Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington offers vibrant spring events this week. A Friends of the Library book sale opens today at the downtown public library (303 E. Kirkwood Ave.), and Friday's wildflower hike, Saturday's Earth Day celebration, and a later film festival give residents plenty of ways to join in. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Outdoor dining returns to downtown with parklets and pop-up events through Nov. 9 as part of the 2026 Downtown Activation Program, announced by Downtown Bloomington Inc. Kirkwood Avenue will continue as a shared-street for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, boosting local streetscape + community engagement. The Herald-Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Jacobs Opera and Ballet Theater will present Oklahoma! at the Musical Arts Center starting at 7:30 p.m. on April 17 with performances on April 18, 25, and 26. The production features a double-cast, IU’s Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit and community storytelling (inspired by Golden Age Broadway). Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County council approved transferring the Seminary Pointe block to the Capital Improvement Board on Apr. 15, although one member abstained due to housing concerns. Tenants will not have their leases renewed after July 7 (raising worries over affordable options) as plans for a land swap remain uncertain. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ The City of Bloomington, working with AccessAbleUSA, is launching Detailed Access Guides for 20 local spots, including small businesses and cultural institutions, to provide clear accessibility information (details on entrances, restrooms, and pathways) that helps people with disabilities navigate public spaces. City of Bloomington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Johnson Memorial Health in Franklin faces challenges from unpaid insurance claims that have reduced funds for nearly 100 Indiana hospitals and raised patient bills, with hospital CEOs urging state leaders to ensure insurers meet contract terms (delayed and denied payments are straining operations). WTHR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indy Fuel lost 4-3 to Fort Wayne in overtime on Wednesday night, with William Dufour scoring the winning power play goal 42 seconds into extra time. The team, which has 77 points and is tied with Bloomington for a playoff spot, will play its season finale Saturday night in Wheeling. WTHR
- ➤ Indiana basketball coach Darian DeVries signed Turkish center Samet Yigitoglu from the transfer portal on Tuesday, April 14 to bolster his frontcourt (Yigitoglu is 7-foot-2, 270 lbs) and strengthen the team’s rotation for next season. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana baseball scored 17 runs Tuesday at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute and then beat Evansville 8-6 Wednesday at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington (winning their midweek sweep and improving to 16-21). Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana baseball won 8-6 against Evansville Wednesday — head coach Jeff Mercer reached his 300th win as pitcher Conner Linn delivered five scoreless innings. The team will host Abilene Christian University Friday at 6 p.m. at Bart Kaufman Stadium in Bloomington. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Local track coaches spotlight top girls athletes from area schools as they prepare for the spring season on Bloomington South's track and other venues. The athletes plan to run+jump+throw in hopes of state success this season. The Herald-Times
- ➤ A look back at 25 years of Little 500 races recalls wins, crashes and fan cheers from both men's and women's events — a retrospective feature that builds excitement for the upcoming 75th men's race. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Aiden Sherrell, a former Alabama forward and 247Sports No. 32 prospect, has committed to join Indiana men’s basketball. The 6-foot-11 sophomore strengthens the transfer class as the team aims to build on an 18-14 season and seek an NCAA Tournament spot. Indiana Daily Student
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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.
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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.
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Performer Diploma Recital – Monacella Gracia, Piano
5 PM — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of live performing arts with a captivating piano recital.
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Fourth Annual Celebration of Math and Music
7-9 p.m. — Maxwell Hall — Free entry — Enjoy an insightful evening of mathematical concepts intertwined with musical performances by expert musicians.
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Informatics Capstone Fair 2026
1-4 p.m. — Franklin Hall — Free entry — Discover innovative solutions as over 50 senior informatics teams showcase their capstone projects.
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The Museum in Question: An Inside Look at Two New IU Exhibitions
1-4:30 p.m. — Eskenazi Museum of Art — Pre-registration required — Explore two new exhibitions with curators while enjoying a historical campus tour.
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God's Gracious Girls Revival Night
6-9 p.m. — Fine Arts Building | Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design — Free entry — Experience a powerful night of prayer and worship that renews hearts and restores faith.
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Saving Ava Premiere
7-10 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Check for ticket info — Experience a thrilling adventure of friendship and self-discovery in a story of six teenagers on a cross-country quest.
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Bloomington Comedy Showcase
8 p.m. — The Comedy Attic — Enjoy a night of laughter with both seasoned comedians and fresh talent testing their material.
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Free Feline Friday
12-5 p.m. — Bloomington Animal Shelter — Free adoption — Find your next feline friend at this monthly event dedicated to pet welfare.
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 price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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