>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION HAS CUT FUNDING FOR RESEARCHERS THAT NOT ONLY THREATEN THEIR WORK, BUT THEIR EMPLOYMENT.

>> WORK FUNDED BY THE NSF SHOULD IMPROVE SOCIETY, BY BROADENING THE PARTICIPATION OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS IN THE STEM FIELD.

>> THE FUNDING CUTS ARE PART OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICY'S TO ELIMINATE ANY PROGRAM THAT MENTIONS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION.

>>> WITH INDIANA PLANNING TO RAMP UP INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE BIG QUESTION IS WHERE TO PUT THEM.

>> THE ROOFS OF SUPER STORES AND WAREHOUSES REALLY ARE PERFECT FOR SOLAR.

>> ONE FORT WAYNE BUSINESS IS ALREADY SEEING THE BENEFITS OF HAVING SOLAR PANELS ON ITS ROOF.

>>> AND AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS, INDIANA UNIVERSITY IS BRINGING BACK THE HOOSIER BISON MASCOT FOR THE FALL.

WE'LL HAVE THOSE STORIES AND MORE, RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION HAS CUT MORE THAN 1,000 GRANTS TO ALIGN WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S NEW ANTI-D.E.I.

PRIORITIES.

FOR RESEARCHERS AT I.U., THAT MEANS NOT ONLY THE END OF THEIR PROJECTS BUT SOMETIMES THE END OF THEIR JOBS.

ETHAN SANDWEISS SPOKE WITH THE TEAM AT I.U.

WHOSE ENTIRE FUNDING WAS ELIMINATED.

>> SELIM YAVUZ CAME FROM TURKEY TO THE U.S. TO STUDY MATH.

HE WAS FINISHING AN EIGHT-YEAR LONG IMPROVEMENT ON IMPROVING LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR KIDS.

HE WAS ALSO SUPPORTING HIS FAMILY FROM A MODEST STIPEND FROM NSF AND HIS WIFE GAVE BIRTH TO THEIR SECOND CHILD IN JANUARY.

>> SINCE I WAS AN INTERNATIONAL, I'M FAR AWAY FROM MY COUNTRY.

I'M JUST HERE FOR EDUCATION.

>> BUT THE NSF CANCELED THE GRANT FUNDING HIS WORK THIS SPRING, ALONGSIDE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS, FLAGS UNDER NEW GUIDELINES TO ELIMINATE ANYTHING MENTIONING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION.

THE NSF DECLINED AN INTERVIEW FOR THIS STORY.

SPOKESPERSON CASSANDRA EICHNER SAID, IT'S OUR PRIORITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL NSF AWARDS CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICANS EVERYWHERE WITHOUT EXCLUSIONS OF ANY GROUPS.

>> SAYS DON'T FOCUS ON ONE SPECIFIC RACE BUT IT SHOWS WE ARE FOCUSING ALL RACE.

>> YAVUZ LOST THE SOLE SOURCE OF INCOME.

>> I TRIED TO FIND ANOTHER OPTION FOR SUMMER, BUT IT'S TOO LATE TO FIND BECAUSE ALREADY POSITIONS ARE FILLED AND THERE'S NO MORE POSITION AND SINCE I'M AN INTERNATIONAL, I DON'T HAVE PERMIT TO WORK OUTSIDE OF THE UNIVERSITIES.

>> HIS STORY HAS BECOME COMMON.

AS OF MAY 7th, THE NSF HAS CANCELED ALMOST 1400 GRANTS ERASING $1 BILLION IN FUNDING.

>> THE GOAL OF THE GRANT WAS TO BUILD A SURVEY FOR MATH TEACHERS THAT WOULD HELP US UNDERSTAND HOW THEY EXPLAIN DIFFERENCES IN DIFFERENT GROUPS OF STUDENTS' OUTCOMES.

>> SINCE THE 1980s, THE NSF'S MISSION AS MANDATED BY CONGRESS HAS BEEN TO FUND PROJECTS THAT IMPROVE SOCIETY.

AS A PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, JACOBSON WROTE TO THE 17 GRANT PROPOSAL TO MEET THOSE PRIORITIES.

>> ONE OF THE EXPLICIT WAYS THEY SAID WORK FUNDED BY THE NSF SHOULD IMPROVE SOCIETY IS BY BROADENING THE PARTICIPATION OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS IN THE STEM FIELDS.

>> MORE THAN HALF THE GRANTS CANCELED ARE FOR STEM EDUCATION.

>> IT'S CONFUSING FOR ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE KEEP HEARING RHETORIC ABOUT HOW WE NEED A WELL-EDUCATED STEM WORKFORCE.

>> ROAN WAS EXCITED, SHE WAS AT A CONFERENCE IN DENVER WHEN SHE LEARNED HER FELLOWSHIP HAD DISAPPEARED.

>> THIS WAS A MALAISE IN THAT CONFERENCE.

I THINK I DIDN'T ATTEND A SESSION WHERE AT LEAST ONE PERSON HAD LOST FUNDING.

>> ROAN WAS ONE DAY AWAY FROM SIGNING A LEASE.

SHE MANAGED TO FIND A TEACHING POSITION IN TEXAS WHICH WILL PAY THE BILLS BUT LEAVE LITTLE TIME FOR RESEARCH.

THE DIP IN SALARY MEANS IT WILL TAKE THEM YEARS LONGER TO SAVE FOR A HOUSE AND THEY HAD TO RECONSIDER THEIR PLANS TO HAVE A SECOND CHILD.

>> WE WILL BE CONSIDERING HOW MUCH OF A DENT THIS IS GOING TO PUT INTO OUR CAREER TRAJECTORIES.

>> JACOBSON'S TEAM WAS NOTIFIED THE GRANT WAS ENDED, ENDING A YEAR BEFORE COMPLETION, WITH OVER $1 MILLION INVESTED.

HE SAID HE'S RECEIVED LITTLE INFORMATION ON WHY THE GRANT WAS CANCELED AND EVEN THE NSF OFFICIALS HE TALKED TO SEEM CONFUSED.

>> MY PROGRAM OFFICER WAS REALLY SURPRISED.

GRANTS HAVE NEVER BEEN CANCELED FOR THIS REASON BEFORE, IN THE HISTORY OF NSF.

>> WITHOUT FUNDING, THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT, ACTUALLY TESTING THE SURVEY WILL EVER HAPPEN.

AS A TENURED PROFESSOR, JACOBSON'S JOB IS SAFE BUT HE SAID LOSING THE SUPPORT WAS A PUNCH TO THE GUT.

>> IT'S A WASTE THAT IT'S BEEN SQUANDERED AN INVESTMENT AND THEN JUST BEING REALLY UNSURE ABOUT HOW -- HOW THESE PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH, THAT I CARE ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN WITH THEM AND NOT REALLY HAVING -- NOT BEING ABLE TO HELP THEM IN ANY WAY.

>> TRACKING NSF GRANTS RELY ON THEM SHARING THEIR DATA SINCE THEY DON'T PROVIDE INFORMATION ON WHAT GRANTS HAVE BEEN CUT.

MORE THAN $7.5 BILLION IN FUNDING FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH HAS BEEN CUT AS WELL.

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

>>> ACCORDING TO GRANT WATCH, THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION HAS CANCELED AT LEAST SEVEN GRANTS AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY.

>>> AFTER BEING EXTINCT FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, HOOSIER THE BISON IS RETURNING AS THE MASCOT FOR INDIANA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS.

I.U.

HAS BEEN TEASING THE RETURN OF THE BISON FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA BUT AS CLAYTON BAUMGARTH REPORTS, ON TUESDAY THEY MADE IT OFFICIAL.

>> LAST DECEMBER I.U.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE BRING BACK THE BISON ACT OF 2024, WITH THE HOPES OF ENHANCING THE SCHOOL'S IDENTITY IN THE WAKE OF MOST SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL SEASON IN YEARS.

THE STUDENTS' EFFORTS HAVE PAID OFF.

THE BISON FIRST MADE AN APPEARANCE IN 1965 WITH THE I.U.

STUDENT SENATE INSPIRED BY THE BISON ON THE INDIANA STATE SEAL.

>> THEY DID HAVE A BISON AND THEY HAD THE -- THE CHEERLEADERS HAD SOMEONE WHO HAD A BISON HEAD THAT WAS ON THE SIDELINES, THAT WAS, YOU KNOW, PART OF THAT WHOLE THING.

I THOUGHT IT WAS COOL.

I MEAN, I'M 12 YEARS OLD, YOU KNOW, 11 YEARS OLD, OH, THAT'S KIND OF COOL.

>> IT WAS DISCONTINUED IN 1969, THOUGH NICK'S ENGLISH HUT WOULD CONTINUE TO USE THE BISON IN THE LOGO TODAY.

ACCORDING TO AN ARTICLE IN THE HERALD-TIMES LAST YEAR, STUDENTS WOULD WORE THE BISON SUIT SAID IT WAS TOO HOT AND THEY HAD TROUBLE SEEING OUT OF IT.

OTHERS FOUND IT TERRIFYING.

>> HOOSIER WAS FOLLOWED UP WITH MR. HOOSIER PRIDE.

>> IT WAS A GUY IN A BIG -- KIND OF A SUIT AND IT HAD A BIG OLD RED COWBOY HAT ON IT AND A EYE.

AND IT KIND OF LOOKED LIKE RALPH FLOYD.

>> HE WAS I.U.

'S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT THE TIME.

MR. HOOSIER PRIDE IS THE MOST AS SIGN ANYONE COULD HAVE DREAMED UP TO BE I.U.

'S MASCOT.

HE WAS RETIRED AFTER ONE SEASON.

AFTER A FAILED CONTEST IN 1980 TO SELECT A NEW MASCOT.

THEY WENT WITHOUT ONE FOR NEXT 45 YEARS.

>> WHEN LEE CORSO COMES TO TOWN FOR COLLEGE GAMEDAY AND HE PICKS ON I.U.

AND HE PUTS ON A BASEBALL CAP.

IT DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS HAVING A HEAD GEAR.

IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE IT LAST YEAR BUT I THINK IT GOT THE BALL ROLLER FOR THIS YEAR.

>> THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT THIS TIME THE MASCOT IS HERE TO STAY THANKS TO A STRONG FOOTBALL SEASON LAST YEAR AND A NEW HEAD BASKETBALL COACH.

>> I THINK THERE'S OPTIMISM AROUND OUR PROGRAMS.

A LOT OF TIMES PEOPLE DON'T LIKE THINGS IF IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH LOSING.

SO INTRODUCING A MASCOT A 3-9 FOOTBALL YEAR, FEELS LIKE A BAD IDEA.

SO I THINK WE'VE GOT SOME WIND AT OUR BACK THIS WAY.

>> GRAY SAYS FANS WILL CONTINUE TO GET BRIEF GLIMPSES OF THE NEW MASCOTS IN THE COMING MONTHS BEFORE THE FULL REVEAL THIS FALL.

>> WE WILL HAVE ARTWORK, LIKE LOGOS THAT GET REPRESENTED ON THINGS, THAT THAT'S GOING TO BE COMING OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SUMMER.

WE'LL HAVE SOME RETAIL AVAILABLE.

WE KNOW THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE A HIT WITH KIDS, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE KEPT THE SECRET THIS LONG.

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

>> THE UPDATED MASCOT IS EXPECTED TO HAVE FRIENDLY EYES AND BE BUILT LIKE A MARVEL SUPERHERO.

>>> WE'RE JOINED NOW BY CLAYTON BAUMGARTH WHO JUST DID THAT STORY.

CLAYTON, THEY DIDN'T SHOW YOU THE BISON, DID THEY?

>> NO.

NO.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

IT'S STILL UNDER WRAPS.

>> NOW FOR SOME HEADLINES.

>> A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS PAUSED PART OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S EXPRESSIVE ACTIONS POLICY.

THE ACLU SUIT SAID THE UNIVERSITY VIOLATED THE FIRST AMENDMENT BY RESTRICTING WHICH EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY SUCH AS PROTESTING, MAKING SPEECHES, CARRYING SIGNS AND PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR.

THEY PROHIBITED FROM 11 P.M. TO 6 A.M.

THE ACLU SUED ON BEHALF OF FACULTY, STAFF STUDENTS REPRIMANDED FOR THAT POLICY.

>>> IT'S A YELLOW AND BLUE DEPICTION OF THE VIGO COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CROSSROADS AND A SILHOUETTE OF A BASEBALL MAYER.

THE NEW SLOGAN IS "MEET US AT THE CROSSROADS."

COME VISIT.

COME DO BUSINESS.

COME BUILD A LIFE HERE.

>> SAKBUN SAYS TERRE HAUTE'S REBRAND IS A SHOWCASE OF PRIDE IN THE CITY DESPITE CHALLENGES FROM THE STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> I SAID THIS AT THE STATE OF THE CITY, REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OR FEDERAL CHANGES, WE ARE STILL CHARGED TO BUILD BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS.

WE ARE STILL OUT THIS FIXING SIDEWALKS, TAKING DOWN MORE CONDEMNED HOMES THAN EVER BEFORE.

>> SAKBUN SAYS THE OLD CITY BRANDING SERVED TERRE HAUTE WELL BUT IT NO LONGER CAPTURES CURRENT LEVEL OF DIVERSITY AND MOMENTUM.

>>> BLOOMINGTON TRANSIT BEGINS ITS FREE DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE SERVICE ON MONEY.

IT WILL BE PART OF THE EXISTING B LAKE MICROTRANSIT SERVICE.

IT WILL FOCUS ON THE AREAS ROGERS TO INDIANA AVENUE AND 10th STREET TO FIRST STREET.

IT'S FOCUSED ON MAKING DOWNTOWN MORE ACCESSIBLE DURING THE PARTIAL CLOSURE OF KIRKWOOD AVENUE.

>> WHAT WE WERE TRYING TO DO IS COME UP WITH AN IDEA THAT WE USE OUR SMALLER VEHICLES, USE THE PARKING GARAGES AS PRIMARY PICKUP POINTS AND THEN GET PEOPLE AS CLOSE TO THEIR DESTINATION ALONG KIRKWOOD AS POSSIBLE.

>> CONNELL SAYS THE BEST WAY TO SECURE A SPOT ON THE SHUTTLE IS USING THE BLOOMINGTON LINK MOBILE APP.

>>> JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC IS HOSTING A FREE BALLET PERFORMANCE SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MUSICAL ARTS CENTER AS NATALIE FITZGIBBON REPORTS, STUDENTS HAVE WORKED ALMOST A MONTH ON THE ROUTINES.

>> TWILIGHT TURNOUT IS A CULMINATION OF A THREE AND A HALF WEEK ADDITIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM THE BALLET DEPARTMENT OFFERS KNOWN AS MAYMETER.

BALLET DEPARTMENT CHAIR SARAH WROTH SAYS IT GIVES THE STUDENTS IN THE PROGRAM ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM AND IT ALSO GIVES ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY A CHANCE TO ATTEND A BALLET PERFORMANCE.

>> IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AT THIS TIME PERIOD, WHEN THE SCHOOL IS KIND OF QUIET, TO OFFER THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT'S EVER WANTED TO TRY CLASSICAL BALLET OR CONTEMPORARY BALLET OR JAZZY BALLET.

>> THE PERFORMANCE WILL CONSIST OF TEN SHORT DANCES.

IT WILL INCLUDE A SMALL EXCERPT FROM GEORGE WITH BALACHINE OF DONIZETTI, AND NEW WORLD WORKS FROM MICHAEL VERNON AND CHRISTIAN CLASESSEN.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MAYMESTER, THEY HAVE BEEN PRACTICING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, PREPARING FOR SATURDAY'S PERFORMANCE.

WROTH SAYS IT'S EXCITING TO SEE THE STUDENTS IMPROVE AND PERFORM THIS SUMMER.

>> THIS TIMELINE THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING, IT'S A TESTAMENT TO HOW AMAZING THE PROGRAM IS AND HOW AMAZING THE FACULTY AND IS HOW INCREDIBLE THIS PLACE IS TO PREPARE THE STUDENTS IN THE FUTURE.

>> SHE SAYS SHE'S LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYTHING COME TOGETHER.

SHE'S EXCITED TO NOT ONLY PERFORM BUT TO WATCH HER FRIENDS PERFORM FROM THE STAGE WINGS.

>> BEING ABLE TO LEARN ALL OF THESE WONDERFUL PIECES OF REP FROM OUR AMAZING FACULTY, IT'S -- IT'S JUST SO SPECIAL.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M NATALIE FITZGIBBONS.

>>> AND FINALLY, BLOOMINGTON ARTISTS CAN NOW APPLY FOR UP TO $2,000 IN FUNDING TO GROW THEIR CREATIVE CAREERS.

TO THE 25 ARTISTIC ADVANCEMENT GRANT WILL SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS, IT COMES FROM THE BLOOMINGTON ARTS COMMISSION.

>> WHEN THEY ARE STUDIO ARTISTS, PAINTERS, MUSICIANS OR BANDS THAT PRACTICE IN GROUPS, THEATER TROUPES, REALLY ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP OF ARTISTS WHO COULD USE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FUNDING.

>> AND JOE, IN THE PAST, THE GRANTS HAVE HELPED TO FUND PROJECTS SUCH AS RECORDING SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCE TRAVEL.

>> ALL RIGHT THANKS, CLAYTON.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK.

>> SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES ARE SPREADING QUICKLY IN INDIANA AND POSE A THREAT TO GRAPEVINES.

I SPOKE WITH LOCAL WINERIES ABOUT HOW THEY ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR ARRIVALS.

>> AND PUTTING SOLAR PANELS ON BIG BOX STORES IN INDIANA COULD BE AN ANSWER TO THOSE WHO OPPOSE SOLAR FARMS.

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

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

LOCAL WINERIES ARE PREPARING FOR AN INSECT WITH THE BENIGN SOUNDING NAME BUT ONE WHOSE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING GRAPEVINES COULD FORCE THEM TO OUTSOURCE GRAPES OR RAISE PRICES.

ISABELLA VESPIRINI IS HERE TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY.

>> SPOTTED LANTERN NIGHS ARE AN INVASIVE SPECIES THAT HAVE BEEN SEEN INCREASINGLY IN INDIANA.

THE HOST IN THE TREE OF HEAVEN, ONE JUST BEHIND ME HERE IN THE TAILGATING FIELDS.

EXPERTS SAY IT'S A KEY SPOT FOR THEM TO BE INTRODUCED.

SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES VIA TRAVEL ON TRANSPORT, SUCH AS TRUCKS AND TRAINS.

>> THEY COME FROM OUT OF STATE AND MAYBE SPEND THE NIGHT, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT -- DEPENDING ON THE TIME, THEY MIGHT HAVE SOME SPOTTED LANTERNFLY INDIVIDUALS HITCHING A RIDE OVER.

>> WHILE NOT HARMFUL TO HUMANS, THEY SUCK SAP OUT OF PLANTS AND PRODUCE A HONEY DUE THAT CAN CREATE MOLD AND CURB PLANT GROWTH.

THEY HAVE BEEN -- THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SPOTTED AT LOCAL WINERIES, BUT THEY STRUGGLE TO GROW QUALITY GRAPES THEY WILL NEED GRAPES FROM OTHER WINERIES.

>> WHEN WE GROW THE GRAPES WE HAVE CONTROL OVER HOW WE BUY THEM AND WHEN WE USE OTHER BUYERS, WE LOSE THAT CONTROL OVER THE FRUIT.

>> IF THE INSECTS DAMAGE THE GRAPEVINES, LABOR AND MANAGEMENT COSTS WOULD INCREASE, AND THAT COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO HIGHER PRICES FOR THEIR WINE.

>> WE ARE HERE TO GROW GRAPES AND MAKE AN AUTHENTIC PRODUCT, AND SOMETIMES THE MORE AUTHENTIC THE PRODUCT IS, OR THE MORE CAREFULLY IT'S MANAGED, THE MORE THAT COST CAN TRICKLE DOWN TO THE CUSTOMER.

>> SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES ARE NATIVE TO SOUTHEAST ASIA AND WERE FIRST SEEN IN THE U.S.

IN PENNSYLVANIA IN 2014 AND IN INDIANA IN 2021.

THERE HAVE BEEN SIGHTINGS IN 14 COUNTIES WITH COLUMBUS BEING THE CLOSEST TO BLOOMINGTON THE PEST HAS BEEN SEEN.

>> THEY WILL GENERALLY WESTBOUND GRAY AND OFTENTIMES PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE RED BRIGHT COLORS THAT FLASH OUT AT THEM.

THAT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN FLY ARE FLY, DID WHEN THEY ARE FLYING OR THEIR WINGS ARE EXPANDED.

>> HE USES AN INSECTICIDE.

>> WE HAVE MATERIAL ON HAND.

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF GETTING THE TIMELY APPLICATION.

>> LEADERBRAND DOESN'T WANT TO RELY TOO MUCH ON USING INSECTICIDE TO REMOVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY.

>> BEING A GOOD STEWARD TO THE EARTH, WE PARTICIPATE ON AND LIVE ON, MAKING SURE THAT NONE OF THESE THINGS AFFECT OTHER LIVING ORGANISMS AS WELL.

>> IF SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES BECOME ESTABLISHED IN THE AREA, BUTLER SAYS THE VINES WILL SLOWLY LOSE NUTRIENTS AND DECLINE IN QUALITY.

>> IN THE LONG RUN, IF WE CAN'T GROW GRAPES WE CAN'T HAVE A WINERY.

>> YOU CAN REPORT SIGHTINGS OF SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES ON THE D.N.R.

WEBSITE.

REPORTING FROM THE TAILGATING FIELD FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M ISABELLA VESPIRINI.

>>> INDIANA IS EXPECTED TO ADD A LOT OF SOLAR POWER IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

MOST OF THAT WILL BE ON THE GROUND, SOMETHING THAT RURAL HOOSIERS DON'T LIKE.

AS REBECCA THIELE REPORTS, THIS COULD BE ANOTHER OPTION, PUT SOLAR ON HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF SQUARE FEET OF UNUSED SPACE ON TOP OF BIG BOX STORES.

♪ >> HERE AT SWEETWATER SOUNDS CONTRIBUTION CENTER IN FORT WAYNE, EMPLOYEES TEST OUT GUITARS BEFORE BOXING THEM BACK UP TO SELL.

THERE'S A LOT OF ACTIVITY, BOXES ZOOM FROM PLACE TO PLACE ON OVERHEAD CONVEYER BELTS WHILE FORKLIFT DRIVERS MAKE THEIR WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC ON THE FLOOR BUT IT'S NOTHING COMPARED TO THE ENERGY ON THE ROOF.

THIS MORE THAN 260 SOLAR PANELS HELP TO POWER THE BUILDING.

TYLER GERARDOT MAINTAINS THEM.

>> WE TRY TO USE HERE AND WHAT IS NOT USED BY SWEETWATER WE SEND BACK OUT TO THE GRID AND THAT HELPS TO REDUCE THE PRICE FOR EVERYBODY THAT GETS A CHANCE TO USE IT.

>> COMPANIES ARE STARTING TO PUT SOLAR ON WAREHOUSES LIKE THIS ONE AND BIG BOX STORES LIKE IKEA.

BUT VERY, VERY SLOWLY.

>> AND GIVEN THAT IN AMERICA WE'RE RUNNING SHORT ON NATURE, AND WE NEED TO MOVE TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, THE ROOFS OF SUPERSTARS AND WAREHOUSES REALLY ARE PERFECT FOR SOLAR, BECAUSE THEY'RE FLAT, THEY'RE SUNNY, AND RIGHT NOW, ALL THEY'RE DOING IS KEEPING THE RAIN OUT.

>> NEUMANN SAYS IF ALL THE WAREHOUSES AND BIG BOX STORES IN INDIANA PUT SOLAR ON THE ROOF, IT COULD POWER MORE THAN 20% OF ALL THE HOMES IN THE STATE.

THERE ARE ALSO ADVANTAGES GENERATING CLOSE TO WHERE THEY USE.

IF THEY ALL HAD SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE, SHE SAYS WALMARTS COULD BECOME RESILIENT COMMUNITY HUBS.

>> THE IN ANY EVENT OF A TORNADO OR IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE, WALMART STILL HAS POWER AND LIGHT AND REFRIGERATION AND COULD BECOME THE PLACE WHERE PEOPLE GO TO CHARGE THEIR PHONES AND WHERE THEY CAN GO TO GET COOL WATER.

>> SO WHY AREN'T MORE BUSINESSES DOING THIS?

>> NEUMANN SAYS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS.

SHE SOLAR WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY SAVE A BIG ENERGY HOGGING STORE LIKE A TARGET IN THE LONG RUN BUT THERE'S STILL AN UPFRONT COST.

>> SO ANYTHING THAT DOESN'T PAY BACK WITHIN TWO TO THREE YEARS, THEY CAN STRUGGLE TO JUSTIFY TO THEIR SHAREHOLDER SNOOZE.

>> SOLAR ON A WAREHOUSE WOULD GENERATE MORE ENERGY THAN WHAT A WAREHOUSE COULD USE.

UNLESS IT CAN SELL THAT TO A UTILITY OR COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT, IT MIGHT NOT MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE.

THAT'S WHERE INDIANA LAWMAKERS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

>> SO IF THERE ARE STATE INCENTIVES THAT ARE PUT IN MACE TO HELP ENCOURAGE SOLAR ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, LIKE SUPERSTORE ROOFS AND WAREHOUSE ROOFS, YOU CAN CHANGE THE BUSINESS CALCULATION OF THE SOLAR BUILDERS.

>> SUCH AS CREDITS FOR SENDING EXCESS ENERGY BACK TO THE GRID.

INDIANA'S LARGE INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES LOBBIED TO PASS A LOU TO PHASE DOWN HIGHER NET METERING RATES, RE-INSTATING THEM WOULD HELP THE BIG BOX STORES AND WAREHOUSES TO PAY OFF THE SOLAR PANELS FASTER.

IT CERTAINLY HELPED SWEETWATER.

ALL TOGETHER THE COMPANY SAYS HAVING SOLAR SAVED IT MORE THAN $160,000 A YEAR BUT JEFF OSTERMAN, THE CHIEF PEOPLE AND CULTURE OFFICER SAYS THAT'S NOT WHAT DROVE SWEETWATER TO DO IT.

HE SAYS THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS TRIED TO BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD.

IT'S SOMETHING CUSTOMERS WANT TO SEE.

>> WE WERE EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO DO IT AND I THINK WHAT WE FOUND OUT IN THE PROCESS IS IT WAS ACTUALLY WAY MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR US THAN MAYBE WHAT WE HAD EVEN INITIALLY REALIZED AND I THINK OTHERS WHO WOULD BE LOOKING AT, IT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS MAY VERY WELL FIND THE SAME THING.

>> TO AVOID THE WORST EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, SCIENTISTS SAY WE NEED TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030.

THAT MEANS TRANSITIONING TOWARDS CLEANER SOURCES OF ENERGY LIKE SOLAR FAST.

SOLAR DEVELOPERS SAY A PATCHWORK OF LOCAL LAWS IN INDIANA MAKE PUTTING LARGE SOLAR FARMS ON THE GROUND DIFFICULT.

INDIANA'S WAREHOUSES AND BIG BOX STORES MAY BE A CREATIVE WAY TO GET SOME OF THAT SOLAR BACK ON THE ROOF.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK" PUBLIC BROADCASTING I'M REBECCA THIELE.

>> AND A WOMAN IN GREENCASTLE CREATED A FREE KEYCHAIN LIBRARY.

AS KATIE SZPAK REPORTS, IT'S BECOME A SIT WITH LOCALS.

>> JOSEE SCROGGINS HAS EARNED A REPUTATION AS THE KEYCHAIN LADY.

SHE STARTED THE GREENCASTLE KEYCHAIN LIBRARY ABOUT A WEEK AGO.

>> I NOTICED THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF THE FREE LITTLE LIBRARIES SHOWING UP.

I WAS LIKE, WELL, WHY NOT KEYCHAINS.

I'M SURE THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO LIKE KEYCHAINS.

SO GIVE IT A TRY.

>> SHE WAS MAINLY INSPIRED WHEN SHE SAW THE PORTLAND KEYCHAIN LIBRARY ONLINE AND KNEW RIGHT AWAY SHE WANTED TO CREATE HER OWN LOCALLY.

SHE INSTALLED IT AT HER FAMILY'S HOME ON WOOD STREET.

SCROGGINS ESTIMATES SHE HAS ABOUT 1,000 DIFFERENT ITEMS.

THEY CONTINUED TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARY WITH TOYS AND KEYCHAIN MATERIALS.

>> PEOPLE HAVE ORDERED STUFF OFF OF AMAZON AND SAID, HEY, I ORDERED THIS.

I'M JUST GOING TO LEAVE THEM HERE.

OKAY.

I COME TO FIND OUT, IT'S BIG BOXES OF JUST ALL KINDS OF KEYCHAINS, TOYS, AND I TRY TO PAY 'EM BACK, AND THEY SAY DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

>> ANYONE CAN TAKE PART.

ALL SHE ASKS FOR IS A FAIR TRADE.

TAKE A KEYCHAIN AND LEAVE A TRINKET OR SWAP OUT A KEYCHAIN WITH ONE YOU ALREADY HAVE.

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

>> THAT'S THE END OF "INDIANA NEWSDESK" BUT OUR NEWS CONTINUES ONLINE AT WTIUNEWS.ORG THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE