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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.

No fluoride added to Bloomington water: Utilities director to tell public, board of health when levels are restored

No fluoride added to Bloomington water: Utilities director to tell public, board of health when levels are restored

Bloomington’s drinking water has been without the recommended level of fluoride since late 2019, and city officials say it will be at least next year before the situation is resolved. But when fluoride levels are restored, the public will be notified. That’s according to CBU director Kat Zaiger.

Monroe County could face public health services gap as IU Health ends long-time contract

Monroe County could face public health services gap as IU Health ends long-time contract

When IU Health stops providing key public health services under a contract with Monroe County’s health department at the end of 2025, it’s not yet clear how the department will satisfy its responsibility under state law to provide those functions.

Sept. 18, 2025: Mold, more mold, Monroe County budget deficit

Sept. 18, 2025: Mold, more mold, Monroe County budget deficit

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Concrete to be poured for Bloomington convention center footings, city council OKs food and beverage tax resolution

Concrete to be poured for Bloomington convention center footings, city council OKs food and beverage tax resolution

Since the demolition of the old NAPA Auto Parts building at the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets in the third week of July, the block just south of 3rd Street, between College Avenue and Walnut, has been clanging with construction work on the Bloomington Convention Center expansion.

4th Street & Walnut Street

4th Street & Walnut Street

The bathrooms at the 4th Street parking garage are now open for the first time in recent memory. Public works director Adam Wason says they have been restored to service since around the beginning of August and it’s “fingers crossed.” They were the target of frequent vandalism.

Monroe County budget notebook: Draft deficit for 2026 drops under $4M, 15 health department jobs shifted back to state-funded lines

Monroe County budget notebook: Draft deficit for 2026 drops under $4M, 15 health department jobs shifted back to state-funded lines

The Monroe County council deliberated around three and a half hours on the draft 2026 budget, which at the beginning of the night showed a deficit of around $8 million. By the time the meeting was over, the council had made enough cuts to reduce the deficit to $3.88 million.

Bloomington OKs mold testing contract for Trades District parking garage office space

Bloomington OKs mold testing contract for Trades District parking garage office space

A $1,300 contract with VET Environmental Services to conduct mold testing at the Trades District garage was approved by Bloomington’s RDC at its regular meeting on Monday. To be tested is the ground-floor office space which Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) has leased from the RDC.