Good morning, Bloomington.

Community members gathered at the Conrad Prebys Amphitheater to hold a vigil for Gaza victims and lay handmade poppies with names of those killed.

Seven speakers shared poems and stories while people lit candles and observed a moment of silence—each poppy honoring a life lost.

Indiana University researchers in Bloomington studied how birds reacted during the April 8 eclipse by using a free app called SolarBird—nearly 11,000 observations and sound recordings showed many birds sang as if it were dawn.

Last Saturday, Indiana Solar for All installed its 50th free solar panel system in a Habitat neighborhood on West Moravec Way—north of The Rev.

Ernest D. Butler Park and south of the B-Line Trail. The project at Amy Fender’s home was celebrated with a potluck block party and volunteer work.

Local elected officials and community groups are hopeful about a Gaza ceasefire—expected within 24 hours after a government meeting Thursday evening—and call for lasting peace through humanitarian aid and security commitments.

They urged both parties to honor the agreements made after the conflict erupted on Oct. 7.

City of Bloomington’s ITS Department awarded $55,000 in Digital Opportunity Grants to 14 local nonprofits on October 9 to boost digital access in the community—this sixth-year program received its largest application pool yet and supports projects that expand broadband, digital skills, and device access locally.

At a special meeting on October 8, the Monroe County council reversed last week’s unanimous decision and reinstated longevity pay for county employees in 2026 after receiving feedback from workers and the public mic, voting 5—2.

The council also shifted budget items to help offset a $3.8-million deficit and will continue discussing adjustments at the budget adoption meeting on October 14.

Bloomington’s Planning and Transportation Department will host public open house meetings on Tuesday, Oct.

28 and Thursday, Oct. 30 at City Hall—gathering feedback on improvements for the College and Walnut corridor to boost safety and economic growth. City staff will also hold pop-up events from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, and residents may submit comments online from Oct. 28 to Nov. 27.

Indiana field hockey is set to play No. 14 Rutgers today at noon at Deborah Tobias Field in Bloomington after an 0-2 start in Big Ten play.

The Hoosiers will travel to Oxford to face No. 18 Miami on Monday—aiming to turn their season around with a strong showing in both games.

First-year coach Darian DeVries said the Indiana-Purdue rivalry is a key part of college basketball — he is preparing the team as Indiana will host Purdue on Jan.

27 and visit Purdue on Feb. 20.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti praised Oregon quarterback Dante Moore for his strong play yet warned that his inexperience may lead to mistakes—Indiana plans to use its powerful defensive line against him at Autzen Stadium on Saturday.

The Hoosiers aim to pressure Moore in the trenches to create opportunities for an upset win.

Indiana basketball coach Darian DeVries said the team will not have a full roster until December—four players are still recovering from lower body injuries and only Nick Dorn is nearly cleared.

The coach noted that limited 5-on-5 practice has required more drill work to prepare the team for their season-opener against Alabama A&M.

Indiana women's basketball coach Teri Moren is taking a more active role by joining workouts to work directly with new players and build stronger connections while shifting game planning to assistant Ali Patberg—she aims to support the team as they adjust to many new faces this season.

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.

Orbit's 7th Anniversary Celebration

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Celebrate Orbit's 7th anniversary with great live performances from local favorites.

Marian Knights vs. Indiana Hoosiers Basketball Exhibition

1-4 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling collegiate basketball as Marian Knights face off against the Hoosiers.

ORBIT#7: Live Music Showcase

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Celebrate the Orbit 7 Year Anniversary with live performances from Amy O, Jessica Risker, and Lacey Guthrie.

Jonathan Biss Concert

2-4 p.m. — Auer Hall — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a captivating performance featuring works by Timo Andres and Beethoven with the Indiana University Chamber Orchestra.

Recital at Indiana University featuring Itamar Zorman and pianist Sung-Mi Im

8-9 p.m. — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Admission details TBA — Experience a blend of Mozart, Bach, and Brahms in this promising violin and piano recital.

Indiana Connected Educators Conference 2025

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington — Check event page for cost — Empowering educators with exciting sessions and surprises for an epic day of learning.

Mitski: The Land

6:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket info available online — Experience the cinematic adaptation of Mitski's extraordinary live performance bringing her acclaimed album to the big screen.

The Vulgar Boatmen Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music with The Vulgar Boatmen in Bloomington.

Jeff Darren Muse at Bloomington Book Festival

4-5 p.m. — The Mill — Free entry — Celebrate literacy and engage with local authors as Jeff Darren Muse shares his journey and writings.