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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.

Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park

Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park

Monroe County commissioners say time and space will drive their jail-site decision—and both factors point to North Park. They also unveiled a site-evaluation grid and dynamic map, while warning of mounting legal, financial and human costs as a city-county panel nears a recommendation on July 13.

July 9, 2026: Host hotel pitches, jail sites, Seminary Pointe rally, Nov. 3 ballot

July 9, 2026: Host hotel pitches, jail sites, Seminary Pointe rally, Nov. 3 ballot

In this morning's edition are reports on competing host hotel pitches and an unresolved land swap; a jail panel's five-site shortlist; a city hall rally over Seminary Pointe; and the Nov. 3 ballot, including Joe Davis’s write-in bid and Lisa Jeneé Trimble's pending paperwork.

Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers

Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers

Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels pitched competing plans Wednesday for a convention center host hotel, differing sharply on parking and financing. The CIB is expected to weigh the proposals July 15 as a possible land swap for the preferred College Square site remains unresolved.

3rd Street & B-Line Trail

3rd Street & B-Line Trail

Sticker that says: “WHAT HAS KERRY DONE” with a graphic resembling the Bloomington city seal. Seems like a clear reference to Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. Message seems ambiguous between: The mayor hasn’t accomplished anything; and the mayor has done something specifically wrong.

Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street

Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street

A saxophonist is busking on the southeast corner of the courthouse square. Among his selections is ”Won‘t you take me to: Funkytown ...“ Already there, man.

Housing advocates rally at Bloomington city hall as two key public bodies trade blame

Housing advocates rally at Bloomington city hall as two key public bodies trade blame

At least 60 people rallied at Bloomington city hall Monday, urging the RDC and CIB to negotiate a land swap that could preserve Seminary Pointe. Hours earlier, mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration and CIB president John Whikehart traded statements over how talks should proceed.

Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue

Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue

The crowd of Uptown Cafe patrons watching the World Cup cheers as Malik Tillman scores the one United States goal in the 31st minute of a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. Tillman took a free-kick that landed in the back of the net. (Dave Askins, July 6, 2026)