Today
in Bloomington
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington offers local outdoor escapes in Monroe County with options like Griffy Lake for hiking, fishing and boating + Lower Cascades Park for picnicking and play, Monroe Lake's beaches available from Memorial Day to Labor Day and scenic trails at Cedar Bluff and the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ On March 17, a local hiker explored 4 miles of the rugged 10-mile Low Gap Trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest (24,000 acres amid steep hardwoods) near Martinsville, enjoying cool weather and scenic backcountry views. The forest also features concurrent Tecumseh and Rock Shelter trails along old gravel roads and switchbacks. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington now accepts 2026 SEEL grant applications offering up to $25K for energy upgrades like solar panels, LED lighting, and battery storage for small businesses, nonprofits, and schools. Applications are rolling, and a webinar is set for March 26 from noon to 1 p.m. The Herald-Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield invested $100,000 in the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana on March 17 to expand women’s health programs and support maternal care at Tandem Postpartum House in Bloomington (the partnership allocated $25,000 to the Women in Health Giving Collaborative and $75,000 to local microgrants). The Herald-Times
- ➤ A local columnist explains how home workouts help busy college students maintain fitness during hectic semesters. The piece details various online routines — including calisthenics and HIIT — that offer convenience and comfort at home. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Pitties and Pals, a new vet urgent care hospital, will open in Bloomington with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, Mar. 21 (first full day Sunday, Mar. 22) across from Building Trades Park on West 2nd Street. It will offer after-hours care for pets and externships for local veterinary students. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti will drive the Chevrolet pace car in the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; he recently led the Hoosiers to their first national championship and a perfect season. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington natives fuel March Madness as local coaches and players take part in NCAA and NIT tournaments. Teams including Missouri State and Miami are playing in key games—today’s play-in events in Austin and Dayton—with matchups set later this week. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana softball won two games against Rutgers over the weekend and now prepares to face IU Indianapolis today at 5 p.m. at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington — the Hoosiers look to build on their offensive momentum against a struggling Jaguars team. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana baseball beat Vanderbilt 5-1 Tuesday afternoon in Nashville (marking its first Southeastern Conference win since 2023) and will face Minnesota at 6 p.m. Friday at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Former Bloomington South champ Kristina Paegle will swim at her final NCAA Nationals in Atlanta this week (at the McAuley Aquatic Center). The IU athlete, with 20 All-America honors, is set to race individual events and relays as she closes her college career. The Herald-Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mike Doughty Solo Tour
8-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ event — Experience stripped-down performances from the iconic voice of alternative music.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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