Good morning, Bloomington.

Local potters gathered at Pottery House Studio Wednesday to craft coil and square soup-bowls for the 32nd Soup Bowl Benefit.

They will return in two weeks to glaze their bowls, with most set for donation Feb.-22 at the Monroe County Convention Center.

Women-owned teahouse Kabul Corner opened in December at 305 E.

Third St. in Bloomington, where owner Nargis Orokzai serves Afghan teas, baked pastries, dried fruits, nuts and ornate rugs and plans to expand the menu and partner with DoorDash while remaining the shop's sole employee.

On Feb. 5, 2026, CDFI Friendly Bloomington launched a $50K loan program with Allies for Community Business to help local entrepreneurs in the Urban Enterprise Zone and revealed a $2.25M credit line backed by Old National Bank, German American Bank & First Financial Bank to support projects in 13 counties.

IU fashion students are turning trash into art as they prepare submissions due Feb.

16 for the annual Trashion Refashion Runway Show. The event will take place at Buskirk-Chumley Theater on April 12 - it supports The Center for Sustainable Living.

IU alumnus Dominic Pagliaro will return to IU Auditorium for the Tony — award-winning musical “Kinky Boots” on Feb.

10 and Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. IU Provost Brenda R. Weber will lead a pre-show talk on the musical’s history and themes before the performances begin.

IU football boosted business this winter with increased sales, hotel stays and dining visits downtown as local leaders celebrated a strong Town and Gown partnership.

Darn Good Soup and Japones among other businesses are set to open soon while projects like the Convention Center and Trades District progress.

Rahul Shrivastav is leaving his role as provost to take an interim vice president position for student success while John Ciorciari is named interim provost to lead academic operations.

The university announced the leadership changes to ensure clarity and confidence in campus administration.

Amplify Bloomington launched as a civic platform led by former mayor John Fernandez to unite local tech + startup talent and boost innovation.

Yesterday, former Congressman Lee Hamilton died at 94 while city leaders advanced Hopewell South rezoning and debated a host hotel letter of intent at a county meeting.

Bloomington will host a free public learning event on small-scale development from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb.

12 in the Council Chambers at City Hall (401 N. Morton St.). City officials say the lecture by Eric Kronberg will explain the new approach for Hopewell at the former IU Health site.

Researchers at IU's Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center use the CD3A initiative to advance early-stage cancer treatments from lab to clinical trials, creating startup companies from over 50 projects — a program that will move five drugs through FDA filing over the next several years.

Former Indiana basketball star Trayce Jackson-Davis was traded Wednesday evening from the Golden State Warriors to the Toronto Raptors (exchanged for a second-round pick).

The Center Grove native played 36 games this season (averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds).

The Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2026 — honoring six athletes, two coaches, two contributors, and two pioneers — with an induction ceremony scheduled for Friday, July 24 at the Bloomington Convention Center.

Indiana men’s soccer signed five freshman players to join the program in the fall; recruits include two forwards, two defenders and Westfield native goalkeeper Ryan Hunsucker, as announced by Indiana Athletics on Thursday.

Indiana Vintage Market

All day — Monroe Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover unique treasures and vintage finds at this beloved market event.

Bloomington Polar Plunge

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Indiana University Memorial Stadium — Check website for registration details — Take the plunge to support Special Olympics athletes in a thrilling and chilly challenge.

The World According to Sound

7-9 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Experience a unique sonic journey that transforms academic inquiry into immersive soundscapes.

American Pirates Album Release

8-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $11.33 — Experience a surreal night of music with American Pirates and enjoy Food and Folklore.

Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Women's Basketball

1-3 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Affordable tickets available — Don't miss this exciting clash between the Ducks and Hoosiers in a thrilling women's basketball showdown.

Laid Back Country Picker Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $24.72 — Enjoy an evening of good music and a friendly atmosphere with Laid Back Country Picker and The Hammer and the Hatchet.

Sword II Live Concert

9:00 – 11:00 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — Tickets on sale now — Experience the thrilling live performance of Sword II in Bloomington for their first time ever.

Brass Band Concert with Nick Hinman

8 p.m. — Auer Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of a breathtaking orchestral performance led by conductor Nick Hinman.

feeble little horse Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — Tickets available now — Experience the unique sounds of feeble little horse live in concert.

Shamrock Shuffle 5K

9 AM – 1 PM — Monroe County Fairgrounds — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive 5K Run/Walk.