Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fat Dan's on E. Kirkwood Ave has closed and Orbit Room will end its eight-year run later this month on N. College Ave. Meanwhile, Food Truck Friday at Switchyard Park features a beer garden hosted by Upland Brewing Company from 5 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday. The Herald-Times
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On May 6, AAA said Indiana gas cost $4.76 a gallon, which is above the national average. Gov. Braun extended a 30-day pause of gas sales and excise taxes—saving up to 23 cents per gallon—to help lower pump costs. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University has announced plans to award over 21,000 degrees at nine commencement ceremonies in May. Bloomington events will take place on May 8 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and May 9 at Memorial Stadium, while regional celebrations are set statewide. The Herald-Times
- ➤ A superconducting magnet is undergoing tests at IU’s Swain Hall West for the Beam Lifetime 3 experiment to resolve a 10-second neutron lifetime gap. The collaboration — including Tulane and other institutions — will move the hardware to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research when tests finish. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Around 200 local middle and high school students presented climate change solutions at the second annual Geoengineering Summit at the IU School of Education, after teachers prepared them with a five-lesson geoengineering unit & guidance from IU climate scientists and education faculty. Indiana University
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nurses Appreciation Day was celebrated May 6 — part of Nurses Appreciation Week running through May 12. Local businesses offered discounts and freebies for nurses and required a valid ID to participate. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The CDC warns that backyard poultry can carry salmonella germs and has led to 34 illnesses with 13 hospitalizations across 13 states since February. Indiana residents who keep birds should wash hands after contact and avoid close interactions — such as kissing—to lower infection risk. The Herald-Times
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ New home sales are rising as builders drop prices and offer mortgage rate buy downs to help buyers amid low inventory in central Indiana—median home prices were $310,000 in March. Buyers are advised to save and improve credit as affordability remains a challenge. WTHR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, bronze statues honor the 1975-76 Indiana men’s basketball team, the last undefeated national champions, celebrating a legacy that has greeted every visitor for nearly a decade. The display stands as a reminder of a historic season that still inspires local fans. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana softball will face Washington today at 11 a.m. in Maryland Softball Stadium (in College Park) during the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal; the Hoosiers entered as the No.4 seed after a 17-7 record and look to reach the semifinals in their rematch with the Huskies. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ A USA TODAY columnist said the Big Ten won three national titles after teams like Indiana played better than many SEC opponents. He explained that while SEC coaches argued their lower-tier teams were too strong, Indiana built a more complete team. The Herald-Times
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Joe Jordan Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket info available online — Experience the smooth vocals and rich R&B sounds of Joe Jordan live.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
~ Carl Jung
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