Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
Good morning, Bloomington.
This weekend, Bloomington hosts several events during homecoming — the Hoosier Hills Food Bank book fair runs at Monroe County Fairgrounds from Thursday through Tuesday, 'Halloween' plays Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and trunk or treat begins Saturday at 6 p.m. A free workshop and concert by Bloomington Boogies at Monroe County History Center and FAR Center, plus a birthday party for Bloomington Farm Stop from noon to 6 p.m., round out the community activities.
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County is hosting the 15th annual Whirlpool Habitat Build in the Osage Place neighborhood starting today, where IU Kelley School students and Whirlpool employees will volunteer to frame five energy-efficient homes.
The event—funded by the Whirlpool Foundation’s BuildBetter program—also includes a public celebration on Oct. 18 and will provide a home for a local family of refugees.
Sobremesa Farm has launched the Growing New Farmers in New Lands program to offer a 10-week paid internship that teaches refugee growers regenerative agriculture and business skills.
A Mexican Farm Feast — featuring a farm tour at 5 p.m. and a Tlaxcala dinner at 6 p.m. prepared by chef Irad Santacruz — will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 to raise funds for the project.
Freedoms Under Assault, a documentary critiquing IU administration, debuted on Sunday at Buskirk-Chumley Theater and showed archival footage and interviews that captured events like a protest and audience reactions (with applause for former President Herman B Wells and boos for President Pamela Whitten). The filmmakers, Jacky Comforty and Robert Arnove, raised about $16,000 and plan to complete the film for wider distribution.
Indiana University ordered the Indiana Daily Student to stop printing after firing adviser Jim Rodenbush for refusing to remove news content—university officials said the change will shift resources to digital platforms amid financial challenges.
The paper will continue publishing news online while disputes over special edition guidelines remain unresolved.
Bloomington earned a two-year Bird Town recertification from Indiana Audubon—thanks to strong efforts by the city, Monroe County, and local conservation partners to improve urban forestry and bird habitats.
The recertification highlights ongoing projects that expand native plantings and safe building retrofits for birds.
Bloomington’s annual Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide awareness will take place this Sunday at Switchyard Park starting at 2 p.m.—the 1.68-mile route will feature an Honor Bead Ceremony and a Loss and Healing Tent with AFSP and local crisis support.
The free event welcomes participants and donations to fund educational resources and mental health services.
Indiana football linebacker Isaiah 'Bones' Jones became a key player for the Hoosiers after a back surgery changed his game — he earned his nickname from coach Bryant Haines and now plays at all three linebacker spots.
He made major plays in wins against Iowa and Oregon and is rising as a leader since signing with IU in 2022.
Indiana football's 30-20 win over Oregon on Saturday, Oct.
11 drew high TV ratings for CBS Sports — the game averaged 5.59 million viewers and peaked at 8.36 million — making it the network's most-watched Week 7 contest since a 2022 matchup.
No. 14 Indiana men’s soccer returned to strong defense in a 2—1 win over No. 25 Kentucky at Wendell — Vickie Bell Soccer Complex on Tuesday night, as freshman goalkeeper Judewellin Michel made key saves in the final minutes.
Several returning defenders played a major role, marking Indiana’s first game with one goal allowed since Sept. 23.
Indiana football earned its first road win over a top five team on Oct.
11 with a score of 30—20 that boosted the Hoosiers to a historic No. 3 ranking. IDS reporters shared their views on the team's strong plays and defense challenges ahead of the Homecoming game against Michigan State on Oct. 18 at Memorial Stadium.
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.
Junior Brown Concert
4-10 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sounds of Junior Brown, blending country, blues, and Hawaiian steel guitar.
The Castellows Live Performance
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with gospel and bluegrass melodies from The Castellows, a rising local music group.
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