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🌱 How IU’s new ‘bait bikes’ could change cycling on campus

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Bloomington! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How IU’s new ‘bait bikes’ could change cycling on campus
  • What’s next for Bloomington’s iconic ‘Batman House’ on West Kirkwood?
  • How a Bloomington-born mentoring program is reshaping youth justice worldwide

Also on today's calendar: Bingo Brunch — Cardinal Spirits and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Bloomingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy and cold, with a high of 31 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Friday: A little snow in the morning, temps: high: 38, low: 15. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Very cold with a little snow, with a high of 20 and low of -3 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. IUPD deploying 'bait bikes' to fight back against campus bicycle thefts (wrtv.com) — Indiana University Police in Bloomington are using GPS-enabled “bait bikes” to catch bicycle thieves after making four recent theft arrests on the IU Bloomington campus. The department is quietly placing high-value bikes in campus racks, tracking them if stolen, and urging riders to use sturdy U-locks. Students can even request a free bike lock from IUPD.
   

2. From funeral home to antique shop: Bloomington's ‘Batman House' sold at auction (idsnews.com) — Bloomington’s landmark “Batman House” on West Kirkwood just sold at auction for $760,000, and its exterior is protected by local and national historic status. The Victorian mansion has shifted from family home to funeral parlor, labor temple, and finally Garret Antiques, and the new owner is exploring restoration and possible commercial use while preserving its historic character.
   

3. Indiana program for incarcerated youth expands internationally (iu.edu) — An IU Bloomington professor’s HOPE program, created on the Bloomington campus, is helping incarcerated youth across Indiana build job skills and avoid re-offending—and has now expanded to Mexico and inspired programs in other countries. Bloomington-based faculty and student mentors provide long-term, one-on-one support that teaches employment, communication, and conflict-management skills, with success stories stretching from local facilities to Oaxaca.
   

4. Bloomington and Paoli IU Health maternity teams recognized by U.S. News & World Report (wbiw.com) — IU Health Bloomington’s maternity team has been named a High-Performing Hospital for uncomplicated maternity care by U.S. News & World Report, marking its third such recognition. Leaders say the honor reflects strong outcomes, compassionate perinatal care, and expanded access for families in Bloomington and nearby rural communities. Expectant parents can use the designation as one factor when choosing where to deliver.
   

5. IU sanctions lecturer over white supremacy graphic that included MAGA (jconline.com) — An Indiana University social work lecturer on the Bloomington campus says she was sanctioned under Indiana’s new intellectual diversity law after using a white supremacy graphic that included the phrase “Make America Great Again.” She’s back in the classroom with monitoring and professional development requirements, and plans to appeal, while critics argue the law chills academic freedom and targets IU Bloomington faculty.
   

📸 Around Bloomington

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bloomington

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★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 11
  • Straight No Chaser
    Indiana University Auditorium, 1211 E 7th St, Bloomington
    7:30 pm

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📣 Bloomington Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Our cream-colored Chow, Mocha, got out of the yard on E Robinson Rd on 10/25 when a tree limb fell on the fence.
    We have been searching for her and have posted signs on the ends of Robinson Rd, the store at New Unionville, the animal shelter, and Bloomington… (Nextdoor Old Meyers Rd)
  • The Christmas and holiday season is love,
    forgiveness and blessings all from above, empty the cup, fill it with warmth, take in the joy, reflect in the home, the lights, the music, is magic… (Nextdoor Fieldstone)
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Bloomington. Apply here.
  • Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Bloomington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bloomington here.

Ok Bloomington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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