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Dave Askins

Dave Askins

Bloomington, Indiana

Dave Askins is editor and publisher of The B Square Bulletin. A Hoosier native with a background in math and linguistics, he previously co-founded the Ann Arbor Chronicle with his wife, Mary Morgan.

Square Beacon Benchmark: A routine push for public access during a pandemic

I mark the start of every month with a fundraising pitch, to support The Square Beacon’s approach to coverage of Bloomington and Monroe County local civic news. In that way, April is no different from the start of any other month. What is different, of course, is that we

Bloomington’s city council now set for next step in consideration of $2M for economic relief of businesses and workers

Bloomington’s city council now set for next step in consideration of $2M for economic relief of businesses and workers

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Bloomington area local businesses can now seen on charts and graphs. The pandemic has spiked the county’s initial unemployment claims to four times the number seen during the highest week of the 2008–2009 economic downturn. Even higher numbers could be

United Way, other non-profits, announce $330K in grant awards for emergency relief from COVID-19 impact

United Way, other non-profits, announce $330K in grant awards for emergency relief from COVID-19 impact

In a press release issued Tuesday morning, the United Way of Monroe County announced the distribution of nearly $300,000 in grants to area non-profits to help them as they respond to the local impact on critical human services needs from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also included in Tuesday’

Hoosier state hangs some numbers on prep for COVID-19 patient surge, makes plea for more PPE

Hoosier state hangs some numbers on prep for COVID-19 patient surge, makes plea for more PPE

After initially declining to provide numerical descriptions of medical resources available to treat COVID-19 patients in the state, Indiana officials have started to quantify some of the ways they’re preparing for the expected surge in patient numbers. They’re also asking for help in getting more personal protective

COVID-19: Sidewalks still getting built; Bloomington Transit buses still running, with 90 percent fewer riders

COVID-19: Sidewalks still getting built; Bloomington Transit buses still running, with 90 percent fewer riders

As Indiana approaches starts the sixth day of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order—issued to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus—Bloomington’s road construction projects continue. And public buses are continuing to run, but still on a spring break schedule. The number of

Bloomington firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

Bloomington firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

In a statement released Saturday evening (March 28), the city of Bloomington has confirmed it learned earlier the same day that a Bloomington firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19. According to the press release, the firefighter was one of three firefighters recently quarantined after potential or confirmed exposure to

As Indiana braces for surge, state officials mum on number of ICU beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients, as partial picture for beds starts to emerge in Bloomington area

As Indiana braces for surge, state officials mum on number of ICU beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients, as partial picture for beds starts to emerge in Bloomington area

A numerical tally of specific hospital resources that are available to treat Indiana’s COVID-19 patients is not information that state health officials are eager to provide. When asked at the daily press briefing on Thursday, for the number of ventilators and intensive care unit (ICU) beds that are