This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, a lecturer at Indiana University was removed from one of her courses while the university investigates a complaint under the state’s intellectual diversity law. In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Jessica Adams, lecturer at the IU School of Social Work, about what this means for academic freedom at the university.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Gmail and More – Are You At Risk?” on Better Beware, your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News.

Featured Segments:

On October 6th, Jessica Adams, a lecturer at the IU School of Social Work, was removed from teaching her “Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice” course after a student complained of alleged bias in her classroom. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Director Kade Young spoke with Adams about what’s happened since her removal – and what this new law could mean for educators across Indiana.

Up next, “Gmail and More – Are You At Risk?” on Better Beware, your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Now it’s time for Art Walk on WFHB, where Youth Radio members attend local galleries to talk with artists and art lovers. In episode 12 Brynn speaks to IU graduate and print-maker Evelynn Gray about their art experiences in fine arts and their thesis statement about letterpress. Evelynn has a collection of work called Seasonal Impressions on display at the i Fell Gallery for the month of October 2025. This episode of Art Walk was recorded at the First Thursday Festival on October 3, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, November 11th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News speaks with Maria Bucur, Vice President of the American Association of University of Professors, about a professor who was recently removed from one of her courses while the university investigates a complaint under the state’s intellectual diversity law. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, a new edition of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. That’s coming up at the end of today’s broadcast.

A lecturer at Indiana University was removed from one of her courses while the university investigates a complaint under the state’s intellectual diversity law. In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Maria Bucur, the John W. Hill Chair of East European History and Professor in the Department of History at IU. Bucur is also the Vice President of the American Association of University Professors, or AAUP. Bucur says she sees this move as the “nail in the coffin” for academic freedom at the university and she alleges basic due process rights not being followed as well as a conflict of interest into the intellectual diversity investigation. We turn now to that interview on the WFHB Local News.

The Indiana Men’s Basketball Team has started off hot, beating Marquette this past weekend 100-77. Beyond the court there is a team dedicated to making players perform to their best abilities. In today’s feature report, WFHB Sports Correspondent Chase Dodson talks with Owen Baker, an Indiana men’s basketball team student manager. That interview, recorded on November 7th, is coming up next on WFHB.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, November 10th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, local voices share what gives them hope amid the doom and gloom of the 24-hour news cycle. WFHB reporters hit the streets to find out what lifts you up later in the show in a feature report.

You’ll also hear Terry Usrey from the Hoosier Hikers Council. These volunteers build sustainable walking trails to connect people with nature. Learn how you can get your hands dirty – literally – later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Featured Segments:

President Trump returned to the Supreme Court on Monday to keep SNAP benefits frozen amid the ongoing government shutdown. That’s left millions of Americans in limbo – including thousands here in Monroe County. Local officials say the freeze could impact more than 4,000 households here locally and cut roughly a million and a half dollars in food assistance. County Commissioner Julie Thomas says the uncertainty is already creating confusion and hardship – but she adds, the community’s stepping up to fill the gaps. This interview was conducted on Thursday of last week. We will keep you updated on SNAP benefits as we learn more. We turn now to WFHB News Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger for that interview.

All is not lost. Sure, there’s a lot of heavy stuff going on around the world and right here in our own backyard. But even with so many things to worry about, people in our community still find a way to hold on to hope. WFHB dispatched dozens of reporters to canvass downtown Bloomington and the IU campus to find out what lifts you up.

The Hoosier Hikers Council ventures out to local forests, using volunteer power to build sustainable walking trails. Head out with them, and you will probably find Terry Usrey. Terry is one of the many volunteers rolling up his sleeves to connect people with nature. Learn all about it on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, November 6th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Charlotte Zietlow – local activist and civic leader – passed away on Wednesday at 91-years-old. We will revisit two archived segments with Zietlow on WFHB during today’s broadcast.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Sports Correspondents Chase Dodson and Jake Bedway spoke with the new head coach for the IU men’s basketball team, Darian Devries  and two players about their hopes for this season.

Featured Segments:

Charlotte Zietlow, longtime local civic leader and women’s rights pioneer, died yesterday at the age of 91. Zietlow was the first woman elected to the Bloomington City Council in 1971 and served as the council president the following year. For decades, she has championed local activism and progressive causes. She was instrumental in the restoration of the Monroe County Courthouse, fought to keep Lake Monroe as our primary source of drinking water and opposed a proposal for a PCB incinerator. Honoring her many years of devotion to public service, the county justice building was renamed the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center in 2012. In today’s newscast, we revisit an interview with Zietlow on WFHB with Big Talk host Michael Glab from February 8th, 2018. That archived interview with Charlotte Zietlow coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Friday, March 30th, 2012 was officially declared “Charlotte Zietlow Day” in Monroe County, coinciding with the renaming of the Justice Building as the “Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center.” Among many speakers were county commissioners Mark Stoops and Iris Kiesling, as well as Zietlow herself. Their words here – in an archived WFHB feature report from April 2nd, 2012. We turn now to that feature in honor of Charlotte Zietlow who passed away yesterday at the age of 91.

Up next, WFHB Sports Correspondents Chase Dodson and Jake Bedway spoke with the new head coach for the IU men’s basketball team, Darian Devries, and two players about their hopes for this season. That feature is coming up next on WFHB.

Now, we turn to today’s Sports News Briefing – a rundown of local, state and national sports news. That’s coming up next on WFHB.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, November 5th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Julio Alonso, executive director of Hoosier Hills Food Bank, about how the government shutdown has impacted SNAP benefits in Monroe County. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “The Supremes and the Androids” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the local news.

Government Shutdown Halts SNAP Benefits Across Monroe County

As a result of the government shutdown, SNAP benefits are only partially funded right now with households only receiving about half of their typical November payment. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Julio Alonso, executive director of Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Alonso says that at least 16,000 residents in the six counties they serve will be impacted by the pause in SNAP benefits. This interview was conducted yesterday and information is still incoming. Alonso urges community support and advocates for a government reopening in an interview coming up next on the WFHB Local News. Here’s a link to a list of food pantries in Monroe County for those in need.

“Off Night Stories” Spotlights Immigrant Resilience in Bloomington

Up next, we feature an excerpt from our public affairs program Bring It On – Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community. In this interview, hosts Clarence Boone and Gloria Howell speak with Audrey Seader, the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Off Night Productions. She is here to discuss their upcoming production of Off Night Stories: Immigrants, Refugees, & Asylum Seekers.

The play offers the public the opportunity to experience powerful, true stories that celebrate resilience, hope and the human spirit of immigrants in the United States. There will be English-speaking and Spanish-speaking performances from Sunday, November 9 to Tuesday, November 11. To listen to the full interview, visit wfhb dot org following this broadcast.

Better Beware: “The Supremes and the Androids”

A double-barrelled warning this time. Anyone who has a social security number, or an Android cellphone (that’s Google’s system, not Apple’s iPhone) are at risk from some very ingenious scammers right now. (And iPhone users shouldn’t feel too safe, they may be attacked in future.) There’s a phony letter going around, supposedly from a Supreme Court Justice, that threatens people’s Social Security numbers. Android phone users are all too likely to have an app that’s infected with some nasty malware – because hundreds of such apps have been downloaded over 38 million times! Here’s the bad news, and the good news about how to stay safe.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, November 4th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we hear from Lou Barnhart, the development director of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, about how the cancellation of SNAP benefits has impacted Monroe County. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Episode 104 of Lil Bub’s Lil Show, a co-production between Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB.

But first, your local headlines:

MCCSC Board Addresses Student Advocacy, Staffing and Early Learning Updates

The MCCSC School Board met on Tuesday, October 28th. Joseph Shing, Senior at The Academy School, spoke on his experiences with being an immigrant in the MCCSC school system and how the school failed to acknowledge his and other immigrants capabilities.

Shing requested that the school recognize where immigrant students are intellectually when they arrive at a school, and for the pre existing policies such as Policy 5410 and 5463 to be better implemented.

Darcy Fawcett , a parent of two children at Bloomington High School North, spoke about the job opening for gymnastics coach at Bloomington High School South and Bloomington High School North.

Fawcett asked for permission for the previous coach at North, Andrea Smith to continue coaching at least until a replacement was found so that students could have a chance to compete this year. Smith, North’s coach for over 20 years, was unable to continue coaching after being promoted to a position at Hoosier Hills.

Dr Henderson responded with an update on the interviewing process for a new coach.

Next, Dr Winston highlighted some of the agreements from Collective Bargaining Tentative Agreement, including stipends and opportunities for salary increases.

Winston also stated updates for parental leave and childhood care discounts.

Next, Dr Henderson introduced Marti Colglazer, and Hattie Johnson. Colglazer will be the interim principal for the Academy school, and Johnson is to serve as interim director of the childhood nutrition department. Both were previously retired.

Dr Winston expressed her appreciation for both willing to come out of retirement to work.

Next, Dr Henderson provided an update for the Human Resources Department, which included a list of job openings at MCCSC. The openings are for guest teachers, operations staff, special education, instructional support, and every day staff.

Dr Henderson clarified the necessity of these positions, as he recognized some confusion for new staff during budget constraints.

Dr. Dowling provided an update for Early Learning at MCCSC.

He explained that access to early learning has more than doubled thanks to the 2023 tax referendum which invested approximately 6.2 million dollars into early childhood education.

The meeting adjourned with Dr Winston stating that there will be no school on November 4th on account of a professional learning day for teachers. The MCCSC School Board will meet again on November 25.

Feature Report:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has been canceled nationwide in the wake of the federal government shutdown. In Monroe County alone, this has impacted thousands of residents. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Lou Barnhart, the development director for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, about how the cancellation of SNAP benefits has impacted the Hub. Barnhart also pointed to a list of food pantries in Monroe County that can help community members find food, as provided by Hoosier Hills Food Bank. That interview is coming up next on the local news.

Up next – Episode 104 of Lil Bub’s Lil Show, a co-production between Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB. That segment is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

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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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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, IU Media School Professor Anne Ryder reads an open letter from Media School faculty to students which was recently published in the IDS. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Ray Boomhower, esteemed Indiana biographer, joins us on Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and WFHB.

Featured Segments:

Senior Lecturer at the IU Media School Anne Ryder reads an open letter from Media School faculty to students, which was featured in the Indiana Daily Student on Wednesday. The letter condemns cancellation of the print edition of the IDS with faculty saying they were left in the dark about the decision. It was signed by 48 faculty members. Anne Ryder reading that letter, coming your way right now on the local news.

Bloomington Board of Public Works Denies Overgrowth Appeal, Approves Temporary Alley Closure

At its October 21st meeting, the Bloomington Board of Public Works denied an appeal from a homeowner cited for excessive grass growth on East Viva Drive, voting 3-0 to uphold the citation. The board also approved a four-week alley closure on East Kirkwood Avenue, set to begin soon.

Now, we turn to WFHB Sports Correspondent Chase Dodson who brings you today’s Sports News Briefing – a local rundown of local, state and national sports news. That’s coming up next on WFHB.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, the Monroe County Council unanimously rejected allocating about 8 million dollars for the purpose of building a new jail. WFHB News speaks with the grassroots organization Care Note Cages in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, State Representative Matt Pierce held a town hall over Indiana’s special session on redistricting which will take place next week.

State Rep. Matt Pierce Holds Town Hall on Indiana Redistricting

State Representative Matt Pierce gave a town hall on Monday at the City Council Chambers regarding Indiana’s special session on redistricting. Pierce warned of a rushed and politically charged redistricting process when legislators convene for the special session next week. Pierce said the move was initiated by President Donald Trump placing pressure on Indiana Governor Mike Braun to redistrict the state ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The audio from the town hall came from Jeremy Hogan of the Bloomingtonian.

After an hours-long meeting last night, the Monroe County Council unanimously voted down allocating roughly 8 million dollars to purchase the North Park property to build a new jail. Council members cited the cost of the new jail and state policy limiting spending for local governments as reasons to deny the appropriation of funds. Ahead of the vote, WFHB News spoke with Sam Holdeman of the local grassroots organization, Care Not Cages, about what was at stake with this vote. That interview is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, the Bloomington City Council passed several ordinances for the salaries of city employees for 2026. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we highlight the dog “Erik” who is available for adoption at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter, on Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington City Council Approves 2026 Salary Ordinances

The Bloomington City Council met on October 22nd. Councilmembers heard three ordinances to set the salaries for city employees in 2026. Deputy City Clerk Susan Stoll touched on the first ordinance which dealt with the salaries of workers for the police and fire departments.

City Human Resources Director Sharr Pechac presented the ordinance.

The council approved the salaries for the police and fire departments by a unanimous vote.

Then, City Clerk Nicole Bolden presented the ordinance regarding employees of the clerk’s office, saying they included a 2.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment for clerk staff.

Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked if there were any other pay increases. Bolden responded that one position did include a pay increase.

Councilmember Dave Rollo asked if clerk staff salary rates were on-par with salaries for other cities. Bolden said the data can be construed as problematic.

The council passed the ordinance unanimously. Next, HR Director Pechac presented the salary ordinance for general city employees. Councilmember Piedmont-Smith asked about the living wage rate for the city. Pechac said the city tries to make salaries as competitive as possible with constraints of the budget.

Piedmont-Smith said she’d like to revisit the living wage ordinance arguing that $16.66 per hour is not a livable wage in Bloomington.

The council approved the ordinance by a 9-0 vote. The next Bloomington City Council meeting will take place on November 5th.

Sen. Bernie Sanders accepts Eugene Debs Award in Terre Haute

Senator Bernie Sanders accepted the Eugene V. Debs Award on Saturday in Terre Haute.

According to the Debs Foundation, this award honors a person or organization which has contributed to the advancement of industrial unionism, social justice and world peace.

The award is named after Eugene Debs, a Terre Haute native, who was an American labor leader and political activist. Debs ran for president five times between the years 1900 and 1920. He made his last presidential run from a prison cell in 1920 while serving a sentence for sedition after giving an anti-war speech in 1918, protesting U.S. involvement in World War I.

Senator Sanders opened his speech by explaining how he first discovered Debs, and why he believes Debs’ message still matters today.

Sanders shifted gears to discuss Debs’ criticisms of inequality in the U.S., which he says is prophetic. He linked income inequality of Debs’ era to the billionaires of today.

He harkened back to when Debs warned about leaders who weaponized the concept of patriotism, criticizing national leadership in today’s time.

Senator Sanders quoted a courtroom statement from Debs – discussing solidarity among the people. Sanders said there’s nothing we can’t accomplish if we work together.

Sanders closed with a warning about the consolidation of corporate power in modern times – from artificial intelligence to tech billionaires. He echoed Eugene Debs’ message about the control of labor.

This audio from Sanders’ speech was provided by Robert Deppert of the Bloomingtonian. You can find the full speech on the Bloomingtonian’s Youtube page.

Lil Bub’s Lil Show Highlights Adoptable Dog “Erik”

Up next, Episode 103 of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production of Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB. In today’s segment, we highlight the dog “Erik” who is available for adoption at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. That segment is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

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