Statewide Face covering mandate to cease on April 6th
Governor Eric Holcomb announced that April 6th would be the end of the state of Indiana’s face covering mandate. Citing declines in Covid related hospitalizations, a continuously lowering death rate, and more readily available vaccinations, he delivered a press conference with a resounding message of hope that we are toward the “tail end “of the health emergency. The criticism of Holcomb has not ceased, however, as his message was not a strong display of statewide leadership, instead a weaker message sending the ultimate decision making to individual County Commissioners. Holcomb’s leadership throughout the past fiscal year has been called into question time and time again, especially for his refusal to call the State Legislature in for a special session in the Summer of 2020 to weigh in on he longer term and legal impacts of the statewide response to Coronavirus. Holcomb additionally diluted his message by suggesting that he will “continue to appropriately wear a mask,” stating that he believes that “it’s the right thing to do.”
The announcement also included news that Indiana will open up vaccine eligibility for residents 16 and older starting March 31st.
Lady Hoosiers make history advancing to NCAA round of 16
Indiana soundly defeated Belmont yesterday, earning them their program’s first ever Sweet Sixteen bid. The 70-49 victory was a solid team effort with strong defense and offensive contributions from every single team member.
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Bloomington continues efforts in Arbor Day Foundation program
Bloomington has been named a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing cities around the globe that have committed to growing and maintaining their urban forest. Bloomington has earned recognition in the Foundation’s second year of the program, which requires that cities meet five program standards demonstrating a commitment to planting and conserving trees for a greener future. Bloomington’s commitment to its urban forest was first acknowledged in 1984, when Bloomington became the first city in Indiana to receive Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The designation requires that a city maintain a tree board or commission, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita (Bloomington’s is more than $8.50 per capita), and an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The city has successfully met all the criteria to retain its Tree City designation every year since 1984.