Good morning, Bloomington.

Unsealed court documents showed that FBI agents seized 42 items from former IU professor Xiaofeng Wang’s Carmel home—evidence connected to allegations of fraud and misconduct, while a change to the Child Care and Development Fund has put 29,052 local children on a waitlist.

Fire Station 3 reopened on IU’s campus with new upgrades, and IU’s all-male a cappella group now books more events after a viral TikTok video increased their exposure.

Bloomington Volunteer Network lists several ways for residents to support local services, with opportunities to join Skate & Scare at Frank Southern Ice Arena on Oct 18, lead Autism/Asperger’s group meetings at College Mall Food Court, serve as fair housing testers for FHCCI, or donate non-perishable food to Bobby's Pantry in Perry Township during office hours.

Cook Group will host a job fair at 750 Daniels Way on October 23 from 1 to 6 p.m.—applicants must bring a photo ID, contact details, work history, a current email address, and a high school diploma to apply for manufacturing assembler positions.

Qualified candidates will get a full interview, a tour of the facility, and may receive a job offer the same day with a starting wage of $16 per hour and benefits.

Connor Hitchcock, a 2016 IU Kelley School of Business alumnus and co-founder of Homefield, credited IU resources as key to building his collegiate apparel brand.

His company now sells licensed apparel for over 200 universities and opened its first brick-and-mortar store on Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington this fall—marking a full-circle moment for local entrepreneurship.

The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival returns on Oct 19 with a free performance and piano workshop at the Monroe County History Center and a ticketed concert at the FAR Center later that afternoon—its program also includes free concerts at local schools on Oct 20 to introduce young audiences to blues and boogie-woogie music. Organizer Craig Brenner has scaled back the event after a hiatus caused by post-Covid challenges and now relies on dedicated supporters to bring the festival back.

Bloomington Creative Glass Center workers and volunteers produced 1,626 glass pumpkins for preview events on October 3rd and 4th and for the public patch on October 11th—set up at the local center and Monroe County Courthouse lawn.

Bloomington Delta Music Club is a student group that holds jam sessions, socials, and shows to help music lovers form bands and learn by playing cover songs + build lasting connections.

The club will hold a Halloween showcase on Oct. 18 and plans a spring festival and fall Battle of the Bands that have led to bands like Always Late and The Free Riders + bring students together.

After a 4-2 win over Ohio State on Oct.10, No. 20 Indiana men’s soccer will face No. 19 Kentucky today in Lexington with kickoff at 7 p.m. Coach Todd Yeagley said the team must start fast—aiming for their sixth non-conference win to keep Big Ten tournament hopes alive.

Three former Indiana guards transferred to Big Ten teams as Gabe Cupps joined Ohio State, Myles Rice moved to Maryland, and Bryson Tucker headed to Washington.

Their moves were confirmed during Media Days on October 9 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center as head coach Darian DeVries rebuilds the team.

Readers can vote for the IU Health Herald-Times Football Player of the Week until Thursday at noon for performances on Oct.

10. Nominees include South QB Duncan Combs (who threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns in a 38 to 7 win), North WR Blake Davis, North LB Noah Ferree and South CB Liam Moore.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said during Monday’s team meeting—held after the Hoosiers recorded a 30-20 win over Oregon—that the team must rip off the rearview mirror and focus on Michigan State.

He stressed that each Big Ten game demands full focus and strict discipline as the team builds on their success.

Voting is now open for IU Health Herald-Times Athlete of the Week covering Oct.6-11 as nominees from North, South, Edgewood, Eastern Greene — and Owen Valley are listed, and the poll will close Thursday, Oct.16 at noon.

Last week's winner — Taylor Helbert from Lighthouse Christian volleyball who received 42.9% of the vote — sets the bar for local athletes in this high school sports contest.

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.