Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former reporter and IU grad Sean Bartel died at 48 in Argentina after he went missing on March 12 while hiking near Ushuaia. His colleagues and friends recalled his adventurous spirit and love for storytelling — qualities that brought light to all who knew him. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A guide from IU shows the best study spots on campus, including quiet library areas and relaxed lounges in common spaces. The tips help students choose the best setting for focused work or lighter studying throughout the semester. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington’s I.C.E. Robotics advanced to the FIRST World Championship in Houston after winning the Indiana FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship on March 14 at Nicoson Hall (University of Indianapolis campus), and the world event is scheduled for April 28 through May 2. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Today, Ivy Tech chancellor Erik Coyne urged businesses, schools & community groups to boost training programs and affordable housing so students can find local jobs and stay in the region. He noted the push comes as major projects in life sciences, technology and healthcare reshape local opportunities. The Herald-Times
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomingfoods Co-op Market is hosting EarthFest from April 22 to May 9 with workshops, giveaways, and promotions that include 20% off bulk and Fair Trade products, a bike and native tree giveaway, beginner beekeeping and farm tour events, all to support sustainable shopping & eco-friendly practices. The Bloomingtonian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ INDOT and the City agreed to reduce oak tree removal along E. 10th Street near Pete Ellis Drive (cutting planned removal from 15 to 7 trees) after residents raised concerns. The revised plan will be discussed by the Board of Public Works on March 23 and finished before April 1. City of Bloomington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ IU Health Bloomington Hospital's filings for 2024 show mixed results; IRS records indicate a $20 million loss but state filings report a $120 million surplus — a gap caused by different accounting methods. The Indiana Hospital Association warns that rising costs may force hospitals statewide to limit services. The Herald-Times
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ An article in the Indiana Daily Student’s spring Housing and Living Guide lists five essential items—an air fryer, candle warmer, vacuum, tool kit, and fan—that college students can use to set up affordable apartments. The guide offers practical advice with price details from Walmart and Home Depot for local renters. Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Edgewood's Carter Hayden and North's Luke Freel accepted invitations to join the South Team in the Indiana Football Coaches Association All-Star game on July 10 at Decatur Central. The multi-sport standouts will team up before they head to college. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana baseball’s pitchers held Vanderbilt to one run for a 5-1 win in Nashville Tuesday. The team will host Minnesota at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington Friday at 6 p.m. as it seeks to carry its improved performance forward (after an earlier high-scoring loss). Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana softball recovered from an early deficit to win 6-3 over IU Indy at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington on Wednesday — freshman pitcher Aubree Hooks struggled early but relief by junior Brooke Mannon stabilized the game and secured the win. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Dozens of players with Indiana ties will take part in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing standout talent from local high schools and colleges — a display of Hoosier pride and regional connection as athletes vie for national success. WTHR
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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
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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