‘Good Trouble’ March in Bloomington Protests Trump Policies, GOP Vote to Defund Public Media

Staff report

Bloomington, Ind. — July 17, 2025

Protesters filled the streets of downtown Bloomington Thursday as part of a nationwide Day of Action dubbed “Good Trouble Lives On,” marking five years since the death of civil rights icon and congressman John Lewis. The march came on the same day Indiana’s Republican Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks voted to defund public media, foreign aid, and other federal programs in a clawback of funds already appropriated by Congress.

Dozens gathered at the Monroe County Courthouse to hear speeches denouncing what organizers called an escalating assault on civil and human rights by the Trump administration. From there, the crowd took over North Walnut Street and marched to the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center, circling back to the courthouse twice.

The protests occurred as Senate Republicans passed legislation that, if approved by the House, would slash funding for PBS, NPR, and other federal programs, threatening the survival of public media in rural and underserved areas. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting estimates that at least 18 percent of local stations could shut down as a result, particularly in so-called “news deserts” where no other journalism exists.

Indiana Public Media recently laid off several staff members—including its statehouse reporter—after the Indiana General Assembly stripped state funding earlier this year. The layoffs have further diminished coverage of Indiana politics.

On Facebook, this week, a Fox 59 article highlighting that over 1,000 U.S. counties now lack even a single local journalist drew derisive comments. Comments such as, “Journalism is dead!!! However propagandists and activists are on both sides of the aisle.” And. “That’s funny … You mean activists” And. “No such thing as a journalist anymore!” And. “Journalism in Vaudeville theatre … is ain’t coming back!”

Meanwhile, Public Broadcasting stations reach many of those counties in America without a journalist, but they do other things besides journalism, such as broadcasting warnings from the National Weather Service, about severe weather and other impending disasters.

Back at the Bloomigton rally, and marching on North Walnut, was 94-year-old Elizabeth Maurey, who said her family has supported progressive politics since the New Deal era.

Social Security, Medicare, education, science … she listed as things she believes Trump is ending. She said her grandfather was an FDR supporter and had a portrait of the former United States President.

The “Good Trouble Lives On” protest was part of a coordinated effort across dozens of cities nationwide. According to the campaign’s website, the movement seeks to uphold Lewis’s legacy by engaging in peaceful, non-violent protest to fight for justice, voting rights, and human dignity.

“Power lies with the people,” the website states. “We must remind them of that.”

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