Noon Edition

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to release a flurry of decisions as the 2024-25 term comes to an end this month. A number of the cases reflect the societal battles playing out across the country and affect millions of Americans. The court will be weighing in on whether gender-affirming health care for children under 18 is protected by the equal protection clause of the Constitution or if states are free to ban care for youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Read more: Supreme Court case could impact transgender health care in the Midwest Birthright citizenship, which the court in the past has said is guaranteed under the 14th amendment, is back in front of the court. It's part of a wider case about the legality of national injunctions after 22 states sued to block President Trump's executive order banning birthright citizenship. Another key decision revolves around states' ability to bar Medicaid funds from being used at Planned Parenthood and its affiliates. The case stems from an executive order signed by the governor of South Carolina. A Planned Parenthood patient sued, saying the order violated her right to choose medical care. Read more: Trump administration cuts Title X funding to Planned Parenthood The court will also issue decisions on cases involving racial gerrymandering, online age-verification and whether parents can opt their children out of school lessons that include LBGTQ+ topics.  On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss the possible impacts of these decisions and the role of the Supreme Court in today's political climate.  Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests Yvette Butler, Associate Professor of Law, IU's Maurer School of Law Steve Sanders, Professor of Law, IU's Maurer School of Law 

Earlier this week, Indiana Governor Mike Braun fired the three alumni-elected members of Indiana University's Board of Trustees and installed three of his own picks.In a last-minute amendment to the state budget this session, Braun was granted control of all nine of IU's trustees by the general assembly. Previously, six were named by the governor and three were selected by alumni.One of the fired trustees, Vivian Winston, had just one month left in her term.Read more: Braun defends move on IU trustees while terminated members speak outThe move was more of what critics see as government overreach of the university.Last month, IU and other state schools closed their offices of diversity, equity and inclusion after being threatened with a loss of funding. And, due to cuts at the federal and state level, IU is looking to cut $100 million from next year's budget, while also freezing in-state tuition for the next two years.Read more: As threats to DEI grow, students, community members fear what could be lostIndiana University isn't alone among schools facing pressure from the government to eliminate anything related to DEI, curb antisemitism on campuses and protect free speech. The Trump administration threatened to pull $400 million from Columbia University and most recently has had an on-going feud with Harvard.Read more: Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over ‘Improper Government Intrusion'On this week's Noon Edition, we will discuss moves by the state and federal governments to regulate higher education institutions and their responses – and lack of – to it.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.GUESTSSarah Brown, News Editor, The Chronicle for Higher EducationMichael O'Brien, Managing Partner, 1816 Public Affairs GroupRuss Skiba, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University School of Education

Thousands of graduating high school seniors are getting ready to take their next steps into young adulthood.Most of them were in middle school when a public health emergency was declared because of COVID-19 in Indiana, closing schools, restaurants, and public gatherings.The 2025 cohort saw President Donald Trump elected to office in 2016, when they would have been about 9 years old. Some of them voting age now, saw the nation re-elect him this year.The 2025 high school graduating class, born in 2006 and 2007, is seeing increased discussion around AI use, concerns of a coming recession, and progress in gene therapy treatments.Renewable energy is rapidly on the rise, and renewable energy generation surpassed coal for the first time just a couple years ago.The Harvard Youth poll notes shifting priorities for younger generations: fewer say they want to have children. And about 19 percent trust the federal government to do the right thing most of the time.This week we'll talk with graduating high school seniors about their plans and expectations.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. Guests  Gage Shrader, Columbus East High SchoolFallyn Conway, Martinsville High SchoolSara Carmona, Bloomington High School SouthKarter Kikendall, Columbus East High School

Indiana will once again be the center of the auto racing world this weekend. The Indianapolis 500 is a sellout, which means nearly 400,000 people will be in the stands and the infield for what's called the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'Motor sports are a big business in Indiana. A recent study shows the Indianapolis motor Speedway alone generates more than one billion dollars in economic activity and supports more than 8,500 jobs.This is not a one-race, May-only deal. There are about 50 racetracks in the state that host races every weekend in the summer.Read: Race fans hit the gas as new owners of Bloomington SpeedwayOn this week's Noon Edition, we will kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a look at the traditions, culture and economic impact of motor sports in Indiana.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests  Andy Baker, director of the IU Motorsports Studies ProgramCurt Cavin, Senior Manager, Editorial IndyCarGerry Dick, president of Inside INdiana BusinessPat Sullivan, Bloomington Speedway announcer

The papal conclave took less than two days last week to do something it had never done before – select a pope born in the United States. Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has been the head of the Catholic church for a little more than a week. Read more: Who is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV? The 69-year-old pope spent much of his career as a missionary in South America. He served as a bishop in Peru. Most recently, he led the Vatican office for bishop appointments and is expected to build on Pope Francis' reforms. However, some Catholics, especially in the U.S., viewed Pope Francis' reign as too liberal, because of his support for issues like LGBTQ+ rights and immigration. Read more: Indiana religious experts reflect on legacy of Pope Francis It's unclear what Pope Leo's views on LGBTQ+ rights are, but groups such as the College of Cardinals have said he is likely to be less supportive than Pope Francis. However, before becoming pope, Cardinal Prevost spoke out critically about the Trump administration's deportation of immigrants and treatment of the poor. He also took exception with an interview by Vice President J.D. Vance that suggested a hierarchy of God's love. Read more: IU expert says international background will help first US pope On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss the election of an American pope, what that means for Catholics here and abroad, how he will influence direction of the church and how religion has become so intertwined with politics.  Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests  Father Patrick Hyde, priest at St. Paul's Catholic Center Constance Furey, Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University David Lantigua, Associate Professor of Theology and Co-Director of Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism at Notre Dame

Federal and state support for higher education and university policies has come under attack during the second Trump Administration. And for Indiana University students who are participating in the Civic Leaders program, the political landscape is much different now from when they entered college. Watch: How Trump's college crackdown is raising concerns about academic freedom | PBS News HourUniversities and research institutions have had their funding cut or threatened and what is being taught and who is being enrolled have come under scrutiny.At IU, the state barred the university from providing any state funds to support the prestigious Kinsey Institute, which researches sexual behavior.Even how members of IU's Board of Trustees are selected has changed during their time in college. Previously, three of the nine trustees were selected by alumni voting and six were chosen by the governor.Now, because of an amendment to the state budget, the governor has been given control of all nine seats. The ACLU of Indiana has sued to block the takeover of the board, but IU has already canceled an election next month to fill a vacated seat. It's among a number of lawsuits that have been brought against the state and federal governments this year. Most have been against the Trump executive orders or actions by DOGE, which have affected long-standing departments and agencies. Read more: New lawsuit argues Trump and DOGE's government overhaul is unconstitutional On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss how the political and economic landscape has shifted and how college students are planning to tackle an uncertain future. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests Joshua Brinkman, a senior from Carmel studying Law and Public Policy through O'Neill SPEA Paola Vega Yudico, a third-year student in the Kelley School of Business Sophia Grace Hottois, a former White House Intern and Career Services Peer Educator at the O'Neill School  

The CANDLES museum in Terre Haute celebrates its 30th anniversary this week.Founded by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, CANDLES, or Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors, “strives to be a premier institution seeking progress in the creation of a world free from prejudice, hatred, and genocide.” Kor and her twin sister, Miriam Zeiger, endured medical experiments by Dr. Joseph Mengele, the infamous “Angel of Death, as children at the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944. Their parents and older sister died there."Within 30 minutes, my whole family was ripped apart and all died, except for Miriam and me, who were used as human guinea pigs by Dr. Mengele," Kor said in 2017.Read more: Eva Kor's storyKor went on to champion forgiveness for those who carried out the Holocaust atrocities. And beginning in the 1970s, she began dedicating her life to educating people about the Holocaust and sharing survivor stories. And in 1995, she founded the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.For more than two decades, she lectured about her experiences and guided tours at the museum. She returned to Auschwitz on numerous occasions, leading groups that could share what they had learned with their students and future generations. CANDLES continues these trips to Auschwitz each year in honor of Kor, who died in July 2019 during atrip to Poland for the museum.Read more: Holocaust Survivor, CANDLES Founder Eva Kor Dies At 85Kor's husband, Rachmiel “Mickey” Kor, was also a Holocaust survivor, spending four years in Nazi labor camps, including Buchenwald. He died in 2021.Their son, Dr. Alex Kor, is carrying on their legacy as a member of the board of directors at CANDLES. He recently authored the book, “A Blessing, Not a Burden,” which details the experiences of his parents.Read more: Anti-Jewish harassment and vandalism on the rise, say community leadersLearn about her powerful story of survival, resilience, and forgiveness during a live broadcast of WFIU's Noon Edition with CANDLES executive director Troy Fears and Dr. Alex Kor, son of Eva Kor.On this week's Noon Edition, we'll host a discussion from the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute. This event is free and open to the public. Guests should arrive by 11:30 a.m. for the live hour-long radio broadcast beginning at noon.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsDr. Alex Kor, son of Eva and Mickey Kor, and author of author of the book “A Blessing, Not a Burden” which documents his parents' story.Troy Fears, Executive Director, CANDLES Museum

Property tax reform has been a priority of Governor Mike Braun's administration from Day 1 of this year's General Assembly session.  Senate Bill 1 limits the property tax revenue Indiana counties receive by providing relief on property tax assessments. And while homeowners and businesses will see some relief, local governments are preparing for potential staff and service cuts due to the loss of revenue from the state.  Monroe County alone is projected to earn about $37 million less in revenue over the next three years, according to the state's latest fiscal analysis. Read more: County says it cannot do more with less City and county officials said the bill puts the onus on local municipalities to make up the deficit. “Because the state legislators who supported SB1 were too cowardly — and yes, I choose that word purposefully — to do their jobs, local governments are going to have to raise local income taxes to make up deficits. We're not going to have a choice,” said Monroe County Commissioner Jody Madeira. The uncertainty with the loss of funding loss is already having an effect. Monroe County Council Member Peter Iversen said the council does not want to make a financial promise that it cannot fulfill in five or 10 months. And that could mean hiring freezes and stagnant salaries. Read more: Salary request discussion leads to tense exchange at county council meeting The property tax bill will also affect the amount of money going to public schools. On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss the property tax law and the impact it will have on local communities. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests Jody Madeira, Monroe County Commissioner, District 3Hopi Stosberg, Bloomington City Council Member, District 3 Anton Neff, Owen County Council Member, District 2 

During President Donald Trump's first months in office, he signed more than 120 executive orders. The Financial Times reports that more than 100 legal challenges have been filed against these, including by federal judges.Former president Joe Biden signed 162 orders during his 4-year term. During Trump's term from 2017 to 2021, he signed 220 orders.In eight years, Barack Obama signed 277 and George W. Bush signed 291.Tensions between the executive and judicial branches have come as the executive orders extend presidential power, including in cases involving deportation without due process, freedom of speech, state's rights, elections, federal aid, governmental operations, and federal governmental regulation.Some of Trump's orders– like firing of federal workers based on recommendations of the Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency– have been upheld by the US Supreme Court.Others, like altering birthright citizenship and banning transgender people in the military, have been blocked by multiple federal judges.It's not unusual for the judicial branch to prevent oversteps in executive power. A Supreme Court vote blocked former President Barack Obama's executive orders to grant legal status to four million immigrants who had lived in the US for more than five years in 2016.But legal experts say the number of orders issued, their scope, and the number that have been challenged are unusual.Different political analysts and court experts have issued opinions about whether the United States is in a constitutional crisis. Google Trends indicates public interest in the issue has increased since January.This week, we'll ask legal experts for their analysis on the balance of governmental powers and the impact of recent executive actions on constitutional rights.On this week's Noon Edition, we'll host a discussion about the perceived threats to the Constitution and civil liberties by the Trump administration and the state of Indiana.This Noon Edition will be held at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. This event is free and open to the public. Guests should arrive to Room 121 by 11:30am for the live hour-long radio broadcast beginning at noon.Call-in questions will not be available during this episode, but we'll take questions from the audience in attendance as well as through email at news@indianapublicmedia.org.GuestsSteve Sanders, Professor of Law at Indiana University and constitutional scholarChristopher Daley, executive director of the ACLU of IndianaDaniel O. Conkle, Robert H. McKinney Professor of Law Emeritus at Indiana University

Trees have been cut down, parking barriers installed, and plans are underway for construction to begin in June on the expansion of the convention center in downtown Bloomington.Even the name has changed, from the Monroe Convention Center to the Bloomington Convention Center.It's taken almost a decade to get the expansion project to this point. The plan includes a 61,000-square foot building across College Avenue from the current convention center, along with renovations to the current building.That includes a full-service kitchen that could serve close to 2,000 people, a bus pull-off with Third Street corridor alignment, a loading dock ramp, relocation of utilities, and a climate-friendly green roof.The two buildings will be connected by a skybridge over College Avenue.One sticking point in the project is with the planned hotel on site. Dora Hospitality has been approved to build the new hotel, but it's still in discussions with the city and county on exactly where the hotel will be built. That could delay the opening of the hotel until after the convention center is operational.Some are concerned about having enough parking in the immediate area, but CIB president John Whikehart doesn't think that will be a problem with the lots already owned and the nearby Fourth Street Garage.On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss where the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project stands, the economic impact for the county and more.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsJohn Whikehart, President, Capital Improvement BoardJim Silberstein, Board member, Capital Improvement BoardChristopher Emge, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce

It's been three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. And what was expected to be a quick Russian victory has turned into a bloody stalemate on Ukraine's eastern border.A coalition of the United States and European countries have poured millions of dollars of equipment and financial support into Ukraine over the past three years.But with the election of Donald Trump as president, the U.S.'s position has shifted from full-throated support of Ukraine to a brief suspension of aid and a demand that Ukraine accept conditions of a cease-fire.That's led to tensions between the U.S. and European Union on an end game to the war.And while the war is taking place on the other side of the world from Indiana, the state isn't immune from its consequences. More than 9,000 Ukrainians live in Indiana, and Indiana University has alliances with faculty in Ukraine through the IU-Ukraine Nonresidential Scholar Program.On this week's Noon Edition, we'll talk about the U.S.'s changing policy and how Ukrainian communities in Indiana are affected.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsSvitlana Ramer, President, Ukrainian Society of Indiana, honorary consulSarah Drue Phillips, Coordinator, IU-Ukraine Nonresidential Scholars ProgramAaron Kennet, Senior International Developmental Specialist, Scholar at IU's Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development

Climate change can impact the weather in a number of ways, from more severe storms to extreme temperatures and drought.And, as we see in the Midwest every spring and fall, temperatures can vary wildly in the span of just a day. That's because Indiana is in the middle of a weather front, a transition zone between two contrasting air masses: warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the north.Related: How is climate change impacting Indiana? Like many communities, Bloomington has made combatting climate change a priority. Two commissions, each composed of 12 residents, are working on climate and environmental issues.Five years ago, the Bloomington City Council created a Climate Action and Resilience Committee. But earlier this month, and at the recommendation of committee chair Matt Flaherty, it was disbanded, after he said it largely had accomplished its original mission of developing an action plan and accountability trackers, such as the city's climate dashboard.Read more: City council plans to disband climate committeeBut he also said the four-member committee has occasionally stretched council resources thin. Flaherty said those resources would be better spent developing climate policy within those existing city bodies, such as the new Transportation Commission.Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson said combatting climate change is a priority but acknowledges a climate action plan can also tax city resources.Read more: Thompson on the city's climate prioritiesBut how do we combat climate change?Gabriel Filipelli, professor of earth sciences and the executive director of the IU Environmental Resilience Institute, said climate change effects can be curbed by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the point where they can be absorbed by nature. This is called achieving net zero.  On this week's Noon Edition, we'll discuss how city policies can combat climate change – and what you can do individually.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsMatt Flaherty, Bloomington City Council Member At-Large, former chair of the Climate Action and Resilience CommitteeJane Kupersmith, Director of Economic & Sustainable Development, City of BloomingtonGabe Filippelli, Professor of Earth Sciences and Executive Director of the Environmental Resilience Institute, IU Indianapolis School of Science

By almost every economic indicator, President Trump inherited a robust economy when he took office in January. The stock market was at record levels, inflation was at 4% and the adjusted GDP for 2024 a solid 2.8%.And nearly every major economic forecast had those numbers continuing in 2025.But President Trump's policies — the on-again, off-again tariffs and the promise of the Department of Government Efficiency to cut a trillion dollars from federal agencies — have caused much uncertainty for consumers and volatility in the markets. There's also the concern across multiple industries if Trump goes through with the promise of mass deportations of undocumented workers.Because of those policies, some economic forecasters have said the U.S. could already be entering a recession. Trump acknowledged last week the tariffs will cause “a little disturbance” in the economy and declined to rule out a recession.The Federal Reserve's forecast of gross domestic product predicts the U.S. economy may actually contract this quarter. That hasn't happened since 2022.At the state level, the Indiana legislature is working on its two-year budget with property tax reform a major priority. While that may provide some relief for individual home owners, local governments and public schools are raising red flags about what the lost revenue will mean to them.The state also has to make up for a billion-dollar shortfall last year in Medicaid.

Indiana lawmakers returned to the statehouse this week for the second half of the 2025 legislative session. They still have to finish crafting a two-year budget and address a number of bills that advanced out of committees.Read more: Indiana's legislative session hits halfway pointProperty tax reform has been a major priority of Governor Mike Braun – and the assembly. Senate Bill 1 would provide some relief to homeowners while seeking to be “responsible” with local governments and schools, which could lose millions of dollars in revenue from the state.Language in the budget would also create a universal school voucher system. That would mean any Indiana family, regardless of income, could use state funds through the Choice Scholarship Program to attend private, parochial or non-religious schools.Other education-related bills – there's more than 30 – would require school districts that have at least 100 students attending a charter school to share their operating funds with that school; require schools to report when students miss more than 10 days of school; revamp the A-to-F grading system; add chaplains to schools; and require school board candidates to declare a political party.Read more: Senate bill bans DEI in state government, schoolsThere's also legislation pertaining to social issues.Senate Bill 289 would ban any agency or educational institution that receives money from the state from requiring employees to take part in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, training and hiring.Read more: Advocates say Braun EOs tell transgender Hoosiers: 'You don't belong here'And House Bill 1041 would ban transgender women from playing in collegiate athletics. Braun signed an executive order this week that lines up with moves at the federal level to ban transgender women and girls from playing sports.The session must wrap up by April 29.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsAbdul-Hakim Shabazz, Political analystNiki Kelly, Editor, Indiana Capital ChronicleLarry DeBoer, Emeritus Professor, Agricultural Economics, Purdue UniversityKaitlin Lange, Government and Politics Editor, Indianapolis Star Kirsten Adair, Education Reporter, Indiana Public Broadcasting

Stream the show LIVE IU's College of Arts and Sciences has launched the Pillars Undergraduate Experience, a new undergraduate program designed to help students gain skills and real-world experience in their respective fields.  IU created the initiative after national criticism of higher education not properly preparing undergraduates for success post-graduation. The program highlights four key pillars: research, career readiness, intentional life design, and immersive learning. The Pillars Experience unofficially started in 2015 when IU established the Walter career center. The program was developed by consulting with college students, faculty, alumni and employers. The Pillars Undergraduate Experience reflects IU's 2030 plan that focuses on student success and opportunity. Read More: IU 2030 Strategic Plan brings new areas of focus to university  IU officials say this is the first initiative in the country that redefines liberal arts and sciences undergraduate education. It will launch this summer. The Pillars Undergraduate Experience focuses on ensuring undergraduate students graduate with skills that employers value. Specific courses will help students develop resume writing, interviewing, networking and job search strategies. This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with the deans of IU's College of Arts and Sciences to hear more about IU's new initiative. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.   Guests: Rick Van Kooten, Executive Dean, Professor of Physics Joe Lovejoy, Assistant Dean, Executive Director, Walter Center for Career Achievement Lauren Garcia, Undergraduate senior majoring in Microbiology 

Stream the show LIVE In January, the Trump administration signed executive orders suspending U.S. refugee admissions programs. Bloomington's refugee support organizations have felt the impact and expressed concerns about the stance on deportations by Gov. Mike Braun and Trump.  Read More: Legal immigrants still worried about deportation under Trump Organizations like Exodus and The Bloomington Refugee Support Network have helped refugees integrate in Bloomington. Exodus, which has offices in Indianapolis and Bloomington, works to bring refugees to the state, including 800 last year. Indiana University has partnered with Exodus to provide support and opportunities for students to volunteer and teach English. The Exodus Bloomington office has helped more than 60 of its clients find jobs and opportunities in IU. But Exodus announced that it will be locking its doors and conducting programs and classes virtually as a response to Braun's executive order for police to cooperate with federal agents on immigration. The Bloomington Refugee Support Network helps newly arriving families readjust in Bloomington. Pete Lenzen, director of The Bloomington Refugee Support Network, has expressed concern for the safety of refugees coming to Indiana and seeking asylum. This week on Noon Edition, we'll talk with experts from Exodus the Bloomington Support Network and IU to get their insights on Bloomington's refugee programs. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. Guest: Pete Lenzen, Director of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network Elizabeth Dunn, IU director of refugee studies and author Cassandra Sanborn, Exodus Director of Development   

Kirkwood Avenue will close to vehicle traffic from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street starting April 4. The decision was made to increase community engagement and commerce for local businesses.Read more: City board finalizes 2025 Kirkwood Outdoor Dining ProgramThe Kirkwood Outdoor Dining Program began in 2020 during the pandemic to provide outside seating to local restaurants that had to adjust to indoor social distancing.Council members want to close Kirkwood for community matters but not for economic reasons, as was done in the past. Certain council members view Kirkwood as an experience rather than a walkable street.The closure of Kirkwood has raised concerns for businesses downtown; only half said in a recent survey that they support the closure.Read more: City considers long-term extension of Kirkwood outdoor dining programAccessibility worries were brought up during the city council vote, with community members expressing concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. Some say that will lead to isolation of certain community groups.This year, Kirkwood is scheduled to close on April 4 and reopen Nov. 10, weather permitting.This week on Noon Edition we'll discuss the closure of Kirkwood and what local residents can expect.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests: Jane Kupersmith, Bloomington's Director of Economic and Sustainable DevelopmentIsak Asare, Bloomington City Council memberRev. Matt Seddon, Rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church 

This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with Markay Winston, the MCCSC superintendent and April Hennessy, school board president, to discuss issues facing the system.

This week on Noon Edition, we'll talk with experts to discuss changes to diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Indiana. 

Stream the show LIVEOn the first day of his term, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that added a 75-day period of non-enforcement on the TikTok ban. Three days earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok and on Jan. 18 the app was banned on all U.S devices.TikTok is currently facing scrutiny for collecting user data and allegedly sharing it with the Chinese government and knowingly allowing harmful activities on TikTok Live. The supreme court ban was issued because of concerns of manipulation of content by the Chinese government and obtaining access to user data. Congress passed the legislation to ban TikTok unless the platform was sold to a government-approved cooperative. TikTok CEO Shou Chew attended President Trump's inauguration, as did the CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk.With over 170 million Americans using TikTok daily, President Trump is looking to reinstate TikTok permanently. Generation Z makes up 60 percent of the TikTok userbase.This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with IU professors of cyber security and media ethics, as well as a TikTok content creator.Guests:Ava Wilson, Indiana University undergraduate and TikTok content creatorLois Scheidt, IU instructor in adolescent internet use and digital ethicsScott Shackelford, executive director, Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research

Stream the show LIVEIU Bloomington ranked fifth nationally in number of students studying abroad during the 2022-23 academic year. Nearly 4,000 students from all IU campuses traveled to more than 70 countries. Over the past two decades, IU ranks in the top 20 among schools in number of students who studied abroad.Read more: IU launches Ghana Gateway, hopes to grow African partnerships IU Education Abroad's most popular programs include Amsterdam, Kenya, Grand Cayman Islands and Japan.IU Indianapolis, Kokomo, and South Bend also have study abroad programs where students can go to Germany, Poland, Austria and Amsterdam. IU Bloomington has more students traveling abroad than any other university in the state. IU Bloomington also ranks in the top 40 of universities in hosting international students. It has more than 6,300 international students from over 120 countries. This week on Noon Edition, we'll talk with directors and student advisors about IU's Education Abroad growth. Guest: Jennifer Engel, Associate Vice President for Education Abroad Shelby Gosser, Education Abroad peer Advisor  Liz Utley, Education Abroad peer Adviso

Stream the show LIVEPresident Joe Biden has declared January 9 a National Day of Mourning for the recent passing of former president Jimmy Carter at age 100. Carter served one term as president and was trounced in his reelection bid in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. But Carter went on to become a beloved former president who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and built homes for Habitat for Humanity. Among the last places Carter visited for Habitat for Humanity was Mishawaka and South Bend, Ind., in 2018.  Read More: Indiana leaders remember Jimmy Carter for his humanitarian work  During his presidency, Carter presided over a poor economy and a failed rescue of American hostages in Iran. He also won a historic agreement between Israel and Egypt known as the Camp David Accords. Carter's Nobel Prize was for his work for international peace. This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with Indiana historians to get their insights on Carter's presidency and his impact on U.S history. Guests: Kathryn Brownell, Associate professor of history at Purdue University Jim Williams, President & CEO at Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County Marjorie Hershey, Professor of political science at Indiana University Meredith Evans, Director of the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum 

The Indiana General Assembly will convene on Jan. 8 to begin crafting laws for the upcoming year. The 100 representatives and 50 senators look to tackle a multitude of issues for 2025, with education being a top priority. Indiana ranked seventh in the U.S for Pre-K through 12 grade. However, lawmakers look to increase pay to help fill teacher shortages, fund summer schools and improve services for students with disabilities. Read More: Vouchers for Indiana students with disabilities hits record enrollment Lawmakers also will have to pass a new budget to run the state for the next two years. That will include discussions on Indiana's Medicaid program, which is second only to education in percentage of the state's budget. The two-year budget passed in 2023 was for $44.5 billion.Read More: How do I follow Indiana's legislative session? Here's your guide to demystify the process  One bill already filed for the upcoming session looks to abolish the state's death penalty. It comes on the heels of last month's execution of Joseph Corcoran, the first person put to death by the state since 2009.Read More: Indiana resumes death penalty after 15-year pause  Like it has for the past decade, the GOP will have a super-majority in both chambers of the statehouse. But, for the first time in eight years, they'll be sending legislation to a new governor's desk. Republican Mike Braun will be sworn in on Jan. 13 to succeed term-limited Eric Holcomb. This week on Noon Edition, we'll talk with Indiana senators and house of representative to hear their insights and get a preview on the upcoming legislative session. Guests: Shelli Yoder, Democrat, Indiana State Senator, District 40 Matt Pierce, Democrat, Indiana State Representative, District 61Bruce Borders, Republican, Indiana State Representative, District 45

Join our host Bob Zaltsberg in a pre-recorded Noon Edition featuring WFIU reporters looking back on 2024 and discussing their favorite and most popular stories. We'll hear from Ethan Sandweiss, Bente Bouthier and Aubrey Wright. They covered news stories including the eclipse, elections and the federal housing program. Read More: IU loses $1.3 million on eclipse day event  They also covered the Dunn Meadow protests and the university's response; the no-confidence votes against IU President Pamela Whitten; the splitting of IUPUI; and John Mellencamp's statue unveiling. Read More: IU honors Mellencamp's Hoosier roots with statue  This week on a pre-recorded Noon Edition, you'll hear from our local reporters and their favorite stories from 2024.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews. We will not be accepting calls this show.GuestsEthan Sandweiss, WFIU reporter Bente Bouthier, WFIU reporter Aubrey Wright, WFIU reporter 

IU plays at Notre Dame on Friday night in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti led the team to an 11-1 record and No. 9 ranking in the Associated Press poll. Read more: IU to play at Notre Dame in football playoff opener  With IU's sudden success, the university last month signed Cignetti to a new eight-year contract worth $8 million per year plus an annual $1 million retention bonus. The university agreed to renovations at Memorial Stadium and a much larger pool of money for assistant coaches and other support staff. Despite the team's unprecedented record — and the national exposure that came with it for IU and Bloomington — there are skeptics. The Hoosiers lost 38-15 to the only ranked team they played, Ohio State on the road, reinforcing a belief by some that IU is overrated. Cignetti said this week the team has something to prove against the Irish. Read more: Snow in South Bend? Bring it on, Cignetti says  IU and Notre Dame last met in 1991 at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish won 49-27. This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with veteran sports journalists Bob Kravitz, Rick Bozich, and Nat Newell about Friday's game, this remarkable season, and whether the Hoosiers can sustain their success.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.  You can also record your questions and send them in through email. 

Noon Edition will broadcast live Dec. 6 from the Viewpoint Books: Chapter Two in Columbus, Indiana. Join WFIU's Noon Edition host Bob Zaltsberg and a panel including New York Times bestselling author Michael Koryta, Bartholomew County librarian Lindsey Bailey and Viewpoint Bookstore Owner Beth Stroh. Find out what books have been popular in 2024, our panel's favorite books, trends in books, and holiday gift ideas.  Our panelists will discuss books for all ages, from children's books to adult thrillers. Koryta, an award-winning author of crime and supernatural fiction, will answer questions. Public seating opens at 11:30 a.m.You can also LISTEN LIVE on the radio or WATCH LIVE on YouTube. We will take questions from the audience in attendance at Viewpoint Books, well as through X @WFIUWTIUNews and email at news@indianapublicmedia.org. Call-in questions will not be available for this show. Guests:Michael Koryta, New York Times Best selling authorBeth Stroh, Viewpoint Books ownerLindsey Bailey, Bartholomew county public librarian

Veteran journalist and best-selling author Carl Bernstein has been making the rounds on the Indiana University campus as IU's Poynter Center chair this school year.  As the chair, Bernstein has attended lectures to discuss the U.S political landscape and the current state of the media. Read More: Carl Bernstein returns to IU as Poynter Chair  Bernstein is known for he and Bob Woodward's reporting on the Watergate scandal for the Washington Post that brought down President Nixon. The two co-authored the bestselling book, “All the President's Men” detailing their reporting. His visits to IU have included engagements with students and faculty at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and IU's Cinemas, which hosted a showing of “All the President's Men” to celebrate Bernstein on the 50th anniversary of the book's release. And last week, Bernstein visited the Maurer School of Law, where he sat down with associate dean Steve Sanders to discuss the role of the news media and contextualize critical issues of law and democracy. This week on a pre-recorded Noon Edition, you'll hear from Bernstein's Q&A at the Maurer School of Law. You can follow us on X  @WFIUWTIUNews  You can also send questions for the show to  news@indianapublicmedia.org.  

Indiana is resuming executions after a 15-year pause. Joseph Corcoran who was convicted of murder, is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 15.It's also the first time the state will administer the execution with the drug pentobarbital, the same used in federal executions. Read more: Death penalty foes rally against plans to restart Indiana executions  Eight men are on death row in Indiana. The last state execution was Matthew Eric Wrinkles in 2009.The break in state executions has been attributed to the unavailability of drugs to use in the lethal injections.  Since then, 13 federal prisoners have been executed in the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute under Donald Trump's administration.Read more: Media unlikely to witness Indiana's first execution in 15 years  The taxpayer cost of a death penalty case, including jury trial, incarceration, and execution is more than $750,000. The cost of a life sentence without parole is about $185,000.  This week on Noon Edition, hosts Bob Zaltsberg and George Hale will talk with guests who are deeply involved with the death penalty issue.Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email. Guests   Bill Breeden, Minister, civil activist and spiritual advisor   Sister Helen Prejean, Catholic nun, author of Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account Of The Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate  Elizabeth Bruenig, opinion writer for the Atlantic  

Stream the show LIVE IU recently reopened the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology with six exhibits and interactive experiences. The museum, which opened on Indigenous Peoples' Day, tells the stories of indigenous cultures in the American Midwest — with an inventory of over five million objects of cultural heritage.  Read more: IU's Archaeology Museum reopens  The museum previously consisted of separate museums known as the Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology. “Whispers from the Divide,” an exhibit presented since the museum's reopening, tells the story of the U.S-Mexican border through a series of interactive videos. A new attraction is the Virtual Reality Dome, where curators and artists will feature exhibits. “City on the River” will be the first exhibit in the dome in 2025. The museum currently has these exhibits: “Divine Adornment: Community Stories of Belonging”; “Through Our Eyes: A Reclamation”; “Locally Based”; “Globally Relevant”; “Woven Through Time and Place”; and “Mapping the Midwest.” This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with curators and the director of the museum to learn more about the exhibits and the process of merging the museums. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests Brandie Macdonald, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Jean-Luc Howell, Director of Curatorial Affairs Kaila Cogdill, Curator of Collections Impact 

Stream the show LIVEIU's Kelley School of Business showcases professors and economists on a tour around Indiana, where they discuss the state's economic outlook for 2025.It's called Futurecast and is meant to help Hoosier businesses prepare for the future.Read more: State, national economies looking up while Bloomington struggles, Futurecast says A variety of panelists will share their expertise and opinions.They will consider the potential economic impact of Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election and the Republicans' nationwide success.The Kelly School brought the Futurecast tour to Bloomington earlier this week. Several other cities in the state are on the schedule.This week, we'll speak to economists with the IU Kelley School of Business about Indiana's financial outlook.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email. Guests Andrew Butters, Associate Professor at Kelley School of Business, panelist for Futurecast  Russell Rhoads, Clinical Associate Professor of Financial Management at Kelley School of Business, panelist for Futurecast

Stream the show LIVEDonald Trump called it a “lovefest.”  The New York Times called it “a carnival of grievances, misogyny and racism.” Trump's presidential campaign rally at Madison Square Garden last Sunday started with a comedian saying Puerto Rico is a “floating island of garbage.”  Speaker after speaker offered a dark assessment of America, with some adding crude comments, even by Trump's standards, about Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Trump himself ranted about immigrants and America as an “occupied country” weakened by the “enemy from within.” Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was among those who compared the rally to a 1939 Nazi event at Madison Square Garden. This week on Noon Edition, we will talk about fascism and the potential for next week's election to change our system of government. Experts in political science and a representative of the group Defense of Democracy will join us. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.   You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsNoah Eber-Schmid, IU professor of Political Science William E. Scheuerman, IU professor of Political Science Aaron Dusso, Associate Professor of Political Science at IU Indy Karen Svoboda, Executive Director of Defense of Democracy 

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently published “Untapped Potential in IN,” a report on how childcare issues affect the state's economy. The report concluded that Indiana is losing more than $4 billion annually — including more than $1 billion in tax revenue — because of childcare issues. Read the report here.The data came from a survey in March of 609 parents with a child under the age of 6. The United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation conducted the survey. It found that 57 percent of parents of young children missed work or class at least once because of childcare issues in the three months studied. It also found that 40 percent of parents experienced employment disruptions in the prior year because of childcare issues. Parents in Indiana spend an average of $677 per month on childcare. This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with representatives of Indiana's Chamber and childcare professionals. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.   You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests Jason Bearce, Indiana Chamber's Vice President, Education and Workforce Development Melissa Fry, Director of Applied Research and Education Center for IU Southeast Christin Olson, IU director of Early Childhood Education Services 

IU's Media School recently announced a merger of its three student media organizations --- the Indiana Daily Student, WIUX radio and IUSTV. They will share business operations and advertising revenue in hopes of putting the Daily Student on stronger financial footing within three to five years. The IDS had a $1 million deficit that the Office of the Provost paid to eliminate in July.  Read more: IU announces student media merger, cuts newspaper Part of the plan is discontinuing the IDS weekly print edition in Spring 2025. That move was met with resistance by the IDS staff, which published a front-page print story declaring “no confidence” in the merger plan. This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with IU Media School and student media representatives about the merger.  

This week, Noon Edition will broadcast live at the Monroe County Courthouse in advance of the Nov. 5 election. Join WFIU's Noon Edition host Bob Zaltsberg and a panel of political experts for a discussion about the upcoming general election, key races in the state and issues important to Hoosiers.This special Noon Edition will have a live audience. Seating opens to the public at 11:30 a.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse in the Nat U Hill room on the third floor.This event is free and open to the public.You can also LISTEN LIVE on the radio or WATCH LIVE on YouTube.We will take questions from the audience in attendance at the Monroe County Courthouse, as well as through X @WFIUWTIUNews and email at news@indianapublicmedia.org.Call-in questions will not be available for this show. Guests Marjorie Hershey, professor of Political Science Laura Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science Les Lenkowsky, professor in Public Affairs and Philanthropic Studies 

The three school board members who are up for reelection in the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation are running unopposed in November. They are Jimmie Durnil, Larry DeMoss, and Brad Tucker The district has almost 3,000 kids attending six schools. The board's budgeting and federal programs allow students at Edgewood Primary and Intermediate schools in Ellettsville to eat free and healthy school meals daily. The board is also in talks concerning the superintendent's contract, with plans on renewing it for one year. This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with R-BB board members up for reelection and their approach to public education and safety.  You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests Brad Tucker, R-BB school board member, State Farm agent Larry DeMoss, R-BB school board member, high school teacher, Lifetime achievement award winner Jimmie D. Durnil, R-BB school board Vice President, police chief 

IU had 20 athletes and coaches in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Together, they brought home one gold and two silver medals, increasing IU's all-time medal count to 124. Six Hoosiers competed in the Paralympics.IU athletes participated in five sports, and has had a diver in every Olympics since Toyko in 1964. Tokyo 2020 medalist Andrew Capobianco travelled to Paris for his second Olympics.This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with IU athletes and coaches about their experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.GuestsDrew Johansen, IU head Diving CoachAndrew Capobianco, American Olympic Diver, IU GraduateMaxwell Reich, IU senior, swimmer

Indiana University received a $16 million Lilly Endowment grant to help connect the university to the Bloomington community.The grant money will be used for the development of the Trades District. The partnership is prioritizing building out more spaces for upcoming business startups to keep local talent in the city.Read more: IU Innovates nurtures entrepreneursIU leaders and representatives of the Trades district celebrated the grant during an Aug. 29 event at the Dimension Mill.This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with guests about progress in the Trades District and what new business talent brings to Indiana University and Bloomington.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  GuestsJane Kupersmith, Director of Economic and Sustainable Development for the City of BloomingtonIzzy Branam, IU junior, and entrepreneur of two start up businessesPat East, City's partner in marketing and developing the Trades District

The Monroe County Community School Corp. has four of seven board member seats open for election. Incumbent board members in districts two, five and six are running unopposed.A non-incumbent candidate is unopposed for the District 4 seat, where current board member Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer is not seeking re-election.The four candidates who have no opposition will join the three other board members next year with a heavy agenda. They must hire a permanent superintendent, address scheduling issues, and explore redistricting. “A little surprising … that no incumbents are being challenged,” said Terry Spradlin, executive director of the Indiana School Boards Association.In early 2022, MCSCC's board leaders started discussions on a controversial plan to align high school schedules at all four Monroe County high schools: Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Graduation School, and Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship.Board members and administrators have said aligning the schedules improves equity among students, and the current schedules limit students from reaching their full potential.This week on Noon Edition, we will talk with our guests about the upcoming MCCSC election, local education, and their policies.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.You can also record your questions and send them in through email. GuestsApril Hennessey, board member of district 2Erin Cooperman, board member of district 5Ross Grimes, board member of district 6

Earlier this month, the City of Bloomington announced it is partnering with local housing groups to tackle issues related to homelessness. The plan calls for a short-term pause on welcoming people who are unhoused from outside the region to overnight emergency shelters, focusing on reunification services instead.Long term, the plan calls for increasing the number of housing units with rent under $500 per month.  Those could include single room occupancy and studio apartments, shared housing and tiny homes.The plan also envisions restructuring the local criminal justice system around in-patient recovery and mental health care for repeat offenders.Then this week, the Bloomington Common Council heard office and departments present budget proposals for 2025. Many of the departments presented concerns and strategies for the housing crisis locally. One of the ideas presented was an eviction prevention fund.Read more: Bloomington's Thomson at the DNC talks homelessness, water accident, annexationNPR reported the U.S. Supreme Court's biggest decision addressing homelessness in decades ruled that cities can ban people from sleeping and camping in public places. The decision came down in June. It overturned lower court rulings that deemed it cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment to punish people for sleeping outside if they had nowhere else to go.This Friday on Noon Edition, we'll talk with Bloomington's mayor and local service providers about their strategies to address homelessness in the community. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.You can also record your questions and send them in through email.GuestsKerry Thomson, Bloomington mayorRev. Forrest Gilmore, Beacon Inc. executive directorEmily Pike, New Hope for Families executive director 

Universities across the country responded to pro-Palestine encampments and protests in a variety of ways this summer. In July, Indiana University implemented an Expressive Activities Policy, joining schools like the University of Pennsylvania and University of Southern Florida in creating new restrictions for protest on campus. The policy – technically called UA-10 - introduces a clear ban on camping, which effectively outlaws the Liberated Zone in Dunn Meadow. It also prohibits expressive activity within 25 feet of the entrance to any building or parking lot and between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.  Indiana University Board of Trustees chair Quinn Buckner introduced the final version of the policy at the July 29 meeting. A group of pro-Gaza demonstrators from Dunn Meadow sat quietly in the audience carrying protest signs.  Buckner said the policy was necessary to keep the university nimble in light of “an environment that has changed dramatically in the last 10 years.” He said the issue is student safety.  Some students and faculty have criticized the policy, saying it will limit the right to peaceful protest and restrict other benign activities. Others supported it but asked for changes before it passed.  This week on Noon Edition, we'll talk with experts on freedom of speech, policy, and higher education about policies about assembly and protest on college campuses. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.You can also record your questions and send them in through email.

After a slow summer for home sales nationally, experts say mortgage rate decreases signal an upturn in the housing market toward the end of the year. Affordability is the main constraint on the housing market now.Home prices increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and homebuilding has not kept pace with population growth.But the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below 7 percent since the first week of June, according to Forbes. The rate landed at 6.47 percent last week. In Indiana, the average number of homes for sale increased from June to July, according to the Indiana Association of Realtors. June and July this year had the state's highest inventory since 2020.Zillow also reported that about 25 percent of its nationwide listings saw price cuts in June. Home sale prices declined in June for Indiana but are still higher than last year. The Zillow analysis says the market is still slowed by a lack of inventory, 33 percent lower than prepandemic levels.One expert told Forbes they don't expect to see supply increase until mortgage rates fall in the low 5 percent range.In Indiana, suburban county home sales are performing better than urban core areas, which is consistent with national trends.On this week's Noon Edition, we'll talk with realtors and experts about the housing market and factors influencing it.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.You can also record your questions and send them in through email.GuestsMatt Kinghorn, senior demographic analyst at the Indiana Business Research CenterJuan Carlos Carrasquel, owner of The JuanSells.com Realty Co.Tom Wininger, Wininger Construction, president and director of operations

Indiana is set to revise its high school diploma options and graduation requirements.State officials have voiced that the current diploma options such as General, Core 40, Academic Honors, and Technical, lack hands-on courses and career training for students.The diploma changes proposed by the IDOE this year would go into effect for the class of 2029. But the options, meant to push career- centered education, have received criticism for the shift away from humanities and not aligning with college admission standards.Indiana's secretary of education said a final vote on new diplomas is expected by December.This week, we'll talk with guests about coming changes to high school diplomas and graduation requirements.You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.You can also record your questions and send them in through email.GuestsJeff Raatz, State Senator - District 27Terry Spradlin, Executive Director of the Indiana School Board AssociationChristopher Lagoni, Executive Director of the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association Paul Myers, Research Scientist, Center for Evaluation & Education Policy