April 30, 2026: New jail financing, campaign finance reports, polling location access
This morning's edition includes the latest news on new jail planning, campaign finance reports, and assessments of polling location accessibility.
Dave Askins
Accessibility reviews completed for 28 Monroe County polling sites ahead of May 5 primary
Monroe County says all 28 polling sites for the May 5 primary will have ADA accessibility reviews available on-site. Reports flag issues like heavy doors and restroom limits, with mostly operational fixes; an automatic opener is pending at Election Central.
Monroe County council backs $30K for lawyers, questions new $135M jail financing plan
On Tuesday, the Monroe County council approved a $30K appropriation to pay for outside legal counsel. Councilors also reviewed $135M jail financing plan. No bonding decision was made, as councilors raised doubts about costs, scope, and timing.
6th Street & Walnut Street
(With video.) Lightning flashes across the night sky behind the dome of the Monroe County courthouse. (Dave Askins, April 27, 2026)
Monroe County campaign filings show highest spending in commissioner race, lowest in assessor contest
With a week to go before the May 5 primary, the required financial filings show a mix of amounts for Monroe County Democrats. Candidates for commissioner have spent the most so far, for a total of $36,836. In races for commissioner, prosecutor, clerk, and assessor, a big theme is in-kind donations.
Walnut Street & 6th Street
(With slow motion video!) Hail falls on 6th Street as a passerby demonstrates the proper use of an umbrella.
April 27, 2026: Kirkwood shooting, Perry Township trustee race, residential TIF, downtown Bloomington real estate
This morning’s edition includes: Updates on a Kirkwood shooting that put one person in the hospital; a report on the Perry Township trustee race; city council action on a residential TIF; and fading prospects for a land swap for a convention center hotel site.