Regionally Speaking, May 5, 2022

Today: We have two conversations about highway projects around northwest Indiana this construction season. Indiana Department of Transportation LaPorte District spokesperson Cassy Bajek reviews the area's transportation projects, followed by Porter County highway superintendent Jim Polarek with a look at his local projects. Indiana Dunes Hiking’s Ron Seman tells us about the first of (what the group hopes) are more "veterans' hikes," happening on Saturday at Indiana Dunes State Park. PTSD affects many veterans, and the disorder can lead to anxiety and even to attempts of suicide. So Seman says getting veterans, their families and friends, and all veterans group supporters "out into nature" will make a difference. A surprising number of veterans do not use banks. They receive their monthly benefits via paper Treasury checks, which they cash for large fees at retail or convenience stores or in prepaid debit cards that are hard to cash anywhere. Paying their monthly bills result in more unnecessary fees. Charles Tapp II with the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration talks about the new Veterans Benefits Banking Program. It was launched by the VA and the Association of Military Banks of America. It will assist veterans who need banking services.