Good morning, Bloomington.

First Financial will host its annual food drive in Bloomington as it collects canned goods and other nonperishable food items during October at its branches (536 N.

College Ave. and 3205 E. Third St.). Donations will be given to local groups after the drive ends.

The Bentley Court Community Association is building a half-acre wildlife corridor along Winslow Road using native plants, funded by local grants and resident volunteers.

The project—started on Sept. 24—will include educational signage and a bench to extend the corridor near Sherwood Oaks.

Indiana University students run a Survivor club that hosts immunity challenges and tribal councils across campus; Season 6 episodes are on YouTube and Season 7 filming began on Sept.

27 and will run until roughly April 19, providing castaways a chance to build community.

Two new local eateries launched today at 208 N.

Walnut and 2640 E. 10th, offering ramen at Lucky Bowl & Tea and over 20 ice cream flavors at Crimson Scoops. Meanwhile, the Hoosier Hanks on College Mall Road and Sixth closed with Bucceto's set to reopen on Sixth.

The Bloomington Music Expo will run on Oct.

3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St, featuring 28 vendors offering records, CDs, and memorabilia; admission is $2 at the door (children 12 and under free).

Indiana University surpassed $1 billion in research expenditures in fiscal year 2026 with $869.6 million in sponsored awards and record NIH funding.

The milestone reinforces robust local partnerships that will boost innovation and economic opportunity.

Bill Garrett Fieldhouse reopened Aug.

24 after a two-year renovation that added an ADA compliant entrance, elevator, updated gym equipment and refinished basketball courts. The facility is open daily and new digital screens and branding will be installed over winter break — keeping the space modern and welcoming.

IU enrollment changed little this fall, with fewer Monroe County students and a growing concentration on the Bloomington campus at nearly 54% while fully online course enrollments increased 25% in one year (reflecting a shifting student mix).

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act on Sept.

28 by a vote of 77 to 22, setting federal rules for college athlete compensation, transfers and eligibility. Indiana Senator Todd Young backed changes addressing Big Ten concerns — the bill now goes to the House and awaits the president’s signature.

Monday at Switchyard Park, parks director Tim Street explained that Bloomington is reworking its capital plan to review bonds, a $200K planning grant and a potential $10M grant — with proposals to upgrade pools, the ice arena and pickleball courts, and possibly sell the downtown property.

Thirty-three property sales were reported in Bloomington, including one sale of more than 100 properties (totaling $73,550,000) as recorded by the Monroe County Assessor's Office.