Good morning, Bloomington.

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission approved Sycamore Land Trust’s Barnebey Woods in Owen County as a state-dedicated nature preserve Friday, protecting 141.5-acre of mature forest noted for old-growth beech trees, streams, and wildlife corridors while keeping the site closed to the public.

Former EPA administrators Gina McCarthy and Janet McCabe addressed about 100 attendees Thursday at IU Maurer School of Law about the U.S. role in global climate efforts + local environmental initiatives.

They discussed the Paris Agreement and Inflation Reduction Act, stressing local government’s duty for clean air and community needs.

Indiana basketball will face Wisconsin at noon today at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington; the Hoosiers, coming off a loss to USC, aim to rebound as Wisconsin (winning seven of their last eight games) visits with strong momentum.

Bloomington South beat Bloomington North 54-45 in a Class 4A girls basketball sectional semifinal played Friday at Terre Haute North & will face Terre Haute South on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the finals.

Edgewood girls swim team set two school records and earned 15 finals spots in prelims at East Central on Thursday, Feb.

5. Senior Ellie Vagedes led with a record 59.33 in the 100 butterfly ahead of finals today at 1 p.m.

Bloomington North beat Edgewood (52-50) after senior Ka'Mareon Washington made two key 3-pointers in the final minute.

His shots helped secure a narrow win in a rivalry game where his brother played for the Mustangs.

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.

Bloomington Symphony Orchestra: Between Silence and Strauss

5-8 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Children FREE, Students $16, Adults $29 — Experience an evening of classical music featuring soloist Shawn Tairyu Head and award-winning performers.