Dave Askins

Bloomington Transit will keep Route 13 running for 45 more days, after public comment uniformly urged against cutting the service. The extension gives Monroe County time to finalize possible funding for the route, which serves major employers west of the city and requires non-city subsidy.

County councilors voted to adopt a resolution committing to a new jail that provides constitutional care, while reaffirming rejection of the North Park site. A consultant’s $135-million financing estimate has heightened concerns about the county's ability to pay for a bigger, co-located facility.

Bloomington’s board of public works approved a 2026 Kirkwood dining plan that keeps the street open to vehicle traffic while allowing restaurant parklets. The move departs from seasonal closures used most years since 2020, despite city council objections.

A challenge to incumbent Clear Creek Township trustee Thelma Jeffries over CAN-12 paperwork was denied by Monroe County’s election board. Jeffries had written “NA” for all entries, including employer. A 2–1 vote kept her on the GOP primary ballot, leaving a three-way race intact.

Bloomington’s redevelopment commission has reviewed a proposal to pay CASA $45,751 and provide parking passes to vacate the Showers West building. The move is part of efforts to clear all private tenants from the bond-funded property, as lawsuits continue.

Land values for more than 100 downtown Bloomington commercial properties have been rolled back to 2024 levels, reversing steep increases. The move is supposed to provide targeted tax relief as longer-term fixes are weighed for the struggling corridor, plagued by boarded-up buildings and graffiti.