Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1h

The Monroe County Council has approved a $131 million dollar budget for 2026. The council was facing an $8 million shortfall at the start of the budget session.

Monroe County passes $131M budget

The Monroe County Council has approved a $131 million dollar budget for 2026.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1h

Indiana University will celebrate Homecoming this weekend with events across Bloomington.

IU Homecoming: parade, pep rally, sold-out football

Indiana University will celebrate Homecoming weekend Oct. 17–18 with events across Bloomington, including the annual parade, pep rally, and football game against Michigan State.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2h

Mayor Kerry Thomson says she doesn't believe recent acts of aggression towards unhoused people are targeted attacks. @bente-bouthier.bsky.social

Thomson: City doesn’t believe homeless are being targeted

An alleged fight on Kirkwood between several people and an unhoused man, Robert Ballard, Saturday night is the latest act of aggression towards unhoused people in Bloomington.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2h

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti is the unanimous pick for top coach in the Big 10. The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the country — their highest ranking in history.

Indiana's Curt Cignetti is unanimous pick for top coach as AP unveils Big Ten midseason awards

Ten AP writers who cover the Big Ten made Cignetti the unanimous choice for top coach in the conference at the midway point of the season.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 3h

Wine sales went down 4.4 percent last year. A local winery says that's due to new drinks hitting the market and people drinking less alcohol.

Decreasing wine sales stand to impact local businesses

Alcohol sales are decreasing, and these declining numbers are impacting local wineries.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 3h

On this week's Ask the Mayor, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson talks about the city's budget reserves, city council trust issues, incidents of violence toward unhoused people and more. @joe-hren.bsky.social

Thomson talks budget reserves, council trust issues, unhoused incidents

"I think trust absolutely is earned, and if you have a values conflict with someone, it's always best practice to talk to that person. And there has not only been no outreach, but there's been no resp...

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 3h

The Indiana University Media School fired its Director of Student Media Tuesday, one week after he says he was ordered by administrators to remove news from the Indiana Daily Student print edition. @weiss-a-woni.bsky.social

IU fires leader of student media, including Indiana Daily Student

Editors at the Indiana Daily Student said Director of Student Media Jim Rodenbush refused to tell students to remove news from an upcoming special print edition.

www.ipm.org

5 3

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 22h

A new program allows students in high school to transfer up to 30 credits from specific classes to any of six faith-based universities and meets the requirements for an Honors Plus Seal on Indiana’s new diploma requirements.

Indiana Department of Education launches ‘faith-based academic pathway’ diploma credential

The Indiana Department of Education is launching what it calls a “faith-based academic pathway” to the state’s new high school diploma requirements.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 23h

Duke Energy lineworker Jesse Orr will compete in the International Lineman's Rodeo this weekend. Orr is one of 12 people from Indiana participating.

Bloomington lineman to compete in International Lineman Rodeo

This year's competition will take place Oct. 15-18.

www.ipm.org

2

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 23h

White House Border Czar Tom Homan visited Indiana today to tout successes under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown — and urge Hoosier lawmakers to pass a bill they killed earlier this year. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

Trump’s border czar visits Indiana, backs stymied immigration bill

Immigration head Tom Homan also talked border crossings, deportations and the search for unaccompanied migrant children.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 23h

Local media reported an unhoused man was attacked Saturday for the second time in the span of about a month. BPD Captain Ryan Pedigo said by the time officers arrived, the crowd had dispersed.

Police respond to second report of homeless man attacked on Kirkwood

Bloomington Police Captain Ryan Pedigo told WFIU/WTIU on Tuesday that by the time officers arrived, the crowd had dispersed.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

President Donald Trump was viewed favorably by 42% of Hoosiers and unfavorably by 49%. Gov. Mike Braun fared worse, with 24% favorable and 43% unfavorable, while 22% had no opinion and 11% had never heard of him. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

New Indiana polls show Hoosiers losing faith in both parties — and their own leaders

Braun, Morales have low favorability

www.ipm.org

2

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

The Monroe County Council will meet Oct. 28 to consider funding to purchase property at North Park for a new jail and for contractual professional services.

Monroe County Council to hear $8 million request for new jail property

The Monroe County Council will consider an $8 million request to purchase property for a new jail.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

Over 200 Horseshoe Indianapolis casino workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike for union recognition.

Shutdown stalls union vote, prompting strike at Shelbyville’s Horseshoe casino

More than 200 workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville plan to strike after their union election was delayed indefinitely by the federal government shutdown.

www.ipm.org

3

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

Public Access Counselor Jennifer Ruby has issued her first wo advisory opinions —and resolved more than 30 other complaints for 2025 so far. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

Indiana public access chief issues first advisory opinions

Indiana’s top public access official has issued her first two advisory opinions — and resolved more than 30 other complaints for 2025 so far.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

The statewide median teacher salary was $60,100 as of the 2025 fiscal year, compared with $98,193 for school administrators and $114,825 for corporation administrators. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

‘Harder to keep teachers’: Indiana fiscal policy panel weighs salary gaps, educator shortage

State data showed modest wage gains for teachers, but education advocates warned that Indiana’s pay still ranks near the bottom nationally.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

Officers arrested 60-year-old Robert Ballard for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting law enforcement.

Unhoused person arrested for Saturday Kirkwood disturbance

Robert Ballard was attacked September 26 when he got into a confrontation with multiple men on Kirkwood Avenue.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 1d

The Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative helps people earn industry certifications and credentials — and access education and training.

United Way expands workforce initiative to three more statewide organizations

More Hoosiers could have access to faster job placement and industry-recognized credentials under an expanded program from the United Way of Central Indiana. The initiative is now offered through five...

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

Security guard Randall DeBoer pleaded not guilty this month for battery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly struck a homeless man in the head with a baton. @weiss-a-woni.bsky.social

Security guard faces trial for battery of homeless man

MSI Security President Jeff Nesbitt said Randal DeBoer had been on the job for three weeks and wasn’t authorized to carry any weapon other than pepper spray.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

After defeating Oregon Saturday with one of the most historic wins in IU football, the Hoosiers are looking to earning a win again this weekend against Michigan State.

Hoosiers refocus after standout performance at Oregon

Senior running back Roman Hemby accounted for two rushing touchdowns Saturday at Oregon.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

Indiana tax collections are running $270 million ahead of projections after three months of the fiscal year. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

Indiana revenue comes in strong for September, first quarter

Indiana has recorded stronger-than-expected tax collections over the first quarter of the fiscal year.

www.ipm.org

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

A federal shutdown in Washington D.C. could hit some of Indiana’s poorest who rely on government food benefits. @indianacapitalchronicle.com

Federal shutdown could hurt government services like WIC, SNAP in Indiana

Other programs are not impacted — yet.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

The Hoosiers are now 6-0 and tied with number one Ohio State atop the Big Ten standings. Still, head coach Curt Cignetti says the Hoosiers still have their doubters.

Indiana hits #3 in AP poll - its highest ranking ever

The Hoosiers' 10-point win over Oregon helped them rise four spots in the rankings.

www.ipm.org

1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

A WFYI survey of over 40 communities that hosted LGBTQ pride events this year found that support is mixed. Organizers report more challenges like online harassment, protests, and threats, while some say they are seeing more acceptance. @wfyi.bsky.social

We heard from 20 LGBTQ groups in Indiana. Here's what they said about the state of pride

Across Indiana, community attitudes toward Pride seem to be warming as events spread to more communities. While a wide swath of LGBTQ event organizers told WFYI things have improved, many groups repor...

www.ipm.org

1 1

WFIU/WTIU News @wfiuwtiunews.bsky.social · 2d

Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez faces a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors have said was a fight over parking.

Ex-NFL QB Mark Sanchez released from custody a week after parking fight arrest and stabbing

Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez has been released from custody, about a week after police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver.

www.ipm.org