This is a live broadcast of the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Former Mayor of South Bend and Previous Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg gave a speech at the IU Auditorium and the Indiana Statehouse on September 18th. 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.

But first, your local headlines:

Utilities Director Says Fluoride Tank Leak Dates Back to 2019, Repairs Targeted for 2026

The Monroe County Board of Health met on September 18th. The County Commissioners appointed a new board of Health member, Dr. Michael Teague who introduced himself to the board.

Next, the board heard an update on the leak in the fluoride tank from the Bloomington Utilities Director Katherine Zaiger. Zaiger shared that the tank has had a leak since the end of 2019. She said they hope to develop a solution to either fix or replace the tank to provide fluoride in the drinking water by 2026.

Zaiger shared that the tank’s lining and the concrete underneath it was corroded as well.

County Health Officer Sarah Ryterband asked how other counties store the fluoride. Zaiger shared that it is with consistent maintenance of the tanks.

The Monroe County Board of Health will meet again on October 16th.

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission met on Monday, September 15th. One of the topics covered was resolution 25-116, the approval of an addendum regarding the property on

The commission moved to approve the resolution, with 4 in favor and 1 opposed.

Killion-Hanson moved on to speak to the committee about a resolution with VET Environmental Engineering for remediation services at Hopewell. The property is contaminated with arsenic, benzine, and other petroleum related chemicals due to the fact it was a former gas station.

Due to his experience as an environmental consultant, Assistant City Attorney Dana Kerr stepped in to add his perspective on the proposal.

The resolution passed unanimously. Killion-Hanson came back to the topic of mold to discuss another resolution with VET Engineering LLC for mold inspection at the Trades District Garage.

The resolution also passed unanimously. The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission will meet again on Monday, October 6th.

Featured Segments:

Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg spoke to crowds in Indiana last week. He spoke at the IU Auditorium on Thursday sharing stories of his military experience, family life and his political career. Buttigieg also spoke at the Statehouse for a political rally, warning Indiana voters about a proposed redistricting plan. Buttigieg called on Hoosiers of all political parties to stay engaged and hold legislators accountable. We turn now to Correspondent Benedict Jones for more.

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.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 22nd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Harley Babbitt looks into how brain drain has impacted Indiana, speaking with one of the leading experts on the issue, Professor at Ball State Dr. Michael J Hicks. More in today’s feature report.

You’ll also hear from Tammy Jo Eckhart, president of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, on the core issues NOW is working on. Find out how you can take action on those core issues later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council Considers Water Rate Hike, Approves Fiber Fund and Food and Beverage Tax Resolution for Convention Center

The Bloomington City Council met on September 17th. The council heard an ordinance that would increase the city’s water rate by 21 percent. This comes after the city’s Utilities Service Board recommended the adoption of the ordinance during their September 8th meeting. City Clerk Nicole Bolden provided a rundown of the legislation.

The clerk read the ordinance by title and synopsis only. The council will continue discussing the water rate increase at future meetings with an expected vote on October 22nd, according to reporting by the B-Square Bulletin.

The council then heard an ordinance that would create a new fund to set aside money for fiber installation. The fund would contain one million dollars, which they received from an insurance claim, due to the failures of the previously hired fiber installer. Clerk Bolden provided an overview of the ordinance.

City Attorney Margie Rice presented the ordinance and provided some background information on the legislation.

Rice continued saying they want to create a separate fund for the one million dollars they received.

The council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.

Next, the council heard a resolution requesting the Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Commission to recommend how to spend food and beverage tax revenue for the Capital Improvement Board’s budget for 2026. For context, the Capital Improvement Board, or CIB, is a joint effort between the City of Bloomington and Monroe County, overseeing the expansion of the Bloomington Convention Center. Treasurer for the CIB Geoff McKim presented the resolution.

The council approved the resolution by an 8-1 vote with Council Member Kate Rosenbarger dissenting. The Bloomington City Council will meet again on September 24th.

Feature Report:

On August 25th, WFHB Prison Affairs Correspondent Zoe Moczek filed a report about the Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana to house over 1,000 ICE detainees. This is a trend we’re noticing happening around the country. Up next, Moczek looks into a similar case at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Moczek has more.

Brain drain is a situation in which large numbers of educated and skilled people leave where they live to work in another place where pay and conditions are better. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Harley Babbitt looks into how brain drain has impacted Indiana. Babbitt speaks with a leading expert on the issue Dr. Michael J. Hicks, an economist and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University. Babbitt also interviews Young Professionals Bloomington to see how the phenomenon has affected us on a local level. For more, we turn to Correspondent Harley Babbitt.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, September 18th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we revisit an episode of Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. This episode covers Part 6 of our series on Teen Mental Health.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Dason Anderson, the new executive editor of the Limestone Post magazine, will be live in the studio during our Fall Fund Drive.

But first, this message:

WFHB Local News is your daily source for independent reporting on Bloomington and beyond. We cover city hall, public health, local education and stories that highlight the people shaping our community. Producing this news takes time, energy, and dedication – and your support keeps it on the air. Every donation during this broadcast counts toward our $500 goal and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous supporter.

Call 812-323-1200 or visit this link to contribute. By supporting WFHB, you’re keeping community-powered news alive, independent from corporate or government influence. Thank you for helping us stay on the air.

Feature Report:

And stay tuned, the new executive editor of the Limestone Post Dason Anderson will be live in the studio to speak with us during our Fall Fund Drive.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 17th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we will rebroadcast features produced by WFHB Correspondent Harley Babbitt who interned for the news department this summer. And Harley will be live in the studio in light of our Fall Fund Drive. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News.

WFHB’s Fall Fund Drive

The WFHB Local News brings you daily headlines, detailed coverage of local government meetings and a daily feature report uncovering stories happening right here in your community. WFHB is one of only a handful of independent news outlets in Bloomington, and we rely on your support to continue our award-winning journalism produced by volunteers.

Without coverage from independent news outlets, we’re left in the dark about so many issues happening in Bloomington and beyond. It’s up to us to amplify the issues that matter to us – housing, the environment, free speech, social justice issues, arts and culture, and much much more Whatever the issue – WFHB News is there to report.

Our goal is to raise $500 during this very newscast. And we have an anonymous donor willing to match up to 100,000 dollars. So every donation is essentially doubled. We reach that $500 goal one donation at a time. So give what you can. Support independent journalism today. 812-323-1200 or visit wfhb dot org. Thank you for your time and thank you for supporting your community radio station, WFHB.

Featured Segments:

Up next, Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Frequent rainfall beginning in April has left Lake Monroe flooded, at times reaching 15 feet above normal levels. While flood control is one of the primary purposes of the reservoir, water buildup still poses challenges to those who depend on the lake for their livelihood. WFHB News Correspondent Harley Babbitt speaks with volunteers, DNR staff, and business owners to learn more about how they have adapted to the new conditions.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, September 16th, 2025.

In today’s feature report, we revisit a segment from Correspondent Ella Cummings surrounding ICE activity in Bloomington. Cummings will be live in the studio asking for your support during our Fall Fund Drive. 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.

But first, this message:

This is WFHB’s Fall Fund Drive! The WFHB Local News is your daily, award-winning source for Bloomington’s stories – from city government to in-depth features on the issues shaping our community. Every weekday at 5 p.m., volunteers, students and staff bring you news you won’t hear anywhere else.

Community radio is rare. And stations with fully independent newsrooms like ours are even rarer. But to keep WFHB Local News strong, we need your support. Our goal for today’s broadcast is to raise $600.

Every dollar you give is doubled thanks to a $100,000 anonymous match. That means your $25 becomes $50, your $50 becomes $100 – and every gift helps protect independent local journalism.

With cuts to public media, listener support has never been more important. Your donation ensures WFHB stays on the air, free from corporate control and political influence. Call 812-323-1200 right now, or visit wfhb.org and click the red donate button. You are the heartbeat of community radio. Thank you for keeping WFHB – and your community news – alive and thriving.

Feature Report:

Over the summer, a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have left Bloomington residents on edge. Community advocates say ICE’s presence has led to fear, confusion and the cancellation of public events. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Ella Cummings speaks with local organizers, legal experts and city officials about the impact and the community’s response to ICE activity in Bloomington. We now re-broadcast that feature report on the WFHB Local News during our Fall Fund Drive. Stay tuned to hear Ella live in the studio following today’s feature.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 15th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Max Schneider speaks with IU Professor Benjamin Robinson – who the university placed sanctions on for allegedly violating Indiana’s recently passed intellectual diversity law. Robinson speaks with WFHB live in the studio in light of our Fall Fund Drive.

That’s Emma Young from Indiana Solar For All, bringing clean energy to local families who otherwise could not afford it. Learn about their next solar installation coming up on October Fourth later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

WFHB’s Fall Fund Drive

The WFHB Local News brings you daily headlines, detailed coverage of local government meetings and a daily feature report uncovering stories happening right here in your community. WFHB is one of only a handful of independent news outlets in Bloomington, and we rely on your support to continue our award-winning journalism produced by volunteers.

We train community members and students to become active contributors to the news that’s impacting them. There’s a level of access at WFHB that just doesn’t exist anywhere else. We’re a training ground for a generation of journalists to seek truth and report it, to hold those who seek power accountable and to serve as a watchdog on local government and institutions like the university.

Without coverage from independent news outlets, we’re left in the dark about so many issues happening in Bloomington and beyond. It’s up to us to amplify the issues that matter to us – housing, the environment, public health, free speech, social justice issues, protests, animal rights, abuse of power. Whatever the issue – WFHB News is there to report.

But we need your help in order to maintain our award-winning, daily newscasts. With federal cuts to public media and politically charged motives that make funding harder and harder to come by – YOU can make a difference by donating to the station to support the airing of the local news. How can you do that? There’s a couple of ways. You can call 812-323-1200 or visit wfhb dot org to pledge your support.

Our goal is to raise $500 during this very newscast. And we have an anonymous donor willing to match up to 100,000 dollars. So every donation is essentially doubled. We reach that $500 goal one donation at a time. So give what you can. Support independent journalism today. 812-323-1200 or visit this link. Thank you for your time and thank you for supporting your community radio station, WFHB.

Feature Reports:

Emma Young was super interested in solar power, but as a new homeowner of modest means the installation cost put this clean energy out of reach. Then she discovered Indiana Solar For All, a nonprofit turning volunteer power into green power. Indiana Solar For All relies on donations and sweat equity to bring solar energy to families that otherwise could not afford it – very much like Habitat for Humanity, and in fact Indiana Solar For All has done some solar installations on local Habitat-built homes. The next solar installation is happening on October 4th and Emma is looking for help with that on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, September 11th, 2025.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner has a feature on the Spotted Lanternfly. More in today’s feature report.

That’s Brea from Exodus Refugee Immigration. The Indiana attorney general is demanding Exodus cooperate with an investigation into complaints from ICE that Exodus is making immigration arrests more difficult. We’ll hear from Exodus and other organizations tabling at the recent Student Involvement Fair later in the show in a feature report.

But first, this message:

This is WFHB’s Fall Fund Drive. The WFHB Local News is your daily, award-winning source for Bloomington’s stories – from city government to in-depth features on the issues shaping our community. Every weekday at 5 p.m., volunteers, students and staff bring you news you won’t hear anywhere else.

Community radio is rare. And stations with fully independent newsrooms like ours are even rarer. But to keep WFHB Local News strong, we need your support.

Our goal for today’s broadcast is to raise $600. Every dollar you give is doubled thanks to a $100,000 anonymous match. That means your $25 becomes $50, your $50 becomes $100 – and every gift helps protect independent local journalism.

Call 812-323-1200 right now, or visit wfhb.org and click the red donate button. You are the heartbeat of community radio. Thank you for keeping WFHB – and your community news – alive and thriving.

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. During the first week of this semester WFHB sent dozens of reporters to the Student Involvement Fair to seek out these stories in a report produced by the Audio Storytelling class in The Media School. We go on-location now to Showalter Fountain with correspondent Anna Fernandez.

On June 9th, 2025, the city of Bloomington posted a news release that explained an insect, named the Spotted Lanternfly, had been confirmed in Bartholomew County, about 50 miles from Bloomington. The insect, a non-native and invasive species, can feed on more than 70 plants, harming growth and health of plants. Correspondent Katrine Bruner spoke with the city’s Urban Forester, Haskell Smith, to learn more about the insect and what Bloomington has been doing to mitigate risk.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 10th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we revisit a report from the No Kings protest that took place in June of this year. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Elyse Perry will join us live in the studio in light of our Fall Fund Drive.

WFHB Fall Fund Drive Starts Today

Welcome to the beginning of WFHB’s Fall Fund Drive! Our daily, award-winning news program, WFHB Local News, is your source for staying informed about our community. Each day, our committed volunteers, who are also local residents and students, work tirelessly to cover local government, explore in-depth news features on community issues, and provide you with the latest updates.

Community radio is a rare treasure, and stations with news departments like ours are even rarer. We take immense pride in preserving WFHB’s long-established tradition of a vibrant news and public affairs department. However, to sustain WFHB’s numerous vital local news and public affairs programs, we need your help.

You are the heartbeat of community radio. We literally could not do what we do without your support, and your pledge today can help us keep independent, local news thriving. Our goal for today’s broadcast is to secure $600 in support of our Fall Fund Drive. Your contribution can make a significant impact. Simply dial 812-323-1200 and make a pledge as soon as possible. We do have a 100,000 dollar match from an anonymous donor, so your contribution is essentially doubled with this match. Once again, that’s 812-323-1200. Alternatively, you can visit our website and click on the big red donate button to pledge your invaluable support.

Thank you for being a loyal listener and for generously supporting WFHB, your beloved community radio station. Together, we can ensure our community stays connected and well-informed.

Feature Reports

Up next, “Shop Till You Drop” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, September 9th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner spoke with the City’s Urban Forester about the risk Spotted Lanternfly insects pose and what Bloomington is doing now to limit their impact. 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.

But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Election Board Weighs Polling Site Accessibility Software, Elects Republican Danny Shields as New Chair

The Monroe County Election Board met on September 4th. First, ADA Coordinator with the City of Bloomington Michael Shermis gave a presentation on accessible polling sites.

Shermis continued, making election board members aware of a new software that would make polling more accessible.

He suggested a similar software to the county to use for polling sites.

Shermis said that the software BlueDAG could give the county a discount for services at 12,000 dollars per year. He recommended that the county election board implement the software. Republican Board Member Danny Shields asked about the length of the contract and how long it would be needed. Shermis responded.

Election Supervisor Kylie Moreland says she thinks the county could use the software once every four years to ensure they remain A-D-A compliant at polling sites.

Democratic Board Member Penny Githens expressed concerns about accessibility at the North Showers building. Shermis said he’s received complaints about the parking lot in the past. Shields asked who owns the parking lot.

County Clerk Nicole Browne reiterated that the North Showers location needs to be in compliance before the start of early voting, saying the county has 12 violations concerning accessibility.

In other election board news, Republican Chair Danny Shields nominated himself as board chair during the meeting. In a split vote, the board voted 2-1 making Shields the new chair of the Election Board. The full meeting can be found online. The county election board will meet again on Thursday, October 2nd.

Feature Report:

On June 9th, 2025, the City of Bloomington posted a news release that explained an insect, named the Spotted Lanternfly, had been confirmed in Bartholomew County, about 50 miles from Bloomington. The insect, a non-native and invasive species, can feed on more than 70 plants, harming growth and health of plants. Correspondent Katrine Bruner spoke with the City’s Urban Forester, Haskell Smith, to learn more about the insect and what the City of Bloomington has been doing to mitigate risk.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 8th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, local writer Aaron Cohen speaks about his experiences as a 15-year-old at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, when thousands of protesters clashed with police and the National Guard. More in today’s feature report.

That’s Reese Stephens from Bring Your Own Business, an IU club hosting market-style events like the one they had yesterday in Dunn Meadow. Hear more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council Approves Resolution to Designate Bloomington as a Certified Bee City

The Bloomington City Council heard a resolution that would designate the city as a certified Bee City during their meeting on September 3rd. Chair of the Bloomington Environmental Commission Carrie Albright, who also volunteers for WFHB’s public affairs program Eco Report, presented the resolution.

Albright went on to describe the rationale behind why the environmental commission believes it’s important to cultivate a pollinator friendly habitat.

She went through the requirements and responsibilities that the city would need to undertake in order to receive and maintain the Bee City certification.

Albright said that the city would have an annual fee of 400 dollars that would be paid for by the Environmental Commission’s budget with potential assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department. She said that the certification would give the city access to materials for outreach or training.

City Councilmember Isak Asare said he’s supportive of the resolution, but he wondered how much of the bee city certification is symbolic and how the city could ensure success of the initiative.

Urban Green Space Manager for the City Joanna Sparks responded that the city is already following some of the guidelines outlined by the bee city certification. Albright agreed and said the certification would give the city recognition for work it’s already doing.

Councilmember Dave Rollo asked if there was any interest in certifications for other species, such as butterflies. Albright and Sparks said they do have their eyes on other certifications like the Monarch Pledge to pursue in 2026.

Councilmember Andy Ruff asked about how the resolution plays into the reduction of pesticide use by the city. Sparks said there are not any rules in the Bee City certification that would reduce pesticide use, but the city’s parks and recreation department does want to reduce its use of pesticides.

The council approved the resolution by a 7-0 vote. The next Bloomington City Council meeting will happen on September 10th.

Feature Reports:

Indiana University has a well-known school of business, but one local student organization is promoting entrepreneurship across ALL majors. The Bloomington chapter of Bring Your Own Business gives students the opportunity to launch their own company, mainly by hosting market-style events like the one they had yesterday in Dunn Meadow. Recent graduate Reese Stephens was involved in BYOB for most of his time here. Now he’s passing the torch to the next class of aspiring business owners on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: