Good morning, Bloomington.

Local Halloween events offer family treats, haunted mazes, cemetery tours, horror films & a Pumpkin Launch through Oct.

31 in Bloomington and Elletsville. Families can check local sources for times and details.

The 33rd annual Lotus Festival, held Oct.

1 to 4, 2026, turned downtown into a global stage with over 40 performances in six venues and a tribute to co-founder Williams— a key founder — at Sunday’s final concert. Volunteers kept the event running smoothly while diverse cultures shared art.

People & Animal Learning Services held an open house on Oct.

3 to debut its new equine facility after its main barn was destroyed in a 2025 tornado.

On Sept. 28, Parks and Recreation presented an Investment Priorities Plan to use $17 million for repairs and upgrades at parks, trails and sports facilities.

Residents can review the plan and submit feedback by Oct. 18 to influence projects — chiefly upgrades at Bryan Park Pool and Winslow Sports Park.

Monroe County health department inspected 92 retail food establishments in August and found that 70 had no violations, 11 had a core violation, and 4 had a priority violation; the county now updates a map-based interface that displays inspection reports on a rolling basis.

No. 2 Indiana men’s soccer will host 1-win Kentucky at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

Indiana, with an unbeaten record, aims to press its strong defense against Kentucky — a team seeking its first win this season.

Indiana men's basketball held its annual Cream and Crimson Scrimmage Friday (new transfers showed off their skills) and the team is preparing for an exhibition against Butler on Oct.

11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Indiana football will face Nebraska at noon Saturday.

Coach Curt Cignetti said former Virginia QB Anthony Colandrea (a senior with UNLV experience and an undefeated record in five games) will challenge the Hoosiers’ defense with his dual-threat skills.

Over the weekend, Indiana women’s tennis claimed the singles title at the Hoosier Classic at IU Tennis Center against seven schools — they will next compete at the ITA Regional Championships in Mason starting Oct.

8, with Sectional events beginning Nov. 5.

High school soccer sectionals run from Monday, Oct.

5 to Saturday, Oct. 10 at venues (including Mooresville, Northview and Bloomington North). Check the blog for daily updates on matchups for girls and boys as postseason play unfolds.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said the No. 5 Hoosiers are preparing for a tough game against the undefeated Nebraska team in an upcoming matchup that will test their strength & focus.

D3 Club Hockey at IU fell to Notre Dame 5-4 on Oct.

4 at Frank Southern Ice Arena in Bloomington. After a tie by the second period, ND scored the winning goal in the third—showing the team’s struggle to control the game.

Herald-Times has launched the Athlete of the Week poll for Sept.

28-Oct. 3, and voters can support standout nominees from local high schools including North, South, Edgewood, and more until Thursday, Oct. 8 at noon. Last week's winner, Tye Voss of Owen Valley, won with 45.3% of the vote.