>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," A NEW INDIANA LAW REQUIRES TEACHING INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY IN STATE COLLEGES BUT IT DOESN'T EXPLICITLY DEFINE WHAT THAT MEANS.

BUT VIOLATING THE LAW COULD AFFECT PROFESSORS' TENURE.

>> NOBODY WANTS TO BE AN EXAMPLE, BUT SOMEBODY WILL BE AN EXAMPLE.

>> I.

U.

'S NEW EXPRESSIVE ACTION POLICY WENT INTO EFFECT THIS WEEK, AND STUDENTS AND PROFESSORS TESTED IT WITH THE LATE NIGHT VIGIL.

>> IN THAT SENSE, WE CERTAINLY WERE OUT THERE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LIMITS WERE, BUT ALSO HOW IT WOULD BE ENFORCED.

>> THE ACLU OF INDIANA IS SUING UNIVERSITY SAYING THE POLICY IS A VIOLATION OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

AND BLOOMINGTON'S VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS PRESENT THEIR 2025 BUDGET PROPOSALS TO THE CITY COUNCIL.

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

>>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

WELL, COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE BACK ON CAMPUSES AROUND THE STATE THIS WEEK, AND THEY MAY NOTICE A CHANGE IN APPROACH FROM SOME PROFESSORS.

THAT'S BECAUSE OF A NEW LAW THAT WENT INTO EFFECT THIS SUMMER, SENATE ENROLL ACT 202, IT REQUIRES INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM.

HIGHER EDUCATION REPORTER AUBREY WRIGHT HAS MORE ON HOW COLLEGES ARE ADJUSTING.

>> IT WAS JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT, A SMALL GROUP OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY HELD A CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL INTO THE EARLY HOURS OF MONEY AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S SAMPLE GATES.

PROFESSOR BEN ROBINSON, ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS SAID THEY WERE MOURNING AND PROTESTING THE LOSS OF FREE SPEECH.

>> AND THIS IS TO MARK THE VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TO MARK OUR DETERMINATION THAT THE SPEECH THAT WE CHERISH WON'T DIE ON THIS CAMPUS.

>> THE VIGIL ENDED PEACEFULLY.

A FEW HOURS LATER, CLASSES WERE IN SESSION.

PROTESTERS TOOK AIM AT A NEW I.U.

POLICY BY GATHERING DEFIANTLY AFTER AN 11 P.M.

CUTOFF FOR EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY, BUT THE GROUP SAID IT HAD ANOTHER REASON TO MOURN.

SENATE ENROLLED ACT 202.

>> WE WANT TO PROTECT I.U.

WE WANT THIS CAMPUS TO BE A PLACE WHERE ACADEMIC FREEDOM IS A REAL THING, A PLACE WHERE RACIAL DIVERSITY AND OTHER KINDS OF DIVERSITY IS BOTH WELCOMED AND HONORED.

GOVERNOR ERIC HOLCOMB SIGNED S.E.A.

202 INTO LAST SPRING.

IF PROFESSORS DON'T, THE TENURE COULD BE IN JEOPARDY.

THE LAW SETS UP A COMPLAINT PROCESS SO FACULTY COULD BE REPORTED, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS MUST ALSO SUPPORT INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY.

INDIANA STATE SENATOR SPENCER DEERY WROTE THE POLICY.

>> EVERY UNIVERSITY IS DIFFERENT.

WE INTENTIONALLY GAVE SOME MANDATES, BUTTEST LEFT THEM A LITTLE BIT OPEN ENDED TO ALLOW THAT FLEXIBILITY.

>> S.E.A.

'S-202 DOESN'T DEFINE INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY.

DEERY SAYS IT'S SUPPOSED TO STRENGTHEN DEBATE ON CAMPUS.

>> SOME OF THESE MISCONCEPTIONS, OH, WE NEED TO TEACH THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS ISSUE, WHEN THE OTHER SIDE IS CLEARLY RIDICULOUS.

THERE'S NO MANDATE TO DO THAT.

>> BOARDS OF TRUSTEES WILL DECIDE HOW THEIR SCHOOLS FOLLOW THE LAW.

>> THE BILL DIDN'T REALLY CREATE ANY NEW POWERS.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES DIDN'T ALREADY HAVE.

IT WAS A NUDGE TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> ACADEMICS PUSHED HARD AGAINST THE LEGISLATION, SAYING THIS KIND OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE WILL LEAD TO CENSORSHIP AND SURVEILLANCE.

FACULTY MEMBERS IN THIS REPORT CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, AND THEY DON'T REPRESENT THEIR UNIVERSITIES.

>> NOBODY WANTS TO BE AN EXAMPLE, BUT SOMEBODY WILL BE AN EXAMPLE.

>> MASTA IS WORRIED ABOUT HOW THIS LAW WILL BE ENFORCED, BECAUSE IT COULD BE WEAPONIZED AGAINST CERTAIN PROFESSORS OR TOPICS.

SHE AND OTHER PROFESSORS ARE RETHINKING WHAT THEY BRING INTO THE CLASSROOM.

>> I ALREADY HAVE COLLEAGUES WHO ARE SELF-CENSORING.

>> ACCORDING TO PURDUE UNIVERSITY'S INTERIM POLICY, COMPLAINTS ABOUT INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY ARE SENT TO H.R.

I THINK TO SOME DEGREE, THAT WILL BE A DETRIMENT TO THE STUDENTS.

AGAIN, WE ARE EXPERTS IN OUR RESEARCH.

>> LIKE PURDUE, I.U.

IS ADOPTING AN INTERIM POLICY, MEANWHILE LAWYERS AND FACULTY LEADERS ARE WORKING ON LONG-TERM CHANGES.

BOTH UNIVERSITIES MAINTAIN THEY SUPPORT ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

I.U.

'S GUIDANCE SAYS COURSE CONTENT DOESN'T NEED TO BE CHANGED, AND FACULTY ARE STILL SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS.

>> HOW IS THIS GOING TO BE IMPLEMENTED?

AND WE DON'T KNOW YET BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN.

IT'S NEW.

IT DIDN'T TAKE EFFECT UNTIL JULY 1.

>> TANFORD SAYS THERE'S NO NEED FOR PANIC YET.

FACULTY REVIEWS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESES HAVE ALWAYS HAD AUTHORITY OVER THE UNIVERSITY, AND FACULTY ARE SHARING MANY IDEAS IN THE CLASSROOM.

BUT TANFORD SAYS FACULTY DON'T TRUST THEIR LEADERS.

FOR EXAMPLE AT I.U., THEY PASSED MULTIPLE VOTES OF NO CONFIDENCE AGAINST PRESIDENT PAMELA WHITTEN AND SHARED MANY PROTESTS AGAINST FREE SPEECH AND GOVERNANCE.

>> BUT THAT'S A FEAR NOT REALITY.

>> INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE COLLEGES IN INDIANA IS ALSO SORTING THINGS OUT.

>> THE HARD PART FOR US IS THAT THIS BILL BILL ASSUMED THAT WE ARE INCAPABLE OF DOING OUR WORK.

>> EBERMAN SAYS THE INDIANA STATE TRUSTEES HIGHLIGHTED UNIVERSITY'S STRENGTH, INCLUDING EVERYONE'S OPINION IN THE CLASSROOM AND HAVING EVIDENCE-BASED EVALUATIONS.

SHE SAYS LAWMAKERS AND EDUCATION LEADER IN THE STATE WANT THE SAME THING, STUDENTS SUCCEEDING AND EARNING VALUABLE DEGREES.

>> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR LEGISLATION AND OUR POLICY ARE IN ALIGNMENT WITH THOSE AMBITIONS.

>> NOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M AUBREY WRIGHT.

>> WHILE SUNDAY NIGHT'S VIGIL AT SAMPLE GATES ENDED PEACEFULLY, UNIVERSITY IS PURSUING SANCTIONS AGAINST A GRADUATE STUDENT AND PROFESSOR WHO SPOKE AT THE VIGIL.

DOCTORAL STUDENT BRYCE GREENE AND DRAMATIC STUDIES PROFESSOR BEN ROBINSON ARE ACCUSED OF VIOLATING THE NEW EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY POLICY.

ROBINSON SAYS THE VIGIL'S PRIMARY FOCUS WAS TO MAKE A SPEECH ABOUT FREE SPEECH.

THEY HOPED THAT THEY COULD BETTER UNDERSTAND THE POLICY BY VIOLATING THE POLICY.

>> IN THAT SENSE, WE CERTAINLY WERE OUT THERE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LIMITS WERE, BUT ALSO HOW IT WOULD BE ENFORCED.

>> GREENE ALLEGES UNIVERSITY CAME AFTER HIM BASED ON THE CONTENT OF HIS SPEECH, SINCE MOST OF THE 60 PROTESTERS WEREN'T SANCTIONED.

BOTH GREENE AND ROBINSON WERE ARRESTED BUT NOT CHARGED DURING THE PRO PALESTINE PROTEST IN DUNN MEADOW IN THE SPRING.

>> IN FACT, THEY ONLY TARGETED ME AND ANOTHER PROFESSOR WHO MUST HAVE SAID SOMETHING THAT THEY DIDN'T LIKE SPECIFICALLY.

AND SO THEY ARE USING THIS RULE AS COVER TO EWE PRESS -- SUPPRESS THE CONTENT OF OUR SPEECH.

>> THE OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT IS OFFERING GREENE TWO OPTIONS.

HE CAN EITHER MEET WITH THE OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT TO, QUOTE, ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SIGNIFICANCES HE MADE IN HARM THAT WAS CAUSED OR GO THROUGH THE STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO ACTIONS, INCLUDING SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION.

>> THE ACLU OF INDIANA SAID THURSDAY IT WAS SUING I.U.

OVER THE EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY POLICY, AND SAYS THE POLICY IS OVERLY BROAD AND VIOLATES FIRST AMENDMENT.

>> THIS IS WRITTEN SO BROADLY THAT IT -- IT -- ANY ONE OF US WAS TO WEAR A T-SHIRT SUPPORTING A CAUSE AT 11:15 P.M.

WHILE WALKING THROUGH ANY PIECE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE I.U.

UNIVERSITY, WE WOULD BE VIOLATING THE POLICY.

>> I.U.

HAS MAINTAINED IT HAS THE RIGHT TO REGULATE THE TIME, PLACE AND MANNER OF FREE EXPRESSION ON CAMPUS.

THE SUPREME COURT HAS UPHELD THE RIGHT OF GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES SUCH AS SCHOOLS TO IMPOSE SOME CONTENT NEUTRAL RESTRICTIONS.

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE ACLU HAS SUED UNIVERSITY SINCE THE SPRING PROTEST AGAINST THE WAR IN GAZA.

>>> CITY OF BLOOMINGTON OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN PRESENTING THEIR 2025 BUDGET PROPOSALS TO THE BLOOMINGTON COMMON COUNCIL THIS WEEK.

OUR BENTE BOUTHIER HAS BEEN SITTING IN ON THE MEETINGS AND HAS THIS REPORT.

>> ONE OF THE CITY'S MAIN GOALS IS TO INCREASE WAGES FOR ITS EMPLOYEES BY AT LEAST 3%, TO ADJUST FOR COST OF LIVING.

THAT COULD COME OUT OF THE UNSPENT RESERVE REVENUES.

>> RESERVES ARE BUILT UP YEAR OVER YEAR WHEN THE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS ARE NOT SPENT AND REVENUES ARE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED.

RISING INTEREST RATES HAVE BEEN A GROWING SOURCE OF CITY REVENUES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.

>> THE BLOOMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR MORE THAN $21 MILLION IN ITS BUDGET.

THAT'S A $2 MILLION INCREASE OVERLATE YEAR.

THAT MONEY WOULD GO PARTLY TO PAY INCREASES TO HELP WITH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF STAFF, WHICH CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE.

>> WE RECENTLY, THIS YEAR, AUTHORIZED A TAKE HOME CARD POLICY THAT ALLOWS OFFICERS TO TAKE HOME THEIR SQUAD CARS.

THERE'S BENEFITS TO THAT PROGRAM, THAT ALSO GIVES US MORE PEOPLE THAT MIGHT BE OFF DUTY BUT IN THEIR CAR THAT ARE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING ON THE STREET.

>> CITY COUNCIL PERSON HOPI STOSBURG SAYS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRIED INCREASING SALARIES IN PREVIOUS YEARS BUT IS STILL STRUGGLING WITH STAFFING.

>> THAT'S NOT AS QUANTIFIABLE AS WHAT THEY ARE PAID AND IS THAT SOMETHING THAT ALSO NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT IN TERMS OF OUR CULTURE OF POLICING, IN TERMS OF OUR CULTURE OF BLOOMINGTON AND HOW BLOOMINGTON RESPONDS TO POLICE AND CONSIDERS PUBLIC SAFETY AS A WHOLE.

>> BLOOMINGTON FIREFIGHTERS COVERED UNDER THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL RECEIVE A $15,000 INCREASE IN THEIR BASE PAY.

THE PARKS DEPARTMENT'S REQUEST OF ABOUT $12 MILLION INCLUDES ABOUT $400,000 FOR SECURITY, WHICH IT SAYS IS ESSENTIAL.

THE BLOOMINGTON ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WANTS TO ADD A CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGER POSITION AND IS ABOUT $111,000 OF THE DEPARTMENT'S PROPOSED BUDGET.

THE NEW POSITION WOULD OVERSEE PROJECTS LIKE HOPEWELL, THE NEIGHBORHOOD SET FOR DEVELOPMENT ON THE OLD DOWNTOWN HOSPITAL SITE.

THE BLOOMINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY TOLD CITY COUNCIL IT PLANS TO ADD 50 AFFORDABLE UNITS NEXT YEAR THROUGH DEVELOPMENT.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M BENTE BOUTHIER.

>> THE CITY WRAPPED UP THE FOUR DAYS OF BUDGET HEARS LAST NIGHT WITH THE BLOOMINGTON COMMON COUNCIL ASKING FOR AN 11% INCREASE IN THE BUDGET FROM LAST YEAR.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT ISABEL PIEDMONT-SMITH SAYS ONE OF THE TOP GOALS IS IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC AND ENGAGING WITH NEW GROUPS.

THE CITY DEPARTMENTS HAVE TEN DAYS TO MAKE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THEIR BUDGET REQUESTS BEFORE THE COUNCIL VOTES ON IT.

>>> THOUSANDS OF FURRIES DESCENDED ON INDIANAPOLIS LAST WEEKEND, AS THE ETHAN SANDWEISS REPORTS, THESE FANS OF CARTOON ANIMAL HAVE GATHERED ANNUALLY FOR 15 YEARS WITH MORE ATTENDING EACH CONVENTION.

>> WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF INDIANAPOLIS, THEY THINK RACE CARS.

FURRIES, NOT SO MUCH BUT THIS IS THE BIGGEST SHOWING EVER FOR INDY FURCON.

OVER 2,000 GUESTS TURNED OUT, 15% MORE THAN LAST YEAR.

THEY ATTENDED MEET UPS, SOLD ART AND PLAYED BOARD GAMES.

>> FURRY IS NOT A FAN OF SOME COPYRIGHT RIGHTED THINGS.

FURRY IS NOT A FAN OF SOMEBODY ELSE'S CREATION.

FURRY IS A FAN OF ITSELF.

>> THE FURRY COMMUNITY COMES FROMY DIVERSE PLACES BUT THEY HAVE ONE THING IN PLACE.

A LOVE OF CARTOON ANIMALS.

THINK WILE E. COYOTE, AND ZOOTOPIA.

>> I ADMIT IT CAN BE A LITTLE WEIRD FIRST, BUT I FIND PEOPLE ROLLING AROUND WITH HARRY DAVIDSON JACKETS DRIVING MOTORCYCLES IN SOUTH DAKOTA KIND OF WEIRD BUT, HEY, YOU DO YOU.

>>> FOR BETTER OR WORSE, WE ARE BECOMING MORE MAIN STREAM AS WELL.

WE HAVE MORE REFERENCES IN PULP CULTURE AND MOVIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA AND JUST GENERAL MEDIA AS A WHOLE.

AND IT'S BECOMING MORE WELL KNOWN.

>> JAKE BUNNY IS A PROFESSIONAL PILOT AND FORMER RACE CAR DRIVER HE'S ALSO A FURRY.

HE ADOPTED A FURRY PERSONA OR FURSONA TO USE ONLINE AND AT THE CON.

HE'S BEEN IN THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1997 AFTER WATCHING "SPACE JAM," LOONEY TUNES.

HE GOT TOGETHER WITH HIS FRIENDS, INCLUDING STORM GRYPHON TO CREATE INDY FURCON.

>> YOU NEVER TELL A GROUP OF FURRIES THAT THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE OF RISING TO A CHALLENGE.

THAT'S HOW IT GOT STARTED.

>> IT TURNS OUT THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE THEM.

FURCONS TAKE MACE AROUND THE WORLD AND THEY ARE GETTING BETTER.

>> LAST YEAR'S ANTHROCON GOT BIGGER.

FURRY IS NONSEXUAL FOR MANY PEOPLE AIRCRAFT SURVEY BY I.U.

PROFESSOR, JUSTIN LAYMILLER FOUND THAT 9% OF U.S.

ADULTS HAD FANTASIZED AT LEAST ONCE ABOUT DRESSING AS A FURRY DURING SEX.

BUT DAYTIME EVENTS STAY P.G.

DOZEN OF EVENTS ARE ON TOPICS THAT MIGHT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH FURRY.

THESE SUBGROUPS ARE THE CONVENTION IN CONTRAST WITH OTHER FANDOMS THEY USE THE COMMUNITY AS A GATEWAY TO OTHER INTERESTS, SUCH AS MUSIC, ART, OR EVEN RACING.

>> IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, YOU KNOW, FELLOW ARTISTS, CAR NERDS.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS, I.T.

PROFESSIONORS THIS PRESENTS ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES TO UPLIFT YOU AND OPEN DOORS FOR CAREER CAREERS AND FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

>> FOR A COMMUNITY THAT INTERACTS MOSTLY ONLINE, CONS GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND MAKE CONNECTIONS IN THE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.

>> I THINK THAT'S A BIG PART OF THE DRAW IS THAT I DON'T HAVE TO IMPRESS PEOPLE ABOUT ME IF I DON'T WANT TO.

I CAN PUT ON THIS FAKE CHARACTER OR PERSONA AND -- OR FURSONA AND GO WITH THAT.

>> NEXT YEAR'S DATES HAVEN'T YET BEEN ANNOUNCED.

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

>> INDY FURCON'S CHARITY FUNDRAISER, RAISED ALMOST $15,000 FOR OINKING ACHIERS -- ANCHORS A PIG SANCTUARY IN BROWNSBURG, INDIANA.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," OFFICIALS ARE URGING PEOPLE TO GET LATEST COVID VACCINE AS CASES ARE ON THE RISE ACROSS MUCH OF THE COUNTRY.

AND -- >> HI, 50 I AM KATY SZPAK.

I'M HERE AT MEMORIAL STADIUM TO CHECK OUT ALL THE NEW DINING OPTIONS COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON.

>>> THESE STORIES AND MORE RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

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

>> AWESOME.

WITH COVID ONCE AGAIN SURGING ACROSS THE COUNTRY, EXPERTS ARE URGING PEOPLE TO GET THE NEWEST VACCINE WHEN THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION APPROVED JUST LAST WEEK.

WHILE THERE'S A LACK IN REPORTING NEW CASES, BLOOMINGTON'S SCAN DASHBOARD SHOWS A LARGE NUMBER OF COVID PARTICLES.

RECENT NUMBERS ARE THE HIGHEST IN TWO YEARS.

BECAUSE THERE'S SO LITTLE OF REPORTING IN CASES.

TOO FEW ARE TAKING PRECAUTIONS.

>> WE'RE JUST WISHING IT AWAY.

WE'RE NOT THINKING ABOUT IT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE GET SYMPTOMS AND DON'T GET TESTED.

I THINK A LOT OF IT IS FATIGUE, JUST LACK OF CARE EMPATHY.

>> THE CDC'S LATEST COVID GUIDELINES SAY TO ISOLATE FOR 24 HOURS.

THEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A FEVER, YOU CAN RETURN TO FORMAL ACTIVITIES BUT WEAR A MASK FOR FIVE DAYS IN PUBLIC.

>> VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE EVEN DOING THAT, BUT WE ALSO KNOW THAT WHEN YOU GET COVID-19, YOU'RE INFECT INFECTIOUS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, NOT JUST 24 HOURS.

>> THE I.U.

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER AND THE CVS PHARMACY LOCATIONS IN BLOOMINGTON SAID THEY SHOULD RECEIVE THE NEWEST VERSION OF THE VACCINE WITHIN A WEEK.

>>> AND LOCAL INCOME TAX INCREASE TO HELP TO PAY FOR THE COUNTY JAIL.

THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO REDUCE THE SPECIAL L.I.T.

RATE TO .03% AND INCREASE THE CORRECTIONAL RATE TO 2.2%.

THAT REVENUE WILL BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW FACILITY.

>> FOLKS NEED TO COME IN AND BE ABLE TO SAY WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY AND SAY WHAT THEY NEED TO SAY TO US, BECAUSE THIS IS THEIR MONEY.

I WILL VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS, BECAUSE I WANT TO HEAR FROM PUBLIC PERSONALLY.

>> THE RATE CHANGES WILL GO THROUGH A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND RECEIVE A FINAL VOTE BEFORE BECOMING OFFICIAL.

COUNT IS REQUIRED TO BILL A NEW JAIL UNDER TO THE 09 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE ACLU WHICH SUED OVER OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS.

WHERE IT WILL BE BUILT IS STILL UP FOR DISCUSSION.

>>> NASHVILLE IS LOOKING FOR A NEW POLICE CHIEF AFTER THE TOWN COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO REMOVE HEATHER BURRIS FROM HER ROLE.

>>> THE COUNCIL STATED -- STARTED AN INVESTIGATION IN DIVERSITY PERFORMANCE, HAD BEEN ONGOING BUT DID NOT SHARE SPECIFICS.

A LETTER SEPTEMBER TO BURRIS CITED A LACK OF OVERALL PEACE PRESENCE DURING TOURIST HOURS AND BURRIS LIVING 68 MILES FROM NASHVILLE.

SHE HAD BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR TWO YEARS.

>>> BLOOMINGTON'S OLDEST PIZZA RESTAURANT CLOSED ITS DOORS THIS WEEK.

CAFE PIZZERIA CROSBY WEBB ANNOUNCED HE WAS RETIRING TO FOCUS ON FAMILY.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT POSTED TO THE RESTAURANT'S WEBSITE AND ON THE STORE FRONT THANKED EMPLOYEES AND LOCAL CUSTOMERS.

IT WAS SIGNED BY THE WEBB FAMILY WHO OWNED IT SINCE 1986.

IT OPENED IN 1953.

>>> SOME TERRE HAUTE RESIDENTS HAVE UNTIL NEXT WEEK TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN CONNECTING TO THE CITY'S WATER UTILITY.

THE CITY HAS HEARD FROM ABOUT A THIRD OF THE TERRE TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS.

>> INDIANA AMERICAN WATER IS OUR LARGEST UTILITY PROVIDER IN THE AREA AND THEN WE DO HAVE SOME INDIVIDUALS STILL ON WELL WATER.

>> THE TERRE TOWN CONNECT PROJECT CONNECTS INDEPENDENT HOMES TO THE PUBLIC UTILITY COST.

THE CITY SECURED $2 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS TO COVER CONNECTION FEES.

INDIANA AMERICAN WATER WOULD INVEST UP TO $6 MILLION IN THE PROJECT IF ENOUGH NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS PARTICIPATE.

THE CITY SAYS CONNECTING TO THE SERVICE COULD LOWER HOMEOWNER INSURANCE RATES WITH INSTALLATION OF NEW FIRE HYDRANTS AND INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES WITH ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC WATER.

>>> MORE THAN THREE DECADES AGO, FIRST BATMAN MOVIE LAID THE RISE TO SUPERHERO FILMS.

WE HAVE MORE ON THE CONNECTION TO THE FRANCHISE.

>> THE BATMAN FEATURE FILM DEBUTED 35 YEARS AGO AND THE BLOCKBUSTER WOULDN'T EXIST WITHOUT AN I.U.

GRADUATE.

>> I GOT TO KNOW THE CREATORS OF BATMAN AND THEY TOLD ME WHY BATMAN WAS CREATED AND WHAT THE ORIGINAL WAS CREATED.

>> BUT USLAN SAYS THE DEBUT WAS CAMPY AND NOT LIKE THE COMICS.

HE BOUGHT RIGHTS IN 1979 BUT TEN YEARS OF BARRIERS STOOD BETWEEN HIM AND THE RELEASE OF THE FEATURE FILM.

>> I WAS SHOCKED TO MY TOES WHEN I WAS TURNED DOWN BY EVERY SINGLE STUDIO IN HOLLYWOOD.

THEY TOLD ME I WAS CRAZY, THAT IT WAS WORST IDEA THEY EVER HEARD.

>> ULTIMATELY THE FILM BROKE MULTIPLE BOX OFFICE RECORDS AND USLAN SAYS THE RECENT SUPERHERO FILMS OWE IT A LOT.

HE CREDITS TIM BURT BURTON'S FOCUS ON THE HUMAN PORTION OF BATMAN.

THE EXPERIMENTAL CURRICULUM ALLOWED HIM TO TEACH A COMIC BOOK CLASS.

D.C. COMICS OFFERED ME A JOB.

>> HE TEACHES COURSES AT THE MEDIA SCHOOL YEARLY AND BY DONATING COMICS TO THE LILLY LIBRARY.

I.U.

CINEMA WILL SCREEN THE 19 THE -- 1989 FILM.

I'M SOCHI KAELBLE.

>> I'M PARTIAL TO CHRISTIAN BALE.

>> I GO WITH ADAM WEST, THE ORIGINAL.

>> THAT'S A GOOD CALL.

>> THANK THANKS CLAYTON.

>> A NEW FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF SATURDAY AT MEMORIAL STADIUM AND WITH IT COMES SOME TASTY UPGRADES AT THE CONCESSION STANDS.

KATY SZPAK HAS THE SCOOP ON WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT.

>> IT'S A FRESH SEASON FOR INDIANA FOOTBALL.

OF THAT INCLUDES A NEW SELECTION OF STADIUM SNACKS.

LEVY RESTAURANTS BEGAN WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY IN APRIL.

THEY COOKED UP SOME NEW FOOD COLLECTIONS FOR I.

U.

'S GAME DAYS.

AMONG THE GAME DAY POE POE TOE -- POTATO CHIP NACHOS AND THEY ARE PARTNERING WITH SIX LOCAL RESTAURANTS.

YOU CAN GET FAVORSITES FROM BUFF BUFFALOUIE AND YOGI'S AT THIS SEASON'S GAMES.

>> IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO US IN OUR PARTNERSHIP TO ALSO INTRODUCE PARTNERS IN RESTAURANTS THAT ARE LOCALLY KNOWN, PLACES THAT STUDENTS RECOGNIZE, FANS RECOGNIZE, WHO HAVE WONDERFUL FOOD AND WANT TO BE HERE IN THE STADIUM.

>>> BUFFALOUIE'S ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER KYLE SON THEY HAVE A GIANT PORK TENDER LION SANDWICH AND CHICAGO AUTHENTIC ITALIAN BEEF.

>> AND THERE'S A HOT GARRICK LICK -- HOT GARLIC SAUCE.

IT MAKES YOUR MOUTH SAY HELLO.

>> MIKE FOWLER IS BRINGING THE MOST POPULAR BOWLS TO THE NORTH END OF THE CONCOURSE.

>> WE HAVE ONLY BEEN OPENING SINCE OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR.

WE HAVE A GREAT FOLLOWING WITH THE STUDENT BODY ALREADY AND TO BE ABLE TO BRING THIS TO THEM HERE TESTEDIUM IS EVEN BETTER.

>> THERE ARE SIX NEW GRAB AND GO SHOPS WITH SELF-CHECKOUTS FOR POPCORN OR BEER.

>> FANS WILL SEE SIMILAR DINING CHANGES TO SIMON SKJODT ASSEMBLY HALL DURING BASKETBALL SEASON.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M KATY SZPAK.

>>> THERE'LL BE A FRESH LOOK ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD TOO.

THE CURT CIGNETTI ERA BEGINS ON SATURDAY.

CIGNETTI REVAMPED THE ROSTER THROUGH THE TRANSFER PORTAL.

>> YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE THINK, THE CULTURE, THE IDENTITY OF YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM AND I THINK WE MADE PROGRESS BUT YOU REALLY CAN'T MEASURE IT UNTIL YOU PLAY.

>> WHILE CIGNETTI HASN'T OFFICIALLY NAMED A STARTER, ALL SIGNS POINT TO CURTIS WORK, THE 6'5" TRANSFER FROM OHIO WAS THE MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN 2022 IN HAD 33 CAREER STARTS FOR THE BOBCATS, WORK THREW FOR OVER 7500 YARDS AND 50 TOUCHDOWNS.

>> HE'S NOT A REAL RAH RAH GUY ON THE FIELD WHICH IS FINE.

YOU KNOW, YOU LEAD KIND OF BY EXAMPLE AND HOW YOU DO ON THE FIELD, BUT HE'S GOT THE RESPECT OF ALL OF HIS TEAMMATES.

>> SATURDAY'S GAME AGAINST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL KICKS OFF AT 3:30 P.M. ON THE BIG TEN NETWORK.

>>> WELL, 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: