Today
in Bloomington
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Inspired by the legacy of Bloomington's Herrold family, artist Jennifer Herrold created a humorous toupee for her dad using fur & a crystal ashtray mold, which she sold through Archie McPhee. She pursues narrative painting & recently applied for a Guggenheim Fellowship while celebrating a tradition of local art innovation. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Visitors can explore an exhibit at Wilcox House along Fee Lane that captures 75 years of IU + student traditions, including the legacy of the Little 500, which draws large crowds to Bloomington. IUSF Director Emily Carrico said the immersive display organizes decades of photographs by era to honor student contributions. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ At the Musical Arts Center on Wednesday night, the Symphony Orchestra performed Robert Nathaniel Dett’s opera reimagining of Moses’ story — an event featuring soloist Cham In Yoon in three movements. The season ends with a Jazz Celebration on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Jacobs faculty, students and alumni. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ A collaborative exhibit called 'Capturing the Campus: T.C. Steele' opened April 17 at University Collections at McCalla, displaying paintings by IU's first artist in residence and archival items that reveal a 100-year-old campus (with a companion exhibit at the T.C. Steele Historic Site). Indiana Daily Student
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The IU Student Foundation is organizing the upcoming 75th Little 500 weekend (a long-standing campus tradition) to raise funds for initiatives like the Office of Basic Needs that support essential student services; students will lead events such as food drives and craft nights throughout spring. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ IU Vice President and General Counsel Anthony Prather will retire July 1; a nine-member search committee led by IU COO Todd Richardson will begin reviewing applications for his replacement, which requires senior legal and management experience for a role starting on July 1. Indiana Daily Student
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Little 500 weekend will draw crowds on campus and in Bloomington, so IU Health and Police urge attendees to plan ahead by limiting alcohol to one drink per hour, eating regularly, and drinking water (using campus safety apps in emergencies) while staying alert to crowded conditions. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Each year, IU School of Optometry provides free vision screenings to thousands of children & athletes, including Special Olympics participants and IU Athletics members. The screenings offer vital eye care while giving optometry students real-life clinical experience. Indiana University
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana baseball returns to Bart Kaufman Field this weekend to host Iowa for a three-game Big Ten series, starting Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. in Bloomington. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ This weekend at the 75th Running of the Little 500, 86-year-old cyclist Dave Blase—whose 1962 win inspired the film Breaking Away—will attend in Bloomington while reflecting on how the race changed his life. WTHR
- ➤ Former Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza was chosen No. 1 overall by the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday. The hometown standout — who led his team to a national championship — will join Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Black Key Bulls secured back-to-back wins in the 2025 men’s Little 500 — after a lap 81 crash cleared the field — and now look ahead to a shot at a three-peat in the 75th edition at 2 p.m. April 25. Indiana Daily Student
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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.
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Maris Live Performance
7 PM — The Bluebird — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the playful sounds of rising star Maris, a unique pop singer-songwriter.
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Benjamin Tod Concert
7 PM — The Bluebird — Ticket info not provided — Experience the heartfelt country melodies of Benjamin Tod and his wife Ashley Mae after the retirement of Lost Dog Street Band.
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MotionArts Dance Academy Spring Gala 2026
2-3:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — E-tickets available — Celebrate a spectacular semester of dance with vibrant performances from ballet, contemporary, jazz, and company dancers.
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Potentate's Golf Outing
11:30 a.m. — The Pfau Course — Registration required — Kick off the golf season with the First Potentate's Golf Outing of the Year.
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Night Market
5-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Free entry — Enjoy local vendors, free pinball, and happy hour specials in a lively community atmosphere.
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Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers Baseball
2-3 p.m. — Bart Kaufman Field — Ticketed event — Feel the thrill of collegiate baseball as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Indiana Hoosiers.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Vision without execution is hallucination.
~ Thomas Edison
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