This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, November 3rd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Indiana University recently reversed course on the decision to cancel the print edition of the Indiana Daily Student. WFHB News speaks with IDS leadership in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear Bloomington deputy clerk Jennifer Crossley. She wants you to serve on one of the forty boards and commissions providing citizen input and oversight on local government. Find out how later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Monroe County Council Rejects Jail Funding After Heated Debate

The Monroe County Council met for a 7-hour-long meeting on October 28th. The council considered whether or not to appropriate about 8 million dollars for the purchase of the North Park property to construct a new jail. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners had urged the county council to pass two appropriations of funds for both the acquisition of land at North Park and money for design work on the jail. County Commissioner Julie Thomas spoke in favor of appropriating the money, saying that the county has already invested years into planning the jail project.

Council President Jennifer Crossley said the county cannot afford to foot the bill for the jail right now – especially in the aftermath of recently passing a tight budget. She also expressed concern about new state law capping how much money local governments can spend on projects like this.

Councilmember David Henry said he had concerns about how transparent this process has been and questioned how much work has taken place outside the purview of the public. He said as a sitting council member, he hasn’t even seen the most recent plans for the jail.

During public comment, Reverend Susan Frederick Gray of the Unitarian Universalist Church advocated against the new jail project saying she doesn’t think the scope of the jail project reflects the community’s values.

Another resident Reed Hepburn warned that a new facility could open the door for federal immigration detention here locally.

Local resident Cathleen Paquet took to the public mic to speak out against the proposal. She criticized the unwalkable location of the North Park property and the distance away from social services. In her view, the county should prioritize funding nonprofits that prevent people from going to jail in the first place.

On the other hand, Jail Commander Kyle Gibbons gave a passionate testimony asking for immediate relief for inmates and staff. He outlined the poor conditions of the jail currently, and made a plea to the council that the jail needs support.

After nearly two hours of public comment, the council voted down both appropriation requests effectively stopping the North Park project. The next Monroe County Council meeting will take place on November 7th.

Feature Report:

Indiana University recently reversed course on the decision to cancel the print edition of the Indiana Daily Student. This followed backlash from faculty members, students, free speech groups and the national media. The print edition is set to hit newsstands on November 20th. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondents Camdyn Glover and Zoe Moczek speak with Mia Hilkowitz, co-editor-in-chief of the IDS, about the future of press freedom at IU. That interview is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Jennifer Crossley believes citizen input is crucial for effective government. As Bloomington’s deputy clerk of communications and outreach, she urges local residents to participate in the more than forty boards and commissions that advise city leaders. Jennifer explains how you can provide critical oversight and input on the issues that matter most to you on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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