Good morning, Bloomington.

Last Saturday, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County completed a five-day Blitz Build at its Osage Place development on the southwest side of Bloomington—west of Rockport and Rogers—to build five new net-zero houses as part of the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program with IU Kelley School of Business. The event marked the 250th home project in Habitat’s 37-year history and featured a ribbon-cutting with Emmanuel Ngongo Kanamuli, Onga Masumbuko, and their four children.

Polynesian musicians will bring Disney’s Moana to life at IU Auditorium on Oct.

24 (7:30 p.m.) with a live-to-film concert, while Amber Racoma and the Pacific Islander Student Association host a pre-show featuring hula and lei-making (tickets start at $20).

Bloomington Parks and Recreation invites local musicians and bands to apply for the 2026 Performing Arts Series that will bring free outdoor concerts to city parks.

Applications must be submitted online by Jan. 9, 2026 and a local jury will review acts for venues including Switchyard Park — Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park — Hopewell Commons — and Bryan Park.

An attorney for IDS co-editors said Media School administrators broke free speech rules by firing Director Jim Rodenbush on Oct.

14 and stopping print versions hours later after staff complained about covering only Homecoming. The lawyer’s letter—sent to IU President, Chancellor, and Media School Dean—says these actions break the First Amendment and a student media charter and asks for a meeting to find a way forward.

City officials and Flintlock LAB held a kickoff event Monday at City Hall to present plans for the Hopewell South neighborhood project, which will repurpose the former IU Bloomington Health Hospital site and aims to start building in June next year—three development concepts were shown that may include code changes to allow more homes. The city now must approve the plans and secure local developers before construction can begin.

On Saturday, Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns in a 38—13 win over Michigan State and called his teammates, including wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., the unsung heroes behind the team's success.

Mendoza, who holds high odds for the Heisman Trophy, said key plays from senior Elijah Sarratt and redshirt senior E.J. Williams Jr. helped boost the offense—fueling a 7-0 start and a number two national ranking.

Indiana men’s soccer forward Palmer Ault scored two goals against Kentucky on Oct.

14 and three against Hanover on Oct. 17, earning national Offensive Player of the Week and his third Big Ten Offensive Player honor—while freshman goalkeeper Judewellin Michel conceded one goal in 180 minutes to win Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti signed a new eight-year contract after a meeting with athletic director Scott Dolson; the deal provides a $500,000 base salary, retention bonuses with scheduled marketing payments, and detailed buyout clauses if he departs.

The agreement includes a $250,000 signing bonus and performance incentives for conference wins and playoff appearances — terms finalized within 36 to 48 hours that aim to keep the program competitive— and it was announced earlier this week.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti praised UCLA as a rejuvenated team during his remarks inside Memorial Stadium as preparations are underway for the upcoming game — he detailed the Bruins' new coaching staff and improved offensive and defensive stats.

Cignetti emphasized key figures like rushing yards and time of possession to underline why Indiana, despite being heavy favorites, respects their opponent's progress.

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.

Twitty and Lynn: A Tribute to Conway and Loretta

3-4:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Tickets required — Experience a heartfelt tribute as the grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn bring their grandparents' legendary country music to life.

IFS Informed EMDR Training

Nov 5-6 — IU Maurer School of Law — Registration required — A two-day training featuring EMDR through IFS lens with supervised practice exercises.

Darlin' Brando Concert Series

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $11.33 — Experience a night of live honky tonk music featuring Rikki Jean, Darlin' Brando, and West Fork Revival.

Jacobs Live at the Movies: The Wizard of Oz

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Indiana University Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the timeless classic 'The Wizard of Oz' with live orchestral accompaniment from talented IU musicians.

Life Science Industry Workshop and Poster Session

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Engage in learning and networking within the life sciences industry.

Vibration of Light Festival

6-9 p.m. — Switchyard Park — Cost info N/A — Experience a magical evening of cacao and sound healing for heart and spirit nourishment.