Sarah Ade, owner of Bloomington-based Western Skateland, said last weekend, a young skater asked if it were okay to use one of the bathrooms at Western Skateland. “I told them, ‘of course’ use any bathroom you’re comfortable with… I don’t want people to feel like they need to ask,” she said. The next day, after …

Senate blocks Trump’s declaration of emergency at the US-Mexico border; Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg slams Pence; County Clerk Nicole Brown requests pay raise for election day poll workers; County invests in touch screen voting machines; Bloomington Commission on Sustainability plans information session on city transportation plan. FEATURE News Director Wes Martin speaks with Deputy Mayor …

Monroe County Farm nominated to National Register of Historic Places; Severe Weather Preparedness Week starts Monday; Highway Department superintendent retires, Department undergoes restructuring; 3 IU Students contract Mumps. FEATURE Wild Tecumseh Friends founder Dave Seastrom describes the “massacre” of recent clear-cut logging in Brown County. BETTER BEWARE! Our weekly consumer watchdog segment warns of more …

The Monroe County Election Board approved Ellettsville’s request to not hold a primary election, last week; Brown County Parks and Recreation Department Director approved $13,000 logging contract for scenic overlook; Indiana’s beleaguered Attorney General announces the creation of an online sexual assault form; Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb visits D.C. after appointment to American Workforce Policy …

Pharmaceuticals developer Catalent will receive a ten-year tax break for expanding their South Patterson Drive facility; In other business, The Monroe City Council recognized Toby Strout for his work with the Middle Way House, an organization that supports survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence with services and advocacy; The Indiana Department of Natural Resources …

B-Line construction disrupts N. Rogers st. traffic; Morton st. garage elevator to be refurbished; costs rise on repairs to 4th st. garage; Limestone Greenway rail-trail plans announced; Hartstrait rd. connector project underway; New bill to increase taxes on short-term rentals. FEATURE Gutted Hate Crimes bill faces an uncertain future in the legislature. BETTER BEWARE Our …

State legislature begins second half of current session with over 400 bills to consider; proposed bill would tax AirBnBs; pollution clean-up site at Griffy Lake water treatment plant requires security against daily trespassers; Habitat for Humanity plans new house on W. 11th st; City completes installation of solar panels at Dimension Mill. FEATURE The Hardwood …

The Indiana State Senate passed a bill taxing short-term rentals, like Airbnb, last month. Senate Bill 497 passed the Senate and was referred to the State House of Representatives, last week. The bill would add state sales and county innkeeper’s taxes to short-term rental costs. SB 497 provides an exception to people who rent their …

County Council considers five-year strategic spending plan; Online pothole and road hazard information now available on County website; State police prepare for spring break sobriety checkpoints this Friday; IUB Provost and Executive Vice President Lauren Robel to deliver the 2019 State of the Campus address tomorrow. FEATURE Director of the Indiana Arts Commission Miah Michaelson …

Gun control advocates will protest outside of the Statehouse in Indianapolis this weekend; Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday he will try to build public support for a hate crimes bill; Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb admitted yesterday that he used marijuana in college, despite currently opposing its legalization in Indiana; Online pothole and road hazard …