This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 22nd, 2026.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Zoe Moczek speaks with local activist Pat Wall of the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America about ICE activity in Bloomington. More in the bottom half of our program.

You’ll also hear Local Dungeons and Dragons gamer Rozanne Lorenzana. For members of the Bloomington D&D club, gaming is an effective anti-depressant. Learn more later in the show in a feature report.

City’s Public Works Board Reevaluates 4th Street Events

On January 13th, the Bloomington Board of Public Works met to discuss policy on special events and the right of way. Public Works Director Adam Wason presented on behalf of Cassie Werne Special Projects and Operations Manager in the Public Works Department. Wason read the proposal which focused on moving 4th Street festivals and events to Kirkwood Avenue.

The three downtown suggested festival locations include Kirkwood Avenue, the Courthouse Square and Trades District. The board cited public safety concerns as the main cause for change.

The 4th Street Art Festival would still be permitted to celebrate their 50th anniversary on 4th Street, but it could be the last time.

Many volunteers on the 4th Street Art Festival Board addressed their concerns about this new policy. They said the festival is historic and holds itself as a tradition in the Bloomington community. However, many volunteers expressed concerns about greater exposure to heat stroke for attendees, as well as the exposure to the bars if moved to Kirkwood.

Pamela Davidson, 4th Street Art Fair board member highlighted possible problems with moving to Kirkwood Avenue.

Ruth Conway, board member of the original committee in 1978, argued that set-up can be difficult and dangerous for intoxicated people.

Juliette Roberts, President of the 4th Street Festival, explains that public safety is essential when event planning.

The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet in October of 2026 to review this policy. President Kyla Cox Deckard noted the amount of effort that goes into planning an event like this. She says she does not want insufficient timing to negatively impact the festival, so the policy will be re-evaluated this fall.

Monroe County Commissioners Discuss INDOT Matching Grant, Pay Respects to Dan Combs

The Monroe County Commissioners met on January 15th and discussed the INDOT Community Crossing Matching Grant. Highway Director Lisa Ridge said Monroe County was awarded one million dollars for paving projects in 2026.

Ridge said the grants were competitive this year because of funding cuts.

Commissioner Julie Thomas said the City of Bloomington did not get the grant this year.

Next, Thomas highlighted that the voter registration office will temporarily move to the second floor of the Showers Building starting on February 9th.

The current voter registration office is undergoing flooring renovations.

Commissioner Thomas closed with paying respects to longtime Perry Township Trustee Dan Combs who died last week at 73-years-old.

Commissioner Jody Madeira acknowledged Combs’ teaching career at Bloomington High School South, saying it’s a huge loss in the community.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will meet again on January 22nd.

Featured Segments:

Dungeons and Dragons. It’s just a game, right? For members of IU’s D&D club, it’s much more: a social outlet, a confidence builder, maybe even an effective anti-depressant. Experts on the psychological effects of collaborative gaming agree. Correspondent Liam Greene has that story in a feature report produced in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University.

Pat Wall helped restart the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. In that capacity, he helps advocate for housing, reproductive rights and immigrant support groups. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Zoe Moczek speaks with Wall about his activism in the community – particularly around Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Bloomington and surrounding areas. He pointed to local tools that are implemented by ICE, including the Akadis software and Flock Security cameras. Wall urged residents to know their rights, seek legal guidance if ICE comes knocking on your door and encourages you to get involved in opposing anti-immigrant policies. That interview with Pat Wall, who also volunteers for the station on our punk show Radio Regazzo, is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

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