Good morning, Bloomington.

The Beacon Center broke ground Tuesday afternoon on West 3rd Street to replace the aging Shalom Center on Walnut Street—its new building will offer permanent and temporary housing, healthcare services and employment resources, supported by nearly $5 million raised from over 300 donors. Former Beacon client Christi Mathis attended the event and praised the center as a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness in Bloomington and Monroe County.

Bloomington hosts a busy fall weekend of events—today the Back Door presents the Cat’s Closet drag show 'HISSTERIA' at 9 p.m. to benefit Greene County Humane Society and IU Cinema will show a free screening of 'Daughters of the Dust' Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday offers a yard sale at Monroe County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Makevention at Switchyard Park Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—and a world music Family Night at Morgenstern Books at 6 p.m.

Neighbors and admirers rallied to help longtime Bloomington artist Joel Washington avoid eviction after a year of health issues kept him from working, raising over $19,000 toward a $22,000 goal through a GoFundMe campaign led by local organizer Ella Flynn.

His art is known locally and abroad and nearly 300 donations show the community’s support—keeping his home secure amid rising costs.

Bloomington’s Troyer Central at 4863 W.

Vernal Pike will close as Raydia Food Group shuts down operations at several sites, affecting the local supply to restaurants, schools and institutions. The facility will remain open until inventory is depleted or through November—layoffs are expected for longtime employees.

Today, the 32nd Lotus World Music & Arts Festival opened in Bloomington as 20 performers begin a four-day event with shows at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Sixth Street, Waldron Arts Center and First Christian Church—Saturday dance workshops from noon to 4 p.m. will offer lessons in cumbia, salsa, swing and cajun music.

IU alumnus Craig Franke returns as lead in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon at IU Auditorium with shows on Oct.

3 (8 p.m.) and Oct. 4 (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.). Each performance will have a free pre-show talk one hour ahead, led by IU assistant professor Richard Roland in the Fine Arts Building Room 015.

Former IU trustee Vivian Winston criticized IU President Pamela Whitten and the governing board on September 24 at the Bloomington Press Club, saying secretive policy changes and tough post-tenure review rules drove top professors away—making it harder to recruit new talent.

She warned that without more shared decision-making, IU’s academic strength is at risk—leaving the university vulnerable to competition.

Tuesday night, Monroe County council discussed the 2026 budget — approving overtime restrictions for Oct 5 while delaying a hiring freeze and plans to review minimum fund balances.

They raised mold concerns in the justice building and considered issuing $6 million in GO bonds, with a public hearing set for Sept 30 and a final vote on Oct 14.

The USDA announced it will end collecting data on food insecurity, leaving Indiana groups such as Gleaners without a key tool to allocate food aid.

Leaders say the change will make it harder to measure need and plan services as they call for Congress to reverse the decision.

Indiana women's basketball secured a verbal commitment from 4-star combo guard Gigi Battle on Sept.

24 — Battle is ranked 38th among the 2026 recruits and averaged 16.3 points at DME Academy in Florida, making her the fourth commitment for the team.

Bloomington high schools released Week 5 football stats showing standout numbers from teams like South, North, Edgewood, Eastern Greene and Owen Valley.

Duncan Combs (South) threw for 801 yards while Braylen Townsend (South) ran for 643 yards as players posted competitive marks in scoring and defense.

Bloomington South football beat Terre Haute South 49—14 on Sept.

10th, with Shaun Cooper scoring five touchdowns and the Panthers posting a dominant performance.

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival

11:59 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket required — Experience exceptional talent and celebrate world cultures at this annual arts festival.

The Brook & The Bluff Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Bluebird — Tickets available — Experience expertly crafted songs and sublime musicianship from Nashville-based band The Brook & The Bluff.

American Aquarium Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticketed event — Experience the commitment of American Aquarium as they showcase their latest album.

S. Carey Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — Ticketed event — Experience the soothing sounds of S. Carey in an intimate Bloomington venue.

Paint the Town Pink

2-8 p.m. — Switchyard Park — Free entry — Celebrate breast cancer awareness with a month-long community initiative featuring local support services and activities.

Bloomington IN Wool & Fiber Festival

Fri 9 a.m. – Sat 4 p.m. — Monroe County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with vendors showcasing wool and fiber arts at this delightful festival.

Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K

5K Run/Walk — Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN — Registration fees vary — Participate in one of Indiana's oldest and largest runs to support cancer programs.

Developing Capable Young People Training Program

10 PM — Renwick Village Center Holding — Openings available — Program aimed at empowering parents and professionals to positively influence youth in the community.

Southern Culture on the Skids Concert

8:00–11:30 PM — The Bishop Bar — 18+ event — Experience a legendary band with their unique blend of rock, surf, and country for a foot-stomping night.

Orbit #7: Mama Said String Band and Ditch Tea Steepers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Enjoy an evening of grassroots tunes from Mama Said String Band and Ditch Tea Steepers.