>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," PEOPLE WITH STUDENT LOANS HAVE TO START REPAYING THEM THIS WEEKEND.

>> MILLIONS OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE ENTERING INTO REPAYMENT, AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT THEY START THAT PROCESS EARLY.

>> AHEAD HOW BORROWERS CAN GET INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR BEPAYMENT OPTIONS.

>>> THE FARM BILL FUNDS A RANGE OF THINGS FROM CROP INSURANCE TO MORE.

THE DEADLINE IS LOOMING FOR CONGRESS TO PASS THE BILL.

>> IT'S DEEMED A FARM BILL BUT IT'S REALLY A FOOD BILL.

>> WHAT IF LAWMAKERS DON'T PASS THE FARM BILL BEFORE SATURDAY'S DEADLINE.

>>> AND MUSICAL LEGENDS TAKE THE STAGE TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY FARMERS.

>> WE KNOW HOW IT IS WHEN YOU DO IT RIGHT.

>> A LOOK BACK AT LAST WEEK'S FARM AID.

THOSE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE STATE, RIGHT NOW "INDIANA NEWSDESK"!

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS RESUME SUNDAY.

MORE THAN 900,000 HOOSIERS WHO HAVEN'T HAD TO MAKE PAYMENTS FOR THREE YEARS WILL BE AFFECTED.

DURING THE PAYMENT PAUSE, A LOT HAS CHANGED.

LOANS HAVE SWITCHED HANDS, DUE DATES ARE DIFFERENT.

AUBREY WRIGHT REPORTS HOW HOOSIERS WITH COLLEGE DEBT CAN CHECK THEIR FEDERAL LOANS AND PREPARE FOR UPCOMING PAYMENTS.

>>> IT'S BEEN OVER THREE YEARS SINCE FEDERAL LOAN REPAYMENTS WERE PAUSED, BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE FREEZE IS ENDING FOR MORE THAN 900,000 HOOSIERS.

INDIANA IS ONE OF THE MOST GENEROUS STATES IN THE U.S.

WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL AID.

BUT SOME STILL STRUGGLE WITH THE COST OF COLLEGE.

THE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION REPORTS INDIANA COLLEGE GRADUATES AVERAGE ABOUT $25,000 OF DEBT.

CHIEF OF STAFF JOSH GARRISON HAS A MESSAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH PAYMENTS DUE.

DON'T WAIT.

>> IN OCTOBER, MILLIONS OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE ENTERING INTO REPAYMENT, AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT THEY START THAT PROCESS EARLY.

>> GARRISON ENCOURAGES BORROWERS TO VISIT THE FEDERAL STATE UNIT WEBSITE, LEARN WHAT INCOME-DRIVEN REPAYMENTS THEY CALL FOR -- WHAT YOU WILLIFY FOR.

AND INVEST ED, BILL WONIACK KNOWS THIS IS A CONFUSING TIME FOR BORROWERS.

INVEST ED PROVIDES FREE PERSONALIZED ADVICE FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND BORROWERS DEALING WITH THE COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

>> STUDENTS AND BORROWERS AND FAMILIES, THEY ALWAYS THINK THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE WITH A QUESTION OR THAT EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS THE ANSWER AND THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO DOESN'T.

AND IT'S NOT TRUE.

>> SEVERAL INITIATIVES FROM THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ARE INTENDED TO MAKE LOAN PAYMENTS PAYMENTS EASIER.

THE NEW SAVE PLAN IS AN INCOME DRIVEN REPAYMENT PLAN THAT BENEFITS LOW-INCOME BOW ROWERS.

THOSE WHO MISS A CREDIT LOAN WILL NOT DEFAULT.

SOME PEOPLE MAY QUALIFY FOR LOAN FORGIVENESS OR REPAYMENT PROGRAMS OTHER THAN THE STANDARD TEN-YEAR PLAN.

THEY JUST HAVE TO EXAMINE THEIR OPTIONS AND OPT?

>> BUT STEPS HAVE TO BE TAKEN AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TO HELP PEOPLE AND TRY TO MAKE IT UNDERSTANDABLE AND -- AND RELATIVELY EASY TO DO.

>> LOAN PROVIDERS ARE REQUIRED TO REACH OUT 21 DAYS BEFORE A PAYMENT IS DUE.

SO KEEP AN EYE OUT.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M AUBREY WRIGHT.

>>> JOINING US NOW IS AUBREY WRIGHT.

I READ IN YOUR REPORTING THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THE DETAILS OF THEIR LOAN REPAYMENTS BUT WHAT SHOULD BORROWERS DO IF THEY DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT.

>> YEAH, THE FIRST THING THEY SHOULD DO IS VISIT THE FEDERAL STUDENT AID WEBSITE.

THAT IS GOING TO BE THE HUB FOR ANY AND EVERY STUDENT LOAN QUESTION.

ALL OF THEIR INFORMATION, PERSONAL AND LOAN INFORMATION, IS LINKED TO THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

SO IF THEY KNOW THAT, THEN THEY'LL BE ABLE TO FIND WHO THEY OWE, AND WHAT THEY OWE.

AND THEN THEY'LL ALSO BE ABLE TO FIND THEIR TOTAL BALANCE AND WHAT REPAYMENT PLAN THEY'RE ON.

>> SOME PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT TO PAY THOSE LOANS AFTER THREE YEARS, WHAT ABOUT THOSE PEOPLE.

>> IT'S NOT LOOKING GREAT FOR THEM.

EXPERTS KNOW THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE A REALLY ROCKY TIME FOR MOST PEOPLE.

THERE ARE SOME SAFETY NETS IN PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO MISS THEIR PAYMENTS IN THE FIRST YEAR.

BUT THEY STILL HAVE TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS.

THE BALANCE ISN'T GOING TO GO AWAY AND INTEREST IS GOING TO ACCRUE.

IF YOU REALLY CAN'T HANDLE YOUR LOANS, YOU MIGHT WANT TO APPLY FOR A DEFERMENT OR FORBEARANCE.

>> WHAT ABOUT THE SAVE PROGRAM?

WHAT'S EVERYONE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE?

>> YES, THE SAVE PLAN IS A REVAMPED INCOME-DRIVEN REPAYMENT PLAN.

SO THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BENEFIT PEOPLE WHO DON'T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY AND WANT LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS.

WITH THIS PLAN, PEOPLE WILL PAY 10% OF THEIR DISCRETIONARY INCOME.

DIFFERENT THAN YOUR REGULAR INCOME.

FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE WHO MAKE $15 AN HOUR, THEY'RE GOING TO PAY $0 A MONTH.

AND APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN RIGHT NOW.

>> OKAY.

WE GOT TO GO.

REALLY QUICK, THOUGH, WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT STUDENT DEBT IN INDIANA?

>> YEAH, IT LOOKS BETTER THAN SOME OTHER STATES.

OHIO, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS.

WHEN PEOPLE TAKE OUT LOANS IN INDIANA, IT'S ABOUT $5,000 A YEAR.

AND STATE LEADERS REALLY WANT TO KEEP THESE COSTS DOWN AND THEY BELIEVE THAT THE VALUE OF COLLEGE OUTWEIGHS THE COST.

>> AUBREY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPORTING.

APPRECIATE IT.

EVERY FIVE YEARS CONGRESS HAS TO PASS A NEW FARM BILL.

THE CURRENT ONE DATING BACK TO 2018 EXPIRES TOMORROW.

THERE'S A LOT AT STAKE IF CONGRESS CAN'T AGREE ON A NEW VERSION.

AS CLAYTON BAUMGARTH REPORTS, IF YOU GROW FOOD OR DEPEND ON SOMEONE WHO DOES, CHANCES ARE THE BILL HAS SOMETHING IN IT THAT AFFECTS YOU.

>> CHRIS TEMPLE IS A FARMER BASED OUT OF St. CROIX, INDIANA.

HIS FAMILY FARM DEALS IN ALL THE INDIANA STAPLES, CORN, SOYBEANS AND CATTLES.

THE TEMPLES DEAL IN THE TYPICAL HARDSHIPS FROM FLOODED FIELDS TO DROUGHTS.

>> WE PLANTED A COUPLE HUNDRED ACRES OF CORN, MAY 4th OR 5th THIS YEAR.

WE ENDED UP WITH ABOUT 4 INCHES OF RAIN TWO DAYS AFTER THAT AND THE CORN JUST GOT FLOODED OUT.

>> FOR TEMPLE AND FARMERS AROUND THE STATE, THE FARM BILL PROVIDES SERVICES THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO THEIR OPERATION.

OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE IS THE PROVISION ON CROP INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS THE LOSS OF CROPS DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER EVENTS.

>> WE ARE PAYING 50% OF THE PREMIUM, THE FARM BILL PAYS 50% OF THE PREMIUM.

YOU KNOW, IF WE HAD TO PAY 100% OF THE PREMIUM, WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO CARRY THAT INSURANCE TO HELP US GET THROUGH.

>> TEMPLE AND HIS FAMILY HAD TO DRAW ON CROP INSURANCE THIS YEAR FOR THE FLOOD OUT OF THEIR CORN.

IN 2012, THEY HAD A MUCH LARGER DRAW ON THE SERVICE WHEN A DROUGHT TURNED THEIR USUAL 160-BUSHEL PER ACRE CROPS TO 12-BUSHEL PER ACRE CROPS.

>> YEAH, IF WE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD CROP INSURANCE?

2012, I DON'T THINK OUR OPERATION WOULD BE IN EXISTENCE TODAY.

SO -- AND NOT ONLY 2012, THERE'S OTHER YEARS THAT IT HAS JUMPED IN AND HELPED OUT.

>> CROP INSURANCE HELPS IN AN INDIRECT WAY AS WELL, PUTTING PROTECTIONS IN PLACE SO FARMERS CAN GET MUCH-NEEDED BUSINESS LOANS.

>> A LOT OF BANKS LOOK AT THE CROP INSURANCE PORTION.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE COULD GET AN OPERATING LOAN THE SIZE WE ARE GETTING WITHOUT CROP INSURANCE.

AND, YOU KNOW, IF WE AIN'T GOT THE OPERATING FUNDS, YOU KNOW, THAT'S GOING TO PUT OUR OPERATION IN A LARGE BIND TOO.

>> AND THAT'S HOW IMPORTANT JUST ONE PROVISION WITHIN THE FARM BILL IS FOR AGRICULTURE.

OTHER IMPORTANT PROVISIONS AND PROGRAMS TO RURAL AMERICA FOCUS ON CONSERVATION, RURAL BROAD BAND AND RURAL CHILD CARE.

BRANTLEY SEIFERS IS THE NATIONAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR FOR THE INDIANA FARM BUREAU.

HE SAYS THOSE RURAL FOCUSED PROGRAMS ONLY MAKE UP 15% OF THE FARM BILL.

>> FOR MOST PEOPLE, THE BIGGEST PART WILL BE THE SNAP PROGRAM AND THE NUTRITION TITLE.

THIS IS KIND OF DEEMED THE FARM BILL, BUT REALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S A FOOD BILL.

AND SO THE SNAP TITLE MAKES UP ANYWHERE BETWEEN 80 AND 85% OF THE BILL.

SO THAT IS THE LARGEST TITLE.

>> FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN DEBATED OVER THE FARM BILL IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE IT SIGNED BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 30th, EXPIRATION DATE.

YOU WILL MIGHT THINK A LOT WILL CHANGE IN THE 2023 FARM BILL BUT THE REALITY IS THE BILL REMAINS LARGELY UNCHANGED FROM 2018.

>> RIGHT NOW WE'RE LOOKING AT THE FIRST TRILLION DOLLARS FARM BILL AND IT'S ACTUALLY $1.5 TRILLION.

SO IT'S A VERY LARGE BILL.

SO IT'S -- THE CONVERSATION IS NOT ABOUT WHAT PROGRAMS TO CUT OR ADD, IT'S ABOUT WHICH PROGRAMS ARE GOING TO BE GETTING FUNDING, MORE FUNDING THAN MAYBE THEY DID OR UPDATING THAT FUNDING LEVELS.

>> NOT ALL HOPE IS LOST, THOUGH, FOR THE SNAP PROGRAM AND OTHERS LINE OUT IN THE BILL.

THERE ARE TWO EXPIRATION DATES TO THE FARM BILL, THE FISCAL YEAR EXPIRATION OF SEPTEMBER 30th AND THE CROP YEAR EXPIRATION OF DECEMBER 31st.

THE COUNTRY WON'T FEEL THE EFFECTS OF AN EXPIRED FARM BILL UNTIL EARLY 2024, WHEN DAIRY SUBSIDIES TAKE THE FIRST HIT.

THAT'S GOOD NEWS BECAUSE BETWEEN THOSE TWO EXPERTATION DATES, THE LAWMAKERS HAVE TIME TO VOTE THE BILL INTO LAW OR APPROVE AN EXTENSION TO CONTINUE WORKING ON IT.

>> 2018'S KIND OF FOLLOWING A SIMILAR PATH THAT WE ARE NOW.

I BELIEVE THEY HAD AN EXTENSION, BECAUSE IT HAS TO GO TO THE HOUSE, SENATE AND THEN USUALLY A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BECAUSE THOSE ALWAYS DON'T COME OUT PERFECTLY ALIGNED.

SO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO DO A SECOND ROUND OF VOTES BEFORE IT CAN GO TO THE PRESIDENT FOR HIS SIGNATURE.

>> FOR TEMPLE, THE LACK OF POSITIVE MOMENTMENT ON THE FARM BILL IS FRUSTRATING ESPECIALLY THAT MANY FARMERS ARE CONTENT WITH THE BILL AS IT STANDS.

>> FOR RIGHT NOW, I THINK IF WE CAN GET EXACTLY WHAT WE GOT IN THE CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM, IN THE NEXT FARM BILL, EVERYBODY IS GOING TO BE HAPPY.

SO -- AND THAT'S KIND OF THE MAIN GOAL, WE'RE SHOOTING AT RIGHT NOW.

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

>> TO THE 18 FARM BILL WAS NOT SIGNED INTO LAW UNTIL LATE DECEMBER THIS YEAR'S FARM BILL WILL MOST LIKELY FOLLOW A SIMILAR TIMELINE AND GO DOWN TO THE WIRE.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," BLOOMINGTON'S MAYOR IS HOPING THE COURTS ALLOW ANNEXATION ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE CITY TO PROCEED, BUT OPPONENTS ARE PUSHING BACK.

>>> AND MUSIC LEGENDS ARE SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT FOR FAMILY FARMERS.

♪ >> WHAT DO YOU SAY, INDIANA?

♪ THIS IS GETTING BETTER ♪ ♪ >> THESE STORIES AND MORE RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON IS HOPING A COURT WILL RULE IN ITS FAVOR AND ALLOW ANNEXATION OF A COUPLE AREAS ON THE CITY'S WEST SIDE TO PROCEED.

COUNTY RESIDENTS AGAINST ANNEXATION IS RESPONDING TO BLOOMINGTON'S REQUEST TO DISMISS A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF A 2019 LAW THAT ENDED UP VOIDING SOME OF THE CITY'S ANNEXATION ATTEMPT.

NOW, THE CITY IS HOPING BY DISMISSING THAT CASE, THE COURT WILL PROCEED WITH AN ANNEXATION TRIAL ON AREAS 1A.

AND 1B.

THOSE AREAS WERE NOT ABLE TO VOID ANNEXATION BUT DID REACH THE THRESHOLD TO APPEAL IN COURT.

>> WHERE WE DROP A PIECE OF THE CONSTITUTION LITIGATION AND SAY, LET'S JUST GO TO TRIAL ON 1A AND 1B, WE'RE CONFIDENT THAT THE COURT WILL SAY YES, YES, IT MAKES SENSE.

>> THE ANNEXATION PRESIDENT SAYS MARGARET CLEMENTS SAYS THE ATTORNEYS FILED A REQUEST TO THE CITY'S REQUEST ON FRIDAY.

>> IF THE STAY WERE LIFTED IT COULD RESULT IN INCONSISTENT RULINGS, TWO THAT IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE PETITIONERS AND THREE, THAT THE REQUEST TO LIFT THE STAY IS MOTIVATED BY POLITICS RATHER THAN SOUND LEGAL REASONS.

>> THERE'S NO TIMETABLE ON A RULING.

NOW FOR THE LATEST ON THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES, CALI LICHTER JOINS US WITH HEAD LINES.

HI, CALI.

>> HI, JOE.

THE INDIANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION SAYS HOSPITALS ARE AT A FINANCIAL BREAKING POINT, AS STATE LAWMAKERS BEGIN A DEEP DIVE INTO MEDICAID FUNDING.

THE NEW STATE BUDGET IMPROVED THE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR PHYSICIANS THIS YEAR, BUT NOW I.H.A.

'S PRESIDENT BRIAN TAKE TABOR SAYS HOSPITALS NEED MORE MORE ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE.

>> AS THE BURDEN ON HOSPITALS CONTINUE TO GROW TO FUND THE VERY LOW BASE RATES THAT HAVEN'T BEEN RACED RAISED IN 30 YEARS AS WE FUND MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ON THE HEALTHY INDIANA PROGRAM.

WE ARE PAYING MORE FOR THAT PROGRAM OVER THE NEXT SEVERALS AS PEOPLE COME OFF OF MEDICAID.

AND SO MY CONCERN IS THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE HOSPITALS AND SERVICES FOR MEDICAID PATIENTS.

>> TABOR SAYS THE STATE COULD REDUCE A SURTAX IT CHARGES HOSPITALS TO HELP PAY FOR MEDICAID, THOUGH IT'S LIKELY SOME LAWMAKERS WILL BULK.

HE SAYS INDIANA -- BALK.

HE SAYS INDIANA COULD LEARN FROM OTHER STATES THAT ARE DOING MORE TO LEVERAGE FUNDING FOR MEDICAID.

STATE LAWMAKERS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED THE MEDICAID OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO DO A DEEP DIVE INTO A PROGRAM AND ITS FUNDING ISSUES.

>>> THE BLOOMINGTON POLICE STATION IS UP TORE SALE.

BIDDING STARTS NEXT MONTH.

THE MINIMUM PRICE IS $2.2 MILLION.

MONEY FROM THE SALE WILL HELP TO PAY TO MOVE THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS TO THE SHOWERS BUILDING.

CONSTRUCTION ON THE SHOWERS PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, AND BE COMPLETE BY NEXT YEAR.

>>> IT'S BEEN ABOUT SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOUND A CHEMICAL USED TO STERILIZE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SPICES WAS A LOT MORE HARMFUL THAN THE AGENCY THOUGHT.

LONG-TERM EXPOSE TO EAT LEAN OXIDE CAN CAUSE BLOOD CANCERS AND BREAST CANCER BUT THEY HAVE NOT FINALIZED A RULE EMITTING THE GROUP.

NOW IT WILL HAVE TO DO SO BY MARCH.

AN ATTORNEY WITH EARTH JUST SAYS SAYS THE EPA NEEDS TO A ACTION NOW TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND PARTICULARLY CHILDREN.

>> AS CHILDREN GROW, THEIR CELLS ARE DIVIDING AND THAT'S A PROCESS OF GROWING.

AND WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN THAT ARE BREATHING IN ETHYLENE OXIDE, AS THEIR CELLS DIVIDE, THE RISK OF HARM AND THEIR RISK OF CANCER IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER.

>> PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD REQUIRE ALL STERILIZERS TO MEET THE SAME REQUIREMENTS REGARDLESS FOR HOW HOW MUCH ETHYLENE OXIDE THEY EMIT.

>>> MONROE COUNTY OFFICIALS SEEM TO AGREE ON A PROPOSED LOCATION ON A NEW JAIL BUT RESIDENTS WHO LIVE NEAR THE SITE DON'T WANT IT IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.

GEORGE HALE REPORTS.

>> DOZENS ATTENDED THE COUNTY LISTENING SESSION TO REGISTER THEIR OPPOSITION ABOUT THE SITE ON BLOOMINGTON'S OUTSIDE.

ONE WOMAN WHO IDENTIFIED HERSELF AS IESHA SAID SHE MOVED HER FAMILY TO THE AREA TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE THAN SHE HAD GROWING UP.

>> YOU WILL LITERALLY BE PUTTING WHAT WE'RE TRYING DESPERATELY TO ESCAPE, RIGHT IN OUR BACK YARD.

>> THE PROPERTY ON THE WEST SIDE OF ROGERS STREET IS NEAR SWITCH YARD PARK AND THE R.C.A.

COMMUNITY PARK PLAYGROUND.

SHERIFF MARTE ACKNOWLEDGED THE RESISTANCE BUT URGED THE OFFICIALS TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION SOONER RATHER THAN LATER THE CURRENT JAIL IN DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON IS DETEAROR ITEARORIORATING.

>> WE GOT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T GO BACK INTO THE SAME CYCLE WHERE THEY CAME FROM.

>> A FIRM HIRED TO DESIGN THE NEW JAIL IS REVIEWING THREE OTHER SITES IN ADDITION TO THE THOMPSON.

IT INCLUDES THE I.U.

HEALTH HOSPITAL AND TWO OTHER SITES OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M GEORGE HALE.

>>> BLOOMINGTON'S GATEWAY PROJECT IS STILL ON HOLD DESPITE THE MAYOR SAYING IT'S ALREADY A DONE DEAL.

THIS WEEK, THE CITY'S BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS POSTPONED VOTING ON A LAND AND SIDEWALK CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE PROJECT.

IT'S THE SECOND TIME THE BOARD HAS DONE SO.

THE DECISION FOLLOWS PUBLIC CRITICISM AGAINST THE PROJECT BASED ON ITS MORE THAN $1 MILLION PRICE TAG AND UTILITY.

IT'S UNCLEAR WHETHER THE BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE ITEM AGAIN AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

THE PROJECT HAS ALREADY GONE THROUGH THE CITY'S ARTS COMMISSION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT.

>>> A JUDGE FOUND A FORMER INDIANA UNIVERSITY STUDENT GUILTY OF TRESPASSING IN THE 2021 INSURRECTION AT THE CAPITAL BUILDING.

ANTHONY VO WAS FOUND GUILTY ON FOUR CHARGES INCLUDING ENTERING A RESTRICTED BUILDING AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN A RESTRICTED BUILDING AND DEMONSTRATING IN A CAPITAL BUILDING.

THE SENTENCING IS SET FOR DECEMBER 18th.

>>> A NEW RECORD HAS BEEN SET FOR THE NUMBER OF FIREARMS STOPPED AT INDIANAPOLIS INTEREST NATIONAL AIRPORT THIS YEAR, AND IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET HIGHER.

THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION HAS FOUND 75 FIREARMS AT SECURITY CHECK POINTS THIS YEAR, AND IN MOST CASES THEY HAVE BEEN LOADED.

WHEN AN AGENT FINDS A GUN, THEY HAVE TO CLOSE THE CHECKPOINT AND WAIT FOR POLICE TO ARRIVE AND TAKE POSSESSION OF THE WEAPON.

PASSENGERS CAN FACE STEEP PENALTIES FOR A FIREARMS VIOLATION.

THE MAXIMUM CIVIL PENALTY IS $15,000.

TSA PRECHECK MAY BE REVOKED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

>>> THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HOPES TO EDUCATE HUNTERS ABOUT HOW USING LEAD BULLETS THREATENS SCAVENGER BIRDS LIKE EAGLES EAGLES AND OTHER BIRDS.

THERE'S A WEB PAGE AND PLAN A SPECIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN URGING HUNTERS TO USE LESS TOXIC AMMUNITION.

>> BIRDS CAN ISSUES FLYING AND REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS.

PEOPLE WHO RELY ON WILD GAME FOOD CAN SUFFER HEALTH ISSUES.

FEDERAL LAW DOES NOT ALLOW HUNTERS TO USE LEAD BULLETS TO SKILL DUCKS AND WATERFOWL, THEY CAN USE IT FOR DEER AND SQUIRRELS IN INDIANA.

>> I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT TO BE, YOU KNOW, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OR WANT TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

AND THEY MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THAT CARCASS THAT THEY LEAVE IN THE WOODS.

>> IT'S UNCLEAR SHOULD WELL THE CAMPAIGN WILL WORK.

THE DNR SAYS LEAD BULLETS ARE NOT THAT MUCH CHEAPER THAN LESS TOXIC ONES, THERE'S NOT ENOUGH BULLETS WITHOUT LEAD TO MEET THE HIGH DEMAND FOR AMMUNITION.

>> THESE KINDS OF REGULATIONS ARE NOT THAT FAR FETCHED AND WE NEED TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS DOING THAT AND THE MARK WILL SHIFT ACCORDINGLY.

>> NORFOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M REBECCA THIELE.

>> IT WAS INSPIRED BY A CITIZEN PETITION TO PROHIBIT ALL LEAD SHOT.

>>> MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL LEADERS WANT THE DISTRICT'S HIGH SCHOOLS TO BE ON THE SAME SCHEDULE.

BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH IS ON A TRIMESTER AND NORTH IS ON A BLOCK SCHEDULE.

IN A BETTER, IT WOULD FIX DISPARITIES AND BIASES THAT OCCUR BECAUSE THE SCHEDULES ARE NOT ALIGNED.

SEVER HUNDREDSEVERAL HUNDRED STUDENTS HAVE SIGNED A PETITION.

>> A SCHOOL THAT YOU COULD CHOOSE, I THINK WOULD BE BETTER FOR EQUITY THAN ALLYING TO A SCHEDULE FOR EVERYONE, THAT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK OUT FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENT NEEDS.

>>> AND MCCSC SPOKESPERSON DECLINED TO COMMENT THE PROPOSED CHANGE BECAUSE SHE SAYS NOTHING HAS BEEN FINALIZED.

JOE, THE STUDENTS SAY IT'S CAUSING ANXIETY, AMONG STUDENT, TEACHERS AND FAMILIES.

>> THANK YOU, CALI.

>>> A LOT OF STAR POWERS IN NOBLESVILLE FOR THE BENEFIT FARM AID CONCERT.

IT WAS BACK IN INDIANA.

AS ETHAN SANDWEISS REPORTS, SOME THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC TOOK THE STAGE TO RAISE MONEY FOR SMALL FARMERS IN CRISIS.

♪ >> THE LAWN OF THE MUSIC CENTER FILLED WITH CONCERT GOERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SUNNY SKIES AND A STAR-STUDDED LINEUP.

WINNIEWILLY NEILSON AND JOHN MELON MELON CAMP WERE THERE.

>> I WORKED ON A FARM.

I PICKED COTTON.

I BALED HAY.

I DID ALL OF THAT STUFF.

I KNOW HOW HARD IT IS, BUT I KNOW HOW GOOD IT IS WHEN YOU DO IT RIGHT.

♪ >> WHAT DO YOU SAY, INDIANA?

♪ ♪ IT'S GETTING BY THE TIME ♪ ♪ ♪ >> THE FARMERS ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN DO, BUT WITHOUT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FARMERS, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK.

>> CAPITALISM IS REALLY NICE ON PAPER, BUT [ BLEEP ] IN REALITY.

[ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ] ♪ >> MORE THAN A DOZEN ACTS ENTERTAINED THE CROWD, INCLUDING A SURPRISE PERFORMANCE BY BOB DYLAN.

IT WAS DYLAN'S FIRST FARM AID APPEARANCE IN NEARLY 50 YEARS.

NELSON, MELON CAMP AND YOUNG FOUNDED THE ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT IN 1985 TO HELP SMALL AMERICAN FARMERS.

THE FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS A CRISIS HOTLINE AND PROVIDES IMMEDIATE SERVICES TO FAMILIES IN CRISIS.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FAMILY FARMS ACCOUNTED FOR 98% OF ALL FARMS IN 2021.

BUT THOSE WHO INHERIT THEM HAVE TO ADAPT WITH THE RISING INPUT COSTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE TO STAY AFLOAT.

>> MY PARENTS COULD MAKE A LIVING WAGE, FEED THEIR FAMILIES AND EDUCATE US; WHEREAS, TODAY, IT'S ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO MAINTAIN THE FARM.

>> BLACKWELL BOWEN IS ADOPTING CLIMATE SMART AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES TO KEEP HER FAMILY'S NORTH CAROLINA FARM ALIVE.

>> I RETURN TO A FAMILY FARM AFTER A CAREER IN CORPORATE AMERICA.

AND IT WAS ALL ABOUT A FAMILY LEGACY.

IT IT WAS ALL ABOUT KEEPING A FAMILY FARM.

>> SABRINA AND SYLVESTER FRIEND CAME TO FARM AID WITH THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTERS SKYLER AND SHILOH.

SYLVESTER LEFT HIS JOB AT AMAZON THREE YEARS AGO TO BECOME A FARMER.

>> WE WANTED TO HAVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE AND BIGGER IMPACT, POSITIVE IMPACT ON PEOPLE AND FOOD IS ONE OF THOSE NECESSARY THINGS AND THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WE WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT TOO.

>> 2023 WAS A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR FARMERS, WITH MASSIVE FLOODS IN THE NORTHEAST AND HEAT WAVES IN THE SOUTH.

THE WAR IN UKRAINE HAS ALSO DRIVEN UP FERTILIZERS AND FUEL PRICES, HURTING FARMERS' BOTTOM LINE.

>> IT'S IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO SUPPORT THE FARMERS, TO SUPPORT EVERYONE WHO IS WORKING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ETHAN SANDWEISS.

>>> FARMERS IN CRISIS CAN REACH THE FARMER HOTLINE AT 1-800-FARM-AID.

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

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

♪ >>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: