This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, April 28th, 2026.

In today’s newscast, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson addressed racist assumptions made in the aftermath of the shooting on Kirkwood Avenue during Little 500 weekend. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the city council voted to reaffirm its opposition for the North Park property as a potential new jail site during its most recent meeting.

Mayor Kerry Thomson denounces racist comments on social media after Little 500 shooting

Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson took to social media on Monday to denounce racist comments in the wake of the shooting that happened on Kirkwood Avenue during Little 500 weekend.

Five people were injured in a shooting outside Five Guys in the early hours of Sunday morning, raising concerns about public safety downtown during large events. The incident also prompted racist comments on social media.

The shooting happened during Little 500 weekend, one of Bloomington’s busiest times of the year, drawing thousands of people to the Kirkwood area.

Mayor Thomson condemned racist assumptions she’s seen on social media. She also said the city received emails and phone calls with speculation about race.

“I want to explicitly condemn the racism that is happening when people make comments with assumptions about race or who belongs or who’s from here and who’s not from here. That is not who we are. Bloomington, we are a city that loves one another and welcomes all,” she said.

The investigation is still ongoing. The city encourages anyone with information to call Bloomington Police at 812-339-4477.

City Council discusses Seminary Pointe land swap, amended Flock contract and reaffirms opposition to North Park jail site

The Bloomington City Council met on April 22nd. Multiple council members used opening reports to support a proposed land swap between the Seminary Pointe and College Square properties. Council member Dave Rollo said the land swap would benefit the multiple community stakeholders.

Then, Police Chief Mike Diekhoff reported on the amended Flock contracts and policies. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked whether all Flock cameras could be turned off before the contracts expire and how access to camera feeds would be restricted. Diekhoff responded.

Next, the council considered a resolution reaffirming opposition to the North Park site for a new jail. During public comment, a resident presented cost comparisons for renovation.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Next, Kristen Weida, CEO of the Indiana Uplands Realtors Association, detailed differences between proposed Hopewell development options.

The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be on May 6th.

City Redevelopment Commission moves forward with public offering for College Square property

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission met on April 20th. First, Jane Kupersmith, director of the city’s Economic and Sustainability Department, delivered the Business Development update.

The commission then discussed opening the College Square property to public offers. Commissioners also considered a proposed land swap with the Seminary Pointe block, with Secretary John West speaking in opposition.

Monroe County Capital Improvement Board President John Whikehart, represented by attorney Jim Whitlatch, spoke in support of the swap. Whitlatch argued that value should be measured beyond just monetary terms.

Commissioners also debated whether to delay the offering for 30 days.

Commissioner Susan Sgambelluri said she doesn’t think that extension will be adequate.

The commission ultimately voted unanimously to move forward with a public offering of the property. The next Bloomington RDC meeting is scheduled for May 20th.

CIB advances hotel plans as residents urge protection of Seminary Pointe housing

The Monroe County Capital Improvement Board met on April 24th and heard a resolution for a host hotel at the Bloomington Convention Center. CIB Attorney Jim Whitlatch walked through the resolution.

A board member asked whether the CIB wants to clarify the incentives for hotel developers. Board President John Whikehart responded.

Whikehart said the board set a June 30th deadline regarding requests for proposals, or RFP. The board approved the resolution by a unanimous vote.

The CIB heard a second proposal for obtaining appraisals and environmental reports for newly acquired real estate.

Senior Vice President at JS Held Deb Kunce provided a timeline for the project and further expounded on the details of the contract.

The board approved the resolution by a unanimous vote. During public comment, a representative for the group Bloomington Homes for All urged the board to consider a land swap to save Seminary Pointe apartments from demolition.

Local activist Bryce Greene with Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America also advocated for preserving affordable housing in the city.

The next meeting of the Monroe County CIB will take place on May 20th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, we look back at a story from February 2025 covering free speech issues at Indiana University. The story titled “Expressive Activity: Protest Policy at IU” was produced by Correspondent Samuel Dexter. It recently won First Place in the category of Student Radio News Reporting in the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists’ annual competition. That’s coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: