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

Later in the program, WFHB News looks into the relationship between policing and social work on today’s episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate.More in today’s feature report.

That’s Marissa Meador from the Indiana Daily Student, on the recent merger of Indiana University student media. Hear her concerns, and a response from The Media School, later in the show in a feature report. More following today’s feature.

But first, Deep Dive:

This is Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County. For this series, WFHB and the Limestone Post look into how social workers are being integrated into police departments, and how effective this solution is at addressing the issues embedded in policing.

Social work is a profession focused on empowering people in vulnerable situations, while policing often centers on crime prevention and maintaining public order. Should these institutions be combined?

WFHB News speaks with a variety of sources on the subject – some who argue that social workers could help with de-escalating certain situations, and providing long term, client centered services. Others argue the two professions are at odds with each other and should not be intertwined.

Tune in next week to learn more. As we continue to dive deeper WFHB News will explore research being done in Indiana and across the country to assess how effective police and social worker programs are, and how well the program is currently working here in Bloomington, Indiana. To read the full article written by Haley Miller, visit LimestonePostMagazine.com.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Thomas Crow reports on the recent merger of IU student media. Indiana Daily Student co-editor-in-chief Marissa Meador questions whether student input is actually being put into action. We hear from her, IUSTV director Ashton Hackman, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education for the Media School Galen Clavio. Correspondent Thomas Crow has more.

Credits:

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

Later in the program, the city hosted a public meeting last night making an announcement that they are eyeing a new location for the future police department headquarters. More in the top half of tonight’s newscast.

That’s Sophie Gorecki from Out at Kelley, a support group for queer students in IU’s Kelley School of Business. We’ll hear from several student groups trying to build community on the Bloomington campus later in the show in a feature report.

But first, your local headlines.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board

At the Richland Bean Blossom School Board Meeting on January 21st, Secretary Larry DeMoss and President Dana Kerr were nominated for another term in their current positions. The council unanimously approved.

The board approved changes to their 2025-2026 registration rates for Edgewood Early Childhood Center. Half-day rates will increase to seventeen dollars. Full-day three-year-old rates will increase to thirty-seven dollars. Full-day preschool rates will increase to thirty-four dollars.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Irwin explained why the increase is necessary.

Preschool Coordinator Heather Kensek proposed opening enrollment up to children who are two-and-a-half years old, but with priority to three-year olds.

The board approved.

Open registration for the 2025-2026 school year is expected to start March 3rd.

The next Richland Bean Blossom School Board meeting will be held February 17th at 6 pm.

Monroe County Vote Center Study Committee

The Monroe County Vote Center Study Committee met on January 22nd. The committee scheduled what they expect to be their final two meetings for February 5th at 4:30pm and February 19th at 5pm.

The committee serves until the Election Board deems the voting center plan complete, and the plan is in its final stages.

The board approved adding a compliance checklist to the preface of the plan. A committee member suggested they should place it there rather than the appendix to follow suit with other counties.

After some debate, the committee agreed on the preface, saying that County Attorney Molly Turner King, will give feedback on the location and the rest of the draft.

The committee expects to have Turner-King’s feedback and make amendments to the plan by its February 5th meeting in hopes that the Election Board can discuss the plan at its February 6th board meeting.

The committee agreed to send a current draft to the Election Board so the board members have time to study it. Committee Member Steve Volan said he could turn out a draft along with a cover sheet indicating it is a preliminary version.

A few committee members said they would attend the Election Board meeting on February 6th to address any questions the board might have about the plan.

City Hosts Public Meeting for Future BPD Headquarters

The City of Bloomington hosted a public hearing on the future police department headquarters on Monday.

Mayor Kerry Thomson said the current police building needs significant improvements, and in her view a new location is needed.

Thomson says that the city is eyeing 714 South Rogers Street as a site for the new police department headquarters. That property is currently home to the Bloomington Convalescent Center.

The mayor said moving to Showers West would have been a short term solution and would not be feasible due to a lack of access to public transportation.

According to a city press release, the mayor’s office says that renovating the current headquarters would not be ideal either, saying it would require purchasing more land and the building has costly flood damage and ongoing water infiltration issues.

WFHB News interviewed Christopher Emge, the director of advocacy and public policy for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Emge said the chamber of commerce was concerned about the cost of the previous administration’s push for the Showers West building.

Emge said while it’s too early to endorse anything officially, he sees potential in the South Rogers site.

As far as other considerations, Emge said that pedestrian traffic plays into the chamber of commerce’s opinion on the new BPD headquarters.

WFHB News also spoke with Paul Ash, who is on the executive committee of the McDoel Gardens Neighborhood Association. Ash said there are compromises to be made, but he doesn’t mind the South Rogers location.

All in all, Mayor Thomson hopes to find a new home for BPD that would provide a long-term solution lasting 50 years.

She said the inside of the building on South Rogers would need to be demolished and that a new design would be needed. Thomson noted that it would take about 18 months to complete.

To view the full public meeting on the future police headquarters, you can visit catstv.net.

Feature Report:

Indiana University Bloomington is home to more than 750 registered student organizations and clubs, all created and led by students. Some of them are trying to make a difference in B-town. Some are trying to help people who feel like outsiders find their community. Last week WFHB sent a dozen reporters to the Student Involvement Fair to seek out these stories in a report produced by the Audio Storytelling class in The Media School.

Up next, 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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You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, January 27th, 2025.

In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Gabe Gloden, the managing director for Constellation Stage and Screen. Constellation is hosting two interactive film screenings this February: The Room and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. More in today’s feature report.

That·s Cecilia Meneghini from Best Buddies at Indiana University, a companionship program for people with autism or Down Syndrome. Hear more about Best Buddies later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council Approves Outdoor Dining Program

The Bloomington City Council met on January 22nd. Councilmembers discussed Ordinance 2025-02 which establishes an outdoor dining program. According to council documents, this program is meant, “to promote vibrancy along Kirkwood Avenue, the City staff will collaborate with Kirkwood businesses and local partners to organize strategic street events throughout the seasonal parklet program.”

Many members of the public shared their thoughts on the program, highlighting a number of different hopes and concerns. Member of the Kirkwood Community Association Susanna Quilla believes that keeping Kirkwood closed consistently will lead to economic growth.

President of Kirkwood Community Association Bob Costello added that much of the support goes beyond just economics.

Former City Councilmember Steve Volan echoed these sentiments about building community.

Others were more concerned by the implementation of this program. A written statement submitted to the council and read by Council Attorney Lisa Lehner stresses the impact continued closures could have on the elderly and those with physical disabilities.

Councilmember Asare, who co-wrote an amendment to the ordinance, emphasized that future consistency of the program was not only key to its successes, but to its ability to address the aforementioned concerns.

The ordinance establishing the outdoor dining program passed by a unanimous vote. Given persisting concerns over accessibility, Councilmember Sydney Zulich says that she will be holding a listening session to gain a better understanding of the positive and negative effects of the Kirkwood closure on February 3rd at 5:30pm.

The City Council will hold its next regular session on February 5th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Gabe Gloden, the managing director for Constellation Stage and Screen. Constellation is hosting two interactive film screenings this February: The Room and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Gloden touches on what audience goers can expect at these upcoming screenings. We turn now to that interview on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Later in the program, the Monroe County Council welcomed new member David Henry, elected Jennifer Crossley as president, discussed funding requests for the Sheriff’s Office and stormwater management, and highlighted upcoming commission vacancies. More in today’s headlines.

That’s Michael Bales, founder of the Greek Basketball Association. The GBA started here in Bloomington and is expanding nationwide. Hear more in a feature report later in the show.

But first, your Statehouse Roundup:

This week, Indiana’s Senate Judiciary Committee passed two bills targeting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the state.

There’s Senate Bill 289 which would impact diversity programs in schools and state agencies. And there’s Senate Bill 235 which would eliminate DEI programs in state agencies and public universities.

Chris Daily, executive director for ACLU Indiana, said in a statement, “In an increasingly diverse state, Indiana elected officials should be investing in programs that promote fairness in state agencies and public universities. Instead, with bills like SB 289 and 235, the state doubles and triples down on policies that abandon state employees and residents and students they serve. Fairness is a Hoosier value – even though it’s been a long time since one of our legislative sessions reflected that.”

According to the legislation, Senate Bill 289 requires schools, state agencies and political subdivisions to publicly post DEI-related materials, prohibits compelling students or employees to affirm specific beliefs or endorse stereotypes and sets up a complaint process with the state attorney general.

As for Senate Bill 235, this piece of legislation would impose restrictions and mandates on state agencies, contractors, educational institutions and licensing boards related to DEI.

State Representative Robin Shackleford is a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. Representative Shackleford issued a statement, saying, “This is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral one. We cannot remain silent as our communities and businesses are pushed aside. The term “DEI” has become politicized and mischaracterized. At its core, this is about people. It’s about embracing our diverse communities and the businesses that make Indiana stronger. Whatever we call it, we must commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—not as a buzzword, but as a fundamental value that shapes the future of our state. It’s time to stand up and make our voices heard.”

Last Wednesday, newly elected Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order ridding the state government from any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Braun officially closed the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office that former Governor Eric Holcomb started back in 2020 after unrest in Indianapolis following the police killing of George Floyd.

Sources: ACLU Indiana, IndyStar, WFYI, Indiana Black Legislative Caucus 

Monroe County Council 

President Trent Deckard started the Monroe County Council meeting by welcoming the new counselor David Henry, who has served as Chair for the Monroe County Democrats and has been a part of the teaching faculty for Indiana University. Next, the only public comment made was by Christopher Emge from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. He highlighted the expansion plan for the Monroe County Airport in the coveted 2025 legislative agenda.

Next on the agenda, Councilor Jennifer Crossley was nominated for the Monroe County Council president since Councilor Deckard had decided to only take on a one-year term. Now that it is coming to an end, all of the council members make it clear that while they are sad to see him go, they are confident in Councilor Crossley’s ability to serve the leadership role. Councilor Kate Wiltz emphasizes how she is especially excited to nominate Councilor Crossley and feels that she can shoulder the weight of the position. Councilor Peter Iverson says he seconded the nomination because of Crossley’s extended experience in liaisonships with many of the departments that watch and listen to the council meeting each week. Councilor Henry says that while he has only been on the council for a total of seventeen minutes, he has worked with Councilor Crossley and knows she will be great for the role.

Councilor Iverson was then nominated for president pro tempore. Councilor Wiltz said Iverson would be the obvious choice and Councilor Crossley said she believes he is built for the role with President Deckard backing her up.

After their vote, Councilor Deckard and Councilor Crossley promptly switched seats and nameplates. Councilor Deckard commented, “This is the greatest magic trick we’ve ever done together.”

Next, the council approves Eric Spoonmore’s citizen appointment resignation from the Capital Improvement Board. With his exit, Councilor Crossley wants to remind citizens that the Environmental Commission, the Sophie Scott Committee, and the Convention and Visitors Commission all have vacancies they are looking to fill. After nominating Councilor Henry to the Planning Commission and Councilor Wiltz to the Waste Reduction District Board as the 2025 council representatives, the council moved on to the Sheriff’s request for funds. Financial Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, Jordan Miller, represents the request for a new account line for firearm training supplies within their pre-existing supplies category, and an additional approval of $50,000 in appropriation in the line for ammunition and other training supplies. Councilor Iverson said he understands the additional account line, but questioned the amount of money requested, saying that they’ve already been provided with a healthy amount. Councilor Wiltz agreed.

Auditor, Brianne Gregory, backed Miller and stated that while she knows adding a category to the line was meant to show transparency in what that money would be used for, there seems to be confusion as to why there is a need for additional funding for that category instead of the department doing it’s own in-house transfer. She said she would speak with her team and get clarity on the request.

Lastly, representative Lisa Ridge speaks for the Highway Department’s stormwater management request for a new stormwater technician account line and approval for an additional $84,752 personnel category. Councilors Iverson and Deckard expressed their gratitude for Ridge’s hard work and the Stormwater Board’s dedication to the county.

Ridge replied, saying the county hasn’t had a winter storm like this in years. January isn’t over yet and if the material and labor are added up, the two storms cost the department half a million dollars in six days.

The county council will meet again for its next regular session on Tuesday, January 28th.

Feature Report:

The Greek Basketball Association started in Bloomington and has recently grown to include 10 universities, with plans to expand to 26 next season. This past fall GBA added a women’s tournament. Teams also support local charities. GBA player Nick Hesch, league founder Michael Bales, and league organizers Michael Grabel and Joseph Staszkow are featured in our report.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025.

Later in the program, WFHB Contributors Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell speak with Keith A. Beauchamp, an acclaimed investigative journalist, documentarian, activist, and filmmaker. More in today’s feature report.

That’s retail studies professor Mary Embry on the impact of “fast fashion” on our local clothing retailers. Learn more later in the show in a feature report.

But first, your local headlines:

Liz Feitl Named County Councilor After Passing of Cheryl Munson

The Monroe County Council will see a new face this year at their meetings. County Democrats selected Liz Feitl as at-large council member following the death of Cheryl Munson. On Sunday, the party held a caucus at the Nat U Hill room inside the county courthouse. Each candidate was given an opportunity to speak prior to the vote. Feitl said she wanted to take her 30 years of leadership experience to make Monroe County a better community. She began listing her priorities as she starts her new position.

Feitl served as a community service liaison for the AFL-CIO for two decades. She retired from that position in 2021 which she says allows her the time to devote to the county council. During the question and answer portion of the caucus, Feitl said that given her background, she could assist with human resources, the election process and the new jail initiative as a member of the county council.

City council member Sydney Zulich asked the candidates how they helped out with the 2024 election. She worked as a poll watcher, attended political party candidate events, served as a delegate for the state party convention, and donated money to various candidates.

MCCSC School Board Member Ashley Pirani announced the winner of the caucus after final votes were cast.

Feitl will now serve a four-year term as an at-large county council member.

Feature Reports:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Contributors Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell speak with Keith A. Beauchamp, an acclaimed investigative journalist, documentarian, activist, and filmmaker. Beauchamp’s groundbreaking investigative reporting and his 2005 documentary were instrumental in prompting the State of Mississippi to reopen the murder case of Emmett Till. He was the keynote speaker for the city’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday at the Buskirk Chumley Theatre. We turn now to that interview on the WFHB Local News.

“Fast fashion” – cheap merchandise updated in new styles daily and delivered quickly from online retailers – is challenging small businesses to pivot strategies. We hear from a Bloomington clothing shop and an IU retail studies expert on what local clothing retailers are doing to stay financially viable in competition with megastores like Amazon and Temu.

Credits:

Bloomington’s population is growing faster than its supply of affordable housing. In a feature report by correspondent RC Glover we hear from an IU student feeling the pinch and a housing expert who says market conditions and our limited buildable land area will likely continue to make the problem worse without intervention from public-private partnerships like the Hopewell neighborhood under development on the site of the old Bloomington Hospital.

2024’s Most Expensive Metro Areas for Renters:

Hopewell Neighborhood Development Info:

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, January 21st, 2025.

Later in the program, we feature a speech from Beverly Calender-Anderson, the Director of Community and Family Resources Department for the City of Bloomington, who won the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award last night. More in today’s feature report.

That’s affordable housing expert Eric Sader. He says market conditions and our limited buildable land area are creating a housing squeeze. Hear more in a feature report later in the show.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington City Council Holds Deliberative Meeting Ahead of New Session

On Wednesday, January 15th, the Bloomington City Council hosted a deliberation meeting discussing the organization of council committees, boards and commissions in the new year. During the deliberative session, the council went over how to make the various council committees more efficient. Council Member Isak Asare said that they could potentially rethink or restructure the climate action resilience committee.

In response to Council Member Asare’s comment about the relevancy of the Climate Action Resilience Committee, Council Member Matt Flaherty explained that when the committee was created, the city’s climate action plan did not yet exist. Flaherty said that there have since been efforts by the city to fill in the gaps for which the committee was initially formed.

Council Member Flaherty went on to say that in his view – the city council could consider dissolving the climate action resilience committee.

Flaherty did discuss a potential replacement for the climate action resilience committee – one such avenue, he said, could be the anticipated development of a transportation commission.

Council Member Rollo agreed with the idea of dissolving the Climate Action Resilience Committee, adding that a broader, ad-hoc resilience committee could be formed. In addition, he mentioned the need for council involvement in emergency management in the wake of the recent wildfires in California.

Then, during the public comment section of the meeting, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Christopher Emge expressed concern for the council’s long-term perspective on budgetary responsibilities, saying it could be more efficient for the council to adopt a committee to address budget conversations.

Overall, Emgee said that he was optimistic about the council’s deliberations and their effectiveness moving forward.

Former City Councilman Steve Volan gave public comment saying that was happy to see concerns over which committees should be restructured finally addressed.

The Bloomington City Council will meet for its first regular session of the year at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd in the council chambers at City Hall.

Feature Report:

Bloomington’s population is growing faster than its supply of affordable housing. In a feature report by correspondent RC Glover we hear from an IU student feeling the pinch and a housing expert who says market conditions and our limited buildable land area will likely continue to make the problem worse without intervention from public-private partnerships like the Hopewell neighborhood under development on the site of the old Bloomington Hospital. We turn now to that feature produced by RC Glover.

Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 16th, 2025.

Later in the program, “What can Cuba teach us about healthcare delivery?” on Prescription for Healthcare – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and Medicare for All Indiana.

That’s Mike McAfee, director of Visit Bloomington, on the economic impact of IU’s best football season ever. Could Bloomington host a playoff bowl game next year?

The Statehouse Roundup

On Wednesday, Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order ridding the state government from any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Braun officially closed the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office that former Governor Eric Holcomb started back in 2020 after unrest in Indianapolis following the police killing of George Floyd.

The Indiana governor also signed an executive order mandating in-office work for state employees. This marks a shift away from remote work initiatives warranted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the executive order, state employees must return to work in-person by July 1st.

***

U.S. Senator Todd Young who represents Indiana recently announced that he will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary in the incoming Trump administration.

Young said in a statement to Politico, “America has the best military in the world, and at this critical moment, the Department of Defense needs innovative thinking and a break from the status quo.”

On Tuesday, Hegseth had his confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Hegseth has been viewed as a controversial choice for defense secretary.

The Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host has faced questions about his experience for the role and multiple controversies about his past, including an allegation of sexual assault, according to reporting by Brittany Carloni in the IndyStar.

Senator Young said in the statement, “Pete Hegseth is a combat veteran who understands the need to restore deterrence, audit the Pentagon, reinstill confidence in DoD’s mission, and address the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. I appreciated our candid meeting last month and his testimony yesterday, and I will support his nomination when it comes to the floor.”

Sources: IndyStar, WTHR, Politico, Indiana Public Media

Feature Reports:

The Indiana University football team recently wrapped up a fairytale season under new coach Curt Cignetti. Was this year a fluke? And what’s the impact on Bloomington beyond Memorial Stadium? Explore these questions with IU sportscaster Nick Rodecap and Visit Bloomington director Mike McAfee in today’s feature report on IU’s best football season ever produced by WFHB Correspondent Quincy Bell.

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You’re listening to WFHB Rewind, where we pause to reflect and rediscover the voices and stories that make WFHB what it is. From the fresh perspectives of Youth Radio to in-depth journalism from the News Department and interviews with artists from our Music Department, we bring you highlights from the week—and sometimes hidden gems you might have missed. Stay with us for a blend of thoughtful storytelling, vibrant interviews, and the unexpected moments that bring our airwaves to life.

On October 9th, 2024 – local singer songwriter and indie folk artist Claire Pendreigh joined us for a Local Live Session. Today we revisit her conversation with host, Nicki Seven. That’s coming up next on WFHB Rewind.

Up next, we take a look back at an archived Voices in the Street segment produced by Youth Radio. In the early hours of September 19th, 2022, 20-year-old IU student Nathaniel Stratton was hit and killed by a drunk driver. The loss of a son, brother, friend and peer sent shockwaves through the community of IU and Bloomington alike. In the wake of this tragedy, Youth Radio took to the streets of Bloomington in the hopes of finding some answers as to what can be done to prevent more accidents like this in the future.

Governor Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith were sworn into office on Monday of this week – marking four years of leadership in the executive branch for the state of Indiana. On Monday, WFHB News covered the inauguration of Indiana Governor Mike Braun.

When the sun rises tomorrow the temperature in Bloomington may be as low as three degrees.  This is especially dangerous for the unhoused. WFHB correspondent Morgan Reynolds spoke with people braving winter weather and social workers trying to bring them in from the cold, in a report produced in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University.

Imagine you have a serious medical condition requiring a colostomy bag, but you are unhoused and using plastic grocery bags instead. Now imagine the temperature drops while you’re sleeping and this bag of your own waste freezes to your body. That’s a true story from the streets of Bloomington, as told in today’s feature report on the plight of the unhoused in the bitter cold of winter.

Credits:

Produced by WFHB News, Music and Youth Radio departments.

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, January 15th, 2025.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Robert Shull speaks with David Mann and Amie McCarty of MPI Solar discussing the evolution of electricity generation in Indiana. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

Board of Public Works Hears Resolution on 2025 Outdoor Dining Program

The Bloomington Board of Public Works met on January 14th. Vice President of the Board Elizabeth Karon thanked the public works department for its snow removal efforts in the wake of the recent snowstorm that hit the city.

There was no public comment given during the course of the meeting. Then, Special Projects Manager for the City Chaz Mottinger provided an overview of the 2025 outdoor dining agreement.

Public Works Director Adam Wason expanded on the resolution. Mottinger added that the new outdoor dining agreement enhances ADA requirements for restaurants to follow.

Karon asked how the resolution before the board of public works relates to the ordinance that the city council will hear. Mottinger explained that the ordinance does not contain as specific of guidelines.

Wason clarified that the council votes on the outdoor dining program more conceptually; while the board of public works goes into more detail.

Board President Kyla Cox Deckard asked for another legal clarification relating to the “beautification guidelines” for the outdoor dining program.

The Board of Public Works approved the resolution of the outdoor dining program by a unanimous vote. The Board of Public Works will meet again on Tuesday, January 28th.

Feature Report:

Up next, “New Tricks, Old Victims” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish.

Credits: