Good morning, Bloomington.

More than $800,000 was awarded on August 11 by the Irsay family's Kicking the Stigma Action Grant Program—launched to end mental health stigma—to 18 nonprofits and organizations in Indiana.

The grants support therapy, counseling and suicide prevention services, including funding for Bloomington’s IU Foundation Perinatal Mental Health Initiative, and $7.2 million has been granted since 2020.

Claire's filed for its second bankruptcy on August 6th and will close 18 Claire's and Icing stores on Sept.

7 while listing over 1,100 stores as potential closures and seeking a buyer for about 800 remaining locations. The retailer has struggled with fast fashion competition, high rent and tariffs (including those from China) and may shut down all locations if a sale is not completed quickly.

On Aug.6th a 25-year-old Maryland man led police on a high-speed chase in a gray Infiniti from south of Bloomington to Martinsville—he drove at over 130 mph, nearly caused a crash, showed signs of intoxication with a BAC of 0.155, and was found with an illegal ghost gun before officers stopped him using tire deflation devices.

Indiana University students are moving into residence halls for the 2025–26 school year; most IU Bloomington students will check in at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on August 19 and 20 while first-year IU Indianapolis students will begin moving in on August 16 and 17.

All students must bring a photo ID for check-in and then move to their assigned housing before classes start on August 25.

The City of Bloomington Utilities has proposed a rate change to fund upgrades including improvements at Monroe Water Treatment Plant—efforts needed to keep water reliable—and a new service center to meet higher demand.

The proposal will be discussed at public meetings from Aug. 25 to Sept. 8 before it is sent to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for final approval and may take effect in mid-to-late 2026.

Cook Medical launched its new Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging division in Bloomington to create devices that give doctors real‑time images for quicker diagnosis and treatment.

Division leader Peter Polverini said the team—of fewer than 30 people—is working with Indiana University to train MRI technicians for future needs in pediatric cardiology and cancer care.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said that injuries sidelined defensive starters during Saturday's scrimmage and forced shifts in player positions.

He noted that Hardy returned to practice today after a groin injury—Ferrell, who missed most of the week due to a family loss, and Ponds, who tweaked his ankle, are also expected to compete for starting spots as the season begins.

Indiana men's soccer lost forwards Sam Sarver, Tommy Mihalic and Justin Weiss last offseason, leaving junior Collins Oduro as the only returning starter.

Coach Todd Yeagley said senior Palmer Ault is expected to lead the attack — with new players like Michael Nesci, Easton Bogard, Clay Murador and freshman Colton Swan adding depth — as the team adjusts after its exhibition game Monday.

Coach Curt Cignetti said on Monday he supports safety Louis Moore, who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after his waiver for an extra year was denied—Moore practices with the team but his role for the season starting on August 25 remains uncertain as he awaits a temporary restraining order hearing this week.

Cooper Alan Concert

5:45-8:30 p.m. — The Bluebird — Cost details not provided — Experience Cooper Alan showcasing his new EP and fresh country tunes.

Thunderstruck: AC/DC Tribute

9-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying tribute to AC/DC with classic hits and high-energy performances.

BLS Training Course

5-7:30 p.m. — Stone Belt Arc — Certification cost with fees — Enhance your healthcare skills with this essential BLS training course from the American Heart Association.

2025 Indiana Hoosiers Football Season Tickets

12:55 – 2:25 PM — Indiana University Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Secure your season tickets for an exciting Indiana Hoosiers football season.

Bloomington Indiana Amazing Race & Tour

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen — Ticket per person — Explore Bloomington through a fun scavenger hunt filled with wacky tasks and local surprises.

Northern Kentucky Norse at Indiana Hoosiers Women's Volleyball

10-11:30 a.m. — Wilkinson Hall — VIP tickets available — Cheer on the Hoosiers in an exciting collegiate volleyball matchup.

Edgewood Dollars for Scholars 5K

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Edgewood Intermediate School — Registration fee applies — Participate in a 5K run/walk to support scholarship funds for local high school seniors.

Dummy Album Release Show

7 PM – 1 AM — The Bishop Bar — Ticket prices to be announced — Celebrate Dummy's new album with live performances by them and Good Flying Birds.

Daniel Villarreal Trio Performance

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Enjoy an evening of music with the Daniel Villarreal Trio featuring special guests.

People Watching Book Tour with Chloe Liese & Jillian Meadows

6-8 p.m. — Morgenstern Books & Café — Click here for tickets — Celebrate the release of ‘People Watching’ with authors Hannah Bonam-Young, Chloe Liese, and Jillian Meadows.