# The B Square Bulletin
> Bloomington Total News: Future. Present. Past.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [2012 Bloomington City Council Redistricting Maps](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2012-bloomington-city-council-redistricting-maps.md) - When Bloomington’s city council considered maps for redistricting in 2012, based on the 2010 census, it was a committee of the three at-large council members who met to consider redrawing the lines. The three were: Andy Ruff, Timothy Mayer, and Susan Sandberg. Here’s a link: [2012 committee notes]…
- [2019 Bloomington General | At-Large Council Candidate: Jim Sims](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-jim-sims.md) - Jim Sims is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the Bloomington Common Council, with two other candidates, Susan Sandberg and Matt Flaherty. Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, no election will be held…
- [2019 Bloomington General |At-Large Council Candidate: Matt Flaherty](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-matt-flaherty.md) - Matt Flaherty is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the Bloomington Common Council, with two other candidates, incumbents Susan Sandberg and Jim Sims. Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, no election w…
- [2019 Bloomington General | At-Large Council Candidate: Susan Sandberg](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-susan-sandberg.md) - Susan Sandberg is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the Bloomington Common Council, with two other candidates, Jim Sims and Matt Flaherty. Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, no election will be held…
- [2019 Bloomington General | Clerk Candidate: Nicole Bolden](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-clerk-candidate-nicole-bolden.md) - Nicole Bolden is seeking re-election to a four-year term as Bloomington city clerk and will win that election by default. She is unopposed in the general election, so no election will be held for city clerk on Nov. 5. No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in”…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 1 Council Candidate: Kate Rosenbarger](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-1-council-candidate-kate-rosenbarger.md) - Kate Rosenbarger is running for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 1. She is unopposed in the race, so no election for District 1 will be held on Nov. 5, and Rosenbarger will win the race by default. Rosenbarger won the Democratic Party primary for District 1 w…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 2 Council Candidate: Andrew Guenther](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-andrew-guenther.md) - Andrew Guenther is the Republican Party nominee for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 2. Guenther was unopposed in the primary. In the Nov. 5 general election he’ll face the winner of a 3-way Democratic Party primary, Sue Sgambelluri. District 2 covers portion…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 2 Council Candidate: Sue Sgambelluri](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-sue-sgambelluri.md) - Sue Sgambelluri won a three-way primary and is the Democratic Party nominee for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 2. [Full results here] She faces Republican Andrew Guenther in the Nov. 5 general election. District 2 covers portions of Bloomington’s north and…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Marty Spechler](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-marty-spechler.md) - Marty Spechler collected at least 89 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate to represent District 3 on the Bloomington city council. He faces Democratic Party nominee Ron Smith and independent Nick Kappas in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seek…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Nick Kappas](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-nick-kappas.md) - Nick Kappas collected at least 89 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate to represent District 3 on the Bloomington city council. He faces Democratic Party nominee Ron Smith and independent Marty Spechler in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seek…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Ron Smith](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-ron-smith.md) - Ron Smith won the primary and is the Democratic Party nominee for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 3. [Full results here] He faces independents Marty Spechler and Nick Kappas in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seeki…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 4 Council Candidate: Dave Rollo](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-4-council-candidate-dave-rollo.md) - Dave Rollo is seeking re-election for a fifth four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council in District 4. He is unopposed in the race, so no election for District 4 will be held on Nov. 5, and Rollo will win the race by default. Rollo won the Democratic Party primary for District 4 with 1,079 v…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 5 Council Candidate: Isabel Piedmont-Smith](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-5-council-candidate-isabel-piedmont-smith.md) - Isabel Piedmont-Smith is seeking re-election to a third four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 5. She is unopposed in the general election, so no election for District 5 will be held on Nov. 5 and Piedmont-Smith will win the race by default. Piedmont-Smith won the De…
- [2019 Bloomington General | District 6 Council Candidate: Steve Volan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-6-council-candidate-steve-volan.md) - Steve Volan is seeking re-election to a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 6. He is unopposed in the general election, so no election for District 6 will be held on Nov. 5 and Volan will win the race by default. Volan ran unopposed in the District 6 Democratic Pa…
- [2019 Bloomington General | Mayoral Candidate: John Hamilton](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-mayoral-candidate-john-hamilton.md) - John Hamilton is running for his second four-year term as mayor of the City of Bloomington. He is unopposed in the general election, so no election will be held for mayor on Nov. 5. No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” a candidate for the general election…
- [2019 Bloomington Primary|Clerk Candidate: Nicole Bolden](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-clerk-candidate-nicole-bolden.md) - Outcome: Nicole Bolden won the Democratic Party primary for city clerk with 4,530 votes. [Full results here] Nicole Bolden is seeking re-election to a four-year term as Bloomington city clerk. She is unopposed in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary and no Republicans will appear on the primary…
- [2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Andy Ruff](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff.md) - Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). Andy Ruff received 2,337 votes (16.82 percent). [Full results here] Andy R…
- [2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Jean Capler](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler.md) - Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). Jean Capler received 2,338 votes (16.82%). [Full results here] Jean Capler…
- [2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Matt Flaherty](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-matt-flaherty.md) - Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). [Full results here] Matt Flaherty is running for a four-year term on the B…
- [2019 Bloomington Primary | Council Candidate At-Large: Jim Sims](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jim-sims.md) - Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). [Full results here] Jim Sims is running for a four-year term on the Bloomi…

## Posts
- [Manifest celebration of community: Alleycat bicycle riders race through Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/manifest-celebration-of-community-alleycat-bicycle-riders-race-through-bloomington.md) - Saturday’s alleycat bicycle race hosted by Bloomington Homes for All sent riders racing across town, where checkpoints involved bike repair, potato tossing, SCOBY eating, drawing and academic card trading. The sweaty afternoon ended at Friendly Beasts Cider Company.
- [Aug. 17, 2026: Bloomington budget scrutiny, Showers West settlements, jail capacity, Powerline Camp](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-17-2026-bloomington-budget-scrutiny-showers-west-settlements-jail-capacity-powerline-camp.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on Bloomington’s $381K Showers West settlements, the city’s $165.7M draft budget, a jail population dip below one capacity benchmark, pressure over the Powerline Camp deadline, and county commissioner response to criticism of justice center conditions.
- [6th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-28.md) - A motorcycle rider is undaunted by the heavy downpour.
- [Bloomington to pay $381K to settle Showers West disputes after court losses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses.md) - Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is set Monday to ratify $381,650 in settlements with two Showers West tenants after losing both lease disputes in circuit court. One tenant also gets a year of free rent, ending a legal fight over the city’s effort to clear private occupants from the building.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-74.md) - What does Coach Cignetti say, after a preseason scrimmage, when the quarterback kicked the ball to the defensive unit? Did the quarterback really mean to do that?
- [Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 12, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-12-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 30 to Aug. 12, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population count dips below one functional capacity benchmark](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-count-dips-below-one-functional-capacity-benchmark.md) - Monroe County’s jail population fell from 247 to 227 over 25 days. But the snapshots mask heavy turnover: 220 people left, with a median stay of 3 days. The Aug. 14 count dipped below the ACLU’s 229-person capacity estimate, but remained 41 above Sheriff Ruben Marté’s 186-person figure.
- [Bloomington’s $165.7M draft budget for 2027 faces first public scrutiny by city council on Monday](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-165-7m-draft-budget-for-2027-faces-first-public-scrutiny-by-city-council-on-monday.md) - On Monday, Bloomington’s city council begins four nights of departmental budget presentations covering mayor Kerry Thomson’s $165.7-million proposal for 2027. Written questions already target a $5.47-million general fund gap, vacant positions, and evidence that spending produces measurable results
- [Second shots-fired report at Powerline Camp, Monroe County mulls moving up Sept. 1 deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline.md) - A second report of gunfire near Monroe County’s Powerline Camp has renewed pressure to close the encampment before Sept. 1. For now, commissioners are keeping the deadline, while the sheriff’s office works on a plan to prevent the county-owned Thomson property from being reoccupied.
- [4th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/4th-street-walnut-street-6.md) - The poster is for any alleycat bicycle race, which is being held Saturday (Aug. 15) by Bloomington Homes for All. An alleycat is a heck of a lot of fun to watch. The QR code points to a donation link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-build-seminary-pointe-cooperative
- [Monroe County commissioners rebut councilor over justice building conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-rebut-councilor-over-justice-building-conditions.md) - Monroe County commissioners pushed back against a councilor’s criticism of their response to sewage damage at the justice center, saying remediation began promptly. They also approved about $118,000 in carpet and building-controls work while describing the aging building as in poor condition.
- [Aug. 13, 2026: Write-in candidate blocked, IOSHA at justice building, Bloomington zoning changes, Hopewell South plat OK’d](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-13-2026-write-in-candidate-blocked-iosha-at-justice-building-bloomington-zoning-changes-hopewell-south-plat-okd.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on Joe Davis’s blocked write-in bid for Monroe County clerk, an IOSHA visit to the justice building over sewage complaints, Bloomington zoning changes and a legal dispute over housing incentives, and plan commission approval of the Hopewell South plat.
- [6th Street & Madison Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-madison-street-2.md) - Planted, which is likely familiar to Bloomington residents as a food truck, is set to put down brick-and-mortar roots. It joins a line of businesses that have occupied the space (with gaps) since 2002, including Neannie’s Cafe, the Looking Glass hair salon, La Vie en Rose and Small Favors.
- [Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned.md) - Monroe County’s election board voted 3–0 to bar Joe Davis from running as a write-in candidate for clerk under Indiana’s “sore loser” law. Davis argues the restriction violates constitutional rights of candidates and voters and says he will seek review in circuit court.
- [Monroe County councilor warns  commissioners after IOSHA visits justice building over sewage complaints](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints.md) - IOSHA inspectors visited Monroe County’s justice building Tuesday after sewage-related employee complaints. County councilor David Henry said responsibility for fixing building conditions rests with commissioners and warned they could face tough questions when budget hearings start in September.
- [Plan commission backs big Bloomington zoning changes, attorneys disagree on incentives](https://bsquarebulletin.com/plan-commission-backs-big-bloomington-zoning-changes-attorneys-disagree-on-incentives.md) - Bloomington’s plan commission voted 6–2 to recommend UDO changes that ease small-scale housing development and end parking minimums. The commission heard two different legal opinions about the city’s existing affordable-housing incentives and whether they violate Indiana law.
- [Hopewell South plat wins 8–1 Bloomington plan commission OK after waiver request dropped](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-plat-wins-8-1-bloomington-plan-commission-ok-after-waiver-request-dropped.md) - Bloomington’s plan commission voted 8–1 to approve Hopewell South’s primary plat after the city withdrew a disputed 1st Street tree-plot waiver. The vote moves the 98-home project closer to construction after months of debate over affordability, street design and city process.
- [Aug. 10, 2026: IOSHA sewage complaints, Powerline Camp closure, jail turnover, election hearing, Bloomington survey](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-10-2026-iosha-sewage-complaints-powerline-camp-closure-jail-turnover-election-hearing-bloomington-survey.md) - This morning's edition includes reports about IOSHA sewage complaints at the justice center, the Powerline Camp closure, jail turnover and Brown County transfers, election-board hearings, and a Bloomington survey that downplayed college students.
- [Civic Solver: Aug. 10, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-10-2026.md) - This is a 10-question news quiz about events in the week starting Aug. 3, 2026.
- [IOSHA gets two complaints over sewage backup at Monroe County justice building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/iosha-gets-two-complaints-over-sewage-backup-at-monroe-county-justice-building.md) - IOSHA received two complaints alleging unsafe conditions after sewage and water came through ceilings at Monroe County’s justice building. The agency is not planning an inspection for now, but has ordered the county to investigate and report findings and corrective action within five working days.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-73.md) - How much does the city’s proposed spending and revenue plan weigh? Hawk knows the answer!
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 27, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-27-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 27 to Aug. 5, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population goes down slightly for flat 18-day trend](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-goes-down-slightly-for-flat-18-day-trend.md) - Monroe County’s jail population stood at 247 on both July 21 and Aug. 7, but 149 people left during the 18-day span, showing substantial turnover. Meanwhile, 8 prisoners have been transferred to Brown County as the sheriff tries to respond to overcrowded conditions.
- [Monroe County says ‘Powerline Camp’ must close by Sept. 1—fight stokes safety concerns](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns.md) - Monroe County has set Sept. 1 as the deadline for homeless residents to leave the ‘Powerline Camp’ on the Thomson property. A fight near Habitat for Humanity’s Osage Place has deepened safety concerns and prompted calls for more police presence and better city-county coordination.
- [4th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/4th-street-walnut-street-5.md) - Inside the parking services division at the garage there are two payment kiosks set up for public review. The city is considering rolling out such kiosks, one on every blockface, to replace parking meters at every spot.
- [Courthouse Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-17.md) - Replacing Bonne Fête on the north side of the courthouse square will be Edit & Co. A message indicates it will be a place to buy nice clothes: “At Edit & Co., we believe a beautifully edited wardrobe starts with thoughtfully chosen pieces—and a place where you always feel welcome.”
- [Monroe County election board sets hearing on Davis write-in bid, delays on Trimble complaint](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint.md) - Monroe County election officials set an Aug. 12 hearing on whether Joe Davis can stay a write-in candidate for clerk after losing the Democratic primary. The board also delayed action on a complaint against assessor candidate Lisa Jeneé Trimble while seeking additional legal guidance.
- [3rd Street & Lincoln Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/3rd-street-lincoln-street.md) - Sign in the rock garden in front of Bloomington police station says a product containing glyphosate was applied on Aug. 4, 2026 to control weeds, and caution should be used until it’s dry. (
- [Pete Ellis Drive & RR](https://bsquarebulletin.com/pete-ellis-drive-rr.md) - “I was struck by the gorgeous water lilies in the pond off Pete Ellis Drive, near the railroad crossing.”
- [Council rips Bloomington survey for sidelining college students](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-rips-bloomington-survey-for-sidelining-college-students.md) - 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.
- [Aug. 6, 2026: Toxic gas in justice center; Bloomington 2027 budget; MCCSC bargaining limits; rival College Square plans; city survey](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-6-2026-toxic-gas-in-justice-center-bloomington-2027-budget-mccsc-bargaining-limits-rival-college-square-plans-city-survey.md) - 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.
- [Kirkwood Avenue & Dunn Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-dunn-street-5.md) - (several photos) Could be a Chevy II Nova wagon from the 1960s. It's part of the set for the film “Little Five,” which is being shot around town. The ”Wander Indiana“ plate from the 1984–1986 era designates Bartholomew County with its 3 prefix.
- [Bloomington’s 2027 budget: No new full-time positions, still taps $5.5M in general fund reserves](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves.md) - Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget has dropped. It authorizes $165.7 million in spending, excluding utilities and debt funds. It provides a 2.7% COLA for employees, and no net new full-time jobs. It taps general fund reserves for $5.47 million. City council review starts Aug. 17.
- [MCCSC board takes first step toward limiting bargaining for non-teaching staff](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-takes-first-step-toward-limiting-bargaining-for-non-teaching-staff.md) - MCCSC trustees narrowly backed a first step toward limiting bargaining topics for non-teaching staff, while hearing support for Templeton’s multi-age program, reviewing federal funding changes and approving staffing moves. Redistricting discussion was delayed until Aug. 25.
- [Use of drain cleaner fills Monroe County justice building with rotten-egg odor; workers report vomiting, nausea](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea.md) - At least two Monroe County employees vomited and others reported nausea, headaches and watery eyes Tuesday after jail maintenance workers used an unfamiliar drain cleaner, filling the Justice Center with a rotten-egg odor. Some went outside for air or left work.
- [Dora, Concord pitch rival College Square projects; Bloomington RDC mulls decision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-concord-pitch-rival-college-square-projects-bloomington-rdc-mulls-decision.md) - Bloomington’s RDC heard rival $4 million College Square proposals Monday but made no decision. Concord’s hotel-and-housing plan depends on CIB cooperation and a reversal of its convention center host-hotel choice; Dora’s stand-alone plan pairs a boutique hotel with market-rate housing.
- [Bloomington’s latest survey finds high quality-of-life ratings, big concern about housing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-latest-survey-finds-high-quality-of-life-ratings-big-concern-about-housing.md) - Bloomington’s 2026 community survey found general satisfaction with quality of life, but a lot of concern about affordable housing, homelessness, streets and sidewalks, and the local economy. City councilmembers will receive a presentation at their Wednesday meeting.
- [Aug. 3, 2026: College Square hotel and housing plans; jail transfers, rising population; racist pepper-spray assault](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-3-2026-college-square-hotel-and-housing-plans-jail-transfers-rising-population-racist-pepper-spray-assault.md) - This morning's edition includes reports about competing College Square hotel and housing plans, jail overcrowding and inmate transfers, and a racist pepper-spray assault at a greenhouse.
- [Civic Solver: Aug. 3, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-3-2026.md) - This is a 10-question news quiz about events in the week starting July 27, 2026.
- [Bloomington RDC to hear details of competing hotel, housing proposals for College Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-to-hear-details-of-competing-hotel-housing-proposals-for-college-square.md) - Bloomington’s RDC will hear two competing College Square proposals Monday: Concord would put a 160-room convention hotel there and housing south of the convention center. Dora proposes a 135-room boutique hotel and 100 apartments on the block. Both value the land at $4 million.
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 29, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-29-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 23 to July 29, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-4.md) - Jordan Davis, organizer of Taste of Bloomington, answers the hard-hitting question: What does Bloomington taste like?
- [Monroe County jail notebook: 6 DOC inmates transferred to Brown County as population trends up](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-6-doc-inmates-transferred-to-brown-county-as-population-trends-up.md) - Monroe County transferred six IDOC-linked inmates to Brown County this past week. The move comes as population in the Monroe County facility population trends upward and the county faces fresh ACLU scrutiny. The move shifts $35-a-day state payments to Brown County.
- [Police seek video after racist pepper-spray assault at greenhouse; market looks toward more growing sites](https://bsquarebulletin.com/police-seek-video-after-racist-pepper-spray-assault-at-greenhouse-market-looks-toward-more-growing-sites.md) - After a racist confrontation ended in a pepper-spray attack on a People’s Market volunteer, Bloomington police are still seeking the suspect. Market organizers hope the response also spurs local churches to use their land for greenhouses and other food-growing projects.
- [Friday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish (Taste of Bloomington edition)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-72.md) - It's a special edition of Sunday Funnies ... on Friday, because Taste of Bloomington is on Saturday! This comic gives you the combination of food and local political drama that everyone is craving! Why did the city councilmembers have to settle for walking the chicken over Kirkwood Avenue?
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population trends upward, hits 264 as short stays drive churn](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-trends-upward-hits-264-as-short-stays-drive-churn.md) - Monroe County’s justice building reopened Friday after a sewer backup. Meanwhile, the jail population kept climbing. The total rose 7%, from 247 on July 21 to 264 on July 31, even as 70 people left during the 11-day period. Half of those released had spent one day or less in jail.
- [July 30, 2026: Justice center sewage backup, delayed court decision on Bloomington annexation, encampment closure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-30-2026-justice-center-sewage-backup-delayed-court-decision-on-bloomington-annexation-encampment-closure.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on the sewage backup that closed the Monroe County justice center and raised spending questions; the 271-day wait for an Indiana Supreme Court annexation ruling; and a planned encampment closure with a description of one resident's housing barriers.
- [College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-4.md) - Orbit Room’s space is for lease. I enjoyed the Orbit room; sad it's gone!
- [Sewage backup in Monroe County justice center spurs scrutiny of future spending on ‘dying’ building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-in-monroe-county-justice-center-spurs-scrutiny-of-future-spending-on-dying-building.md) - A bag of e-cigarettes flushed down a jail toilet sent sewage through the Monroe County justice building on Friday, disrupting court operations. At Tuesday’s meeting, councilors questioned why election offices were also closed and debated millions in spending for a facility described as “dying.”
- [How long is long? Bloomington annexation case awaits ruling from highest court after 271 days](https://bsquarebulletin.com/how-long-is-long-bloomington-annexation-case-awaits-ruling-from-highest-court-after-271-days.md) - Bloomington’s Area 1A and 1B annexation case is closed. But a separate constitutional challenge remains before the Indiana Supreme Court 271 days after oral arguments. That wait is near the 90th percentile among 316 argued cases decided since 2018, but about two dozen took longer.
- [Sewage backup keeps Monroe County justice building closed at  least through July 29](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-keeps-monroe-county-justice-building-closed-at-least-through-july-29.md) - Monroe County’s justice center will remain closed at least through Wednesday after a sewer backup last Friday sent wastewater from the jail into offices below. Courts and related offices are shut down while crews remove damaged carpet and drywall, sanitize and dry the building.
- [Monroe County eyes Thomson encampment closure; resident describes barriers to housing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing.md) - Monroe County has authorized a step toward closing the Thomson encampment, though no date is set and a new state law could shorten the planned 30-day notice. Stephanie, a resident there, describes how rental history, lack of credit, and a criminal record have kept housing out of reach.
- [July 27, 2026: Annexation fees, justice building plumbing issue, boarding up Seminary Pointe, Flock cameras, Hopewell jail site?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-27-2026-annexation-fees-justice-building-plumbing-issue-boarding-up-seminary-pointe-flock-cameras-hopewell-jail-site-2.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on Bloomington’s $37,500 annexation legal-fee ruling, Monday’s justice building closure due to plumbing issue, Seminary Pointe being boarded up, the end to the county's Flock contract, and revival of Hopewell as a possible jail and justice center site.
- [Civic Solver: July 27, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-27-2026.md) - This is a 10-question news quiz about events in the week starting July 20, 2026.
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 22, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-22-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 16 to July 22, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-71.md) - Why kind of drama goes with a movie about the Little 500 race? Fish has the answer!
- [Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-5.md) - Someone has taken flowers from the planters and jammed them into the top of one of the pylons that defines the scooter parking corral.
- [Maple Street & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/maple-street-kirkwood-avenue.md) - Standard “Beware” sign in window, with a twist: “of Attack Rabbit.”
- [Judge caps Bloomington’s annexation legal-fee payment at $37,500](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-caps-bloomingtons-annexation-legal-fee-payment-at-37-500.md) - A special judge ordered Bloomington to pay $37,500 in attorney fees to residents who defeated annexation of Areas 1A and 1B, rejecting their nearly $200,000 request. A separate constitutional annexation dispute remains pending while Indiana’s Supreme Court decides whether to take it.
- [6th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-26.md) - Some kind of mid-century truck modified for drag racing, looks like.
- [Monroe County justice building closed Monday, July 27 due to ‘plumbing issue’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue.md) - Monroe County’s justice building will be closed Monday (July 27) after an apparent sewage backup on Friday sent water through office ceilings. Court administration and at least one judge’s office were affected. The jail lost water service while cleanup crews worked at the building.
- [6th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-27.md) - A city crew caps one of the planters with concrete. Bloomington’s director of parks and recreation, Tim Street, responded to a question by saying the capping of a handful of the smaller planters for maintenance or condition issues is part of a more comprehensive plan.
- [Seminary Pointe units boarded up after removal of unauthorized occupants, reports of drug use](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-units-boarded-up-after-removal-of-unauthorized-occupants-reports-of-drug-use.md) - On Thursday, Bloomington police removed unauthorized occupants from Seminary Pointe, where plywood was fastened over doors and windows after reports of break-ins and drug use. The mostly vacant, very low-rent apartments are slated for demolition to make way for a convention center host hotel.
- [Monroe County commissioners vote to end Flock contract, remove six license plate cameras](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-vote-to-end-flock-contract-remove-six-license-plate-cameras.md) - Monroe County commissioners voted 2–0 to end the county’s Flock Safety contract and remove six license plate readers, accepting a possible $3,000 removal fee. Commissioners cited concerns about misuse of data in Flock’s nationwide system. Sheriff Ruben Marté supports the move.
- [Monroe County commissioners re-float Hopewell as possible new jail site, seek city’s quick support](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-re-float-hopewell-as-possible-new-jail-site-seek-citys-quick-support.md) - Monroe County commissioners have revived Hopewell as a possible jail and justice center site, asking Bloomington councilmembers to send the proposal to the RDC. But county officials want to avoid the full city planning review and approval process, because they say it would cause unacceptable delay.
- [July 23, 2026: Kirkwood veto stands; Bloomington Transit’s new management firm; College Square bids; Monroe County jail profile](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-23-2026-kirkwood-veto-stands-bloomington-transits-new-management-firm-college-square-bids-monroe-county-jail-profile.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on the failed Kirkwood veto override, Bloomington Transit’s switch to Keolis and John Connell’s departure, two College Square hotel-and-housing proposals, and a first look at who is being held in the Monroe County jail.
- [Bloomington council falls short of overriding Thomson veto of seasonal Kirkwood closure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-falls-short-of-overriding-thomson-veto-of-seasonal-kirkwood-closure.md) - Bloomington’s city council fell two votes short of overriding Mayor Kerry Thomson’s veto of a mandatory seasonal Kirkwood Avenue closure. The 4–4 vote left the ordinance defeated after Dave Rollo reversed his earlier support.
- [Bloomington Transit picks new management firm on split vote, ending Connell’s tenure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure.md) - Bloomington Transit’s board has voted 3–2 to replace longtime management firm RATP Dev with Keolis. That ends general manager John Connell’s tenure. He has two months left. The board's action came despite opposition from the mayor’s office.
- [Washington Street & 6th Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/washington-street-6th-street.md) - Poster in the window of Steve’s Book-o-Rama says “Beach Barbie Bike Party.” Details: July 31, 2026 7 p.m. arrival, 7:30 departure at Building Trades Park. Link for the QR code: https://linktr.ee/bloomingtonbikeparty
- [Two hotel-and-apartment proposals submitted for Bloomington’s College Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/two-hotel-and-apartment-proposals-submitted-for-bloomingtons-college-square.md) - Two development teams have proposed hotel-and-housing projects for Bloomington’s College Square property. One calls for a roughly 160-room hotel with below-market-rate housing; the other includes a 135-room boutique hotel and about 100 apartments. No purchase prices were disclosed by the RDC Monday.
- [7th Street & Grant Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-grant-street-3.md) - Cars from the 1988 era on the street and tissue paper dangling from the trees for the “Little Five” movie set.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Initial look at population profile](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-initial-look-at-population-profile.md) - Of 247 people held in the Monroe County jail on July 14, 22 had been there more than a year, while the median stay was about 60 days. The B Square has reviewed their upcoming court dates. The sheriff wants to move 50–100 prisoners to jails in other counties.
- [7th Street & Grant Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-grant-street-2.md) - (more than one photo) Banners that read “World’s Greatest College Weekend” and “Go Big Red” are draped on houses along the block as part of the movie set for “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks.
- [7th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-walnut-street-2.md) - Sunrise through the haze from wildfire smoke from on top of the parking garage.
- [July 19, 2026: Scooter ridership drop; words in artwork; jail-overcrowding resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-19-2026-scooter-ridership-drop-words-in-artwork-jail-overcrowding-resolution.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on Bloomington electric scooter ridership falling 82%, the story behind the (C)olumn sculpture at 2nd and Walnut streets, and county commissioners removing the sheriff’s jail-capacity figure from an overcrowding resolution.
- [Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-12.md) - A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina: 1–0.
- [Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-4.md) - The street is all set for Uptown Cafe's watch party for the World Cup finals between Spain and Argentina, which starts at 3 p.m. That's Michael Cassady, Uptown co-owner seated in the right of the frame.
- [Civic Solver: July 20, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-20-2026.md) - This is a 10-question news quiz about events in the week starting July 13, 2026.
- [Grant Street & Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/grant-street-kirkwood-avenue-3.md) - Kiosk outside of Monroe County Public Library on an 88F° day. (Get close enough and you can smell all of that sticky, clear tape baking in the sun!)
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-70.md) - What kind of fish is Fish?! Find out in today’s episode!
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 15, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-15-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 5 to July 15, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Griffy Lake](https://bsquarebulletin.com/griffy-lake-3.md) - Turtles on a log, some on top of each other.
- [Bloomington electric scooter ridership drops 82%, city prepares new licensing round](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-electric-scooter-ridership-drops-82-city-prepares-new-licensing-round.md) - Bloomington scooter ridership fell 82% from 2019 to 2025, and the first half of 2026 saw an continued declining trend. Even so, the city plans to seek operators for another year and could revisit its $30,000 annual license fee and 30-cent charge for each trip
- [A time capsule in steel words: The story of (C)olumn](https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-time-capsule-in-steel-words-the-story-of-c-olumn.md) - Installed in 2015 at 2nd and Walnut streets, Bloomington’s (C)olumn sculpture turns nearly 300 community-supplied words into a steel civic time capsule. Co-designer Jon Racek says it captures the city’s joys, frustrations and identity around 2014.
- [1st Street & Henderson Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/1st-street-henderson-street.md)
- [Jail-capacity figure struck from overcrowding resolution by Monroe County commissioners](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-capacity-figure-struck-from-resolution-by-monroe-county-commissioners.md) - Monroe County commissioners ratified a resolution declaring a jail-overcrowding emergency after removing the sheriff’s 186-bed functional-capacity figure. They accepted Clark Johnson & Knight’s representation letter to defend them and sheriff Ruben Marté in the new jail-conditions lawsuit.
- [July 16, 2026: Host hotel; Scientia tax break; North Dunn subdivision; jail plan; parking rate overhaul](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-16-2026-host-hotel-scientia-tax-break-north-dunn-subdivision-jail-plan-parking-rate-overhaul.md) - This morning's edition includes reports on Dora Hospitality's as the convention-center hotelier, Scientia's tax abatement, a North Dunn subdivision approval, jail-site recommendations, and a consultant's recommendations on ar
- [CIB selects Dora for Bloomington Convention Center hotel, declines delay for potential land-swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap.md) - Dora Hospitality won unanimous CIB approval Wednesday to build a 200-room convention center host hotel on the Seminary Pointe block. The CIB declined requests to delay the choice for a potential land swap with the city’s RDC.
- [Monroe County OKs $82K Scientia tax abatement tied to 30 new jobs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-oks-82k-scientia-tax-abatement-tied-to-30-new-jobs.md) - Monroe County councilors gave final 7–0 approval to a 10-year, $82,000 real-property tax abatement for defense contractor Scientia LLC, which plans to double its west-side facility and add 30 jobs with $2.3 million in new payroll.
- [Photos: Inside the Bloomington Convention Center expansion](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-inside-the-bloomington-convention-center-expansion.md) - After last Wednesday’s (July 8) meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) some board members were taken on a tour of the convention center expansion project. Leading the way was Weddle Bros. construction project manager Andrew Scere. The B Square tagged along.
- [Karst Farm Park](https://bsquarebulletin.com/karst-farm-park.md) - County commissioner Julie Thomas cuts the ribbon for the new turf athletic fields at Karst Athletic Complex.
- [Bloomington plan commission OKs 11-lot North Dunn subdivision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-oks-11-lot-north-dunn-subdivision.md) - Bloomington’s plan commission approved an 11-lot North Dunn Street subdivision and three waivers, including one to allow a cul-de-sac. The 7–2 vote came after deliberations about wetlands and future transportation connections.
- [Renovation-plus-Curry plan edges out Thomson site for jail panel’s recommendation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/renovation-plus-curry-plan-edges-out-thomson-site-for-jail-panels-recommendation.md) - A city-county subcommittee voted 3–2 to make renovation of the current Monroe County justice center, with expansion into the Curry and Fiscus buildings, its top jail-site recommendation. The Thomson property off South Rogers Street was the unanimous second choice.
- [6th Street & Walnut Street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-25.md) - A Bloomington parking services vehicle with a hatch full of parking meter heads is parked next to a headless meter post.
- [Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-parking-consultant-raise-rates-use-plate-readers-shift-ticket-appeals-from-clerk.md) - A consultant’s study recommends a broad overhaul of Bloomington’s downtown parking system, including $1.50-an-hour core rates, doubled garage rates, pay-by-plate kiosks, license-plate-reader enforcement, shorter evening hours, and changes to fines and appeals.
- [July 13, 2026: Jail emergency, ACLU lawsuit, jail site debate, fatal crash, Revolutionary War plaque](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-13-2026-jail-emergency-aclu-lawsuit-jail-site-debate-fatal-crash-revolutionary-war-plaque.md) - This morning’s edition includes reports on Monroe County’s jail emergency, a new federal lawsuit over jail conditions and the debate over a new jail location. Also: a fatal SR 45/46 crash, a Revolutionary War plaque dedication, property transfers and another edition of Sunday Funnies.
- [6th Street & College Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-college-avenue-5.md) - Flyer recruiting extras for a movie called “Little Five.” The poster says: “Be part of Indiana’s next great sports film!” QR code link in the original item. A non-zero percentage of extras in previous films about the Little 500 bicycle race have gone on in life to become mayor of Bloomington.
- [7th Street & College Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-college-avenue-6.md) - Graffiti that says “NO NEW JAIL NO OLD JAIL” with a capital A inside a circle, which is a symbol associated with anarchism.
- [Plaque dedication in Monroe County marks nation’s 250th anniversary](https://bsquarebulletin.com/plaque-dedication-in-monroe-county-marks-nations-250th-anniversary.md) - A new plaque unveiled Saturday at the Monroe County Courthouse recognizes 30 Revolutionary War patriots buried in the county, replacing a 1986 version. The local DAR chapters hosted the dedication as part of events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- [Civic Solver: July 13, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-13-2026.md) - Here's a 10-question news quiz based on B Square coverage of the last week. Feel free to look stuff up on The B Square as you answer the questions! Please do not brag on social media about how well you did or how fast you did it!
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-69.md) - Hawk: The bridge connecting the two parts of the convention center should be called "Luke" you know, like "Luke, the Skywalk." Star Wars, you know? Hilarious, right? Why does Fish say that’s not going to happen?
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 9, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-9-2026.md) - This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 3 to July 9, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [6th Street & College Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-college-avenue-6.md) - The sign says "STORE ARE OPEN" as masonry work on the Graham Plaza building proceeds with protective scaffolding for peds. A city planter on the corner has been filled in with a concrete pour. It seems reminiscent of the approach taken on the 7th-Street side of the Monroe County justice building.

## Optional
- [RSS Feed](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rss/)
- [Sitemap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sitemap.xml)
- [Full content of pages and posts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/llms-full.txt)