Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. WRTV
- ➤ 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. The Herald-Times
- ➤ 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. The Bloomingtonian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Bloomingtonian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ 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. Indiana Daily Student
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Bloomingtonian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 B Square Bulletin
- ➤ 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. WTHR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Herald-Times
- ➤ 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. The Herald-Times
- ➤ 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. The Herald-Times
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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.
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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.
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American Aquarium Live Concert
8-10 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticketed event — Experience the commitment of American Aquarium as they showcase their latest album.
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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.
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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.
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Healing Art Show 2025
5 PM — Indiana University Bloomington — Free entry — Explore a diverse array of artwork showcasing healing and creativity in a community-focused setting.
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Jiaoying Summers Live
7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Comedy Attic — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of bold and personal comedy with rapid-rising star Jiaoying Summers.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your calendar reflects your priorities better than your Twitter feed.
~ James Clear
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