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

>> THERE'S A LOT IN THIS BILL THAT'S WORRYING, BUT DEFINITELY HAVING THE GOVERNMENT SO INVOLVED IN OUR CURRICULUM AND WHAT WE'RE TEACHING WORRIES ME A LOT.

>> A BILL TARGETING D.E.I.

IS MOVING THROUGH STATE HOUSE.

THE BILL'S AUTHOR SAYS IT'S ABOUT FAIRNESS, BUT DOCTORS SAY IT'S BAD FOR THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY.

>> COMMERCIAL CHICKEN FARMERS ARE BEING HIT HARD BY THE AVIAN FLU AND THAT HITS NOT ONLY THEIR BOTTOM LINE, BUT ALSO CAN TAKE AN EMOTIONAL TOLL.

>> THESE PEOPLE LOVE WHAT THEY DO.

SO THE IDEA OF ELIMINATING THEM IS -- IS SETTING THE MONEY ASIDE, IT CAN BE PRETTY EMOTIONALLY DAMAGING TO GO THROUGH THESE EXPERIENCES.

>> NEARLY 7 MILLION BIRDS HAVE BEEN LOST TO THE FLU SINCE 2022.

AND CONNECTICUT LAWMAKERS ARE LOOKING TO BAN PRODUCTION OF THE DRUG USED IN INDIANA FOR FEDERAL AND STATE EXECUTIONS.

THESE STORIES AND MORE, RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

STATE AND FEDERAL POLITICIANS ARE TAKING AIM AT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

INDIANA SENATE BILL 289 WOULD REMOVE SOME D.E.I.

TRAINING AND PROGRAMS IN INDIANA IF IT'S PASSED.

HIGHER EDUCATION REPORTER AUBREY WRIGHT HAS MORE ON HOW MEDICAL SCHOOLS INSPIRED THE BILL.

>> THE BILL'S AUTHOR SAYS INDIANA'S MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATIONS PROCESS INSPIRED IT AND HIS DEMANDS FOR EQUAL TREATMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS.

BUT MEDICAL EXPERTS AND STUDENTS SAY D.E.I.

LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD AS SCHOOLS LACK DIVERSITY.

>> IN BETWEEN HER WORK AT THE HOSPITAL AND CLASSES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL STUDENT OWEN MENEZ IS SPEAKING OUT IN SUPPORT OF D.E.I.

>> IT'S HARD BECAUSE WE SAY D.E.I.

BUT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS IN ITS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, RIGHT?

THERE IS NO PART OF THIS THAT'S MEANT TO EXCLUDE ANYBODY.

IT'S IN THE NAME.

>> SHE'S A MEMBER OF THE D.E.I.

COALITION, A STUDENT GROUP, AND TO MENEZ, D.E.I.

MEANS GETTING BEST OUT OF EVERYONE.

IT MEANS DOCTORS HAVE A BETTER EDUCATION AND PATIENTS RECEIVE BETTER CARE, BUT SHE SAYS THE PROPOSED BILL COULD JEOPARDIZE THAT.

>> THERE'S A LOT IN THIS BILL THAT'S WORRYING, BUT DEFINITELY HAVING THE GOVERNMENT SO INVOLVED IN OUR CURRICULUM AND WHAT WE'RE TEACHING WORRIES ME A LOT.

>> PARTS OF SB-289 COME FROM SENATOR TYLER JOHNSON'S EXPERIENCE AS A DOCTOR AND AS A MENTOR TO A STUDENT APPLYING TO MED SCHOOL.

HE DIDN'T RESPOND TO MULTIPLE INTERVIEW REQUESTS, BUT ADDRESSED THE SENATE IN FEBRUARY.

>> HE FELT DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, WHICH OBVIOUSLY HE WAS DURING THIS PROCESS, GOING THROUGH THE MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS, AT A UNIVERSITY HERE IN INDIANA.

>> HE SAYS THE STUDENT BELIEVED HE HAD TO CONFORM TO A CERTAIN IDEOLOGY AND SOME MEDICAL FACULTY SUPPORTED THE BILL.

>> I'VE HAD MULTIPLE FELLOW FACULTY MEMBERS HERE TO TESTIFY IN FRONT OF COMMITTEE.

>> DOCTORS, STUDENTS AND MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS ARE PUSHING BACK ON CALLS TO REMOVE D.E.I.

VALUES FROM MEDICAL EDUCATION.

>> D.E.I., BY DEFINITION, LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD.

>> GOOD TROUBLE INDIANA IS A GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY GROUP FOCUSED ON HEALTHCARE.

>> OUR MEDICAL SCHOOL IS DIVERSE TODAY.

DO YOU THINK THEY SHOULD BE DOING MORE?

>> WELL, FOR MANY, MANY YEARS THEY HAVEN'T BEEN DIVERSE.

>> WALSH SAYS BLACK, LATINO AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN MEDICINE AND THAT HASN'T CHANGED IN YEARS.

AFTER AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND RACE CONSCIOUS ADMISSIONS WERE BANNED IN 2022, MEDICAL SCHOOL'S SUCH AS I.U.

'S SAW A DRAMATIC DROP IN DIVERSITY.

CRITICS OF D.E.I.

SHOULD SHIFT THEIR FOCUS TO REMOVE FINANCIAL AND CLASS BARRIERS TO MEDICAL SCHOOL.

>> WE ARE NOT TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT A CERTAIN GROUP DOESN'T GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL.

MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ARE GETTING HARDER.

>> WALSH SAYS IMPROVING PATIENT CARE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR DIVERSIFYING MEDICINE.

>> CARE DELIVERY IS DIFFERENT.

SEEING DOCTORS AND THE HEALTHCARE TEAM WHO LOOK LIKE US REALLY MATTERS AND THIS SCIENCE BEARS THIS OUT.

>> MENEZ AGREES THERE SHOULD BE A DIVERSE GROUP WORKFORCE.

>> WE SHOULD HAVE MEN EXAMINING MEN WHO DON'T FEEL WOMEN EXAMINING THEM.

WE NEED PEOPLE WHO SPEAK SPANISH.

WE NEED PEOPLE WHO SPEAK FRENCH.

>> MENEZ WANTS TO WORKS IN PEDIATRICS AFTER SHE GRADUATES.

SHE SAYS IT HAS BEEN WORTH IT.

>> IT'S BEEN GOOD TO KIND OF BRING EVERYTHING TOGETHER AND PUT IT INTO PATIENT CARE AND GET TO WHERE WE ARE NOW, IT FEELS GOOD.

>> SB-289 PASSED THE SENATE AND ADVANCED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS ALSO PRESSING SCHOOLS TO GET RID OF D.E.I.

PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.

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

>> DEBATE OVER PROPERTY TAX REFORM BEGAN IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION WEDNESDAY, THE SAME WAY IT ENDED THE FIRST HALF, INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S BRANDON SMITH REPORTS THAT'S WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS SOUNDING THE ALARM ON THEIR BUDGETS WHILE GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN'S OFFICE PRESSED FOR TAXPAYER RELIEF.

>> THE CURRENT BILL IS FOCUSED ON RELIEF FOR DISABLED HOOSIERS, AND BRAUN'S PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT RELIEF FOR HOMEOWNERS ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN TRANSPARENT AND CONSISTENT.

GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT GROW FASTER THAN THE TAXPAYERS' ABILITY TO PAY FOR IT.

>> BRAUN'S PLAN WOULD HAVE COST LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND SCHOOLS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR.

KNOX COUNTY COMMISSIONER KELLY STREETER SAYS THE CURRENT BILL STILL PUTS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON A PATH THAT HARMS TAXPAYERS.

>> 79% OF MY COUNTY GENERAL GOES TO THE JUDICIARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THAT'S FOUR OF EVERY $5.

>> IT WILL FORCE CUTS TO SERVICES AND PERSONNEL.

>> WITH THE RISING COSTS OF BUSES, TRANSPORTATION, FUEL, INSURANCE, IT'S JUST OUTPACING WHAT WE'RE GETTING FROM OUR LOCAL LEVY.

>> FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M BRANDON SMITH AT THE STATEHOUSE.

>> GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN SIGNED APRIL EXECUTIVE ORDER THIS WEEK TO ALIGN WITH FEDERAL MOVES TO BAN TRANSGENDER WOMEN AND GIRLS FROM PLAYING SPORTS.

BRAUN SAYS THE EXECUTIVE ORDER IS MEANT TO SUPPORT A MEASURE MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE TO BAN TRANSGENDER WOMEN IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS.

>> WHATEVER IS CRAFTED IN LEGISLATION, WHETHER IT ADDS TO IT, TAKES AWAY FROM IT, I'M GUESSING THE INTENDED PURPOSE IS GOING TO BE THE SAME.

>> HE ALSO SIGNED A SECOND ORDER FOR EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCIES TO ENFORCE THE BIOLOGICAL BINARY OF GENDER.

ADVOCATES SAY EVEN IF THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS MAKE NO REAL CHANGES, POLITICAL LEADERS DEHUMANIZING TRANSGENDER HOOSIERS IS DANGEROUS.

>> THE STUDIES SHOW THAT WHEN THIS KIND OF RHETORIC HAPPENS, VIOLENCE HAPPENS.

SO OUR BIG THING, THE THING WE'RE SCREAMING AS MUCH AS WE CAN, WE JUST NEED EVERYONE TO TONE DOWN THIS RHETORIC, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BECAUSE IT'S LIKELY GOING TO BE A CHILD.

>> THESE POLITICAL ACTS ARE LARGELY BUILT OFF OF MISINFORMATION AND PARANOIA ABOUT TRANSGENDER AMERICANS.

>>> THERE'S SO MUCH WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY BEING PROPOSED IN THE U.S. THAT THERE'S NOT ENOUGH POWER LINES TO GET THAT ENERGY WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO.

BUILDING OUT THAT NEW TRANSMISSION IS EXPENSIVE.

IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS CAUSING INDIANA UTILITIES TO RAISE CUSTOMERS' ELECTRIC BILLS RIGHT NOW.

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S REBECCA THIELE REPORTS THAT LEGISLATION PASSED OUT OF THE STATEHOUSE AIMS TO HELP.

>> THE BILL REQUIRES ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE LONG-TERM PLANS.

THAT'S TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN BE ADDED TO POWER LINES TO MAKE THEM MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS CONGESTION.

THEY CAN REDUCE HOW LONG CHEAPER, CLEANER SOURCES LIKE WIND AND SOLAR GET CURTAILED.

>> GRID ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES REALLY IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND THE FASTEST AND THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET MORE CAPACITY OUT OF OUR EXISTING GRID.

>> THE UTILITIES WILL HAVE TO BUILD MORE POWER LINES IN THE NEXT DECADE BUT IT COULD PREVENT SOME ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES IN THE SHORT TERM.

>> WHICH CAN HOPEFULLY LEAD TO FEWER INCREASED COSTS TO CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING THE OLDER HOOSIERS WHO ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO AFFORD THE UTILITY BILLS ON TOP OF HIGHER COST SUCH AS FOOD AND MEDICINE.

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

>> UTILITIES, THE AARP AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SUPPORT THE BILL, THAT INCLUDES AUTOBAHN GREAT LAKES WHO SAYS BUILDING FEWER NEW POWER LINES WOULD REDUCE BIRD DEATHS.

IT NOW MOVES TO THE FULL HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION.

>>> NOW FOR MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE AREA.

THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF PROPERTY TAX REFORM ON CITIES AND TOWNS WAS THE MAIN TOPIC OF THIS MORNING'S LEGISLATIVE PANEL IN ELLETTSVILLE.

ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM MONROE COUNTY JOINED RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS SENATE BILL 1 AND HOW LAWMAKERS WILL COMPENSATE FOR LESS MONEY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER COUNTY SERVICES.

THAT INCLUDES A BILL THAT GIVES COUNTIES THE OPTION TO CHARGE AN EXTRA DOLLAR TO ENTER STATE PARKS WHICH COULD HELP BROWN COUNTY IN THE LONG RUN.

>> THEY'RE KEEPING THEIR NOSE ABOVE WATER AND THEY ARE PAYING WHAT THEY NEED TO, BUT SENATE BILL ONE WILL PROBABLY HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THEM IF WE SEE THESE REDUCTIONS FOR THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

SO THIS IS A WAY TO HELP THEM KIND OF SUSTAIN THAT.

>> HALL ESTIMATES THE ENTRANCE FEE INCREASE COULD GENERATE UP TO $120,000 FOR BROWN COUNTY.

>> THE BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A TRANSFER OF THE LAND FOR THE CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD TO THE CITY.

THE NEW BLOOMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER WILL BE FUNDED BY FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX REVENUE, LOCAL INCOME TAX REVENUE CAN ALSO BE USED IF NEEDED.

BLOOMINGTON'S MAYOR SAYS THE CENTER IS VITAL TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DOWNTOWN EXPANSION.

>> IT BRINGS PRESENCE ON THE B.

LINE AND, OF COURSE, IT IS BECOMING CRITICAL TO BLOOMINGTON TO ATTRACT THE VERY BEST TOURISM.

>> THE LATEST DESIGN BUDGET IS JUST OVER $70 MILLION.

THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD WILL CONTINUE TO OVERSEE CONSTRUCTION WHICH IS SET TO BEGIN IN JUNE.

ORGANIZERS ARE WORKING TO RE-INVENT THE TASTE OF BLOOMINGTON THIS YEAR.

THE POPULAR ANNUAL SUMMER FOOD FESTIVAL HASN'T BEEN HELD SINCE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE EVENT WAS CANCELED AFTER 2022 BECAUSE OF LABOR SHORTAGES, INCREASED COSTS AND LACK OF VOLUNTEERS.

NOW, OFFICIALS TAKE BRINGING THE FESTIVAL BACK IS HUGE FOR DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON.

>> TASTE STARTED IN THE EARLY 1980s AND EACH DECADE HAS ITS OWN FEEL TO IT, AND OWN TOUCH AND OWN VOLUNTEERS THAT ARE PARTICIPATING IN NEW FOOD TRENDS, MUSIC TRENDS.

>> CHOCOLATE MOUSSE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR JORDAN DAVIS SAYS HE AND ABOUT 20 OTHERS ARE WORKING ON A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE MODEL.

IT WILL BE ON KIRKWOOD AVENUE ON AUGUST 2nd AND WILL NOT BE TICKETED.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," INDIANA COULD HAVE A HARDER TIME FINDING THE DRUG IT USES IN EXECUTIONS IF A BILL IN THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW.

>>> AND POULTRY FARMERS FACE NOT ONLY FINANCIAL HARDSHIP BUT A MENTAL ONE TOO FROM LOST FLOCKS DUE TO THE AVIAN FLU.

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

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

LAWMAKERS IN CONNECTICUT WANT TO BAN STATE COMPANIES FROM PROFITING OFF DRUGS USED IN FEDERAL EXECUTIONS.

AS GEORGE HALE REPORTS, THE BILL UNDER CONSIDERATION THERE WOULD MAKE IT HARDER TO CARRY OUT LETHAL INJECTION, EXECUTIONS HERE IN INDIANA.

>> SENATE BILL 430 WOULD BAN PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES IN CONNECTICUT FROM MAKING, SELLING OR TESTING DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING OUT EXECUTIONS.

CONNECTICUT ABOLISHED THE STATE DEATH PENALTY IN 2012, BUT THERE'S NO BAN ELSEWHERE.

BUSINESS PRACTICES SHOULD ALIGN WITH STATE LAW.

>> PEOPLE FEEL STRONGLY THAT GOING FORWARD, THE -- THE COMPANIES IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM DIRECTLY, INDIRECTLY, IN ANY OTHER STATE OR BEYOND EFFORTS TO BE PART OF THAT THE DEATH PENALTY.

>> THE BILL FOLLOWS REPORTING LAST YEAR THAT A CONNECTICUT-BASED CHEMICAL SUPPLY COMPANY HELPED TO MANUFACTURE AN ANTISEIZURE ADMINISTRATION, USED BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR DEATH PENALTY CASES.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INSTRUCTED THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO STOP USING IT IN FUTURE EXECUTIONS.

NOW BACK IN THE WHITE HOUSE, PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS SIGNED MORE CASES.

>> I ALREADY SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER A MANDATORY DEATH PENALTY FOR ANYONE WHO KILLS A POLICE OFFICER APRIL AND TONIGHT I'M ASKING CONGRESS TO PASS THAT POLICY INTO PERMANENT LAW.

ANWAR SAYS HIS LEGISLATION IS NOT A RESPONSE TO TRUMP.

IT'S CODIFYING THE WILL OF THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT TO GET OUT OF THE EXECUTION BUSINESS.

>> THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, THEY WILL DO WHAT THEY WILL DO, BUT IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, WE DO HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE WE STAND AND WE WILL STAND BY OUR VALUES AND MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOES, DOES NOT NECESSARILY MAKE US DO SOMETHING THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE DO NOT AGREE WITH.

>> BUT THE PROPOSED BAN DOESN'T HAVE THE SUPPORT OF SOME KEY CONSTITUENCIES, MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT IT COULD HAVE ON THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATIONS USED FOR OR MEDICAL PURPOSES.

VETERINARIANS USE THE ANTISEIZURE DRUG ON ANIMALS.

OPPONENTS OF BILL INCLUDE THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, WHICH IS ASKING FOR CHANGES TO AVOID DISRUPTING DRUG SUPPLIES.

>> IT'S HARD TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF -- WHAT KIND OF EFFECT THIS MIGHT HAVE.

>> DEATH PENALTY EXPERT ROBIN MARR SAYS THIS IS WHAT LAWMAKERS IN CONNECTICUT ARE TRYING TO DO.

>> THERE'S A PRECEDENT AS A POLICY MATTER.

I DON'T THE THAT I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER STATE ATTEMPT TO DO WHAT CONNECTICUT IS PROPOSING TO DO.

>> AS A RESULT OF THOSE PROHIBITIONS AN INCREASED SUBSTITUTE OF LETHAL INJECTION AS AN EXECUTION, STATES WITH THE DEATH PENALTY WORK HARD TO PROTECT THE SUPPLIERS.

>> ALL THE ACTIVE DEATH PENALTIES HAVE SECRECY PROVISIONS IN PLACE TO PREVENT US FROM KNOWING WHERE THEY OBTAIN THEIR DRUGS.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OTHER STATES MIGHT BE LOOKING TO CONNECTICUT FOR THEIR DRUG SUPPLY.

>> CORRECTIONS OFFICIALS USED THE SAME DRUG TO EXECUTE A STATE PRISONER LAST YEAR.

IT WAS FIRST STATE EXECUTION IN MORE THAN 15 YEARS.

WHERE THE STATE OBTAINED THE SUPPLY IS A MYSTERY THANKS TO A 2017 STATE LAW EXEMPTING INFORMATION THAT COULD REVEAL THE SUPPLIER FROM OPEN RECORDS.

FOR ITS PART, THE CONNECTICUT COMPANY ACCUSED OF SUPPLYING THE DRUG FOR USE IN FEDERAL EXECUTIONS SAYS IT HAS STOPPED MAKING THE DRUG.

CONNECTICUT'S LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS IN JUNE.

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

>>> THERE ARE CURRENTLY THREE INMATES ON FEDERAL DEATH ROW AND SEVEN ON INDIANA'S DEATH ROW.

NO EXECUTIONS FOR EITHER ARE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

>>> AS COMMERCIAL FLOCKS IN INDIANA CONTINUE TO BE DEVASTATED WITH BIRD FLU, INDUSTRY WORKERS WRESTLE WITH FINANCIAL TROUBLES AND MENTAL HEALTH.

CLAYTON BAUMGARTH REPORTS ON THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THOSE FARMERS WHO COLLECTIVELY HAVE HAD TO PUT DOWN MILLIONS OF BIRDS.

>> SINCE 2022, INDIANA HAS LOST NEARLY 7 MILLION COMMERCIAL AND CHICKENS, EGG-LAYING HENS, DUCKS AND TURKEY.

THE SPREAD OF THE AVIAN INFLUENZA SHOWS NO SIGNS OF FLOWING DOWN AS OUTBREAKS HAVE BEEN REPORTED EVERY WEEK SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR.

ROSE ACRE FARMS IN JACKSON COUNTY, WHICH LOST OVER 2.5 MILLION EGG LAYERS RECENTLY TESTIFIED TO THE SENATE AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE ABOUT THE SITUATION.

>> SINCE 2015, WE HAVE LOST 10 MILLION BIRDS TO AVIAN INFLUENZA, 6 MILLION SINCE JANUARY 1 OF THIS YEAR.

THAT'S 25% OF OUR CURRENT PRODUCTION.

>> DURING HIS TESTIMONY, HE EMPHASIZED THE NEED TO DEVELOP AND DEPLOY A VACCINE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> I'M NOT SURE VACCINE IS 100% THE ANSWER, BUT I THINK THAT IF WE GO DOWN THAT ROAD AND WE START THERE, THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WORKING HARD AND SPEND A LOT OF MONEY TO TRY TO COME UP WITH ANSWERS.

>> HE ALSO SPOKE ON HOW THE INDUSTRY NEEDS CONTINUED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO WEATHER THE STORM.

>> THERE'S BEEN $1.4 BILLION WORTH OF INDEMNITY PAID OUT SINCE '22, I WOULD ASK THAT WE CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THAT WITH COMMON SENSE AND FAIRNESS.

IT'S A -- IT'S A WAY TO HAVE A STOPGAP MEASURE TO KEEP PEOPLE IN BUSINESS.

>> INDEMNITY PAYMENTS ARE NOT THE ONLY TOOLS KEEPING FARMERS AFLOAT AS THEY REBUILD THEIR FLOCKS.

>> THE INSURANCE PAYMENTS WORK LIKE WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT INSURANCE.

NOW, IT DOESN'T FOLLOW UNDERNEATH LIKE THE STANDARD CROP INSURANCE BUT THERE ARE LIVESTOCK INSURANCE PROGRAMS AND INDEMNITY PROGRAMS AND INFLUENZA FFSA.

>> MONEY IS TIGHT.

REBUILDING A FLOCK CAN TAKE UP TO SIX MONTHS AFTER AN OUTBREAK.

THAT'S SIX MONTHS OF FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTY AND PERSONAL STRESS FOR FLOCK OWNERS.

>> THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY DOO IRRELEVANT.

I THINK THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS CASES WHERE, YOU KNOW, WE -- WE EXPERIENCE SOME TYPE OF NEGATIVE SHOCK AND THE BIOLOGICAL LAGS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO REBUILD A FLOCK AND START PRODUCING EGGS AGAIN CAN BE DISASTROUS.

>> AND THAT SIX-MONTH REBUILDING PROCESS ASSUMES NO OTHER INFECTIONS OCCUR.

IF ONE DOES, THE PROCESS STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN.

NOT ONLY ARE THE FARMERS WORRIED ABOUT THEIR BALANCE SHEET BUT THERE'S AN EMOTIONAL STRESS HAPPENING SIMULTANEOUSLY.

>> THESE PEOPLE LOVE WHAT THEY DO.

THEY WORK REALLY HARD TO -- TO GIVE THOSE -- THOSE HENS A GOOD LIFE, THOSE LAYERS ARE SOMETHING THAT'S QUITE VALUABLE TO THEM.

SO THE IDEA OF ELIMINATING THEM IS SETTING THE MONEY ASIDE, IT CAN BE EMOTIONALLY DAMAGING.

>> IT FOCUSES ON -- DAMAGING.

>> IT HELPS THEM WITH THEIR MENTAL LIFE.

>> WE TALK WITH YOUTH ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE UNIQUE STRESSORS THAT COME WITH AGRICULTURE AND THE LIVES THAT THEY ARE LIVING.

>> A LARGE PART OF THEIR WORK INCLUDES TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO HANDLE WORKING IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE SO MUCH IS OUT OF THEIR CONTROL, SUCH AS WHETHER IT RAINS.

>> THERE'S SO MANY ASPECTS IN AGRICULTURE THAT ARE ULTIMATELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL, SO LIKE, IF THERE IS A DISEASE GOING AROUND, WHAT PREVENTION CAN YOU DO TO ULTIMATELY HELP YOUR LIVESTOCK OR YOUR OPERATION.

>> THE TEAM IS MADE UP OF THOSE WITH HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCE BACKGROUNDS, AS WELL AS THOSE WITH EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE.

FOR ROBINSON WHO OPERATES ON THE BORDER OF OHIO WHERE MANY BIRD FLU OUTBREAKS HAVE BEEN REPORTED, WORK HAS BEEN BUSY.

>> THERE'S JUST SO MANY MIXED EMOTIONS THAT THEY COULD BE GOING THROUGH.

SO SOME OF THE TOOLS THAT WE RECOMMEND IS DEFINITELY HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF DURING THIS TIME, BECAUSE IT IS SIMILAR TO, LIKE A FAMILY FARM IF THEY LOSE THE OPERATION.

>> THE BIGGEST THING THE TEAM EMPHASIZES, THOUGH, IS THAT FARMERS ARE MORE THAN JUST THEIR FARMING OPERATION.

IT'S AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR AN INDUSTRY THAT OFTEN SAYS FARMING IS A WAY OF LIFE.

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

>>> AND SOME STUDENTS ON INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S CAMPUS HAVE DEVELOPED THEIR PASSIONS FOR BAKING INTO A BUSINESS.

AS ISABELLA VESPIRINI REPORTS, BAKING SERVES AS A CREATIVE OUTLET FOR THEM.

>> CHRISTIAN OATHS HAS ALWAYS LOVED COOKING.

HE'S BEEN BAKING CUPCAKES SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND OFFICIALLY STARTED CARDINAL CUPCAKES A FEW YEARS AGO.

>> LIKE, MY FIRST REAL MEMORY IN THE KITCHEN WAS MAKING BREAKFAST, LIKE BREAKFAST PIZZA.

THEN AFTER HIGH SCHOOL A LITTLE BIT, I DID SOME LIKE RICE KRISPIES AND EVERYTHING.

I REALLY -- I DON'T KNOW HOW I ENDED UP DOING CUPCAKES.

I'M NOT GONNA LIE.

I THINK IT WAS EASIER THAN A CAKE AND EASILY SHAREABLE.

HE STARTED WITH COOKIE AND CREAM, AND MAKING SMORES, RED VELVET AND VANILLA CUPCAKES.

HE FINDS THE RECIPES GOING THROUGH PINTEREST AND TWEAKS THEM TO MAKE HIS OWN.

>> BEFORE THIS, I HATED CUPCAKES.

IT'S LESS SWEET AND THEY'RE LIGHT.

I KNOW PEOPLE HATE THE ICING OF A LOT OF DIFFERENT CAKES AND EVERYTHING, BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO SWEET, TOO THICK, AND THE CREAM CHEESE OR THE WHIPPED CREAM ICINGS, THEY ARE LIGHTER IN TEXTURE AND SWEETNESS BUT THEY ARE REALLY GOOD.

>> OATS SAYS TIME MANAGEMENT CAN BE CHALLENGING.

ON A PERFECT DAY, HE WILL START EARLY IN THE MORNING.

BUT HE OFTEN FINDS HIMSELF BAKING LATE AT NIGHT.

>> THE LATEST I HAVE PROBABLY BEEN BAKING WAS I STOPPED AT LIKE 3 A.M. AND THAT WAS ME KIND OF FORCING MYSELF TO STOP BEFORE I GO CRAZY.

>> JAKE LAZAR GREW UP EATING HIS MOM'S MANDEL BREAD.

HE LAUNCHED GRANDMA'S GOODIES 15 MONTHS AGO TO KEEP THE RECIPE ALIVE.

IT WAS CREATED BY HIS GREAT GRANDMA.

>> SHE WENT TO CULINARY SCHOOL.

I GREW UP AROUND HER BAKING AND COOKING.

AND ALSO MY DAD WHO IS A BIG CHEF AND BAKER.

IT'S KIND OF HARD TO NOT WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT, OR EVEN GET GOOD AT YOURSELF.

>> HE BAKES IN BULK, DEPENDING ON DEMAND.

HAS MORE TIME TO BAKE AND MARKETING ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

IT TAKES 12 HOURS TO COMPLETE ONE BATCH.

>> I LIVE WITH EIGHT OTHER GUYS AND I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT WASN'T GOING TO BE FEASIBLE.

THEY ARE ALWAYS COMING OVER, HEY, WHAT ARE YOU MAKING?

CAN I TRY A BITE OF THAT?

SO QUICKLY, I WAS LIKE, I THINK I NEED TO FIND SOMETHING NEW.

>> THE MAIN MISSION OF THE BUSINESS IS TO GIVE BACK.

FOR EVERY 12 BAGS OF COOKIES COLD, LASER DONATES ONE POUND TO LOCAL FOOD BANKS.

HE PARTNERS WITH BEACON TO CONTRIBUTE COOKIES.

>> IT'S NOT A COMMON OCCURRENCE WHERE SOMEONE HAS A CHANCE TO GET A FRESHLY BAKED DESSERT.

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

>> THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM.

DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR SUNDAY MORNING.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

"INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE