Indiana football topples Oregon on the road in upset victory

This is an audio transcript of the Weekly News Rundown Episode 25. 

Annabel Prokopy: It’s Monday, September 8.

Nate Soco: Protesters gathered in Bloomington last Monday on Labor Day to protest the IU administration and President Donald Trump. The two separate protests were organized by the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition and the nonprofit 50501 Indiana and were collectively attended by over 100 demonstrators. The Graduate Workers protest was focused on signing and renewing union cards as well as pushing for their six-demand campaign with demands such as expanded health benefits and a pay raise. Graduate workers currently make 24,000 dollars, below Monroe County’s liveable wage of 43,605 dollars according to the MIT liveable wage calculator. 

A: That’s right Nate. The protest also called for IU to recognize the coalition as an official union and for IU to be representative of its students, faculty and staff. IGWC’s Coordinating Committee co-chair specifically referenced Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1001 which went into effect on July 1 and set new requirements for degree programs at IU. The legislation caused 249 college programs statewide to be suspended or eliminated either immediately or after currently enrolled students graduate. A glitch in August that caused an unknown number of lapses in healthcare coverage amongst graduate students also sparked protest amongst attendees. Nate, can you fill listeners in on 50501’s simultaneous protest?

N: Annabel, over 100 people gathered at the Monroe County courthouse to protest the Trump administration. Protesters marched down Kirkwood Avenue, past the Sample Gates and back to the courthouse square. The procession stopped traffic on South Walnut Street, causing some drivers to honk and yell at demonstrators. Organizer Jamie Broker hoped that the protest would show that “We’re over it, we want our democracy.”

A: Thanks Nate. Also in Bloomington, a donor is currently matching donations up to 20,000 dollars to the Bloomington Animal Shelter to cover medical expenses. The shelter is currently experiencing strain on their capacity and resources due to an increase in animals and medical needs such as dental surgeries and emergency care this year.The shelter is also looking for more volunteers and foster homes, which allow animals to recover better than in a shelter environment. 

N: That’s right Annabel. If you wish to donate either monetarily or through wishlist items such as treats, toys, and cleaning supplies or to volunteer or foster, visit the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control website.

A: Also in city news, the Bloomington City Council voted unanimously for a resolution that will allow Bloomington to pursue certification to become a Bee City USA affiliate. Bee City USA is an initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and provides a framework for cities to increase pollinator conservation via new native plant habitats and nesting areas, limiting pesticide use, hosting an annual pollinator awareness event, and installing a sign from the organization. The Bloomington Environmental Commission released a memo in March stating that if received, the designation would be in alignment with the city’s environmental sustainability and community health goals.

N: Among Indiana cities, Bloomington will join Avon and Columbus once the certification is received. Bloomington Parks and Recreation Urban Greenspaces Manager Joanna Sparks has said that the department will form a community member committee to expand pollinator related efforts and that she will release an annual report on the Bee City program.

A: In IU news, crimson cards are now digital. Physical cards are no longer automatically issued to freshmen and the digital cards are accepted to unlock doors, scan into dining halls and dorm rooms, print papers and for other crimson card functions. While students can pay $35 for a physical card, only one version can be active at a time. The change has brought both positive and negative reactions across campus. Some students have noted that the swap has increased their reliance on technology and has resulted in inconveniences, particularly when having to bring their phone to dorm bathrooms. Others have found the change to be convenient, saying that they are more likely to have their phones with them than a physical card. 

N: Before we sign off, IU men’s soccer was ranked fourth in the nation in the United Soccer Coaches Poll the week of Sept. 2. The team moved up from number seven in the previous poll following a week of undefeated games against the University of Wisconsin Green-Bay and Oregon State University.