>>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON IS TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE OWNERS OF CRAWFORD APARTMENTS WHICH IS TAILORED FOR PEOPLE FACING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS.

>> WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROVIDERS ARE COMING TOGETHER NOW TO -- TO ACTUALLY MAKE CRAWFORD A SUCCESS.

BUT WE DID FILE A LAWSUIT TO MAKE SURE THAT CLOCK STARTS RUNNING.

>> CRAWFORD OWNERS HAVE UNTIL NEXT MONTH TO GET THE UNITS UP TO CODE.

>> A NEW LAW TOOK EFFECT THIS MONTH REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE, BUT IT WAS LEFT UP TO MUNICIPALITIES TO IMPLEMENT.

>> IT FRUSTRATES ME THAT THE LEGISLATURE SOMETIMES PASSES UNFUNDED MANDATES OF THINGS WE HAVE TO DO.

>> THE NEW LAW DOESN'T SAY MUCH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IF ORGANIZATIONS DON'T FALL IN LINE.

AND THE ELLETTSVILLE DOMINO'S IS HOSTING A FUNDRAISING FOR AN EMPLOYEE INJURED WHEN A CAR JUMPED THE CURB.

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

>>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

I'M JOE HREN.

JOINED BY BENTE BOUTHIER.

WELL, THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON IS SUING THE OWNERS OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN BLOOMINGTON THAT'S AIMED AT HOUSING PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CHRONICALLY HOMELESS.

THE FIRST BUILDING OPENED IN 2013, A SECOND OPENED IN 2017.

BENTE, YOU HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS ISSUE.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THE CITY IS SAYING?

>> SO THE CITY'S LAWSUIT DETAILS CONDITIONS LIKE BROKEN APPLIANCES, A BUG INFESTATION AND MISSING SMOKE DETECTORS.

AND IT SAYS THAT ABOUT A THIRD OF THE 61 UNITS ARE UNINHABITABLE.

>> WHAT IS IT THE CITY PUSHING THE APARTMENT DUPLEX TO DO?

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

>> SO THE CONDITIONS THAT THE CITY DESCRIBED COME FROM HAND INSPECTIONS DONE REGULARLY FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES.

AND THE CITY ALSO CONTRIBUTED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO THE APARTMENT'S CONSTRUCTION.

SO THEY'RE ASKING THAT THEY BASICALLY BRING THESE UNITS UP TO RENTAL CODES.

>> SO THE APARTMENTS ARE WHAT'S CALLED PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> SO IT PRIORITIZES PUTTING SOMEONE WHO EXPERIENCED CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS INTO HOUSING FIRST WITH THE HOPE THAT THEY CAN MORE READILY ADDRESS OTHER ISSUES THEY MAY FACE AFTER THAT.

AND THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN PUSHED SINCE THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, BUT HAS BECOME MORE CRITICIZED WITH THE MORE RECENT PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION.

>> SO YOU SPOKE WITH THE APARTMENT SERVICE PROVIDER, THE MAYOR, HEADING HOME OVER THE LAST WEEK.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

>> SO THE CITY HAS BEEN ASKING FOR THE LAST YEAR THAT THE APARTMENTS GET UP TO CODE, AND THAT HASN'T HAPPENED YET.

AND SO ADVOCATES ARE REALLY HOPING THAT THIS CITY ACTION WILL PUSH SOME CHANGE FOR CRAWFORD APARTMENTS.

>> THE CRAWFORD APARTMENTS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF BLOOMINGTON IN 2013.

LIFE DESIGNS AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PARTNERED WITH THE SHALOME CENTER NOW CALLED BEACON INC. TO BUILD THE FACILITIES.

BEFORE CRAWFORD OPENED IN 2013, THE C.E.

OX CALLED IT A GORGEOUS FACILITY AND SAID THE APARTMENTS ARE LOVELY.

BUT THAT'S NOT HOW PEOPLE DESCRIBE IT 12 YEARS LATER.

STILL, HOUSING ADVOCATES REMAIN OPTIMISTIC.

>> AROUND 85% OF INDIVIDUALS WHO COME INTO PROGRAMS LIKE THIS STAY HOUSED.

AND THAT'S, YOU KNOW, OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE.

>> ACCORDING TO A HUD REPORT BETWEEN 2010 AND 2011, MOST STATES SAW A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

INDIANA WAS AN OUTLIER.

ITS COUNT INCREASED BY NEARLY 20% THAT YEAR RANKING IN THE TOP FIVE STATES TO SEE AN INCREASE.

REPORTS LACK MORE LOCAL DATA BUT A LOCAL NEWS REPORT SAYS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE BOOKED AT THE MONROE COUNTY JAIL WITHOUT A PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR WHO WERE STAYING AT A SHELTER MORE THAN DOUBLED BETWEEN 2007 TO 2011.

CRAWFORD APARTMENTS ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CHRONICALLY HOMELESS.

>> DWIGHT HIGHS MOVED INTO CRAWFORD APARTMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR AFTER MORE THAN SIX YEARS OF BEING HOMELESS.

>> BEACON INC. REPORTED DROPS IN EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS AND INCARCERATIONS.

A SECOND BUILDING OPENED IN 2017, WITH 27 MORE UNITS.

THE APARTMENTS COST MORE THAN $6 MILLION TO BUILD, PAID FOR BY HUD GRANTS AND PUBLIC MONEY FROM THE CITY.

MANY RESIDENTS HAVE A HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER WHICH PAYS THEIR RENT.

BUT BLOOMINGTON'S MAYOR AND LONG-TIME FIXTURE IN LOCAL HOUSING SAYS THE CITY COMMUNICATED WITH THE APARTMENT'S OWNER, THE MANAGEMENT CONTINENTAL AND THE SERVICE PROVIDER BEACON INC. FOR MORE THAN A YEAR ABOUT IMPROVING CRAWFORD'S CONDITIONS.

>> WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROVIDERS ARE COMING TOGETHER NOW TO -- TO ACTUALLY MAKE CRAWFORD A SUCCESS.

BUT WE DID FILE A LAWSUIT TO MAKE SURE THAT CLOCK STARTS RUNNING.

>> SHE SAYS BECAUSE OF THE POPULATION CRAWFORD SERVE, IT'S OFTEN A LAST RESORT.

SHE SAYS THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE STATE AND FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN ADDICTION SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH.

>> THEY NEED LONGER TERM MENTAL HEALTH CARE TO GET STABILIZED, AND UNFORTUNATELY, WE JUST DON'T HAVE THOSE RESOURCES IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.

>> THE CITY, ALONG WITH BEACON INC. AND OTHER HOUSING ADVOCATES IN THE COMMUNITY CREATED A LIST OF CHANGES TO IMPLEMENTING STARTING WITH GETTING THE BUILDING TO CODE, BUT IT ALSO INCLUDES CHANGING THE PROCESS FOR SCREENING RESIDENTS AND ENCOURAGING MORE POLICE PATROLS.

>> IT REALLY NEEDS TO TURN AROUND AND, YOU KNOW, AFTER THE BILLING GETS FIXED, THE THING THAT'S GONNA KEEP IT RUNNING WELL AND KEEP THE PEOPLE SAFE IS REALLY, REALLY GOOD SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

>> BEACON INC.

RECEIVED A FIVE-YEAR GRANT TO INCREASE ON-SITE SUPPORTIVE STAFF FROM SIX TO TEN.

IT'S ALLOCATING $100,000 OF GRANT MONEY TO CLEANING THE APARTMENTS.

>> WE'RE ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED TO THAT, AND GRATEFUL THAT THE CITY HAS STEPPED IN TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPERTY MANAGER GETS THAT THERE.

WE ARE A TEAM PLAYER AND SO WE'RE DOING ALL WE CAN TO SUPPORT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND ENSURING THAT THAT HAPPENS.

>> GILMORE SAYS BEACON INC. HAS BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT CRAWFORD'S CONDITIONS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T OWN OR MANAGE THE FACILITY, A LARGE PART OF GETTING THE APARTMENTS READY FALLS ON THE MANAGEMENT AND OWNERS.

THE CITY ALSO WANTS CRAWFORD APARTMENTS TO EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR ADDICTION AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE AND HAVE A FASTER RESPONSE WHEN PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURS.

HEADING HOME A COLLABORATION OF GROUPS WORKING FOR HOUSING STABILITY IN THE REGION WAS PART OF THESE CONVERSATIONS.

>> IT'S NOT A QUESTION OF SUSTAINABILITY.

IT'S A QUESTION OF OUR SOCIETY'S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THE KINDS OF RESOURCES THAT PEOPLE NEED.

>> MORGAN SAYS SUPPORTING CRAWFORD IS A CHALLENGE BECAUSE THE HOUSING FIRST MODEL REQUIRES RESOURCES, BUT TO HER, THERE'S NO ALTERNATIVE.

>> IT'S PEOPLE LIVING ON THE STREET AND DEATH.

>> SO BENTE, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF CRAWFORD APARTMENTS.

>> SO RESIDENTS ARE STILL LIVING IN THE HABITABLE APARTMENTS AND THE CITY IS ASKING THAT THE CRAWFORD APARTMENT OWNERS GET THEM UP TO CODE BY AUGUST AND IF THEY DON'T, THERE COULD BE LEGAL ACTIONS OR FINES.

>> BENTE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPORTING ON THIS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS THREATENING TO REVOKE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL THAT PROVIDE RACE-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS.

SOME UNIVERSITIES INCLUDING I.U.

ARE TELLING DONORS TO REMOVE NOTES FROM THEIR PRIVATE GIFTS GIVING PREFERENCE TO UNDERREPRESENTED GROUP.

NOT ALL ALUMNI ARE ON BOARD.

>> SINCE HE HELPED FOUND I.U.

'S LGBTQ CULTURE CENTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, DOUG BAUDER HAS SEEN A WORLD OF CHANGE.

AT THAT TIME, THERE WERE CHANGES WHERE SAME-SEX SEXUAL ACTIVITY WAS ILLEGAL AND NOW AMERICANS CAN MARRY WHO THEY WANT REGARDLESS OF GENDER.

BUT SOME ARE CUT OFF FINANCIALLY WHEN THEY COME OUT TO THEIR FAMILY.

I.U.

WAS ONE THE FIRST INSTITUTIONS TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFICALLY TO LGBTQ STUDENTS IN 2005.

>> AND THAT WAS CONSIDERABLE WHEN DURING THE YEARS I WAS IN THE DIRECTORSHIP, IT MAY NOT BE AS MUCH NOW, I DON'T KNOW.

BUT A NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS WERE GIVEN, AND I KNOW OF SOME SITUATIONS THAT WERE HEART BREAKING.

>> IN JUNE, THE I.U.

FOUNDATION, WHICH MANAGES DONATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY, BEGAN TELLING DONORS THEY NEED TO ALTER LANGUAGE IN THEIR GIFT AGREEMENTS PERTAINING TO MARGINALIZED GROUPS.

FOR EXAMPLE, TO GAY STUDENTS.

IT REQUIRED CHANGES AND UNTIL THEN THEIR SCHOLARSHIPS WERE FROZEN.

>> INITIALLY, I WAS, AS I SAID, VERY ANNOYED THAT THIS VERY DIFFICULT, CREATIVE AND -- AND HELPFUL PROGRAM WAS BEING -- I FELT IT WAS BEING SQUASHED.

>> WHILE THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE GOOD ON THREATS AGAINST UNIVERSITIES SUCH AS COLUMBIA AND HARVARD.

MANY BRISTLED AT I.U.

WHICH THEY SAW AS PREEMPTIVE COMPLIANCE.

>> WE ARE TRYING TO KISS THE RING OF POLITICIANS IN HOPES THAT THEY WON'T HARM THE UNIVERSITY AND, WHAT, $60 MILLION OF OUR STATE BUDGET WAS CUT FOR THE NEXT YEAR, AND $40 MILLION OF OUR FEDERAL BUDGET HAS ALREADY BEEN CUT.

>> STONE IS A FORMER I.U.

TRUSTEE, KELLEY SCHOOL LECTURER AND MEMBER OF THE QUEER PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE.

SHE SET UP A SCHOLARSHIP FOR LESBIAN STUDENTS IN HONOR OF HER LATE PARTNER.

>> I HAD SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY DECIDE TO MAKE A GIFT ABOUT A MONTH OR SO AGO AND IT WAS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE FOUNDATION'S WEBSITE.

NO EXPLANATION.

I WASN'T TOLD.

>> FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS AND ALUMNI DONORS TOLD WTIU THAT INTERACTIONS WERE TENSE BETWEEN DONORS OF AFFINITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION.

BESIDES THE LGBTQ SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN FROZEN FOR BLACK, AND ASIAN STUDENTS.

>> 23 YEARS LATER, I FEEL A LOT OF THE WORK THAT HAS GONE ON AT THE ASIAN CULTURE CENTER AND SUPPORTING ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENTS IS NOW DISMISSED.

>> RODRIGUEZ PATEL HAS FILIPINA HERITAGE AND SHE SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENTS WHICH IS AROUND 10% OF THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY.

>> I WANT TO SEE WHAT CONTINUES TO UNFOLD AT I.U.

AND THEN I WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT I WILL CONTINUE PARTICIPATING, BUT IT LOOKS PRETTY BLEAK.

>> AFTER PROTESTS AND TALKS WITHIN THE FOUNDATION, SOME DONORS SAY THEY HAVE MANAGED TO FIND LANGUAGE THAT PRESERVES THE INTENT OF THEIR GIFT.

ONE MEMBER OF THE BLACK PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE SAID THEY CHANGED INCLUDING BLACK MAJORITY ZIP CODES IN INDIANAPOLIS.

FOUNDATION LEADERS PROPOSED EXPANDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO INCLUDE ALLIES.

REACTIONS OVERALL HAVE BEEN MIXED BUT BAUDER SAYS HIS FRIENDS WHO WERE AT THE MEETING SEE THE NEW LANGUAGE AS AN IMPROVEMENT OVER THE PREVIOUS GUIDANCE.

>> THERE'S VERY CHANGE IN THE LANGUAGE AND THERE WAS SATISFACTION ON THE GLBT ALUM WHO WERE THERE, AND -- AND ALUMNI OFFICIALS.

>> THE I.U.

FOUNDATION DECLINED WTIU'S REQUEST FOR AN INTERVIEW, BUT IN AN EMAILED STATEMENT, THEN GENERAL COUNSEL SAID, OUR OVERARCHING GOAL REMAINS CLEAR TO PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS, WHILE HONORING THE INTENT OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS AND REMAINING LEGALLY COMPLIANT.

>> PART OF ME SAYS, FINE.

IF THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO, IF WE NEED TO PLAY THESE KIND OF GAMES WITH POLITICIANS AT THE FEDERAL OR STATE LEVEL, THAT WE SAY, OH, FINE ON PAPER THEY ARE OPEN TO ALL.

>> BUT ULTIMATELY STONE SAYS SHE'S ENDING HER INVOLVEMENT WITH I.U.

IT WASN'T BECAUSE OF THE CHANGES BUT THE TWO MONTHS OF CONFUSION, BICKERING AND UNCLEAR COMMUNICATION WITH THE FOUNDATION.

SOME LARGE SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE REOPENED BUT THE THOUSANDS SHE GAVE IN LONER OF HER LATE PARTNER ARE STILL FROZEN.

STONE SAYS SHE AND OTHER LGBTQ DONORS ARE MOVING THEIR SCHOLARSHIPS OFF CAMPUS.

>> IF THERE ARE FUNDS LEFT AT THE TIME THAT I DIE, THEY ARE NO LONGER GOING TO THE I.U.

FOUNDATION.

IF THEY ARE FREEZING MY SCHOLARSHIP THAT HONORS MY LATE PARTNER AND MY WORK AS WELL, THERE'S NO REASON THAT THEY SHOULD BE GETTING THAT MONEY WHEN THERE'S OTHER THINGS THAT I CARE ABOUT.

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

>>> DIVERSITY PROGRAMS AT UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN TARGETED AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL BY MAINLY REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS WHO SAY THEY UNFAIRLY EXCLUDE CERTAIN STUDENTS.

>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," COMMUNITIES ARE ADJUSTING TO A LAW THAT TOOK EFFECT JULY 1st, REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE.

AND THE DOMINO'S IN ELLETTSVILLE IS HOSTING A FUNDRAISER FOR AN EMPLOYEE INJURED ON THE JOB.

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

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

WE'RE JOINED NOW BY CLAYTON BAUMGARTH.

FOR MORE HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE STATE.

WHAT I, CLAYTON.

>> BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES FOR MONROE COUNTY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL GO UP BY 10-CENTS IN THE FALL.

THE INCREASE COMES AS THE SCHOOL CORPORATION COMES AS THEY AIM TO SECURE FINANCIAL STABILITY AMID STATE AND FEDERAL CUTS.

AND PRESCHOOL AND AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS WILL INCREASE BY 25 CENTS, TO $1.75.

>> WE WILL OFFER FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT ELIGIBILITY PROVISION SCHOOLS WHICH ARE ARLINGTON, BLOOMINGTON GRADUATION SCHOOL, CLEAR CREEK, FAIRVIEW, GRANDVIEW, HIGHLAND PARK AND TEMPLETON.

>> THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR.

THE CORPORATION IS PARTNERING WITH ADMENTUM TO OFFER 300 COURSES TO STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12th GRADE.

>> WE KNOW THAT ONLINE LEARNING CAN OFFER FLEXIBILITY FOR FAMILIES INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH, TRAVEL ATHLETICS AND MEDICAL NEEDS.

WE ALSO KNOW WE'D LIKE TO GAIN NEW STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ONLINE LEARNING.

>> THE SCHOOL BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED CONSIDERATION OF A REDUCTION IN FORCE POLICY AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY NIGHT.

>>> THE U.S. SUPREME COURT, KETANJI BROWN ACTION REFLECTED OPEN HER LIFE AND CAREER ON THURSDAY AT A LUNCHEON LED BY THE INDIANAPOLIS BAR ASSOCIATION.

JACKSON, FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO SERVE ON THE U.S. SUPREME COURT IS FIRST SITTING JUSTICE TO SPEAK AT AN BAR EVENT.

JUSTICE WAS ASKED WHAT KEEPS HER UP AT NIGHT AND SHE SAID, QUOTE, STATE OF OUR DEMOCRACY.

>> I'M REALLY VERY INTERESTED IN GETTING PEOPLE TO FOCUS AND TO INVEST AND TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTRY AND IN OUR GOVERNMENT.

>> JACKSON ALSO GAVE A BRIEF BEHIND-THE-SCENES GLIMPSE OF THE SUPREME COURT, INCLUDING AS FORMAL RITUALS AND HOW AND WHY JUDGES WRITE OPINIONS.

>>> SOME HOOSIERS WILL BE FORCED TO PROVE THEIR CITIZENSHIP IN ORDER TO KEEP THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION FROM BEING DELETED UNDER A NEW STATE LAW.

THE STATE WILL COMPARE VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS WITH THE LIST OF TEMPORARY CREDENTIALS AT THE BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

>> WE DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH NONCITIZENS VOTING IN INDIANA.

IN FACT, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE EVER PRODUCED DURING TESTIMONY ON THIS BILL THAT THIS WAS ACTUALLY A PROBLEM.

>> IF THE STATE FLAGS A REGISTERED VOTERS THEY WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT THEY HAVE 30 DAYS TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP.

>>> AND INDIANA HAS A NEW STATE OFFICE DEDICATED TO HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES START AND GROW.

THE OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION IS PART OF A LARGER EFFORT BY GOVERNOR MOTORCYCLE BRAUN TO HELP LOCAL COMPANY -- GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN TO HELP LOCAL COMPANIES.

>> I WANT TO HELP THEM THROUGH THE GAUNTLET OF SURVIVAL WHERE HE THIS DON'T GET MUCH ATTENTION.

>> THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION SAYS THAT THE ECONOMIC STRATEGY FOCUSED MORE ON LURING BIG BUSINESSES TO THE STATE.

LAWMAKERS PUT $1 MILLION A YEAR IN THE NEW STATE BUDGET FOR THE OFFICE.

>>> A POSSIBLE STRIKE LOOMS AFTER UNION WORKERS AT DUKE ENERGY REJECTED THE COMPANY'S FINAL OFFER FOR A NEW CONTRACT.

THE VOTE WAS NEARLY 2-1 UNLESS DUKE RETURNS TO THE BARGAINING TABLE ON JULY 16th.

THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF LOCAL WORKERS 1393 WILL SEEK A STRIKE.

>> WE REALIZE THAT A WORK STOPPAGE DOESN'T BENEFIT ANYBODY, INCLUDING CONSUMER.

THAT'S NOT A DIRECTION WE WANT TO GO.

IF THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO GET HEADWAY AND REACH AN AGREEMENT.

THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO TRY TO DO.

>> THE UNION SAYS IT'S ASKING FOR MARKET LEVEL WAGES AND 25% REDUCTION ON INSURANCE PREMIUMS.

>>> AND DISCOLORATION IN BLOOMINGTON'S TAP WATER.

SOME IN-HOUSE FILTRATION UNITS COLLECTED MORE BROWN WATER THAN USUAL.

THE HIGH WATER LEVELS AT LAKE MONROE ALLOWED MANGANESE TO ENTER THE WATER SYSTEM.

>> WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THEM INTO THE TREATMENT FACILITY, WHERE, YOU KNOW, WE DO HAVE MEASURES IN PLACE TO TREAT METALS BUT THEY WERE AT A LEVEL THAT OUR TREATMENT PLANT COULD NOT KEEP UP WITH.

>> AND JOE, BECAUSE OF THE HIGH WATER, THE BEACHES AT PAYNETOWN AND FAIRFAX REMAIN CLOSED.

>>> ALL RIGHT THANKS CLAYTON.

NOW, YOU WORKED ON ANOTHER STORY, ON A NEW LAW THAT TOOK EFFECT THIS MONTH.

>> 2023, BEN SMALTZ AUTHORED A BILL THAT ANY MEETING OF A STATE OR LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY BE AVAILABLE ONLINE.

I SPOKE WITH ONE STATE AGENCY THAT HAD TROUBLE.

THE BOARD ROOM AT THE SPENCER OWEN COUNTY SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING RECENTLY GOT AN UPGRADE.

TWO CAMERAS AT THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE ROOM OVERLOOK THE BOARD TABLE.

AN ARRAY OF SPEAKERS ARE IN THE CEILING TILES.

>> WE WANTED TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT WAS -- I DON'T WANT TO SAY HANDS OFF BUT FUNCTIONAL AND EASY TO USE.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE ACCOMPLISHED EVERYTHING THAT WE WANTED WITH THAT, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE PRETTY ROBUST.

>> THE SCHOOL BOARD STARTED THE PROCESS OF COMPLYING WITH THE LAW WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE.

IT LIVESTREAMED FIRST MEETING ON MAY 22nd, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN CHALLENGES.

>> WE TYPICALLY HAVE HAD ONE MEETING EVERY -- IN EVERY BUILDING EVERY SCHOOL BUILDING IN THE CORPORATION, AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

AND THE TECHNOLOGY IS HARD WIRED INTO THE BOARD ROOM AND WE CAN'T NECESSARILY RIP IT ALL OUT AND TAKE IT WITH US.

>> NOT ONLY IS THE BOARD HAVING TO REASSESS HOW IT CONDUCTS BUSINESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THERE'S ONLY ONE PERSON FULLY TRAINED TO RUN THE LIVESTREAM.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CHRIS SAMIC.

AND THEN THERE WAS THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF ACQUIRING AND INSTALLING ARE EQUIPMENT.

>> THE LEGISLATION DID PROVIDE FOR -- WE COULD HAVE LESSER TECHNOLOGY THAN WE HAVE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW.

>> THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE COUNTY'S SCHOOL SYSTEM SAYS THE NEW SYSTEM COST $50,000.

>> THE EQUIPMENT IS GOING TO UPHOLD.

THE INTEGRITY WILL BE THERE SO WE DON'T HAVE TO JUST COMPLETELY REPLACE PIECES IN THREE YEARS OR FOUR YEARS.

THIS SHOULD BE GOOD FOR TEN YEARS, 15 YEARS AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT TO OUR TAXPAYERS IN THAT SENSE.

>> THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL SAYS HE BECAME INTERESTED IN REQUIRING MEETINGS TO BE ONLINE AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

>> ONCE I THINK WE SAW, THAT WE THOUGHT, WELL, WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF PUBLIC MEETINGS WERE ALL LIVESTREAMED?

PERMANENTLY?

SO THAT THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THOSE COMMUNITIES CAN SEE WHAT THEIR GOVERNMENT IS DOING, HOW THEY ARE SPENDING THEIR TAX DOLLARS.

>> THE NEW LAW, HOWEVER, DOESN'T SAY WHAT HAPPENS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT DON'T FALL IN LINE.

>> IF YOU JUST DON'T HAVE THE INTERNET, THOSE SOME ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE LIVE STREAMING AND ARCHIVING.

SO WE ARE -- I THOUGHT WE WERE THOUGHTFUL OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT AREN'T YET FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE EXCEPTIONAL INTERNET.

>> FOR RURAL AREAS WITH LESS ACCESS TO QUALITY INTERNET CONNECTION, THE LAW JUST REQUIRES THAT THE MEETING IS RECORDED AND UPLOADED LATER.

IT REQUIRES THEM TO BE DESTROYED AFTER 90 DAYS.

RIVER SYSTEMS HAS HELPED AT LEAST 50 MUNICIPALITIES WITH LIVE STREAMING.

>> THIS DOES NOT NEED TO BE OVERWHELMING.

IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE AND YOU COULD HAVE A VERY GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTION WITH VERY LITTLE STAFF, VERY LITTLE HANDS ON.

>> COOK SAYS THE COMPANY HAS ALL IN ONE SYSTEMS STARTING AS LOW AS $1,500 BUT THERE ARE SOLUTIONS THAT COULD BE CHEAPER.

>> WE ACTUALLY HAD ONE -- ONE TOWNSHIP THAT WANTED A SYSTEM THAT THEY COULD LITERALLY TAKE TO ARBY'S BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE THEY HAVE THEIR TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS.

TECHNICALLY, YOU CAN DO THAT.

>> THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVEN'T COMPLETED THE TRANSITION, BUT NOW THAT MANY OTHERS, HAVE HE PREDICTS MORE ARE GOING TO JOIN?

>> I THINK WE'LL START TO SEE A MUCH MORE RAPID DEPLOYMENT AND ADOPTION OF THIS.

AND THEN ONCE IT'S IN PLACE, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT THIS AS WHY DIDN'T WE DO THIS BEFORE?

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

>>> AND JOSEPH TINDAL IS KNOWN TO MANY IN ELLETTSVILLE AS JOE THE SIGN HOLDER OUTSIDE DOMINO'S.

AFTER HE WAS HIT BY DEBRIS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT, THE COMMUNITY RALLIED IN SUPPORT.

NATALIE FITZGIBBONS HAS THE STOREY.

>> THE FUN RAISING EVENT WILL BE SATURDAY AT THE ELLETTSVILLE DOMINO'S.

A PORTION OF SALES WILL GO TO TWO NONPROFIT GROUPS AND ALL THE MONEY FROM A DUNK TANK WILL GO TO TINDAL.

THE MEDICAL EXPENSES AND MISSED PAY ARE ALREADY COVERED.

TINDAL AND ANOTHER SIGN OLDER GIBSON BELL WERE WORKING JULY 3rd WHEN A CAR HIT A MAILBOX ON THE PROPERTY NEXT DOOR.

THE MAILBOX AND ITS CONCRETE WERE RIPPED OUT OF THE GROUND AND HIT TINDAL'S LEG.

>> I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET HIT BY THE CAR, BUT THANK GOD I'M NOT.

>> TINDAL AND BELL WENT TO THE HOSPITAL.

BELL SUSTAINED SCRAPED AND BRUISED.

TINDAL IS IN A WALKING BOOT.

HE RECEIVED IMMENSE SUPPORT.

MANY PEOPLE EXPRESSED LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR HIM ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> I THANK GOD FOR MY CHURCH AT HOUSE OF PRAYER.

>> ELLETTSVILLE DOMINO'S GENERAL MANAGER JENNIFER RUSS SAYS PEOPLE HAVE DROPPED OFF MONEY FOR TINDAL AND THE CHOSEN NONPROFITS, STONEBELT WHICH SUPPORTS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND TO EDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM.

BELL, IS A PLAYER.

RUSS SAYS TINDAL HAS BROUGHT JOY TO HIS COWORKERS AND SHOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE DEDICATED.

>> HE COMES INTO WORK WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND ANYBODY HERE CAN BE HAVING WORST DAY EVER.

YOU NEVER KNOW.

AND JOE MAKES IT BETTER.

>> THE RESTAURANT STAFF WILL BE TRIPLED THE DAY OF THE ENTER AND ORGANIZERS EXPECT TO RAISE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

>> I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER FOR REALLY GREAT CAUSES.

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

>> THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM.

WE HAVE MORE ONLINE AT WTIUNEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE