This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 24th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Artistic Director Tamara Lowenthal about what Lotus Festival holds in store this year. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, The Never Ending Battle” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the local news. More following today’s feature.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will visit Indiana University as part of a Turning Point USA campus tour series.

Carlson will speak in place of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was recently assassinated during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.

According to Turning Point USA’s website, “Each stop is a chance to honor Charlie’s mission and keep the fight alive. We know he wouldn’t want us to surrender or be coerced into silence. Free speech is only free if we use our voices.”

Also in the news here locally, two former organizers for a Turning Point USA chapter have asked a federal court to reconsider part of their 2022 lawsuit against the City of Bloomington.

According to a lawsuit filed by IU alumni Kyle Reynolds and Tim Wheeler and the IU chapter of Turning Point USA, the plaintiffs requested an ‘All Lives Matter’ mural to be painted on Kirkwood Avenue near the Sample Gates.

A pretrial conference is scheduled in Indianapolis for Nov. 4 and a bench trial for Nov. 17, according to reporting by the IDS.

***

A free speech organization ranked Indiana University as the worst public college for freedom of speech.

The report conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, referenced the university’s response to Palestine solidarity protests that took place in Dunn Meadow.

Earlier this month, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner spoke with IU Political Science Professor Jeff Isaac who gave his reaction to the news.

On September 15th, WFHB News Correspondent Max Schneider interviewed IU Professor Benjamin Robinson who the university placed sanctions on for allegedly violating Indiana’s recently passed intellectual diversity law. This came after Robinson received a complaint filed in November accusing him of using class time to criticize the university’s free speech policies and Israel, according to Indiana Public Media. Here’s what Robinson had to say about the recent free speech ranking.

Richland-Bean Blossom School Board Highlights Student Leadership Program, Approves Textbook and Facility Upgrades

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board met on Tuesday, September 16th.

Edgewood Junior High School Counselor Callie Shlemmer introduced the Lead and Learn program, which began last year. The program works with high school students to lead a panel discussion for junior high students. Then both the high school and junior high students then attend a panel from professionals. One Student, Naveah Scott, expressed her gratitude for the program in giving her more confidence in her future.

Director of the Bloomington Success School, Christopher Emge explained that the program seems to result in more engaged students.

The program will be hosting more panels in the future, which will cover topics like nutrition and culinary arts, business and marketing, agriculture, engineering and the trades.

Later in the meeting board members approved a two day training workshop for the school’s mental health team members. The training would take place over zoom, and offer follow up consultation if they have any questions.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Barrett explained more about the training.

Next, Barrett requested $92,369 for a new online textbook, called Inspire Science. The textbook would be adopted over the next six years, and would be paid over three years.

Superintendent Sanders recommended the replacement of the bleachers at the junior high school. The Board approved the replacement, and the bleachers are now set to be replaced in February of 2026.

Sanders reminded the public that the Edgewood schools’ showcase is on October 23rd. The show focuses on the new early childhood center.

Members of the School Board’s Leadership team gave updates on the Teacher Appreciation Grant, otherwise known as TAG. The grant is now limiting awards to no more than 20 percent of certified teachers in a district. As a result, the Indiana State Teachers Association, or ISTA, is opposed to accepting the money. Co-President of the leadership team, Ty McGinnis explained the reasoning behind this decision.

The meeting ended with board members, including Vice President Jimmie Durnil, expressing their appreciation, commending the students and their leadership.

President Dana Kerr ended the meeting by thanking Legal Accountant Christie Bartlett and the Community Access Television Services.

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board will meet again in October.

Feature Report:

The 2025 Lotus Festival will take place tomorrow and will continue through the weekend. WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Artistic Director Tamara Lowenthal about what the festival entails this year. Lowenthal says that Lotus fosters a sense of belonging and promotes cultural understanding. For more, we turn to Katrine Bruner.

Credits: