This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 20th, 2026.

In today’s newscast, WFHB reports on a forum for Indiana’s 9th congressional district where candidates discussed their views on science, technology and the environment. More in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear Gene Gerardot from College Mentors for Kids, pairing local school-age children with IU student mentors. Find out how to sign up to be a mentor or get your kid in the program later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Monroe County Council: New Jail, Staffing Challenges in Sheriff’s Office, Convention Center Expansion

The Monroe County Council met on April 14. During public comment, a resident addressed the recently revived issue of the proposed North Park jail location.

Chief Deputy Phil Parker from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office then provided an update on ongoing hiring challenges.

The clerk’s office, represented by new Chief Deputy Tanner Branham, requested approval for overtime pay to support election-related work.

Following tornado damage, Airport Director Carlos Laverty requested funds to cover repair costs at the county airport while awaiting insurance reimbursement.

The council then deliberated a property transfer to the Capital Improvement Board for the convention center expansion. CIB President John Whikehart stated his intent to pursue a land swap for the former Bunger and

Local resident Barry expressed support for a land swap that would preserve affordable housing at Seminary Pointe.

The council approved the motion six-to-zero with Council member Jennifer Crossley abstaining. The next meeting of the Monroe County Council will be on April 28th.

Monroe County CIB Approves Land Transfers, Begins Negotiations for College Square Site

The Monroe County Capital Improvement Board met on April 15th. First, the board heard updates from Weddle Brothers Construction on the Bloomington Convention Center expansion. Senior Superintendent Logan Turner said they have made significant progress.

Next, the board considered the acceptance of land transfers from the city and county. Board President John Whikehart walked through the agenda item.

The board voted unanimously to accept the conveyance of the properties.

Then, the board discussed related real estate. Whikehart maintained their mission is to expand the convention center, renovate the current building and select a hotelier and a site for the host hotel. He explained the College Square site is the best option.

Whikehart made a motion to negotiate with the president of the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission, Deborah Myerson, for the acquisition of the College Square location. It passed by a unanimous vote.

During public comment, City Councilmember Sydney Zulich said she supports negotiations with the city on the College Square property.

The Monroe County CIB will meet again on May 20th.

Featured Segments:

Last Tuesday, candidates running for U.S. Congress in Indiana’s 9th district participated in a candidate forum on science, technology and the environment. The local chapter of the League of Women Voters and Concerned Scientists at IU organized the forum. IU Professor Michael Hamburger served as moderator. Candidates included Democrats Jim Graham, Brad Meyer, Kyle Rourke, and Tim Peck and Independent candidate Floyd Taylor. Each of them were asked how Congress should respond to recent cuts on scientific research.

Remember when you were little and college students seemed like the coolest people ever? What if you had been able to hang out with them for a day and see what their life is like? College Mentors for Kids at Indiana University provides that opportunity. This nonprofit was started in Bloomington thirty years ago and is now serving thousands of kids all across the Midwest. In Bloomington, College Mentors for Kids pairs Bloomington elementary students with IU students and brings them to campus for fun educational activities like science demonstrations. Chapter President Gene Gerardot says the club is hosting an event tomorrow from 4pm to 6pm in the Persimmon Room in the Indiana Memorial Union. Learn how to apply to be a mentor or get YOUR kid into the program on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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