Good morning, Bloomington.

Joe Smith, a hall of fame radio announcer who covered IU and high school sports for over 50 years, died Monday as announced by 98.7 The Zone.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

All nine IU campuses earned the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation for military-connected students during the 2025-26 academic year (Bloomington, Indianapolis, South Bend and Fort Wayne earned Tier 1 while others received Tier 2 or Tier 3).

This honor reflects their commitment to veteran support through dedicated programs and initiatives.

Eduardo Herrera, an IU Bloomington professor, is in Argentina studying soccer fan chants and World Cup music.

He uses oral history and observation to learn how fans share songs during matches.

On Tuesday, a local golf tournament opener featured 15-year-old North sophomore Ryan Decker and 64-year-old Tim Gillespie as competitors focused on form for upcoming rounds.

A joint effort by USA Today Co. local journalists (including Courier & Press) has released a list of top IHSAA high school basketball teams that missed a state title.

The America 250 project (covering 1998 to today) honors Indiana high school basketball history.

French Lick and West Baden share a rich sports legacy with heroes like Larry Bird and Joe Louis inspiring fans for decades.

The towns hosted MLB spring training and fierce high school rivalries (featured in the America 250 project) that remind residents of their deep sports roots.

A local poll invites readers to choose the Herald-Times IU Health 2025-26 Team of the Year from top high school teams; Edgewood's Carter Hayden leads the Boys Athlete contest with 34.9% of votes, and voting remains open until Thursday, July 16 at noon.

FISU America Games

7-11 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Average ticket price $83 — Experience thrilling international sports competition in Bloomington.

65 North Pickers Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience a fusion of bluegrass and jam band vibes with lightning-fast picking and unforgettable originals.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Graduate by Hilton Bloomington — Book Now on Eventbrite! — Unleash your creativity making a traditional Turkish lamp while enjoying delightful snacks.

Couples Communication Cure: An Evening with Michele O'Mara

6-7 p.m. — Morgenstern Books & Café — Free entry — Explore effective communication in relationships with expert Michele O'Mara as she shares insights from her latest book.

James Eichman Live Concert

9-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience evocative alt-Americana and indie rock sounds from Nashville’s own James Eichman.