Courthouse square
(With video!) Projection mapping onto the courthouse dome for Lotus Festival by Blockhouse Studios.
Dave Askins
Immigration judge sets $10K bond for Bloomington man after federal habeas win
On Friday, an immigration judge granted a $10,000 bond to Cesar Augusto Cepeda Gomez, one of two Bloomington men detained by ICE on Sept. 1. He remains held in Michigan pending release. Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz is pursuing a parallel habeas corpus case seeking a bond hearing.
Monroe County early in-person voting starts Tuesday, absentee ballot pace ahead of 2022
Early voting starts Oct. 6 in Monroe County, with absentee voting ahead of the 2022 pace. Election officials report 1,348 ballots issued and 265 returned. A judge also upheld the state’s “sore loser” law, blocking Joe Davis as a write-in for the county clerk race.
2027 budget talks for Bloomington city council turn to potential staffing cuts
Bloomington council president Isak Asare floated new personnel and organizational cuts during Wednesday’s 2027 budget work session. They including changes to the mayor’s communications operation and the economic and sustainable development department. Votes on changes are expected Oct. 7.
Oct. 1, 2026: Possible cuts to 2027 Bloomington budget, new money for parks capital planning
This morning’s edition includes reports on possible amendments to the city of Bloomington’s 2027 budget, and a new grant opportunity that could impact the parks and recreation capital plan.
Kirkwood Avenue & Washington Street
The poster advertising the Lotus Festival highlights the Backyard Comedy Showcase, which takes place Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Admission is free.
Council’s proposed Bloomington budget cuts add to millions, but savings are much smaller
Bloomington councilmembers will review millions of dollars in proposed 2027 budget cuts Wednesday, but many would trim placeholders or align appropriations with expected spending rather than produce new savings. Policy-driven proposed reductions total about $452,000.