This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, November 18th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Indiana Lawmakers Matt Pierce and Shelli Yoder tackled key issues and priorities ahead of the upcoming legislative session that will kick off in January. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Beavers as land stewards” on Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

Commissioners Warn of Two-Year Setback as County Council Reconsiders Jail Site

The Monroe County Council met on Monday, November 10th.

During public comment, a local resident of Seminary Square apartments asked for transparency among uncertainty with possible demolition.

Another resident commented, asking why money was spent on evaluating the North Park land transaction when it was not going to be approved by the council.

The Monroe County Commissioners made an appearance in person to discuss the search for a new jail site with the council. They spoke on the matter at the beginning of the meeting, during the department updates.

County commissioner Jody Madeira spoke first, explaining how they chose North Park for the new location.

Thomas stated that because of the council’s denial, the project is now back to the drawing board which will take a minimum of 2 years to complete.

Madeira and Thomas presented 5 questions for the council to answer in order to clarify a path forward for the new jail. They explained that ACLU legal director Ken Falk will receive answers by January 8th as part of their required annual update.

Council President Crossley asked how they can find a compromise on the issue.

Thomas said the city can invite whoever it wants, as long as it includes the required people such as the sheriff. Council member David Henry said whatever decision is made should be done jointly because the city council and county council still don’t seem to be on the same page.

Crossley invited input from her fellow council members.

Henry said the next step would be figuring out the budget and having conversations about what Bloomington can have compared to what is possible under new state law.

Madeira stated that she fears falling short. She also said the prison cannot be remediated, contrary to what councillors think.

The County Council will meet next on November 14th.

Local Chapter of League of Women Voters Hosts Legislative Update

The local chapter of the League of Women Voters held a legislative town hall session on November 15th. This comes ahead of the meeting of the Indiana General Assembly, which will convene in January of next year.

The legislative session town hall, moderated by Sonia Leerkamp, tackled key issues and priorities for the upcoming legislative session. It also took place in the backdrop of Indiana senators rejecting the mid-decade redistricting effort pushed by President Donald Trump and Governor Mike Braun.

State Representative Matt Pierce opened by saying the redistricting effort in Indiana has overshadowed nearly every other legislative priority. He warned while the redistricting effort is stalled, he said, “it’s not over until it’s over.”

State Senator Shelli Yoder said that voters have expressed affordability as a top-of-mind issue. Yoder expanded on the affordability crisis acknowledging that Indiana residents are buckled by costs, particularly with healthcare and housing.

She further elaborated on housing affordability saying she’s currently working on a bill to address the increased cost of housing in Indiana.

Other issues that were brought up in the town hall were voter rights and student identification policies. Pierce recounted his experience in the Statehouse when lawmakers passed the legislation that banned student IDs as voter identification.

Lastly, Yoder said far-right immigration bills are expected to be drafted in the next legislative session.

Legislators also touched on the environmental impacts of data centers in Indiana, public education in the state, Medicaid work requirements and more. To watch the full town hall, you can visit this link.

Lil Bub’s Lil Show: Beavers as Land Stewards 

Up next, “Beavers as land stewards” on Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

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