Courthouse square

“I was struck by the gorgeous water lilies in the pond off Pete Ellis Drive, near the railroad crossing.”

Bloomington city councilmembers sharply questioned whether a $37,900 community survey that intentionally de-emphasized IU students could reliably guide policy or spending. They also challenged its low response rate, wording, accessibility and lack of useful comparisons.

This morning's edition includes reports on Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget, MCCSC bargaining limits, a justice center drain-cleaner incident, rival College Square redevelopment plans and a city survey showing strong quality-of-life ratings but deep concern about housing and homelessness.