May 11, 2026: Inside former H-T building, Hopewell South, election results analysis
This morning’s edition includes analysis of election results, a set of photos from inside the former Herald-Time building, and a report on the city council’s approval of the Hopewell South PUD.
Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a 10-question news quiz based on events of last week.
Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.
Monday: If you want, you can wear a light wrap when you head out in the morning to stave off the brisk overnight low of around 46F°. But otherwise, all you need is sunglasses, because it’s not going to rain and the high temperature will be around 71F°.
Tuesday: Same as Monday, but the high will be a few degrees warmer at 77F°.
Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system
Recent articles
- A carcass of traditional print media: Inside the former Herald-Times building. The Monroe County Community School Corporation is preparing to sell the former Herald-Times building at 1900 S. Walnut St., four years after buying it for $2.9 million. Photos with this article document the current conditions inside the building, including the newspaper’s old printing press.
- Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish. Hawk: I heard some IU students graduated after taking all their classes on a cruise in the Caribbean?? Fish has an explanation, and it is hilarious as usual.
- Monroe County property transfers through May 5, 2026. This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to May 5, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- Canvas breach hits Indiana University, MCCSC as hackers threaten data leak. Indiana University and Monroe County Community School Corporation are dealing with the impact from a global security breach involving the Canvas learning platform, which remained offline Friday at both institutions. MCCSC say there is no confirmation that student data was exposed.
- Primary election notebook: Geographic breakdown of Monroe County clerk's race. Tree Martin Lucas won Tuesday's Democratic Party primary for Monroe County clerk with 47.7% in a 3-way race. Tanner Branham showed some strength in a few Bloomington precincts near the IU campus. Joe Davis won one precinct. This sets up a fall race between Martin Lucas and GOP nominee Julie Hays.
- Hopewell South PUD wins unanimous OK from Bloomington city council. Bloomington’s city council unanimously approved the Hopewell South PUD after months of debate over issues like how much of the project should remain permanently affordable. A compromise set a 35% affordability minimum with a 50% target, while preserving flexibility for financing tools.
Quick Notes
Stickers—now what? Last year I wrote a column about giving away stickers. They are all gone now. On the night of May 5, 2026, which was primary Election Day in Monroe County, after the Democratic Party’s watch party at Sleeper’s Bar in the Cascades Inn, Izzy Frieze asked for and received the final sticker. Thank you to Izzy and all those who came before her. Over the last four months, handing over a sticker to somebody who asked for one was the highlight of any day when I got a chance to do that. We’re now noodling on the next thing to try out.
On the calendar
Purchase agreement. Appearing on the 5 p.m. Tuesday (May 12) meeting agenda for the Monroe County council is an ordinance that approves the purchase agreement for North Park. Because it takes the form of an ordinance, it would need unanimous approval to be enacted at the same meeting when it is introduced, at the May 12 meeting. But if it does not have unanimous support on May 12, it could be enacted at the council’s following meeting, on May 26, if it gets majority support at that meeting. It’s almost certain not to receive unanimous approval on May 12.
Sidewalk snow clearance. The city council has set a 6:30 p.m. working session for May 13 on the topic of snow clearance on sidewalks and transit stops among other locations.
Townie Summer Kickoff: May 13. Wednesday marks the season’s first Wednesday Family Night Out event of the season. From 4:30–8 p.m. on May 13, the block of Kirkwood right in front of the Monroe County Public Library, will turn into a family-friendly gathering space with food, music, games, and hands-on activities.
Families are encouraged to grab carryout from downtown restaurants and enjoy dinner together at communal tables set up in the street. Free beverages will be provided by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, with additional specials from Lennie’s and other downtown eateries. Entertainment includes music from the Hurdy Gurdy Man, Kid Kazooey, and a dance set from Yolanda Dunderdale.
Local vendors and organizations taking part include Pottery House Studio, Board & Brush, Mairzy Doats, Sharon Moore Creative Studio, Bricks Made Better, Kaleidoscope Youth, Morgenstern Books, Access Able, Art Remains, Gan Shalom Preschool, Wild Birds Unlimited, and the Monroe County Public Library.
Block party at Seminary Pointe: May 15. Homes for All is hosting a fundraiser at Friendly Beasts Cidery on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in an effort to preserve the apartments that exist on that block. For the latest B Square coverage on that topic see: Request for host hotel proposals OK’d by CIB at Seminary Pointe, activists still hope for land swap. The event is billed as a “save the block party”, with live musicians and DJs, tree planting, and live mural painting.
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: May 16. For the first time in its history, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony starting around 6:15 p.m.. The symphony will be joined by a community chorus of more than 100 members on the stage of Indiana University’s Musical Arts Center (MAC). More details on the BSO website.
Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16. You should be in the final phase of your training regimen. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s inaugural event.
Meet Simba!
This very, very good girl is a German shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Simba:
Shy, Sweet, and Ready to Play! Meet Simba! He is a charming, affectionate boy who is looking for his forever family. While he is initially a bit timid in new situations, Simba quickly wins hearts with his loving, playful nature. He loves peanut butter, fetch, and giving kisses! Personality: Shy but warms up quickly, loving, loyal, energetic. Training: House trained and eager to please. Dogs: Loves other dogs! Respectful of cats! Kids: Good with children (may jump up when excited). Simba is the perfect balance of playful energy and cozy cuddles. He is looking for an active, loving home that will give him the time to settle in and shower him with affection
Photo Finish: College Avenue & 17th Street (Miller-Showers Park)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com
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