Today
in Bloomington
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington welcomes a spring weekend with a Viking Yard Sale at Brown County State Park (noon-4 p.m. Saturday), a free seed swap at the downtown library (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday), and a Spring Equinox Market at Switchyard Park (noon-6 p.m. Sunday). The Herald-Times
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brad Randall, co-owner of Aver's Pizza, will compete at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas from March 24-26. He will vie for awards in the World's Best Cheese Slice and Non-Traditional divisions to bring home another honor for the local pizzeria. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University housing rules ban pets in dorms except for approved support animals and small aquariums. Students living off-campus should check lease restrictions and local adoption centers+Bloomington Animal Care for guidance on responsible pet ownership. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington and INDOT agreed to save eight oak trees from removal at the Ind. 45 and North Pete Ellis intersection. The road project will now remove 42 trees—replacing 12—and is set to start in spring 2027 with work finishing in spring 2028. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The Indiana Department of Natural Resources created a permanent permit for harvesting invasive carp (silver, grass and black carp) to boost removal from public waters. The new rule, which took effect in December 2025, allows approved harvesters to use gill nets and seines in designated areas and requires catch reports. The Bloomingtonian
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local guide lists five popular coffee shops with distinct drinks and cozy spots in town. It covers Soma at 1400 E. Third St, Crumble on Swain Ave, Coffee Beanery on S. Grant, Hive on E. Tenth, and Poindexter in the Graduate Hotel plus options for every taste. Indiana Daily Student
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Subletting advice for local renters outlines steps for reviewing lease terms, talking with landlords, screening potential subletters and documenting the sublease (IU Legal Services offers free lease reviews). Renters can manage the process by planning ahead to avoid issues with paperwork and trust. Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana Softball’s offense took off in the third inning with Alli Gavin’s two-run home run to secure a 6-3 win over IU Indy on Wednesday. Following the victory, Indiana will face Maryland today at 6 p.m. at Maryland Softball Stadium. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ The Herald-Times released March Madness predictions yesterday, laying out NCAA tournament picks from round one to the Final Four. The report notes that Indiana basketball missed the tournament while nine Big Ten teams will compete and forecasts a national championship match with Duke beating Michigan—leaving fans eager for the games. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Former Indiana basketball player Malik Reneau now stars as a first-team All-ACC forward for Miami, where he reached career highs and helped secure 25 wins in coach Jai Lucas' season. He expects to be key in the postseason and may face Purdue again. 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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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