Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington Arts Commission & Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association have opened applications for the 2026 Arts Project Grants, supporting local public arts projects and school programs.

Applications are open through Thursday, April 23 and awards will be announced in June.

Lotus Education and Arts Foundation announced its 2026 Blossoms season, a four-week spring series featuring concerts, workshops and community events to bring global music and arts to south-central Indiana.

The lineup includes Enrique Chi’s Latin Grammy-nominated band and Violet Duncan and will feature an April 2 lantern workshop during IU First Thursday.

Gas prices have climbed nearly 70 cents from $2.80 a month ago as the Iran conflict disrupts oil markets, and economists warn rising energy costs may increase fuel, grocery, and shipping expenses.

Readers can expect more economic pressure if the situation continues.

A local guide helps students find off-campus housing by advising them to set plans for roommates, location, and budget before searching.

It lists online tools and IU resources including IU Classifieds and Student Legal Services, and urges planning early for housing in the upcoming academic year.

Concerned Scientists @ IU will host a candidate forum on science, technology and environmental policy on Tuesday, Apr.

14 at the Downtown Branch of the Monroe County Public Library (5:15–6:45 p.m.). Five candidates for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District will participate; the event is free and open to the public.

Bloomington residents can lower living costs by using coupons, planning meals, and shopping secondhand as suggested in the spring 2026 Housing and Living Guide.

These ideas offer simple ways to save money plus help stretch budgets amid rising living expenses.

Indiana University athletic director Scott Dolson was named NACDA Athletics Director of the Year and became the first from IU to win the honor; he will be honored on June 9 at the NACDA Convention in Las Vegas.

Indiana baseball finishes its four-game road trip today at Vanderbilt University’s Charles Hawkins Field in Nashville at 7 p.m. as the team aims to snap its three-game losing streak and gain momentum in midweek play.

Local readers can vote for the IU Health Herald-Times Readers Choice Boys Basketball Player of the Year as the poll remains open until Friday, Mar.

20 at noon. Nominees represent six high schools in the area.

David Pillar, a longtime IU men's official — who once coached at Bloomington North — will be honored with the Mildred Ball Award at the IBCA Clinic on April 23-24 at Mt. Vernon High School.

Spring Break Bash: Booze Hounds & Friends

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Celebrate Spring Break with bluegrass tunes from Booze Hounds, The Lowlanders, and Father Kentucky.

Spring Equinox Market

12-6 p.m. — Switchyard Park — Check out 41 fantasy, pagan, and nature-based vendors along with food trucks at this vibrant market.

Twin Talk // Fractured Performance

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Experience an evening of innovative jazz from local talents Kyle Quass, Brendan Keller-Tuberg, and Julian Douglas.

GRB Benefit Featuring Tipa Tipo and Amy O

5-8 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of music benefiting the community with local artists Tipa Tipo and Amy O.

Natalie Boeyink and IU JazzGirls Day Mentors Recital

7 p.m. — Ford-Crawford Hall — Reserve your seat now — Experience a breathtaking recital featuring Natalie Boeyink and talented IU JazzGirls Day mentors.

Master’s Recital featuring Nina Royston

3 PM — Ford-Crawford Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of live performing arts in a breathtaking recital by soprano Nina Royston.

Master’s Recital featuring Reagan Martin, Soprano

5 p.m. — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Tickets required — Experience the magic of a breathtaking recital performed by a talented soprano.

Mike Doughty Solo Tour

8-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ event — Experience stripped-down performances from the iconic voice of alternative music.

Senior Recital Featuring Connor Shimbashi on Tuba

1 p.m. — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Tickets required — Experience the magic of live performance with Connor Shimbashi's tuba recital.

Senior Recital – Eowyn Bakke, Horn

7 p.m. — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Ticket Purchase Required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Eowyn Bakke's horn recital in a breathtaking performance.