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

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, about the group’s recent condemnation of free speech issues at IU. More in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear from Michelle Moss, coordinator of the Bloomington Volunteer Network, connecting you to local organizations needing your help to make a difference in our community. Learn more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Monroe County Election Board Debates Vote Center Hearings, Tables Decision Until December

The Monroe County Election Board met on October 23rd. Monroe County Fleet and Building Manager Richard Crider provided an update on the Showers Project, which will make renovations for early voting.

Crider continued, saying that the county has cleared out a storage unit in Ellettsville and relocated those items into the Showers building. He also suggested that the county should not move the voter registration office until after the primary.

He said that he faced pushback for the delay in relocating the voter registration office until after the primary.

County Clerk Nicole Brown said she’s concerned about not having a centralized location and asked Crider whether or not a tenant was supposed to move into what is now Election Central. Crider said that no one is expected to move into that building while the Voter Registration Office is there.

Republican Board Member Danny Shields asked for further clarification. Crider responded.

County Attorney Molly Turner King said that there’s only a possibility that a tenant could be moving in, outlining that there are no concrete plans at the moment.

Crider said he doesn’t believe this is a factor. However, Clerk Brown expressed concern if a tenant does move in.

Election Supervisor Kylie Ferris said there’s a two-week window of time where they could relocate the Voter Registration office. Crider said he thinks that would add extra pressure to the situation.

Then, the election board revisited a motion made by Board Member Penny Githens on October 2nd for Vote Center Public Hearings. Githens said she would like to amend her motion.

Board Member Shields argued that he believes these hearings are unnecessary.

Githens asked if there was anything that could persuade Shields to change his mind. Shields said his mind has been made up and that his constituents do not want vote centers. Githens said vote centers make voting more accessible and efficient.

Githens continued saying that last year, voters attempted to vote at the wrong polling place; however, their ballots were rejected.

During public comment, a local resident gave testimony speaking in favor of vote centers.

Another Monroe County resident took to the public mic to demonstrate her support for vote centers for accessibility reasons.

Shields held firm that he would not support a hearing on vote centers. Because the motion didn’t receive a second, the election board shut down hearings on vote centers. Clerk Brown said she plans to meet with both party chairs for Monroe County. Shields made a motion to table the item to their December 4th meeting, which passed 2-1. The next county election board meeting will be held on November 6th.

FIRE Condemns IU’s Decision to End IDS Print Operations, Citing Free Speech Concerns

Earlier this month, Indiana University fired Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush and ordered the Indiana Daily Student to cease print operations. The decision drew backlash from students and faculty, among other groups for perceived censorship and free speech implications. One freedom of speech organization in particular, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, condemned the actions of the university and wrote a letter to IU President Pamela Whitten urging her to reverse course.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer for FIRE, about what this decision means for freedom of speech at IU. That interview, first broadcast last Wednesday, is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Bloomington Volunteer Network Connects Residents with Local Service Opportunities on Activate!

Michelle Moss is the coordinator of the Bloomington Volunteer Network, a resource hub connecting volunteers to local organizations needing their help. The Volunteer Network website has free tools nonprofits can use to recruit and manage volunteers. People seeking to volunteer in the community can set up a profile with their specific interests to be matched with opportunities that are a good fit for you. Michelle is here with all the details 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 23rd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB welcomes Ray Boomhower, esteemed Indiana biographer, on Civic Conversations – a monthly podcast collaboration between the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and WFHB. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Luke Janke looks into the return of Hoosier the Bison as IU’s mascot. That’s coming up in the second half of today’s newscast.

Featured Segments:

In today’s feature report we have Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County and WFHB. In this month’s episode, host Jim Allison welcomed Ray Boomhower, esteemed Indiana biographer and senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society Press, where he edits the quarterly popular history magazine, Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. We turn now to Part I of the latest edition of Civic Conversations on the WFHB Local News. Stay tuned next week to hear Part II of the interview.

Up next, WFHB News Correspondent Luke Janke reports on the return of Hoosier the Bison as Indiana University’s mascot, speaking with Director of Sports Media at IU Galen Clavio. That’s coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Now, we turn to WFHB Sports Correspondent Nate Rushemeza 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 22nd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, about IU’s recent cancellation of the Indiana Daily Student print edition. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, former Fox News Host Tucker Carlson spoke at the IU Auditorium yesterday. WFHB News speaks with protesters and attendees.

Tucker Carlson Speaks at IU Auditorium, Sparks Debate on Free Speech on Campus

Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson and Indiana Governor Mike Braun spoke at the IU Auditorium on Tuesday. The speaking engagement was part of Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour.” Carlson spoke in place of conservative activist Charlie Kirk who was initially scheduled to headline the event.

WFHB News Correspondents Catherine Terwilliger, Luke Janke, Olivia Evans and Kade Young spoke with attendees and protesters outside the auditorium.

Free Speech Group Condemns IU’s Decision to Fire Student Media Director and Halt IDS Print Edition

Last week, Indiana University fired Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush and ordered the Indiana Daily Student to cease print operations. The decision drew backlash from students and faculty, among other groups for perceived censorship and free speech implications. One freedom of speech organization in particular, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, condemned the actions of the university and wrote a letter to IU President Pamela Whitten urging her to reverse course. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Dominic Coletti, student press program officer for FIRE, about what this decision means for freedom of speech at IU. That interview is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Up next, “Things Not To Do” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish.

Now it’s time for Art Walk where Youth Radio reporters visit local galleries to talk with artists and art lovers. That’s coming up next on the local news.

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

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Special Events Coordinator for WIUX Audrey Ouillette about the student radio’s Pledge Drive and Pledge-a-Thon. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, learn more about Erik, an adoptable dog at the Bloomington Animal Shelter in today’s edition of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

Monroe County Council Passes 2026 Budget, Expresses Fiscal Caution for Next Year

The Monroe County Council met on October 14th to finalize and adopt the county’s 2026 budget after months of hearings. The budget sits at about 131 million dollars and includes a three percent cost-of-living raise for county employees and elected officials. Councilmembers touted that through the budget process, the county avoided layoffs across all departments.

County Auditor Brianne Gregory told councilors the county’s 2026 budget no longer shows a deficit after months of work to close an 8 million dollar shortfall.

County Councilor Marty Hawke warned that the county should remain fiscally responsible despite the expected surplus. She said just because we have a surplus, it doesn’t mean the county is “sitting here with lots of cash.”

Later in the meeting, Councilor David Henry said that the path to finalize the budget was a difficult one, but he appreciated the county’s efforts to avoid layoffs while balancing the budget.

However, he also expressed that the county needs to stay careful with spending over the next year.

County Councilmember Pete Iversen praised the collaborative nature of the budget, saying the final budget reflects the county’s values.

County Councilor Trent Deckard called the budget process the hardest he’s ever experienced as a member of the county council. However, he praised all parties involved saying it kept county services and jobs intact. Council President Jennifer Crossley said the budget lays the foundation for the county’s financial future.

Councilmembers passed the budget by a 6-1 vote. The next Monroe County Council meeting takes place on October 28th.

Monroe County Women’s Commission Highlights Healthcare Disparity for Women in Indiana

The Monroe County Women’s Commission met on Wednesday, October 15th.

The meeting began with member Julie Haresti briefing the latest news on healthcare services for women in Monroe County.

Haresti stated the current laws that impact women’s healthcare in Indiana, including reproductive healthcare and gender affirming care.

Haresti also relayed information from the Commonwealth Fund, which ranked the state of Indiana number 29 out of 50 for women’s health and reproductive care and found their performance rate “worse than average.”

Haresti noted that this was sourced from 2024 and 2022 and prior which was before the abortion ban in Indiana took effect.

Haresti also expressed the different women’s healthcare services in town currently, including the Monroe County Public library and the store Gather.

Haresti moved on, stating the family leave policies in place for the city of Bloomington and Monroe County and Richland Bean-Blossom County.

For the city, employees have up to six weeks of paid maternal leave.

MCCSC employees currently have eight paid days of parental leave, while RBBSC employees have five. Haresti stated that employees at both corporations can leave unpaid for up to a year and have their job to return to.

Haresti ended by stating that perhaps the Women’s Commission could relay information to county commissioners and suggest potential policy amendments.

Board member Maria Douglas responded that maybe the commission could become an advocacy organization, especially with the schools.

Douglas relayed information on an upcoming American Civil Liberties Union town hall happening on October 23rd at 6 pm at the downtown library auditorium. She relayed information on the event.

Douglas also asked that citizens who received a letter from clerk Brown asking for proving citizenship to register to vote to contact her at [email protected].

Douglas stated that 39 people have received a letter in Monroe County.

Then, Douglas relayed information on the Monroe Conventions Center Monroe County Childhood Conditions Summit coming up. The seminar will happen on November 13th from 8 to 4 pm, and is free to the public.

The Monroe County Women’s Commission will meet again on Thursday, November 20th.

Feature Report:

WIUX, the student-run college radio station, is hosting their annual pledge drive this week, which runs from Monday, October 20th to Saturday, October 25th.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Audrey Ouillette, special events director for WIUX and volunteer at WFHB. We turn now to that interview on the Local News.

Up next, WFHB highlights adoptable animal “Erik” – a dog currently at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. Learn more on a new episode of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund coming up next on the local news.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, October 20th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, hundreds gathered on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn Saturday for the “No Kings” protest. Protesters said they oppose what they see as authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration. WFHB News Correspondent Ella Cummings speaks with protesters and organizers of the demonstration. More in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear Ella Thompson, an intern with the City of Bloomington Urban Greenspace program, on how volunteers helped reclaim the Bloomington Rail Trail from invasive species. This week is the last big push for the year to clear out invasives, with at least five weed wrangles happening all week at various locations. Learn how you can sign up later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Hundreds Gather in Bloomington for ‘No Kings’ Protest Against Trump Administration

One of the largest demonstrations against the Trump administration unfolded on Saturday.

Bloomington joined the nationwide wave of ‘No Kings’ demonstrations as hundreds gathered around the Monroe County Courthouse to protest against perceived authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration. Protestors held hand-made signs, dressed in costumes and made their voices heard.

This event marked the second major demonstration mobilized by “No Kings,” following similar protests over the summer that drew large crowds. This second wave was sparked by recent widespread immigration raids by masked ICE law enforcement, the deployment of the national guard to major cities, threats to voting rights and more.

WFHB News Correspondent Ella Cummings speaks with protesters and organizers of the demonstration. This feature was anchored by Correspondent Zoe Moczek.

IU Faculty Condemn Firing of Student Media Director and End of IDS Print Edition

IU Media School professors signed a letter condemning the university’s firing of Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush and canceling the print edition of the Indiana Daily Student.

The letter said, “The Journalism faculty at Indiana University are appalled by Chancellor David A. Reingold’s decision to cut the print edition of the Indiana Daily Student hours before publication. This move broke with the Student Media Action Plan, threatened the editorial independence of our student journalists and breached the core values of journalism that we discuss every day in our classrooms.

Indiana University has a long and proud history of student journalism. Our students have done the vital, difficult work of reporting and publishing in a very challenging atmosphere for reporters on campus and around the world. They have weathered many storms, including threats and harassment they received for their coverage of protests on Dunn Meadow. Our students have kept their composure again and again. We are so proud of them.

In order to honor our students, repair trust with our alumni community and restore the long, proud legacy of journalism at IU, campus leadership should produce a complete, independent accounting of the events of the last week and take ambitious, meaningful actions to show their commitment to journalism’s future. This must include a restoration of the printed special editions of the Indiana Daily Student as agreed upon in the Student Media Action Plan. We stand ready to join a conversation about next steps.”

The university’s decision has prompted questions regarding press freedom and censorship at IU and has drawn criticism from faculty, student government and free speech organizations.

Mia Milkowitz, co-editor-in-chief for the IDS, called the decision to fire Rodenbush, “extremely disturbing.”

Milkowitz says that the IDS plays a vital role in holding the university accountable. In her view, no other media outlet is more qualified to serve as a watchdog over IU. She also pushed back against the narrative from the university that this is a “business decision.” This decision hurts their business, says Milkowitz.

Last week, WFHB News interviewed Media School students outside Franklin Hall to gauge their reaction to the firing of Jim Rodenbush. We featured what these students had to say.

Free speech organization FIRE, who ranked IU the worst public college for freedom of speech in the nation, released a statement condemning the university’s action.

FIRE Student Press Program Officer Dominic Coletti said, “Censoring a student publication after it reported on a university’s dismal record on free speech isn’t just a stunning display of lack of self-awareness, it’s a violation of the First Amendment. If Indiana University is embarrassed about its terrible showing in the College Free Speech Rankings, it should put down the shovel and start caring more about its students’ constitutional rights than its own image. FIRE calls on IU to reinstate advisor Jim Rodenbush and to stop interfering with student editors’ editorial choices, especially by banning print publications.”

Stay tuned to the local news later this week to hear an interview with FIRE.

CIB Reviews Convention Center Progress and Hotel Plans

The Monroe County Capital Improvement Board met on October 15th. The CIB heard a rundown of ongoing construction and sought further negotiations with hotel developer Dora Hospitality.

Project Manager for Weddle Brothers Andrew Scere gave an update on construction at the Bloomington Convention Center. Scere said crews have completed ground improvements but foundation work is still in progress.

Then, the CIB heard an update on the hotel from Bloomington Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Jane Kupersmith. She said negotiations with hotel developer Dora Hospitality are still underway.

CIB President John Whikehart asked for a 60-day timeline to hash out basic negotiations with Dora Hospitality, such as design and construction phases.

The CIB passed the 60-day deadline by a unanimous vote. The next meeting of the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board will take place at 3 p.m. on November 19th.

Activate! Volunteers Clear Invasives Along Bloomington Rail Trail

Ella Thompson and Lukas Redmond are interns with the City of Bloomington Urban Greenspace program. They help take care of the “green parts” of Bloomington Parks & Rec properties. Volunteers can sign up for “weed wrangles,” removing invasive plants from common areas. This week is the last big push for the year to clear out invasives, with at least five weed wrangles happening all week at Crestmont Park, Latimer Woods, Clear Creek Trail and more. Ella cites the Bloomington Rail Trail as an example of how you can really make a difference – volunteers have rescued the trail corridor from invasive species like Asian bush honeysuckle and restored much of the trail to its native habitat. Ella and Lukas are asking YOU to sign up 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 16th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, IU fired Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush after he refused to censor the IDS. Also, the university ordered the IDS to cease its printing operations.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Sports Correspondent Chase Dodson files today’s Sports News Briefing.

Featured Segments:

On Tuesday, Indiana University terminated Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush after he refused to censor the Indiana Daily Student. Hours later, the university ordered the IDS to cease printing of the paper indefinitely. In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Mia Hilkowitz, co-editor-in-chief for the IDS, about what this means for freedom of the press at the university. For more, we turn to News Director Kade Young.

Last weekend, IU Football defeated the Oregon Ducks 30-20. But beyond the action on the field, there’s a dedicated team working behind the scenes to support the players’ success. In today’s feature report, WFHB Sports Correspondent Chase Dodson talks with Grant Long, the quarterback manager for the IU Football team. That interview, recorded on October 8th, is coming up next on WFHB.

Up next, we turn again to 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.

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

In today’s newscast, IU fired Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush after he refused to censor the Indiana Daily Student. More from Media School students 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.

Featured Segments:

On Tuesday, Indiana University terminated Student Media Director Jim Rodenbush after he refused to censor the Indiana Daily Student. In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Media School students outside Franklin Hall to hear their reactions to the recent termination and what this means for press freedom at IU. For more, we turn to WFHB News Director Kade Young.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met on October 9th. Topics included Covid-19 and wastewater updates, Stinesville resident Molly Radecki’s stormwater concerns, a $450,000 request for high-resolution aerial imaging and the upcoming Monroe County Fairgrounds Book Sale, benefiting Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

In May of this year, Indiana University closed its office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, citing the need to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Catherine Terwilliger speaks with Political Strategist Dana Black about the implications of IU ending its DEI program and what this means for the future of the university. This interview originally aired on October 1st. That conversation is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Up next, “Grand Theft Auto – Yours!” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, October 14th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on the recent push to rename an area near Miller-Showers Park as the “Stadium District.” More in today’s feature report.

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

Bloomington City Council Approves 2026 Budget Amid Growing Tension with Mayor Thomson

The Bloomington City Council met on October 8th with approval of the 2026 budget on its docket. This followed weeks of scrutiny and growing tension between the council and Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration. The 2026 budget for the city of Bloomington totals over 65 million dollars with a 9 million dollar deficit in the general fund. Councilmember Sydney Zulich walked through the three appropriation ordinances pertaining to the city budget.

City Controller Jessieca McClellan told council members that the proposed budget would reduce the projected deficit but would leave some cushion. McClellan said that the city would end up with an estimated 26 million dollars cash balance and a 9 million dollar planned deficit.

During public comment, local resident Eric Ost called for stronger transparency when it comes to the city’s debt.

Also during public comment, Retired Financial Auditor Kevin Keogh urged the council to delay passage of the budget, citing unresolved accounting errors.

Councilmember Flaherty said he would not vote to approve the budget, citing trust issues with the Thomson administration.

Also not in favor of the budget was Councilmember Kate Rosenbarger who says she’s lost trust with the mayor’s office.

Other council members, including Dave Rollo, Isabel Piedmont-Smith and Andy Ruff supported the budget; however, they urged fiscal caution amid state-imposed revenue limits. They praised the administration’s move to provide a 2.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment for city employees.

The council passed the 2026 budget by a 7-2 vote. The next Bloomington City Council meeting will take place on October 15th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Co-Founder of Heartwork Brewing Aubrey Williams and Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Christopher Emge about naming an area in Bloomington the “Stadium District.” She also features perspectives from residents of the area who pushed back against the proposal.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, October 13th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Bob Arnove and Jack Comforty about a documentary they made which screened over the weekend at the Buskirk Chumley Theater. More from the filmmakers behind Freedoms Under Assault in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear from Lisa Osmon, explaining the colors she’ll be wearing this Sunday in Switchyard Park for the annual “Out of the Darkness” walk hosted by our local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Learn more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Featured Segments: 

Freedoms Under Assault is a documentary that chronicles the systematic destruction of a world-class university and the politically motivated culture war against its faculty over a two-year period. WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner interviewed Directors and Producers Robert Arnove and Jack Comforty about their process in making the film and free speech issues at Indiana University in recent years. Freedoms Under Assault screened on Sunday, October 12th at the Buskirk Chumley Theater. We turn now to Katrine Bruner for Part II of that interview. The full interview can be found here.

Lisa Osmon has suffered the unimaginable loss of family and friends to suicide. If your life has been touched by such tragedy, Lisa wants you to know that you are not alone. Lisa leads our local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and in Bloomington their biggest activity is the annual “Out of the Darkness” walk, this Sunday at noon in Switchyard Park. Lisa has all the details 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 9th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with documentary filmmakers Bob Arnove and Jack Comforty about their film Freedoms Under Assault which will screen at the Buskirk Chumley Theater this Sunday at 2 p.m. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana.

Featured Segments: 

Freedoms Under Assault is a documentary that chronicles the systematic destruction of a world-class university and the politically motivated culture war against its faculty over a two-year period. WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner interviewed Directors and Producers Robert Arnove and Jack Comforty about their process in making the film and free speech issues at Indiana University in recent years. Freedoms Under Assault will screen at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 12th at the Buskirk Chumley Theater. We turn now to Katrine Bruner for a snippet of that interview. To listen to the full interview, tap this link.

In today’s feature report, Prescription for Healthcare, a podcast collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana. This month, we interviewed Dr Ed Weisbart from St Louis, a frequent guest on the program. On his last few visits he has discussed Medicare, but today’s focus is on Medicaid and the hundreds of millions of dollars Indiana could save if we de-privatized our state Medicaid program, that is, eliminating the private companies that are middlemen. There is an opportunity to realize huge savings through avoiding excessive administrative costs and profit, improve access to healthcare, make Hoosiers healthier, and salvage our embattled Medicaid program. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

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