N-R LAW ENFORCEMENT DISTRICT 7 HEADQUARTERS.

>>> OUTDOOR DINING IS COMING BACK TO KIRKWOOD AVENUE IN A FEW WEEKS.

COUNCIL MEMBERS VOTED THIS WEEK TO CONTINUE THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR.

IT STARTED IN 2020 IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC.

ABOUT 2 1/2 BLOCKS OF KIRKWOOD WILL BE CLOSED.

THE CLOSURE WILL RUN FROM APRIL 3 UNTIL OCTOBER 1.

AND JOE, THAT'S SLIGHTLY SHORTER TIME PERIOD THAN PREVIOUS YEARS.

>> HOPEFULLY THE WEATHER WILL BE WARMER.

>> FINGERS CROSSED.

>> THANK YOU, KATHRYN.

COMING UP NEXT ON INDIANA NEWSDESK.•.

OON DOOR SHRIMP FARMING SHOWS A LOT OF POTENTIAL IN INDIANA, BUT FARMERS ARE SLOW TO TRY IT.

AHEAD, A LOOK AT THE INDUSTRY AND WHY SOME SAY ITS DEVELOPMENT IS NECESSARY TO MEET THE WORLD'S GROWING POPULATION.

AND WE'RE AT THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE 20-23 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THESE STORIES AND MORE RIGHT HERE ON INDIANA NEWSDESK.

>> WE CARE ABOUT THINGS THAT AFFECT THE LIVES OF EVERY AMERICAN.

>> WE ARE THERE AT THE FRONT LINE.

>> TO GET TO THE HEART OF WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN EVERY ISSUE.

>> THIS COUNTRY HAS NOT SEEN THIS IN 80 YEARS.

>> THIS EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT OF AMERICAN HISTORY... >> MAKING SUCH A HUGE IMPACT.

>> TRUST IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO.

>> LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES, AND RIGHT NOW, YOUR FAVORITE MEMBER BENEFIT PASSPORT IS OFFERING MORE CHOICES FOR YOU TO STREAM.

>> WELCOME TO THE CLUB.

>> IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING.

>> WITH COOKING.

>> KEEP WANTING TO -- >> TRAVEL.

>> HERE WE ARE.

>> DOCUMENTARIES.

>> I REALIZED I COULD PAY FOR IT.

>> AND SO MUCH MORE.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS, WITH PASSPORT ON PBS VIDEO APP.

>> WELCOME BACK TO INDIANA NEWSDESK.

EVER HEARD OF INDOOR SHRIMP FARMING?

IN THE U.S., AQUACULTURE IS LOOKED AT AS A NICHE WAY OF PRODUCING FOOD.

WORLDWIDE, IT'S A RAPIDLY GROWING INDUSTRY.

CLAYTON BAUMGARTH EXPLORES WHY AMERICA IS LAGGING AND MET THE HOOSIERS RAISING OCEAN LIFE IN INDIANA.

>> FOWLER, INDIANA, LOOKS ABOUT AS FAR AWAY FROM THE OCEAN AS YOU CAN GET.

BUT WITH SOME ABOVE GROUND POOLS, A WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM, AND A LOT OF HARD WORK, SEA CREATURES CAN BECOME DELICIOUS, HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC- FREE SEA FOOD.

FOR THIS SHRIMP CONNOISSEUR, THERE'S NO BETTER WAY TO EAT HER FAVORITE FOOD.

>> I STILL EAT SHRIMP THREE TO FOUR TIMES A WEEK.

I LOVE IT.

BUT I WON'T EAT IT OUT.

I WON'T EVEN EAT WILD CAUGHT FROM FLORIDA.

WE TRIED IT.

BAD.

IT WAS AWFUL.

IT'S AWFUL COMPARED TO WHAT I'M USED TO.

>> THIS IS RDM AQUACULTURE.

THEY GOT INTO HARVESTING SHRIMP IN 2010 AFTER DECIDING TO SHIFT AWAY FROM HOG PRODUCTION.

THEY SELL THEIR SHRIMP TO CONSUMERS LIVE, WITH THE HEAD ON, TO MAXIMIZE FRESHNESS.

>> BY SELLING IT LIVE WITH A HEAD ON, WE ARE GUARANTEEING YOU THE FRESHNESS OF THAT PRODUCT.

THAT PRODUCT YOU BUY IN THE GROCERY STORE, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW OLD IT IS, HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SITTING ON THAT SHELF?

OR HOW LONG WAS IT SITTING ON THE BOAT BEFORE IT CAME IN?

>> RDM IS ONE OF SMALL NUMBER OF FARMERS TAKING ON INDOOR SHRIMP FARMING.

WHEN THEY STARTED THEIR BUSINESS, THEY DISCOVERED THEY WERE ONLY THE 3RD INDOOR SHRIMP FARM TO OPEN IN THE ENTIRE U.S. NOW, MORE COMPANIES ARE HOPPING ON THE TREND LIKE ATARRAYA, WITH ITS PLUG-AND PLAY SHRIMPBOX.

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF BENEFITS TO GROWING SHRIMP AND OTHER SEA LIFE THIS WAY AS OPPOSED TO HARVESTING THEM FROM THE OCEAN.

FOR ONE, CONSUMERS LOVE KNOWING THAT THEIR FOOD IS AS FRESH AS POSSIBLE.

>> I HAVE A LADY THAT DRIVES TWO HOURS, AND SOMETIMES AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH, SHE'LL COME IN THREE TIMES A WEEK.

I'M LIKE, WHY DON'T YOU BUY THE 10 POUNDS AT THE ONE TIME?

SHE WAS NOPE, I WANT IT FRESH.

>> SECOND, WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER LIVESTOCK LIKE COWS, CHICKENS AND PIGS, FISH PRODUCE LESS WASTE AND TAKE UP LESS ACREAGE TO PRODUCE COMPARATIVE AMOUNTS OF PROTEIN.

AND THERE ARE A FEW WAYS FARMERS CAN TRY THEIR HAND AT AQUACULTURE.

THEY CAN USE CONTROLLED OUTDOOR PONDS, FLOW-THROUGH SYSTEMS INVOLVING EXISTING STREAMS, AND INDOOR SYSTEMS LIKE WHAT RDM UTILIZES.

>> IN INDIANA, IF YOU GO TO SOUTHERN PART OF INDIANA WHERE IT'S A LITTLE BIT WARM, WE HAVE SOME FARMERS THERE WHO ARE GROWING FISH IN PONDS.

AS YOU MOVE NORTH, THE INDOOR SYSTEMS IS PREDOMINANTLY WHAT YOU WILL FIND AROUND.

>> OTHER TYPES OF FISH PRODUCED IN INDIANA INCLUDE SALMON, TROUT, TILAPIA, AND ORNAMENTAL FISH LIKE KOI AND GOLDFISH.

GLOBALLY, AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION HAS INCREASED STEADILY OVER THE LAST DECADE.

DOMESTICALLY THOUGH, IT HAS STAGNATED.

>> THE REASON IS THAT WE HAVE BEEN COMPETING WITH IMPORTED PRODUCTS.

SO WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, RESEARCH AND ESTIMATES PUT IT SOMEWHERE AROUND 85 TO 95% OF ALL THE SEAFOOD THAT WE CONSUME IN THE US IS IMPORTED.

>> DOMESTIC AQUACULTURE FARMERS COMPETE WITH LOW PRICES, IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE MARGINS ARE ALREADY TIGHT.

>> LET'S SAY FILET TILAPIA, YOU KNOW, FOR 399 IN YOUR GROCERY STORE, BUT A LOCAL TILAPIA PRODUCERS, AFTER FILL LAYING OR NOT, CAN SELL AT 399 OR 499.

YOU KNOW, IT HAS TO BE OVER 10 BUCKS, 13, 14 15 BUCKS.

>> IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, PRODUCTION COSTS ARE GENERALLY LOWER THAN IN THE US, ALLOWING FOR LOWER PRICES AT THE GROCERY STORE.

>> EVEN THOUGH WE CAN GROW ALMOST--I WOULD SAY ALL THE SPECIES THAT WE IMPORT AND WOULD LIKE TO EAT, WE CAN GROW THOSE HERE.

THE ECONOMICS OF IT GETS TO BE CHALLENGING BECAUSE OF OUR HIGH LABOR COSTS AND LAND COSTS.

>> ONE ROUTE THAT BROWN SEES FORWARD IS THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF AQUAPONICS, A PRODUCTION SYSTEM THAT COMBINES AQUACULTURE, A BACTERIAL SUBSYSTEM, AND PLANTS IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT THAT PRODUCES MORE FOOD FOR LESS RESOURCES.

EVEN WITH THIS EXCITEMENT AROUND BETTER, MORE EFFICIENT FOOD PRODUCTION METHODS, BROWN SAYS THE INDUSTRY SIMPLY ISN'T GROWING.

>> THE OPPORTUNITIES IN AQUACULTURE AND AQUAPONICS ARE SUBSTANTIAL, THEY'RE CONSIDERABLE, THEY'RE SIGNIFICANT.

THEY'RE LEGITIMATE, THEY DON'T NEED TO BE EMBELLISHED.

AND YET, WE DON'T SEE NEW PEOPLE GETTING INTO IT.

>> BROWN SEES THESE FOOD PRODUCTION METHODS AS THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE.

THE UNITED NATIONS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION FORECASTS THAT BY 2050, FOOD PRODUCTION WILL NEED TO DOUBLE TO SUPPORT THE POPULATION.

WITH CURRENT FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS ALREADY DEMANDING 70 TO 75% OF THE GLOBAL FRESH WATER SUPPLY, SOME THINGS WILL NEED TO CHANGE TO MEET THAT GOAL.

>> THOSE TYPES OF FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS WILL MOST LIKELY BECOME MORE COMMON IN OUR FUTURE.

MY CRYSTAL BALL IS NO CLEARER THAN ANYONE ELSE'S.

BUT I DON'T SEE HOW WE CAN GET TO A DOUBLING OF FOOD PRODUCTION ON A GLOBAL SCALE WITHOUT SOME DIFFERENT APPROACHES.

>> FOR INDIANA NEWSDESK, I'M CLAYTON BAUMGARTH.

>> THE UNITED STATES NOW RANKS EIGHTEENTH IN AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION WORLDWIDE, AFTER HAVING ONCE BEEN AMONG THE TOP FIVE PRODUCERS.

>>> WE'VE REACHED THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AND THIS WEEK WE LEARNED WHICH ISSUES LIKELY WON'T BE ADDRESSED THIS YEAR.

LIZ DESANTIS JOINS US FROM THE NEWSROOM NOW WITH AN UPDATE ON WHERE KEY ISSUES AND LEGISLATION STAND AT THE STATEHOUSE.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, LIZ.

>> WERE THANKS, JOE.

A BILL REQUIRING SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO DECLARE A POLITICAL PARTY WON'T ADVANCE THIS SESSION.

DEMOCRATS AND SEVERAL EDUCATION GROUPS OPPOSED THE PROPOSED CHANGE, ARGUING IT WOULD FURTHER INJECT POLITICS INTO SCHOOLS.

SUPPORTERS, MEANWHILE, MAINTAINED IT WOULD GIVE VOTERS MORE INFORMATION AND INCREASE TRANSPARENCY.

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR LAWMAKERS TO INSERT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CHANGES INTO ANOTHER BILL.

THE HOUSE SPEAKER CALLS THIS PRETTY UNLIKELY BEFORE THIS YEAR'S LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS.

A BILL ON ITS WAY TO THE HOUSE WOULD BAN MEDICINAL AND SURGICAL GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH.

AS LAUREN CHAPMAN REPORTS, LAWMAKERS OPPOSING THE BILL CALL IT AN UNFAIR ATTACK ON TRANSGENDER KIDS.

>> THE BILL BANS A NUMBER OF HORMONAL TREATMENTS AND SURGERIES FOR MINORS, BUT PROVIDES EXEMPTIONS AS LONG AS THOSE TREATMENTS AREN'T FOR GENDER DYSPHORIA.

THE BILL'S AUTHOR, SENATOR TYLER JOHNSON ,SAYS THE BILL PROTECTS KIDS FROM WHAT HE CALLS "UNPROVEN AND IRREVERSIBLE" TREATMENTS.

MOST MAJOR MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE DISAGREE WITH THAT CLAIM.

>> I'LL REPEAT THAT WE HAVE THE MEDICAL, MORAL AND LEGAL OBLIGATION TO PROTECT HOOSIER CHILDREN.

>> SENATOR SHELLI YODER SAYS THE LEGISLATURE IS 'BULLYING CHILDREN.

>> WE ARE TARGETING A VERY EXTRAORDINARILY SMALL AND EXTRAORDINARILY VULNERABLE- VULNERABLE POPULATION MAKING THEM TARGETS OF FURTHER HARASSMENT AND RESTRICTION.

>> THERE'S ONLY ONE HOSPITAL IN INDIANA THAT OFFERS GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR MINORS.

AND ADMINISTRATORS TOLD LAWMAKERS THEY TYPICALLY DON'T REFER TRANSGENDER YOUTH FOR SURGERIES, WHICH IS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE.

FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M LAUREN CHAPMAN.

>> TRANS STUDENTS IN K-12 SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN A FOCAL POINT FOR LAWMAKERS THIS SESSION.

LAST WEEK LEGISLATORS APPROVED A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS TO TELL PARENTS ABOUT STUDENTS' PRONOUN CHANGES.

AND THIS WEEK LAWMAKERS ALSO PUSHED AHEAD A SEPARATE BILL THAT WOULD STRIP SCHOOL LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS FROM A LEGAL DEFENSE AGAINST CHARGES OF SHARING HARMFUL MATERIALS WITH MINORS.

WHILE SUPPORTERS SAY IT CLOSES A LOOPHOLE IN STATE LAW, OPPONENTS SAY IT CRIMINALIZES SCHOOL LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS AND WORRY IT COULD LEAD TO BANNING BOOKS THAT EXPLORE RACISM OR LGBTQ ISSUES.

LEGISLATION HEADED TO THE HOUSE AIMS TO OVERHAUL THE QUALITY OF CARE THAT LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS PROVIDE TO HOOSIERS.

UNDER THE BILL, LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS CAN APPLY TO THE STATE FOR SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED FUNDING.

BUT TO GET IT, THEY MUST PROVIDE ABOUT TWO DOZEN CORE SERVICES, A LIST OF WHICH IS INCLUDED IN THE BILL.

REPUBLICAN SENATOR ED CHARBONNEAU SAYS HIS BILL IS ABOUT ADDRESSING THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF PUBLIC HEALTH - WHICH HAS LONG BEEN UNDERSERVED.

>> WE DON'T BUILD A ROAD SYSTEM AND THEN NEGLECT IT.

WE DON'T BUILD SCHOOLS AND NOT STAFF THEM.

THE SAME IS TRUE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH.

>> DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SHELLI YODER NOTES THE FUNDING ISN'T IN THE MEASURE - THAT WILL BE DECIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET.

>> WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO FUND SENATE BILL 4 SO THAT COUNTIES THAT CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAN APPLY AND DO THE WORK THAT IS MUCH NEEDED THROUGHOUT INDIANA.

>> THE BILL PASSED THE SENATE 41-7.

ELECTRONIC TRACKING WOULD BE A FELONY UNDER LEGISLATION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THIS WEEK IN THE SENATE.

THE BILL WAS PROMPTED AFTER AN INCIDENT LAST YEAR IN WHICH A WOMAN WAS VICIOUSLY ASSAULTED BY HER EX-BOYFRIEND WHO TRACKED HER USING GPS TECHNOLOGY.

UNDER ONE OF THE BILL'S EXCEPTIONS, FAMILY MEMBERS CAN STILL LEGALLY TRACK EACH OTHER, UNLESS THEY'RE UNDER A PROTECTIVE ORDER.

SENATOR LIZ BROWN HAS AN ISSUE WITH THAT.

>> IF A HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE STILL ABLE, WITHOUT CONSENT, TO TRACK EACH OTHER AND MAYBE THEY HAVE A SLIGHTLY ACRIMONIOUS MARRIAGE AND THEY'RE MOVING INTO DIVORCE, BUT NOT YET, THEN THAT'S COVERED UNDER THIS.

>> OTHER EXCEPTIONS INCLUDE PUTTING A TRACKING DEVICE ON ONE'S OWN PROPERTY, TRACKING SOMEONE WHO'S INCARCERATED OR PART OF PAROLE, HOME DETENTION OR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS AND A TRACKING DEVICE INSTALLED BY A MANUFACTURER IN A MOTOR VEHICLE.

AND JOE, THE TRACKING BILL IS NOW MOVING ON TO THE HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION.

>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, LIZ.

>>> AWARDS AND ACCOLADES ARE STARTING TO COME IN FOR THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM.

HEAD COACH TERI MOREN IS THE BIG TEN'S COACH OF THE YEAR FOR THE SECOND TIME.

SENIOR FORWARD MACKENZIE HOLMES THEY WON THE REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS.

THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM, OUR WORK CONTINUES ONLINE AS WE COVER THE NEWS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AT WTIU NEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

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