Good morning, Bloomington.

On April 30, 2025, Bloomington authorities detained four individuals after reports of a silver hatchback whose occupants pointed a gun at pedestrians and drivers near Indiana University—law enforcement later recovered a CO2-powered replica handgun during a high-risk traffic stop.

Pop-up cinema events are a local response to closed mainstream theaters as fewer venues show movies and Bloomington residents look for alternative film experiences.

Cicada Cinema began in 2016 and now hosts affordable screenings at venues like Hopscotch Coffee and Kitchen — with ticket prices around $8 — and will show 'The Cruise' on May 9 at the Showers Administration Building.

Former presidents of Indiana University’s Alumni Association criticized new state legislation that lets the governor appoint three board members instead of letting alumni vote+ more than two dozen signatories warned the change may favor financial influence over alumni choice.

The current board members will remain until their terms expire+ the letter argued that alumni voices are being silenced.

Bloomington schools will hold several graduation ceremonies this month; Ivy Tech will celebrate its commencement on Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at the IU Auditorium, and Indiana University will hold its graduate ceremony on Friday, May 9 at 2:30 p.m. (Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall) and its undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at 7:15 p.m. Local high schools will hold their ceremonies on Saturday, May 31 with Bloomington North at 9:30 a.m., Bloomington South at 2 p.m., and Edgewood High at 11 a.m.

Six future teachers began classroom work today under IU’s new Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The program teams local schools & colleges to fill teacher shortages and offer hands-on training.

On April 2, a storm produced 21 tornadoes in Indiana, almost as many as are normally seen in a whole year.

Experts said more data is needed before we know if climate change is shifting tornado patterns — they expect the tornado season and affected areas may change in the future.

Graduation weekend in Bloomington offers parents a guide to celebrate with family through popular eateries, scenic campus photo stops, and downtown shows—options include dining at local favorites and taking photo opportunities at IU landmarks.

The column explains how families can enjoy memorable outings and advises booking early at popular spots.

Bloomington native Taylor Minnick, a senior outfielder for Indiana softball, was named a top 25 finalist for USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year award and currently leads the team with a .504 batting average through 46 starts—her season also features a program record 154 career RBIs and 15 home runs. USA Softball will narrow its list to 10 finalists on May 14—finalists will be announced on May 19, with the winner revealed during Women’s College World Series week.

The Kickback 101: Projection Listening Party

7:30-11:30 p.m. — IU Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center — $10 for students, $20 for non-students — Celebrate the end of the semester with live performances and fresh eats at Troy Thomas' album launch.

Wonderland CCS Prom 2025

7-11 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union Building — Refunds available up to 7 days before event — A magical celebration of joy, friendship, and the wonder of God's creation.

Meditation Mondays: Sound Bath Experience

7-8 p.m. — Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Library — Cost unknown — Immerse yourself in a relaxing meditative sound bath experience.

Taylor Hollingsworth Live

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $11.33 — Enjoy an evening of folk music with Taylor Hollingsworth and opening act The Hammer & The Hatchet.

Cosmic Songwriter Festival 2025

7 PM - 1 AM — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket information available — Experience a unique four-night event of original music as artists collaborate and share their stories.

IU Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit 2025

12 AM - 12 AM — Indiana Memorial Union Bldg — $100 — Connect with innovators and investors within IU’s startup ecosystem at this exclusive venture summit.

Rodney Crowell Concert

7-11 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Check for ticket info — Experience the music of a Grammy-winning country artist with decades of hits.

Spring Prospect Camp

10 AM - 4 PM — Bill Armstrong Stadium — Registration required — An exclusive soccer camp for female athletes looking to develop their skills.

Artisan Bread Workshop

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Muddy Fork Bakery — $95 per person — Learn the art of sourdough bread making in an intimate, hands-on workshop.

Composition Forum at 13th USA International Harp Competition

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Ford-Crawford Hall — Free entry — Engage in a discussion of the winning piece and performances at the acclaimed harp competition.