>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," BLOOMINGTON'S ATTEMPT TO ANNEX MORE THAN 14,000 PEOPLE IN MONROE COUNTY WAS DENIED BY A CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE THIS WEEK.

>> I'M IN FAVOR OF SMART GROWTH, BUT I'M ALSO NOT IN FAVOR OF JUST -- OF A UNILATERAL VISION.

>> THE CITY SAYS IT'S STILL DEBATING WHETHER OR NOT TO APPEAL THE RULING.

>> AFTER MANY DECADES IN THE MAKING, OFFICIALS CELEBRATED THE HOPPING OF THE I-69, I-465 INTERCHANGE BEHIND ME.

HEAR WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION.

>>> AND BLOOMINGTON OFFICIALS MET WITH LOCAL GROUPS HOPING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE CITY'S HOMELESSNESS ISSUE.

>> THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE ENTERING OUR HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM THAN WE CAN QUICKLY MOVE INTO HOUSING.

>> WE'LL HAVE THESE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STATE, RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

BLOOMINGTON'S ATTEMPT TO ANNEX MORE THAN 8,000 ACRES AND 14,000 PEOPLE INTO THE CITY HAS HIT ANOTHER ROADBLOCK.

THE COURT HAS RULED AGAINST THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND AWARDED SOME DAMAGES FILED BY REMONSTRATORS BLOCKING THE CITY ANNEXATION ATTEMPTS OF AREAS A1 AND 1B.

THE RULING COMES AFTER A FIVE-DAY BENCH TRIAL THAT CONCLUDED MAY 3rd.

>> I BELIEVE THAT THE PEOPLE ARE INTELLIGENT AND THEY KNOW WHAT IS IN THEIR BEST INTEREST AND THEY SAID NO TO THE CITY, AND I WOULD LIKE FOR, YOU KNOW, THE CITY TO LISTEN TO THEM.

>> MONROE CIRCUIT COURT SPECIALTY JUDGE, NATHAN NIKIRK SAID THEY DIDN'T INTRODUCE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, CITING TESTIMONY THE CITY DOESN'T NEED THE LAND.

IT JUST WANTED TO RIGHT-SIZE BOUNDARIES.

BLOOMINGTON MAYOR'S KERR KERRY THOMSON'S TESTIMONY INCLUDED THE NEED FOR HOUSING.

THE CITY ALSO CLAIMS THE AREAS ARE URBANIZED, BUT THE COURT'S OWN OBSERVATION STATE THE AREAS ARE RELATIVELY RURAL.

>> I'M HIGHLY IN FAVOR OF SMART GROWTH, BUT I'M ALSO NOT IN FAVOR OF JUST -- OF A UNILATERAL VISION.

THE VISION NEEDS TO BE CRAFTED AND SHAPED AND SHARED AND REVISED.

>> PETITIONERS HAVE 45 DAYS TO REQUEST ATTORNEY FEES.

STATE LAW REQUIRES REIMBURSEMENT, UP TO $37,500 IN REASONABLE LITIGATION FEES FOR EACH AREA.

>>> WE REACHED OUT TO THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON FOR COMMENT ON THE RULING, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED ABOUT WHAT THEIR NEXT STEP WILL BE.

>>> SINCE THE MERGER OF CHILDS AND TEMPLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WAS APPROVED, THE MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION HAS GONE FULL STEAM AHEAD, PUTTING TOGETHER COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR HOW THE MERGER WILL WORK.

HOW DO PARENTS FEEL ABOUT THIS UPCOMING CHANGE?

ISABELLA VESPERINI HAS THIS REPORT.

>> IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR MCCSC STUDENTS, ARE FOR CHILDS AND TEMPLETON SKIDS THIS COULD BE THE LAST YEAR ATTENDING THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS.

THIS COULD SEND KIDS GRADES PRE-K TO SECOND GRADE TO CHILDS AND THIRD GRADE THROUGH FIFTH TO TEMPLETON.

PEOPLE WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTCATION OF -- IMPLICATION OF THIS MERGER AND SO WE TALKED TO PARENTS TO SEE HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT IT.

>> WHEN THERE'S A CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY IN CLASSROOMS, IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR KIDS TO LEARN.

>> ROSE'S KIDS WILL BE IN FIFTH AND SEVENTH GRADE AND TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM FOR HER FAMILY.

SHE THINKS A MORE DIVERSE CLASSROOM WILL GREATLY BENEFIT HER KIDS.

>> MORE BALANCE IN THE CLASSROOM, JUST CREATES A MORE STABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

I WANT MY KIDS TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.

>> ROSE THINKS THIS MERGER WAS LONG OVERDUE, PROMOTING SOCIOECONOMIC EQUITY IN THE CLASSROOM WILL HELP KID KIDS LEARN AND LISTEN BETTER.

ROSE BELIEVES MORE REDISTRICTING IS NEEDED TO MAKE THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOLS MORE SOCIOECONOMICALLY BALANCED.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DISTRICT PUT A LOT OF ENERGY, THOUGHT, INTENTIONALLY INTO THAT PROCESS, KNOWING IT'S GOING TO BE HARD, KNOWING IT'S GOING TO BE PAINFUL, KNOWING THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO NOT BE HAPPY ABOUT POTENTIAL DECISIONS BUT WE NEED TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS IF WE'RE SAYING WE'RE ABOUT EQUITY.

>> GOING FORWARD, ROSE THINKS MCCSC THINKS THEY SHOULD MAKE COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS CLEAR AND EASILY AVAILABLE.

>> WE NEED SOME TIME TOGETHER.

THERE'S A LOT OF HEAT AND TENSION AROUND THIS MERGER, AND IT'S HAPPENING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

SO LET'S ALL, YOU KNOW, PUT IN OUR BEST SELVES AND BECOME SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER.

>> CHILDS' PARENT DNAY RAYMOND HAD OTHER THINGS TO SAY ABOUT HOW THIS MERGER WILL IMPACT HER FAMILY.

>> I AM CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS COULD BE SOMETHING THAT IS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY IF THE MERGER IS DONE RIGHT.

>> RAYMOND HAS TWO DAUGHTERS WHO ATTEND CHILDS.

LIDY IS -- LYDIA IS STARTING FIRST GRADE AND HER DAUGHTER IS IN FOURTH GRADE.

HER KIDS WILL TAKE TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOL BUSES.

>> IT MEANS THAT THEY WILL POTENTIALLY BE COMING HOME AT TWO DIFFERENT TIMES.

THEY WILL BE IN TWO DIFFERENT BUILDINGS.

IF ONE OF THEM GETS SICK, IT MEANS I HAVE TO POTENTIALLY PICK THEM UP FROM TWO DIFFERENT PLAYS.

>> RAYMONDS' DAUGHTERS ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT GOING TO TWO SEPARATE SCHOOLS EITHER.

>> THEY ARE AGAIN NOT OVERLY EXCITED ABOUT BEING IN TWO DIFFERENT PLACES.

MY YOUNGEST IS OBSESSED WITH THE OLDEST, AS LITTLE SISTERS TEND TO BE.

AS ALL KIDS ARE, THEY ARE A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT CHANGE BUT I THINK THEY'RE NOT FREAKED OUT.

THEY KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY AT THE END OF THE DAY.

>> RAYMOND DOESN'T THINK THAT MERGING CHILDS AND TEMPLETON IS THE BEST WAY TO ADDRESS INEQUITY, BUT IT IS A START.

SHE SHOULDS A DISTRICTWIDE REDISTRICTING COULD BETTER REDUCE INEQUITIES.

>> I DON'T LIKE HOW THE DECISION WAS MADE.

I FEEL LIKE THERE WERE A LOT OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOW THE COMMUNITY COULD BE INFORMED.

>> AT THE LAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT, MARKAY WINSTON SAYS THEY WILL BE HOLDING ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS THROUGHOUT THE YAO ERR WITH PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS TO COLLECT INPUT.

MCCSC PLANS WENT LIVE ON THEIR WEBSITE LAST FRIDAY.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ISABELLA VESPIRINI.

>> THE NEXT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING TO DISCUSS THE MERGER WILL BE AUGUST 13th FOR TEMPLETON FACULTY.

>>> THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON IS TACKLING STREET HOMELESSNESS, PEOPLE LIVING WITHOUT SHELTERS IN PLACES IN ENCAMPMENTS AND CARS.

IT FOCUSES ON LONG-TERM HOUSING BUT CUTS SERVICES FOR RECENT ARRIVALS IN THE COUNTY.

>> SURVEYS BY THE SOUTH CENTRAL HOUSING NETWORK SHOW THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING UNSHELTERED IN MONROE COUNTY INCREASED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS FROM LESS THAN 30 TO ALMOST 120.

THAT'S LIKELY AN UNDER COUNT.

>> THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE ENTERING OUR HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM THAN WE CAN QUICKLY MOVE INTO HOUSING.

>> THE PLAN AIMS TO CUT UNSHELTERED HOMELESSNESS IN HALF BY THE END OF 2027 AND 70% BY 2030.

HEADING HOME, BEACON, WHEELER MISSION, HEALTH NET, NEW HOPE FOR FAMILIES AND MIDDLE WAY HOUSE DEVELOPED THE PLAN OVER TWO MONTHS OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CITY.

THE HOUSING FIRST STRATEGY INCLUDES EXPANDING THE NUMBER OF SHELTER BEDS WHILE PROVIDING MORE PERMANENT SOLUTIONS SUCH AS LOW-RENT UNITS.

>> IF WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE TO ACTUALLY GET PERMANENTLY HOUSED, AND TO HEAL FROM THE TRAUMAS THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THEIR LIVES, WE NEED TO BE INVESTING STRATEGICALALLY IN A PLAN THAT WE THINK IS GOING TO WORK.

>> THE PLAN CALLS FOR A SHORT-TERM PAUSE ON WELCOMING UNHOUSED PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE THE REGION TO OVERNIGHT EMERGENCY SHELTERS.

FOCUSING ON ON REUNIFICATION SERVICES INSTEAD.

THAT COULD INCLUDE BUYING BUS TICKETS OR GAS FOR TRANSPORTATION OUT OF TOWN.

THE GROUP DID NOT REACH A CONSENSUS ON THAT PLAN.

>> WE HAVE A SIX COUNTY AREA, AND WE ARE THE LARGEST CITY IN THAT REGION WHERE PEOPLE CAN COME AND FIND THE RESOURCES NECESSARY DURING THEIR TIME OF NEED AND THAT'S UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF RESOURCES IN THIS REGION.

>> THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULED THAT COMMUNITIES ARE ALLOWED TO ARREST AND TICKET PEOPLE FOR SLEEPING IN PUBLIC.

THE GROUP EXPECTS AN INFLUX OF OUT-OF-TOWNHOMELESS AS AREAS CRACK DOWN.

>> IT INCREASES THE BURDEN ON MONROE COUNTY.

>> IT'S A BURDEN FOR EVERY COMMUNITY AND THE REAL CHALLENGE IS THAT NOT EVERY COMMUNITY IS TENNING UP TO THE IMPERATIVE.

>> BUT MOST UNSHELTERED PEOPLE HAVE LIVED IN THE COUNTY FOR TWO YEARS.

THEY PLAN TO INCREASE THE BED BEDS FOR MEDICAL RESPITE AND OTHER NEEDS.

THEY WANT TO ADD 1,000 HOUSING UNITS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS WITH RENT UNDER $500 PER MONTH.

MONROE COUNTY NEEDS ALMOST 9800 AFFORDABLE UNITS TO CLOSE THE GAP.

THAT COULD MEAN BUILDING NEW UNITS OR SUBSIDIZING RENT FOR COSTLIER PLACES.

THE PLAN SAYS MORE CASE MANAGERS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP PEOPLE IN THOSE HOMES.

>> THE CHALLENGES IS WE DON'T HAVE THE HOUSING.

IF WE HAD HOUSING THAT WAS READY FOR PEOPLE AND THE SUPPORT OF -- WITH THAT, COUPLED WITH THAT, THEN WE WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A PRETTY BIG IMPACT WHICH I'M EXCITED ABOUT WITH THIS PLAN.

>> IT ENVISIONS RESTRUCTURING THE LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AROUND INPATIENT RECOVERY AND MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

THE IDEA IS TO KEEP PEOPLE AFTER THE STREET ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN HOUSED.

MAYOR KERRY THOMSON SAYS THE CITY IS DONE ADVOCATING FOR NON-SHELTER OPTIONS.

>> I WOULD MUCH RATHER INVEST A LARGER AMOUNT OF MONEY IN ACTUALLY SOLVING A PROBLEM THAN CONTINUE TO PUT MONEY AT REALLY MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF A PROBLEM.

>> THE CITY PLANS TO FUND THE PROGRAM WITH GRANTS, LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS, REMAINING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT.

THE PLAN IS AVAILABLE TO READ AT HEADINGHOMEINDIANA.ORG.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ETHAN SANDWEISS.

>>> THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND HEADING HOME OF SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA WILL HOST A PUBLIC WORKSHOP NEXT TUESDAY TO TALK ABOUT STRATEGIES TO REDUCE UNSHELTERED HOMELESSNESS.

THE CITY COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS THE TOPIC WEDNESDAY.

>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY CLAYTON BAUMGARTH FOR THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE.

HI, CLAYTON.

>> HI, JOE.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TODD ROKITA HAS ASKED FOR DISMISSAL OF A LAWSUIT THAT WOULD BLOCK INDIANA'S NEW TENURE LOU.

IT ALLOWED FACULTY LAW, TYING PROFESSOR JOB SECURITIES TO THE IDEAS THEY DO OR DON'T SHARE IN THE CLASSROOM.

THE ACLU OF INDIANA SAYS THE LAW VIOLATES FACULTY MEMBERS FIRST AND 14th AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

THEY ARE SUING THE TRUSTEES OF I. U.

AND PURDUE TO PREVENT THE LAW FROM GOING INTO EFFECT.

THE LAW SUPPORTERS INCLUDING STATE HOUSE REPUBLICANS HOPE IT WILL MAKE CONSERVATIVE STUDENTS FEEL MORE WELCOME ON INDIANA CAMPUSES BY REQUIRING PROFESSORS TO TEACH FROM DIVERSE VIEWPOINTS.

>>> THE MONROE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD VOTED THURSDAY TO REMOVE RANDY CASSIECASSADY'S NAME FROM THE BALLOT.

UNDER THE STATE LAW, THEY MUST LIVE IN THE DISTRICT WHERE THEY ARE RUNNING FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTION.

CASSAY'S LEASE STARTED ON MAY 6th, A DAY AFTER HE HAD TO BE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT TO BE ELIGIBLE.

THE MONROE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS 30 DAYS TO FIND ANOTHER PERSON FOR THE DISTRICT 2 RACE.

>>> AND RESCUING 300 ANIMALS FROM A FARM IN GOSPORT.

THEY EXPECT TO RESCUE 30 ANIMALS BUT 348 ANIMALS WERE FOUND, SOME ALREADY DEAD.

>> WHEN YOU WALK IN AND YOU SEE A LOT OF DECEASED ANIMALS IN THE PASTURES OR IN CRATES, BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T GET FED OR RECEIVE ANY WATER, IT'S DEFINITELY OVERWHELMING SADNESS FOR THE LIVES THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT UNTIL YOU GOT THERE.

>> THE FARM OWNER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PAY FOR VET BILLS IF HE'S FOUND GUILTY OF MISDEMEANOR ANNUAL CRUELTY.

THEY OPERATE MAINLY ON DONATIONS.

BROWN SAYS THE INFLUX OF ANIMALS HALTED NORMAL OPERATIONS.

>>> COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ARE WARNING PEOPLE TO BE PROACTIVE IN MOSQUITO PREVENTION AFTER SAMPLES FROM A POOL OF MOSQUITOES IN MONROE AND GREENE COUNTIES TESTED POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS.

THEY ARE NOT YET CONFIRMED ANY HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE IN MONROE OR GREENE COUNTY BUT TWO CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN LAKE COUNTY.

WEST NILE VIRUS IS SPREAD BY MOSQUITO BITES.

THEY CAN CAUSE FEVER, BODY ACHES, MUSCLE STIFFNESS AND IN SEVERE CASES NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS.

>>> THE MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A REQUEST TO REZONE A 4-ACRE LOT THAT IS PLANNED FOR CONVENIENCE STORE, GAS STATION, AND POSSIBLE ARCADE.

RAJESH PA SELL WHO OWNS -- PATEL WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY ASKED THE SITE BE DESIGNATED MIXED USE.

IT'S CURRENTLY ZONED LIMITED USE.

>> I ACTUALLY HEARD FROM A CONSTITUENT IN THAT AREA WHO POINTED OUT THAT THERE'S A BIT OF A FOOD DESERT THERE.

AND THIS WOULD -- THE CONVENIENCE STORE WOULD ACTUALLY HELP SOMEWHAT WITH THAT.

>> RESIDENTS SAY THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT POLLUTION AND WATER RUNOFF THAT WOULD COME FROM THE GAS STATION.

THE PETITION WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COUNTY DRAINAGE BOARD WHICH IS SET TO MEET AUGUST 13th.

>>> THE U.S. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, PETE BUTTIGIEG HIGHLIGHTED INDIANA'S ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC MAKERS.

HE TOURED AN ELECTRIC BATTERY PLANT SET TO OPEN NEXT YEAR THIS KOKOMO.

IT'S A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN CAR MAKER STELLANTIS AND SAMSUNG AND IS THOUGHT TO CREATE MORE THAN 1400 JOBS.

>> WE ARE WORKING TO ENSURE THAT AMERICA LEADS IN BUILDING THAT ELECTRIC VEHICLE FUTURE, AND WE'RE WORKING IN WAYS THAT MAKE SURE THE MIDWEST IS THE CENTER OF IT.

>> LAST MONTH, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AWARDED STELLANTIS $250 MILLION TO PRODUCE E.V.

COMPONENTS AT ITS KOKOMO FACILITIES.

IT'S PART OF $1 BILLION NATIONALLY.

>>> ALGAE BLOOMS, WITHOUT THE -- THE PLOW-GREEN ALGAE PRODUCES TOXINS THAT ENDANGER PEOPLE AND ANIMALS.

DURING THE ALGAE BLOOMS, IT'S SAFE IF PEOPLE SHOWER, BUT DOGS SHOULD KEEP OUT OF THE WATER.

>> THEY WANT TO LICK THE ALGAE OFF ITS COAT AND POTENTIALLY TAKE IN SOME OF THOSE TOXINS.

AND OF COURSE, DOGS DRINK WATER WHEN THEY ARE IN THE LAKE BECAUSE THEY GET HOT.

>> CLIMATE CHANGE INCREASES ALGAE BLOOMS BECAUSE HOTTER AND DRIER SUMMERS MEAN WARMER WATER WHICH BLUE-GREEN ALGAE LOVES.

>>> AND WILDFIRES ARE BURNING ACROSS CANADA AGAIN THIS SUMMER, BUT INDIANA ISN'T SEEING AS MANY DANGEROUSLY UNHEALTHY DAYS FROM THE SMOKE AS IT DID LAST YEAR.

THE MAIN IS THAT WHILE THERE'S MANY ACTIVE FIRES NOW, LAST YEAR WE SAW MORE EARLIER IN THE SEASON IN MAY AND JUNE.

>> THE OTHER FACTOR IS THE WIND DIRECTION.

EVEN IF YOU HAVE LOTS OF SMOKE IN THE ATMOSPHERE, IF THE WIND IS NOT BLOWING IT IN YOUR DIRECTION, YOU MAY NOT HAVE MUCH OF A AIR QUALITY IMPACT.

>> WITH CANADA IN A LONG-TERM DROUGHT, IT WILL AFFECT INDIANA EVERY SUMMER.

HOW MUCH SMOKE INDIANA WILL GET, WE DON'T KNOW.

>> IT'S DEFINITELY DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR.

REMEMBER THE PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK CITY.

>> SUPER LOW VISIBILITY.

>> THANK YOU, CLAYTON.

>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," AFTER YEARS OF PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION, OFFICIALS CELEBRATED THE COMPLETION OF I-69 FROM ENVIRONMENT AROUND -- EVAN EVANSVILLE TO INDIANAPOLIS.

AND WE ARE LOOKING AT SOMEHOW COLLEGES AROUND THE STATE ARE HELPING TO DRIVE THE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION BOOM IN INDIANA.

THOSE STORIES RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

WELL, IT TOOK NEARLY A CENTURY TO BECOME REALITY, BUT THE EVANSVILLE TO INDIANAPOLIS LEG OF INTERSTATE 69 IS NOW OPEN!

STATE OFFICIALS GATHERED THIS WEEK FOR A CEREMONIAL RIBBON CUTTING OUTSIDE OF INDIANAPOLIS, BUT IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST INDIANA.

AS CLAYTON BAUMGARTH REPORTS, IT'S THE FINAL PIECE THAT WILL ULTIMATELY ENABLE DRIVERS TO GET FROM MEXICO TO CANADA.

>> FORMER INDIANA GOVERN GOVERNOR MITCH DANIELS SAYS THERE WERE DOUBTERS BUT HE KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME.

>> NOW WE HAVE A COMPLETE NETWORK.

>> THE IDEA FOR INTERSTATE 69 TOOK OFF IN THE 1970s.

THERE WERE LOTS OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES, PUBLIC PLEATINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL -- MEETINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYS BEFORE DANIELS KICK STARTED THE PROJECT IN 2006 WITH MAJOR MOVES.

HE ENTERED A DEAL TO LEASE THE INDIANA TOLL ROAD TO A PRIVATE COMPANY FOR $4 BILLION AND USED THE MONEY TO MAKE I-69 A REALITY.

CONSTRUCTION ON THE 142-MILE PROJECT BEGAN IN 2008.

>> THE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA IS NOW FILLED IN ITS MISSING LINK.

IT'S A GREAT DAY FOR NOT JUST PEOPLE WHO USE THIS ROAD, BUT THE WHOLE STATE.

>> THE FIRST THREE SEGMENTS OF I-69 OPENED IN 2012, THEN GOVERNOR MIKE PENCE PICKED UP THE PROJECT FROM THERE AND OVERSAW CONSTRUCTION FROM CRANE TO BLOOMINGTON.

GOVERNOR ERIC HOLCOMB WAS LEFT TO COMPLETE THE FINAL TWO SECTIONS FROM MARTINSVILLE TO INDIANAPOLIS.

CONSTRUCTION ON THE FINISH LINE PROJECT, THE FINAL AND MOST EXPENSIVE BEGAN IN 2019 IN MARTINSVILLE.

IT WAS A NECESSARY PRICE TO PAY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE REGION.

>> THREE, TWO, ONE!

>> THE COST OF NOT DOING THIS FAR EXCEEDED THE COST OF DOING IT.

SO THIS WAS AN INVESTMENT IN US.

THIS WAS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE.

THIS WAS AN INVESTMENT IN REALIZING OUR POTENTIAL.

>> ALL SAID, THE $4.3 BILLION PROJECT OPENS THREE YEARS AHEAD OF THE SCHEDULED 2027 TARGET.

THAT'S SOMETHING IN-DOT TAKES A LOT OF PRIDE?

>> YOU SEE PROJECTS LIKE THIS THAT DON'T COME UP ON TIME, OR OR OR ON BUDGET.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE ACCELERATED BASE THREE YEARS EARLY FROM OUR ORIGINAL PROJECTIONS.

IT WILL BE ON BUDGET.

>> THE RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATED THE COMPLETION OF EVANSVILLE TO INDIANAPOLIS CORRIDOR, WORK STILL HAS TO BE DONE ON INTERSTATE 69, NEAR I-46 # AWILL REMAIN AN ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION ZONE.

YOU CAN EXPECT TEMPORARY LONE CLOSURES PRIOR TO MOVING I-465 INTO THE PERMANENT CONFIGURATION LATER THIS YEAR.

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

>>> NEXT, ON THE HORIZON IS CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE THAT WILL CONNECT EVANSVILLE TO KENTUCKY.

THAT PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 2007.

AS OF NOW -- 2027.

IT'S EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BY 2031.

>>> THE SEMICONDUCTOR BUSINESS IS BOOMING!

THE LEVEL OF INVESTMENT AND JOB CREATION IS SOMETIMES COMPARED TO THE SPACE RACE.

INDIANA'S GETTING A PIECE OF IT AND AS AUBREY WRIGHT REPORTS, COLLEGES HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY.

>> ANGEL AND AVA ARE STAR STUDENTS AT IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S SEMICONDUCTOR SUMMER CAMP.

THE BLOOMINGTON SOUTH HIGH SCHOOLERS WON A SOLDERING COMPETITION, COMING OUT ON TOP WITH THE BEST LOOKING WIRES.

THEY SHOWS OFF THEIR LITTLE BLUE ROBOTS IN THE ADVANCED AUTO MAKE LAB.

THEY CAN PLAY SONGS AND DO MORE.

>> WE CAN LEARN EACH ROUND AND DO ALL THE EQUATIONS IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THESE DIFFERENT MOVES.

>> ANGEL, AVA AND OTHER HIGH SCHOOLERS WERE IN CLASS TWO WEEKS FROM NINE TO FOUR.

THEY GOT AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BILLION DOLLARS SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY.

>> WE HAVE BEEN TAKING THEM THROUGH THE WHOLE ASPECT OF THE -- FROM THE SEMICONDUCTOR BEING FORMED IN A WAFER, TO THE WHOLE PRODUCTION AND PACKAGING, AND OUT THE DOOR.

>> SEMICONDUCTORS ARE SMALL CHIPS THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES.

THEY POWER PHONES, CARS, SPACESHIPS AND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WITH A COMPUTING SYSTEM.

THE GOVERNMENT GOT INVOLVED IN PRODUCTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BECAUSE OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN PROBLEMS.

CONGRESS PASSED THE CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT IN 2022.

>> IT'S ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS IN OUR HISTORY.

>> SENATOR TODD YOUNG HELPS TO CREATE THE CHIPS ACT.

HE CELEBRATE CELEBRATED THE OPENING OF AN NHANCED SEMICONDUCTOR FACILITY IN ODEN.

>> THIS WILL LEAD TO EVEN MORE INVESTMENTS, WE KNOW FROM NHANCED AND OTHER COMPANIES THAT WILL HELP KEEP US SAFE IN THE 21st CENTURY.

>> THAT PLANT IS ONE OF EIGHT COMPANIES IN INDIANA THAT HAS PLEDGED INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN $6 BILLION.

THE FACILITIES ARE PROMISING MORE THAN 2,000 JOBS.

>> INDIANA AND THE MIDWEST IS REALLY POISED TO A MORE LEADING ROLE IN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING THAN THEY HAVE HISTORICALLY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF THE PIECES IN PLACE TO HELP DRIVE THAT, AND PARTICULARLY OUR UNIVERSITIES.

>> THE INSTITUTE LEADS THE SILICON CROSSROADS MICROELECTRONICS HUB.

IT RECEIVED CHIPS ACT FUNDING PARTIALLY FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

THEY RELY ON PEOPLE SKILLED IN ADVANCED AUTOMATION.

HAMILTON SAYS TO BE COMPETITIVE, U.S. MANUFACTURING HAS TO BE AS AUTOMATED AS POSSIBLE.

>> THE LOWER NUMBER OF ACTUAL HUMAN PEOPLE YOU HAVE IN THE PROCESS, THE MORE COMPETITIVE WE CAN BE BECAUSE THAT LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD.

>> THE SILICON CROSSROADS HUB IS FOCUSING ON TRAINING ALL AGES AND LEVELS OF EDUCATION.

HAMILTON SMOKE TO THE IVY TECH SUMMER CAMPERS SAYING THESE WILL BE THE MIDDLE-CLASS, WELL-PAYING JOBS OF THE FUTURE.

>> THE BLUE COLLAR STRONGS OF -- JOBS OF TWO OR THREE DECADES AGO ARE GOING AWAY.

>> HAVING A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA WON'T BE ENOUGH.

THEY NEED TO KNOW HOW THE MACHINES WORK, HOW TO REPAIR THEM AND PROGRAM THEM.

THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP LEARNING AS THE MACHINES EINVOLVE -- EVOLVE.

>> IT'S NOT ONE TIME I LEARN IT AND I'M GOOD.

IT'S A CONTINUOUS EDUCATIONAL PROCESS.

>> A NEW SEMICONDUCTOR PROGRAM WITH UPDATED ROBOTICS IN LAUNCHING.

THE SUMMER CAMP WAS A BRAND NEW PROGRAM AND GREEN SAYS THE STUDENTS LOVED IT.

>> IT IS JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE WE TEACH HERE AT IVY TECH.

IT'S JUST AUTOMATION.

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

>>> IVY TECH BLOOMINGTON'S NEW SEMICONDUCTOR PROGRAM OPENS THIS FALL FOR SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA STUDENTS.

IT FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OTHER IVY TECH LOCATIONS.

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.

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