Joe Hren

Bloomington

Asst. News Director, host "Indiana Newsdesk," IPBS at WTIU-TV (Bloomington, IN)

Asst. News Director, host "Indiana Newsdesk," IPBS at WFIU-FM (Bloomington, IN)

Anchor/Reporter at WTIU television and WFIU radio serving south and west central Indiana. Host Indiana Newsdesk, Ask The Mayor @WTIUnews

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Articles

Revoked student visas, Malibu House residents speak out, massive flooding | Indiana Newsdesk

2 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

This week on Indiana Newsdesk:The Indiana Graduate Worker Coalition wants the university to protect students who have had their visas revoked by the Trump administration. Former residents of Malibu House speak out after our story about its owner and his for-profit sober living residences. Malibu House is partnered with another for profit recovery service – Impossible the Movement. And communities in southern Indiana are recovering after heavy rains last weekend led to massive flooding.
Flood warnings in effect; Morgan, Owen counties under travel warning

2 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Track delays, closings submitted to our newsroom and weather alerts here. 4:15 P.M. UPDATE:Parts of central and southern Indiana could see up to 7 inches of rain by Sunday causing major flooding through mid-April. A flood warning is in effect for most of central and southern Indiana until 11 p.m. Saturday. Owen and Morgan counties are under travel warnings - restricting travel to emergency workers only.
Thomson delivers second State of the City Address

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

The fire department will be fully staffed by September and the police department has the biggest onboarding of new officers in two decades. Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson gave her second State of the City Address Thursday night at the John Waldron Arts Center. The fire and police departments have been struggling with staffing and wages for years. Chief Mike Diekhoff and other city officials spoke as well throughout the evening.
Federal worker cuts, college sexual assault, new diploma | Indiana Newsdesk

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Coming up on Indiana Newsdesk:As the Trump administration continues to make cuts to the federal government, federal workers are on high alert that they may be next. We speak to employees at the Bloomington social security office and others about their fears for the future. Sexual assault continues to be an issue on college campuses across the nation, and Indiana University is no exception.
Three tornadoes confirmed from Wednesday's storms

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Survey teams have confirmed three tornadoes after Wednesday night’s severe weather. EF-2 tornado damage just east of Brownsburg in Hendricks County, EF-1 tornado damage in Carmel, and EF-0 tornado damage near Heltonville in Lawrence County were reported Thursday. National Weather Service officials say they’ll have more information once their survey is complete.
Columbus trying new DORA district Thursday

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Columbus is trying out a new alcoholic beverage outdoor area downtown this week after receiving state approval. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, allows customers of age to buy alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and carry them outside within boundaries. Mayor Mary Ferdon said the city Board of Works approved a temporary permit Tuesday.
All hazards severe weather expected Wednesday night

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Another round of severe weather is possible Wednesday evening. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Indianapolis indicate all hazards are possible including tornadoes, damaging winds of up to 80 mph, and hail two inches wide. Heavy rainfall on saturated ground may also lead to flash flooding as more rain is expected through Saturday. The active weather pattern pushes daytime highs back up to mid-70’s Wednesday before falling to the mid-60s Thursday.
Ask The Mayor: Ferdon of Columbus on fed freezes, mixed use development, DORA

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Speaker 1 Hello and welcome to ask the mayor on WFIU. I'm Joe Hren, this week we're in Columbus with Mayor Mary Ferdon. Hello, welcome. Thanks so much for having us in Columbus on a beautiful, sunny spring day, itSpeaker 2 is, well, happy, April 1 right? April 1 day. Yeah, no jokes here, no.
Weather Updates: Tornado Watch in effect until 8 tonight for damaging winds

3 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

4:00 p.m. UPDATE:A tornado watch remains in effect for most of Indiana until 8 p.m. Threats include damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and large hail. National Weather Service reports indicate a line of storms continues to impact the northwestern portions of central Indiana with significant wind damage in Illinois. Additional developments are expected later this afternoon. Severe thunderstorm warnings continue to be activated along with some tornado warnings as the system moves through.
Antisemitism climate at IU, behavior therapy Medicaid costs, Terre Haute casino | Indiana Newsdesk

4 weeks ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Joe Hren

Coming up on Indiana Newsdesk:Trump is cracking down on antisemitism on college campuses. We speak with the Jewish community to learn more about the climate at Indiana University. Governor Mike Braun’s executive order is meant to curtail Medicaid costs for behavioral therapy. But it could leave parents paying out of pocket for therapy. That therapy can cost up to $100,000 a year. And Terre Haute’s casino has been open one year and city leaders are making the most of the tax revenue from it.