Today
in Bloomington
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington announced local historian Elizabeth Mitchell as the 2026 Living Legend for Black History Month; the gala honoring her is set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at Woolery Mill and will celebrate her 50+ years of preserving community history. City of Bloomington
- ➤ Local volunteer opportunities include MLK 40 Days of Peace projects (running until Feb. 29), applications for the MLK Birthday Celebration Commission meeting monthly at City Hall, and virtual board membership for Tandem Birth Center, plus in-kind support for adult learners through VITAL. The Herald-Times
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new article explains how Bloomington programs and local ventures help student clubs and startups build strong brands that rely on authentic storytelling and clear values – a strategy seen in examples like Upland Brewing Company and Townee guiding emerging entrepreneurs. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ R.P. Lumber acquired century-old Bender Lumber on Feb. 13, adding eight Indiana locations to its 99-store network across seven states while keeping more than 100 employees on the job and planning community events at each store. The Herald-Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The late Rev. Jesse Jackson (who died Feb. 16) delivered his keynote at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater during Bloomington’s 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration, urging locals to live King’s legacy by fighting economic unfairness and using football analogies to explain equal opportunity. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The African American Choral Ensemble (AACE) celebrates its 50th anniversary by reuniting 100 alumni and current members for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Musical Arts Center, where they will honor their rich history with digital footage and alumni favorites. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ IU trustees will hold their first public meeting of the year Friday at 8 a.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis to vote on rescinding diversity committees' authorization, adopting the Chicago Principles on free speech, and considering a contract amendment for President Pamela Whitten. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ The City Council’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee is accepting applications for $500,000 to support local nonprofits. Applicants can attend a technical assistance meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26 and must apply by Tuesday, Mar. 10. City of Bloomington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Medical offices in Bloomington that accept Medicaid include IU Health Bloomington Hospital, HealthNet Bloomington Health Center (open weekdays with varying hours), and WellNow Urgent Care. Patients should verify specific plan acceptance and operating times by calling each facility before visiting. Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football has signed returning quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri on a two-year deal paying $650,000 then $900,000 and new director of athletic performance Tyson Brown on a three-year contract starting at $800,000 + annual raises, with more staff contracts planned soon. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti addressed students at IU Auditorium Tuesday night, praising record fan support and outlining plans to rebuild the foundation as the team prepares for the 2026 season kickoff on Sept. 5. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington North, South and Edgewood swimmers will compete at the Columbus North Sectional with preliminaries at 6 p.m. Thursday and finals on Saturday; diving starts at 9 a.m. and swimming finals at 1 p.m.—all teams vie for state final berths. The Herald-Times
- ➤ IU Health has launched its Athlete of the Week poll for Feb. 9-14 featuring local high school nominees. Last week's winner, Matt Tierney, led with 68% of votes and readers may vote until Thursday, Feb. 19 at noon. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, fresh off Indiana’s national championship and his Davey O’Brien Award, is shifting his focus to an NFL career as he prepares for the NFL combine and draft. Mendoza said he has always aimed to play professional football. WTHR
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shamrock Shuffle 5K
9 AM – 1 PM — Monroe County Fairgrounds — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive 5K Run/Walk.
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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.
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Brownstone Midwest Supper Club: Dr. Allon Friedman
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Lennie's Brewpub — Cost varies — Engage in vibrant conversation and enjoy a talk on the state of medicine.
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Master’s Recital – Carl Ek, Clarinet
5 PM — Ford-Crawford Hall — Ticket purchase required — Experience an enchanting evening of live clarinet performance.
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Junior Recital – Allison Sharp, Soprano
7 PM — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Ticketed entry — Experience the breathtaking performance of soprano Allison Sharp at this enchanting junior recital.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
~ Mark Caine
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