Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington food banks are bracing for record demand after benefits cuts and rising living costs triggered by recent SNAP & Medicaid changes.

Agencies report an 11% increase in households served so far this year and local groups plan to expand services as calls for help grow.

On Oct. 8, rising fuel prices and high housing costs pressured local leaders to reexamine spending—officials rejected a $2.5 million cut and held $5.5 million in housing appropriations for later review as state tax changes and global market forces affected worker raises.

Indiana University awarded six research teams funding for biotechnology projects aimed at defense applications – including battlefield wound care, biological threat detection and renewable adhesives – on Oct.

8 at IU Indianapolis. The research aims to boost federal funding efforts and enhance IU's capacity in biotechnology.

A new U.S. Department of Education rule requires universities to show their graduates earn more than high school diploma holders or risk losing federal student loans and Pell Grant eligibility (earnings are measured four years after graduation).

Indiana schools, including IU, may face changes starting in the 2027-28 award year.

Rahul Shrivastav officially takes on the role of IU vice president for student success, having served in an interim capacity since February.

His new duties include overseeing enrollment & student support and using technology to better prepare students for careers shaped by artificial intelligence.

Monroe County council approved a funding change Tuesday, Oct.

6 that shifts its public-health emergency preparedness coordinator from state funding to the county Health Fund to avoid immigration checks during crises. Officials said the move will allow the position to serve all residents.

The City of Bloomington is accepting applications for a Violence Reduction Grant program that offers up to $150,000 for community projects to reduce violence.

Eligible nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and faith communities must apply by Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. for grants up to $30,000 each.

A local columnist outlines a day in Bloomington with breakfast at Bloomington Bagel Company & coffee at Hopscotch, a hike at Griffy Lake, and a stroll on Kirkwood Avenue.

The column recommends a picnic at Cascades Park or dinner and local entertainment at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Indiana men’s soccer will host Hanover for senior night on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

The Hoosiers will honor twelve seniors by rotating bench players while Hanover—underdogs with improved form—seeks a rebound in their final nonconference game.

Coach Teri Moren took responsibility for past missteps by revamping the locker room culture (bringing in four veteran transfers and starting biweekly team meetings) to prepare IU for Big Ten play.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said the league will schedule tougher non-conference football games once a 24-team playoff is in place, aiming to boost competition for fans and student-athletes.

Indiana’s athletic director and coach back the shift, noting recent easier schedules have drawn criticism.

No. 15 Indiana volleyball faced No. 1 Nebraska at Wilkinson Hall on Thursday, tallying 34 kills across three sets but ultimately losing due to service errors + miscommunications.

Head coach Steve Aird said the team will work to improve as they prepare to play USC at 2 p.m. Sunday.