Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington will join over 2,000 communities in a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, at the Monroe County courthouse lawn on 100 W.

Kirkwood Ave. The event will include speeches from local activists, a live performance by Carrie Newcomer, and a food drive for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.

Laserlite, a laser tag and arcade center at 4505 E.

Third St., will close on April 4 after 25 years amid rising local competition, and the building was sold to Small Talk Pediatric Therapy LLC, which will open a clinic on May 4.

On Valentine’s Day, Isaac Salazar of Melodía Latina performed live at the Winter Farmers’ Market at Switchyard Park Pavilion—bringing marimba, synthesizers, and community fun to local families; children even joined him to tap out a beat.

Indiana University Asian Culture Center and the City of Bloomington are hosting Asianfest 2026 at Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Saturday, April 11; the free event offers cultural table booths from 4 to 6 p.m. and live performances from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (theme: Mosaic Traditions: Piecing a Common Ground).

Bloomington’s Granfalloon festival will expand its schedule from April through September and move its main stage concerts to Switchyard Park—this change will offer more chances for residents to connect through music, food, and art.

Additional events include book discussions and talks at local IU venues.

Indiana University has elected 13 faculty from humanities, medicine and sciences as AAAS 2025 fellows — the largest class in IU history that boosts the total to 160.

The honors recognize their significant contributions to scientific research.

Indiana added 38,579 residents in 2025 to reach 6.97 million, though growth slowed from previous years.

Boone and Hancock counties in the Indy area grew fastest while net international migration (its largest growth factor) fell by 53% from 2024 to 2025.

Mayor Kerry Thomson announced the new 170-room boutique hotel at Rogers and 10th streets, with Alluinn Development finalizing a land purchase.

Construction will begin this summer pending permits, and online critics raised concerns about housing affordability as the upscale project moves forward.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said spring practice was challenging yesterday with seven offensive players sidelined with injuries, leaving the team with limited depth.

The practice in Bloomington included guidance for 36 new players and an adjusted schedule after spring break (emphasizing team standards and roles).

Indiana softball will face Detroit Mercy at Andy Mohr Field today at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. following Monday's loss to Oregon, as the Hoosiers aim to rebound & improve their season record.

Josh Hoover debuted as Indiana football quarterback during spring practice on Thursday, March 26 at the team’s facility, marking his first appearance this season.

Five Indiana baseball alums started on MLB Opening Day rosters on Thursday; designated hitter Kyle Schwarber debuted with the Phillies + lefty Kyle Hart started for the Padres while pitchers Tim Herrin, McCade Brown and Craig Yoho also played, with Brown and Yoho beginning the season on the injured list.

Indiana athletics finalized fresh two-year deals for all seven returning on-field coaches, raising the assistant salary pool to $10.4 million.

The deals, effective until Jan. 15, 2028, include six-figure raises and performance bonuses (10% to 50% of base pay) for bowl game achievements and national title wins.

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.

Live @ The Orbit Room Featuring Garden Cinema

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Enjoy a night of eclectic performances with Producing a Kind Generation and Garden Cinema.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of vibrant hip-hop at this electrifying concert.

Doctoral Recital by Min Ji Kim, Violin

8:30 p.m. — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Ticket required — Experience the magic of a breathtaking performance by violinist Min Ji Kim.

Johnny Socko Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Cost info TBD — Dance to the ska-funk rhythms of Johnny Socko, a beloved local band from Bloomington.

Molly Tuttle Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticketed event — Experience the award-winning songwriting and virtuous guitar of Molly Tuttle live in Bloomington.