Good morning, Bloomington.

Today, Bloomington offers several volunteer roles through the City Volunteer Network as the Refugee Support Network seeks board members, Area 10 Agency recruits REPAIRS Team volunteers for seniors' home repairs, the local animal shelter opens its waitlist, and Shalom Center requests donations for its summer wish list (details available online).

A Girl Scout troop started Pantry 279 at Trinity Lutheran Church’s bus bay in 2015, and it now operates at 3609 IN-46, offering groceries + cleaning supplies, baby products and clothing.

The pantry serves thousands of community members weekly with special programs like ELF Dispatch during holidays.

Beyond the Page, founded in fall 2025 to support underrepresented voices, holds literature and public speaking workshops this semester on campus.

The group collected 700+ books during a campus book drive with the NAACP chapter and plans to host a Poetic Justice event next year.

The IU Food Institute ended its hands-on food studies program three years ago after funding cuts and rising costs, and the Campus Farm closed last spring due to dwindling resources.

Students now join available programs like the Healing Garden at Hilltop (and Bloomington Community Orchard) for fresh learning experiences.

Indiana University’s Asian American Association was named Student Organization of the Year last month for its strong community engagement and events like the Lunar New Year celebration and Halloween Grave Rave.

The group has built lasting relationships since 1987 (with friendly competitions boosting member participation).

Indiana high school athletes are now allowed to earn money from their name, image and likeness under a new IHSAA rule passed Monday, May 4.

Athletes must notify athletic directors within 48 hours of any deal to ensure that school branding is not used.

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a platform that predicts cancer metastasis by measuring markers in normal tissue.

It is being tested on prostate cancer + may soon guide treatment choices for other cancers.

Shah’s Halal, a New Jersey franchise restaurant, opened its new location on Bloomington’s east side in the former Chicken Salad Chick on April 28; operated by Chael Saran and his wife Nav, the venue serves shawarma, gyros and other dishes daily from 11 a.m. to midnight near Best Buy.

On Monday, May 4, the Indiana High School Athletic Association board of directors voted against a 35-second shot clock proposal for varsity basketball submitted by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association — most coaches supported the change while administrators cited cost and staffing concerns.

The Herald-Times Athlete of the Week poll, presented by IU Health, is open for votes until Thursday, May 7 as local readers choose their top athletes following Violet Hall’s win.

Nominees include track, baseball, softball, and tennis stars (from North, South, Edgewood, Seven Oaks, and Lighthouse Christian).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

INDY Golf Tournament at The Pfau Course

Time Range — The Pfau Course — Cost — Experience a challenging 7,241-yard championship course in a stunning natural setting.

Case Oats Album Release Concert

8 PM - 12 AM — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience the debut album of Case Oats, a blend of alt-country and folk from Chicago's rising star Henry True.

Sounds From the Black Hole featuring Bubba Fontaine and Byrdman

5:30-8 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $10 + food/drink purchase required — Experience live experimental music from talented local artists.

One Step Above Annual Dance Performance

6:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of diverse dance styles showcased by local kids, including a special dad routine.

Pinball League and Trivia Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Food or drink purchase required — Compete in a pinball tournament and test your trivia skills for a chance to win gift certificates.